Airtel Axis Bank vs HSBC Cashback
Full side-by-side comparison based on verified card data. Updated April 2026.
Quick Verdict
Both cards score 8.2/10 — your spending pattern decides the winner.
| Feature | Airtel Axis Bank | HSBC Cashback |
|---|---|---|
| CardTrail Score | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 | ₹999 |
| Base Reward Rate | 1% | 1.5% |
| Max Reward Rate | 25% | 10% |
| Forex Markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Domestic Lounges | 4 | 1 |
| International Lounges | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes | Yes |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
When to Choose Airtel Axis Bank
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: Spend ₹2L/year
- You want higher rewards — up to 25% vs 10%
- Airport lounge access matters — 4 domestic visits
- Your primary spend is: cashback, general
When to Choose HSBC Cashback
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: Spend ₹2L/year
- Your primary spend is: cashback, online-shopping
Annual Fee Value Analysis
To break even on Airtel Axis Bank's ₹500 fee at 1% rewards, spend ₹4,167/month.
To break even on HSBC Cashback's ₹999 fee at 1.5% rewards, spend ₹5,550/month.