Axis Bank
ACE
The Axis Bank ACE Credit Card is a entry-level cashback card that offers strong value-back on daily expenses for a low annual fee of Rs. 499.
We may earn a commission if you apply via this link. Terms apply — verify current offer with the bank.
Data last updated 7 June 2026.
At a Glance
Annual Fee
₹499
Joining Fee
₹499
Fee Waiver
Spend ₹2,00,000 annually
Lounge Access
4 domestic lounge access
Forex Markup
3.5%
Effective Yield
1.5% – 5%
Our Take
CreditGully Rating
Based on CreditGully editors' analysis. Not influenced by card issuers.
The Axis Bank ACE Credit Card is a entry-level cashback card that offers strong value-back on daily expenses for a low annual fee of Rs. 499. The card distinguishes itself by targeting high-frequency spend categories that are typically excluded from reward programs on other cards, such as utility bills and mobile recharges. This makes it a highly practical card for managing essential monthly household expenses.
At the core of the card's offerings is an accelerated 5% cashback rate on utility bills, DTH, and mobile recharges completed through Google Pay, along with a 4% cashback rate on popular platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Ola. For general expenses, cardholders receive an uncapped base cashback rate of 1.5%, which is notably higher than the industry standard for entry-level cards. Additionally, the card provides lounge access and dining privileges to enhance its overall lifestyle value.
This card is ideal for first-time credit card users, frequent users of food delivery and ride-sharing apps, and individuals looking to optimize their savings on recurring bills. The annual fee of Rs. 499 is waived upon reaching annual spends of Rs. 2 lakh, making it an achievable milestone even for conservative spenders.
What We Like
We like that the Axis Bank ACE Credit Card offers an exceptional 5% cashback on utility bills and recharges via Google Pay, alongside a solid 1.5% uncapped base cashback rate on all other spends. Additionally, the inclusion of up to 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year and up to 15% off dining via EazyDiner adds great value to a low-cost card.
Pros
- ✓Earn an accelerated 5% cashback on utility bills and recharges, categories that are typically excluded or given low base reward rates on other cards.
- ✓Enjoy a competitive flat base cashback rate of 1.5% with no capping on general online and offline purchases.
- ✓Pay no joining fee when applying directly through the Paisabazaar platform.
- ✓Easily waive the annual fee with a simple and low annual spending requirement of Rs. 2 lakh.
Cons
- ✗Earn restricted payouts due to a combined monthly capping of Rs. 500 on the 4% and 5% cashback categories.
- ✗Access domestic airport lounges only upon meeting a spend criteria of Rs. 50,000 in the previous three months.
Get This Card If
- ✓You are looking for a credit card that offers direct cashback on your spends, instead of reward points
- ✓You frequently order food online via Swiggy and Zomato and often use Ola app for your regular commute
- ✓You want accelerated cashback on utility bill payments and recharges
Earning & Redemption
How You Earn
| Category | Reward rate | Yield % | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pay Utilities (5% Cashback) | 5% Cashback | 5.00% | ₹500 per month (Combined with 4% category) |
| Preferred Merchants (4% Cashback) | 4% Cashback | 4.00% | ₹500 per month (Combined with 5% category) |
| All Other Retail Spends (1.5%) | 1.5% Unlimited Cashback | 1.50% | No Upper Cap |
| Excluded Categories | No Cashback | 0.0% | — |
Milestone Rewards
| Spend | Benefit | Value | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹0.1 Lakh | Joining Fee Reversal | ₹499 + GST Savings | Joining fee is reversed if you spend ₹10,000 within 45 days of card issuance. |
| ₹2 Lakh | Annual Fee Waiver | ₹499 + GST Savings | Annual fee waived for the next year if annual spends exceed ₹2 Lakhs. |
Redemption Value
| Channel | Value per point | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Statement Credit (Direct) | ₹1.00 per ₹1 Cashback1:1 Ratio | Automatic (Credited directly to your card statement every billing cycle) |
What You Need to Know
The ₹500 Cap (New for 2026)
The 5% (Utilities) and 4% (Partners) categories share a total monthly cap of ₹500.
Impact: Spending more than ₹10,000 on utilities is pointless; yield drops to 0% after the cap.
Android Exclusivity
The 5% utility rate only triggers via Google Pay on Android devices.
Impact: iPhone users cannot access the 5% category; they effectively hold a 1.5% flat card.
Lounge Spend Trigger
Domestic lounge access requires a spend of ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months.
Impact: Casual 'utility-only' users will likely never trigger the lounge benefit.
Utility Loophole Closure
Utility payments made via any platform other than GPay earn 0% cashback.
Impact: Users MUST use the specific integration; bank bill-pay or Amazon Pay will yield nothing.
Essential Fine Print
Reward Exclusions
No Cashback Categories: Fuel spends, EMI transactions, Wallet loading, Rent payments, Government services, Insurance, Educational services, and Jewelry/Gold purchases.
Lounge Access
Domestic Lounge Access
4 complimentary lounge visits per calendar year at select domestic airports, subject to spending ₹50,000 in the previous calendar 3 months.
Dining Benefits
Dining Delights
Up to 15% discount at partner restaurants across India (up to ₹500 per month).
Milestone Benefits
Annual Fee Waiver
Renewal fee of ₹499 is waived upon reaching annual spends of ₹2,00,000.
Additional Features
Direct Cashback Credit
Cashback earned is automatically credited to the next month's credit card statement.
Contactless Payments
Equipped with Chip and PIN and contactless technology for secure transactions.
Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹499 |
| Annual / Renewal Fee | ₹499 |
| Fee Waiver Threshold | Spend ₹2,00,000 annually |
| Forex Markup | 3.5% |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% surcharge |
Eligibility Criteria
Age
Age between 18-70 years
Income
Must have a steady, verifiable income.
Residency
The individual should be a resident of India.
Ready to apply for ACE?
Annual fee: ₹499 · Waived on ₹2,00,000 spend
Frequently Asked Questions
Annual fee
₹499
1.5% – 5% yield