SBI Cashback vs Axis Ace
SBI Cashback or Axis Ace?
When comparing SBI Cashback and Axis Ace, SBI dominates online shopping with a 5% flat return. Conversely, Axis Ace is the undisputed king of offline shopping, offering a flat 2% return on all swipes and 5% on utility bills.
When comparing SBI Cashback and Axis Ace, SBI dominates online shopping with a 5% flat return. Conversely, Axis Ace is the undisputed king of offline shopping, offering a flat 2% return on all swipes and 5% on utility bills.
Table of Contents
1. Quick Look
2. Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | SBI Cashback | Axis Ace |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹999 + GST (Waived on ₹2 Lakh spend) | ₹499 + GST (Waived on ₹2 Lakh spend) |
| Best For | Online Shopping Cashback | Utility Bills & Flat Cashback |
| Cashback / Rewards | 5% on online spends, 1% on offline | 5% on Google Pay bills/recharges, 4% Swiggy/Zomato/Ola, 2% flat on all other spends |
| Lounge Access | 4 complimentary domestic visits per year (1 per quarter) | 4 domestic visits per year |
| EMI Options | Available on purchases above ₹2,500 via Flexipay | Available on purchases above ₹2,500 |
| Welcome Offer | None | N/A |
3. Category Winners
| Best for Cashback | 🤝 TIE |
| Best for Rewards | 🤝 TIE |
| Best for Lounge Access | 🤝 TIE |
| Best for Low Fees | 🏆 Axis Ace |
| Best for Beginners | 🏆 Axis Ace |
4. Final Verdict: Which Card Should You Choose?
5. People Also Ask & FAQs
People Also Ask
Is Axis Ace good for offline shopping?
Yes, its 2% flat offline cashback is currently the highest in the industry for a low-fee card.
Does SBI Cashback work on Google Pay?
Yes, but you only earn 1% on offline QR scans, not 5%.
Comparison FAQs
Does Axis Ace give 5% on Amazon?
No, Axis Ace only gives 2% on Amazon. SBI Cashback gives 5%.
Which card is better for utility bills?
Axis Ace is far better, offering 5% via Google Pay. SBI Cashback excludes utility bills.
Which card has lounge access?
Both cards offer 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year.
Which is cheaper to maintain?
Axis Ace has a lower annual fee of ₹499 compared to SBI's ₹999.
Is Axis Ace lifetime free?
No, but the ₹499 fee is easily justified by the 2% offline cashback.
Are both cards widely accepted?
Yes, both operate on Visa/Mastercard networks and are universally accepted.
Can I get Axis Ace without an Axis bank account?
Yes, you do not need an Axis Bank account to apply for the Ace credit card.
Which card has a better credit limit?
Initial limits depend on your CIBIL score, but SBI is known for generous limits for salaried individuals.
✓ Verified by CreditConnects Editorial Team
📅 Last Updated: July 2026
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✅ Fact Checked
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📋 Independent Review
Our editorial team verifies all card terms directly against official bank MITC documents and RBI circulars before publishing. We update this page whenever terms change.
★★★★½
4.5/5 — CreditConnects Expert Score
Trust Indicators
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- ✓ Secure Application
- ✓ No Hidden Charges
- ✓ Updated Information
Sources: Official Bank MITC | RBI Circulars (2025/26) | Visa / Mastercard / RuPay Network Guidelines
