Axis ACE Credit Card Review: Complete 2026 Update
- Quick Verdict
- Card at a Glance
- Fees & Welcome Benefits
- Reward Point System Explained
- Travel & Lounge Benefits
- Milestone Benefits & Fee Waivers
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should Get This Card?
- Final Conclusion
Quick Verdict
Is it good? Yes, the Axis ACE Credit Card offers excellent cashback rates, especially for utility payments and popular services like Swiggy and Zomato.
Reward rate? You can earn up to 5% cashback on specific categories, making it a strong contender in the cashback card market.
Best for? This card is ideal for users who frequently pay bills through Google Pay and enjoy dining out or ordering food online.
Card at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹499 (2nd year onward) |
| Joining Fee | ₹499 |
| Welcome Benefit | Joining fee waiver on spending ₹10,000 within 45 days |
| Reward Rate | 5% cashback on bill payments via Google Pay (capped at ₹500), 4% on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola (capped at ₹500), 1.5% on other merchants |
| Lounge Access | 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% on transactions between ₹400-₹4,000 (max ₹500 per statement) |
Fees & Welcome Benefits
The Axis ACE Credit Card comes with a joining fee of ₹499. However, if you spend ₹10,000 within the first 45 days of receiving the card, this fee is waived off. The annual fee is also ₹499 starting from the second year, which can be waived by spending ₹2,00,000 annually (excluding rent and wallet load transactions).
Reward Point System Explained
The reward structure of the Axis ACE Credit Card is designed to cater to everyday spending. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Category | Cashback Rate | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Payments (Electricity, Water, Gas, etc.) | 5% | ₹500 combined with 4% category |
| Swiggy, Zomato, Ola | 4% | ₹500 combined with 5% category |
| Other Eligible Merchants | 1.5% | Unlimited |
It’s important to note that the cashback on the 5% and 4% categories is capped at ₹500 per statement cycle. This means that while you can earn significant rewards, there are limits to how much you can earn in these categories.
Travel & Lounge Benefits
For travel enthusiasts, the Axis ACE Credit Card offers 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per calendar year. This is a great perk for those who frequently travel within India. However, it’s worth noting that there are no international lounge access benefits with this card.
Milestone Benefits & Fee Waivers
While the Axis ACE Credit Card does not have extensive milestone benefits, the primary fee waiver is based on annual spending. If you spend ₹2,00,000 in a year, you can waive the annual fee, making it a more attractive option for regular spenders.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High cashback rate of 5% on Google Pay bill payments and recharges. | Cashback on 5% and 4% categories is capped at ₹500 per statement cycle. |
| High cashback rate of 4% on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola. | Utility spends only eligible for cashback if done via Axis ACE on Google Pay. |
| Unlimited 1.5% cashback on other eligible merchants. | No cashback on fuel spends, EMI transactions, and wallet loading. |
| 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year. | Cashback can be reversed if transactions are returned or cancelled. |
| 1% fuel surcharge waiver. | Dynamic currency conversion markup of 1.5%. |
Who Should Get This Card?
The Axis ACE Credit Card is best suited for individuals who:
- Regularly pay utility bills through Google Pay.
- Enjoy ordering food from platforms like Swiggy and Zomato.
- Travel frequently within India and can benefit from lounge access.
- Are looking for a card with a straightforward cashback structure.
However, if you primarily spend on fuel or prefer a card with more extensive travel benefits, you might want to consider alternatives like the Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card Review or the Axis Bank Primus Credit Card Review.
Final Conclusion
In our experience, the Axis ACE Credit Card is a solid choice for those who want to maximize cashback on everyday expenses, especially utility bills and food delivery. While it has its limitations, such as capped cashback and exclusions on certain transactions, the benefits it offers can outweigh these drawbacks for the right user. If you fit the profile of a frequent bill payer and food lover, this card could be a great addition to your wallet.
For more details, you can check the official page of the card here. Overall, the Axis ACE Credit Card stands out as a practical option for cashback enthusiasts.