Axis ACE vs HDFC Pixel Go
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.

Axis ACE wins 5-4. Bill payments + utilities + fuel, set-and-forget cashback HDFC Pixel Go is still the right call if a simple first card with flat 1% back, run from the payzapp app..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Axis ACE | HDFC Pixel Go |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹499 | ₹250 |
| Joining fee | · ₹499 | ₹250 |
| Top reward rate | 4% (fuel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = N/A |
| Welcome bonus | Up to ₹2,000 cashback on first 60-day spends | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹2,00,000 / yr | ₹50,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹3,60,000 | ₹1,44,000 |
| Min credit score | 750 | · N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4/5 |
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 Go
- 1% cashback on eligible spends, including UPI
- 5% cashback on SmartBuy
- Joining fee waived on ₹10,000 spend in the first 90 days
- Renewal fee waived on ₹50,000 spend in a year
- Physical Visa card plus a RuPay digital card for UPI
FAQ
›Axis ACE vs HDFC Pixel Go: which is better?
Axis ACE wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). 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, HDFC Pixel Go 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 Go doesn't list a welcome bonus.