Axis ACE vs IndusInd Iconia Amex
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Axis ACE wins 4-3. Bill payments + utilities + fuel, set-and-forget cashback IndusInd Iconia Amex is still the right call if mid-premium amex with annual-fee waiver from year 2..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Axis ACE | IndusInd Iconia Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹499 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | ₹499 | · ₹3,500 |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (fuel) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1.5% | = 1.5% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = Up to ₹2,000 cashback on first 60-day spends | = 4,000 reward points + Yatra voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹200,000 / yr | N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | ₹360,000 | · ₹600,000 |
| Min credit score | 750 | · 770 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
Axis ACE
- 5% cashback on Google Pay bill payments (electricity, gas, broadband, mobile, DTH)
- 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, Ola
- 2% cashback on every other transaction
- 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
IndusInd Iconia Amex
- 10 reward points per ₹100 on weekend dining + grocery
- 4 international + 8 domestic lounge visits/year
- Annual fee waived from year 2 (lifetime)
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Buy-1-get-1 BookMyShow
FAQ
›Axis ACE vs IndusInd Iconia Amex: which is better?
Axis ACE wins on more dimensions (4 vs 3). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Axis ACE for its best categories, IndusInd Iconia Amex for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Axis ACE: Up to ₹2,000 cashback on first 60-day spends. IndusInd Iconia Amex: 4,000 reward points + Yatra voucher.