Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
Axis ACE vs HDFC Pixel
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Axis Bank
Axis ACE
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
IN
HDFC Bank
HDFC Pixel
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Axis ACE | HDFC Pixel |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹499 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹499 | None |
| Top reward rate | 4% (fuel) | · 3% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = Up to ₹2,000 cashback on first 60-day spends | = Customizable card design + ₹250 voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹200,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹360,000 | ₹200,000 |
| Min credit score | · 750 | 700 |
| 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
HDFC Pixel
- 3% cashback on 2 chosen merchants (Swiggy/Zomato/Uber/Amazon/etc.)
- 1% on other spends
- Lifetime free
- Mobile-first app experience
- Dynamic CVV for security
FAQ
›Axis ACE vs HDFC Pixel: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Axis ACE wins on 4 criteria, HDFC Pixel on 4.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Axis ACE for its best categories, HDFC Pixel 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. HDFC Pixel: Customizable card design + ₹250 voucher.