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Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card VS PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 17 July 2026

Both PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card and Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card suit utilities-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card costs ₹999 + GST and earns up to 10% Reward Points on PhonePe categories; 5% on select online brands; 1% on Scan & Pay. Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card costs ₹500 + GST and earns 25% on Airtel services, 10% on utilities/partners, 1% on others (RuPay UPI included). PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card also brings 8 complimentary annual domestic lounge access, 2 per quarter, on ₹75,000 quarterly spend, while Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card counters with get an Amazon eVoucher worth ₹250 on making the first transaction within 30 days of card issuance. If travel spending matters more, go with PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card; if dining is the priority, Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card fits better.

Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card
Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card
PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card
PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹500 + GST
Joining Fee₹999 + GST
Renewal Fee₹500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹999 + GST
Spend Based WaiverAnnual fee waived on ₹2,00,000+ annual spends (excl. rent/wallet loads).
Spend Based WaiverAnnual fee waived upon spending ₹2,00,000 in the previous year.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.50% of transaction value; 1.5% DCC markup.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (55.55% per annum) on retail purchases and cash.
Interest Rate (APR)

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusGet an Amazon eVoucher worth ₹250 on making the first transaction within 30 days of card issuance.
Welcome Bonus₹499 PhonePe Gift Card on 1st UPI transaction; ₹50 scratch cards on 10 UPI spends.
Rewards Rate25% on Airtel services, 10% on utilities/partners, 1% on others (RuPay UPI included).
Rewards RateUp to 10% Reward Points on PhonePe categories; 5% on select online brands; 1% on Scan & Pay.
Reward TypeCashback
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption FeeNo redemption fee levied for cashback against statement.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access
Domestic Lounge Access8 complimentary annual domestic lounge access, 2 per quarter, on ₹75,000 quarterly spend.
International Lounge Access
International Lounge Access
Travel BenefitsUp to 15% savings on flights & hotels via Goibibo/MakeMyTrip on Wednesdays.
Travel BenefitsUp to 10% Reward Points on PhonePe travel bookings.
Movie Benefits10% value back on District Movies (up to ₹200 per month).
Movie Benefits
Dining Benefits10% value back on Zomato; 15% off up to ₹500 at 4000+ restaurants via Dining Delights.
Dining Benefits5% Reward Points on Swiggy & Zomato spends.
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on ₹400-₹4,000 transactions, capped at ₹500/month.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waived on transactions ₹400-₹5,000, max waiver ₹250/statement cycle.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Insurance BenefitsZero Cost Card Liability for fraudulent transactions if reported immediately.
Cash Advance ChargesMin ₹500 up to 2.5% of cash withdrawal amount.
Cash Advance Charges
Apply Now(opens in new tab)
Apply Now(opens in new tab)
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card

PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card

Who is it for?

The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is a co-branded card for Airtel users, offering cashback on Airtel services, utility bills, and partner brands like Zomato and Blinkit. While its reward structure was devalued in April 2026, it still provides value for specific spending patterns. It's best suited for heavy Airtel users who also frequently spend on dining and shopping, and are willing to manage their overall spending to maximize benefits.

Who is it for?

The PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card, on the RuPay network, is ideal for digital-first users, offering up to 10% Reward Points on PhonePe utilities, travel, and bill payments. It also provides 5% rewards on popular online brands and 1% on UPI Scan & Pay transactions. Cardholders enjoy 8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses annually and a strong cashback redemption value of 1 RP = ₹1. This card is perfect for those who frequently use PhonePe and seek substantial rewards on their everyday digital and travel spends.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Offers 10% value back on Zomato, Blinkit, and District Movies (up to ₹200 per partner per month).

Provides 25% cashback on Airtel services and 10% on utility bills via Airtel Thanks app.

Includes a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

High reward rates (up to 10%) on specific PhonePe categories and online brands.

Enjoy excellent cashback redemption value, where 1 Reward Point equals ₹1 against statement credit.

Benefit from 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses annually, enhancing travel comfort.

Receive a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions at petrol pumps across India.

Offers Zero Cost Card Liability, protecting against fraudulent transactions if reported promptly.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Reward structure is complicated; higher cashback depends on 1% category spend.

Complimentary airport lounge access has been removed after the devaluation.

The card is not lifetime free and comes with an annual fee, though it can be waived.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Reward points are capped monthly for all high-earning categories.

Lounge access is conditional on a quarterly spend threshold (₹75,000).

Welcome benefits are conditional on the joining fee being applicable.

Annual fee waiver requires a significant annual spend (₹2,00,000).

Reward points on PhonePe PINCODE are time-limited (until 5th Dec’25).

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.
Apply for Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card(opens in new tab)