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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Signature Credit Card vs HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card

Detailed comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and value to help you choose the right credit card for your spending pattern.

Axis Bank

Axis Bank Signature Credit Card

7.5/10
Annual Fee₹5,000
Base Rewards1%
NetworkVisa
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HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card

6.2/10
Annual Fee₹500
Base Rewards0.2666666666666667%
NetworkVisa
View Full Details

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAxis Bank Signature Credit CardHDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card
Annual Fee₹5,000₹500
Joining Fee₹5,000₹500
Fee Waiver Spend₹3,00,000₹1,00,000
Base Reward Rate1%0.2666666666666667%
Reward CurrencyEDGE REWARD PointsReward Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating7.5/106.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

Axis Bank Signature Credit Card

  • 2% on TRAVEL

HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card

  • 0% on Grocery — 500 pts/month
  • 0% on Utility Bills — 500 pts/month
  • 0% on Fuel — 500 pts/month

Pros & Cons

Axis Bank Signature Credit Card

Pros

  • High reward rate of 10 EDGE points per ₹200 spent on domestic transactions
  • Accelerated 2x rewards (20 points per ₹200) on all international spends
  • Substantial 50% discount on movie tickets via BookMyShow (up to ₹300 per month)
  • Comprehensive travel insurance including ₹2.5 Crore Air Accident Cover

Cons

  • High annual fee of ₹5,000 with a relatively high waiver threshold of ₹3 Lakhs
  • International lounge visits are not complimentary by default on the Priority Pass
  • Reward point value is relatively low at ₹0.20 per point compared to competitors

HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card

Pros

  • 3X Reward Points on grocery, supermarkets, and utility bills.
  • Monthly milestone bonus of 500 points on spending ₹20,000.
  • Annual fee waiver on a relatively low spend of ₹1 Lakh.
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India.

Cons

  • Low reward point value of ₹0.20 per point.
  • Accelerated rewards are capped at 500 points per month.
  • No complimentary airport lounge access.

Our Verdict

Axis Bank Signature Credit Card edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.

Choose Axis Bank Signature Credit Card if

Users who travel internationally and can benefit from the 2x reward multiplier and insurance covers.

Choose HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card if

Specifically designed for Equitas customers looking for an entry-level rewards card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Axis Bank Signature Credit Card or HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card?
Axis Bank Signature Credit Card edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.
What is the annual fee difference between Axis Bank Signature Credit Card and HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card?
Axis Bank Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹5,000, while HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹500. Axis Bank Signature Credit Card offers a fee waiver on ₹3,00,000 annual spend. HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card offers a fee waiver on ₹1,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Signature Credit Card or HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card?
Axis Bank Signature Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 1% with accelerated rewards on TRAVEL. HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card offers 0.2666666666666667% base rewards with bonuses on Grocery and Utility Bills. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Axis Bank Signature Credit Card and HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Signature Credit Card and HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Axis Bank Signature Credit Card or HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card?
For beginners, HDFC Bank Equitas Excite Credit Card may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹500. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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