Axis ACE vs ICICI Emeralde Private Metal
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Axis ACE wins 5-4. Bill payments + utilities + fuel — set-and-forget cashback ICICI Emeralde Private Metal is still the right call if high-net-worth families wanting universal 6 icici points/₹100..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Axis ACE | ICICI Emeralde Private Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹499 | · ₹12,499 |
| Joining fee | ₹499 | · ₹12,499 |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (fuel) | 6% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1.5% | 6% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | 2% |
| Welcome bonus | = Up to ₹2,000 cashback on first 60-day spends | = Taj Epicure / EazyDiner Prime / Times Prime annual membership |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹200,000 / yr | · ₹1,500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹360,000 | · ₹5,000,000 |
| Min credit score | 750 | · 800 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
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
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal
- Unlimited domestic + international lounge access for self & guest
- 6 reward points per ₹100 across all categories
- Taj Epicure annual membership included
- 24x7 concierge + Golf privileges
- 2% forex markup
FAQ
›Axis ACE vs ICICI Emeralde Private Metal: which is better?
Axis ACE wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Axis ACE for its best categories, ICICI Emeralde Private Metal 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. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal: Taj Epicure / EazyDiner Prime / Times Prime annual membership.