Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
Axis ACE vs SBI Prime
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Axis Bank
Axis ACE
VISA
Wins 6 of 10
IN
SBI Card
SBI Prime
Wins 1 of 10
Verdict
Axis ACE wins 6-1. Bill payments + utilities + fuel — set-and-forget cashback SBI Prime is still the right call if step up from simplyclick with lounge access..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Axis ACE | SBI Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹499 | · ₹2,999 |
| Joining fee | ₹499 | · ₹2,999 |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (fuel) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1.25% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = Up to ₹2,000 cashback on first 60-day spends | = ₹3,000 e-gift voucher (Aditya Birla / Bata / Pantaloons / Yatra) |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹200,000 / yr | · ₹300,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹360,000 | · ₹480,000 |
| Min credit score | = 750 | = 750 |
| 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
SBI Prime
- 10x reward points on dining + grocery + departmental + movies
- 5x on utility bill payments
- 8 domestic + 4 international lounge visits/year
- Club Vistara Silver + Trident Privilege Red
FAQ
›Axis ACE vs SBI Prime: which is better?
Axis ACE wins on more dimensions (6 vs 1). 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, SBI Prime 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. SBI Prime: ₹3,000 e-gift voucher (Aditya Birla / Bata / Pantaloons / Yatra).