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CheQ AU Credit Card VS American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card VS Axis Bank Pride Signature Credit Card VS AU Zenith+ Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 4 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 18 July 2026
Lifetime FREE

CheQ AU Credit Card

Zero Fees. More Rewards

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CheQ AU Credit Card
CheQ AU Credit Card
CheQ AU Credit Card
American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card
American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card
Axis Bank Pride Signature Credit Card
Axis Bank Pride Signature Credit Card
AU Zenith+ Credit Card
AU Zenith+ Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining FeeLifetime Free
Joining Fee₹10,000 + GST
Joining FeeFree (1st year)
Joining Fee₹4,999 + GST
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Renewal Fee₹10,000 + GST
Renewal Fee₹500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹4,999 + GST
Spend Based Waiver
Spend Based WaiverAnnual Membership Renewal fee of Rs. 10,000 will be 100% waived off if total spends are Rs. 10,00,000 and above.
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee of ₹500 is waived if annual spends exceed ₹40,000 in the preceding year.
Spend Based WaiverAnnual Charges are waived on spending ₹8 Lakh or more in the card anniversary year.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.49% on all foreign currency transactions.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% of the transaction amount.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.50% of the forex transaction value.
Foreign Transaction Fees0.99% of the transaction amount.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum) on revolving credit and cash advances.
Interest Rate (APR)3.5% per month.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (55.55% annually) for retail purchases and cash.
Interest Rate (APR)1.99% Per Month or 23.88% Per Annum.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusThe card is marketed as Lifetime FREE, meaning no joining fee and no annual fee for the standard variant. An optional upgrade to the LED Credit Card incurs a one-time issuance fee of ₹999 + GST
Welcome Bonus11,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points on spending INR 30,000 within 90 days of Cardmembership.
Welcome BonusNo specific welcome benefits are mentioned for this card.
Welcome BonusLuxury Gift Vouchers worth ₹5,000 from brands like Taj Hotels, Tata Cliq, or Michael Kors, or 5,000 Reward Points.
Rewards RateUp to 12% on select brands; 5% on other online spends; 2.5% on CheQ UPI; 1% on all other transactions.
Rewards RateEarn 1 Membership Rewards Point for every Rs. 50 spent with the card.
Rewards RateEarn 8 EDGE REWARD Points for every ₹200 spent (0.8% value).
Rewards RateEarn 2 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Dining, Travel, and International Transactions; 1 Reward Point per ₹100 on others.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNo rewards redemption fee.
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption FeeNil (as per Input 1, though Input 2 implies a fee).
Reward Redemption Fee₹99 + GST

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessNot available on the CheQ AU Credit Card.
Domestic Lounge Access12 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year, limited to 3 per quarter.
Domestic Lounge Access2 complimentary visits to select domestic airport lounges every calendar quarter.
Domestic Lounge Access16 complimentary domestic lounge access per annum (maximum 4 per quarter).
International Lounge AccessNot available on the CheQ AU Credit Card.
International Lounge AccessComplimentary Priority Pass membership with 2 complimentary international lounge visits per year.
International Lounge Access
International Lounge Access16 complimentary international lounge access annually with Priority Pass (max 4/quarter).
Travel BenefitsEarn 12% rewards on CheQ Travel (flights & hotels) and 5% on other travel spends. Redeem points for flights/hotels.
Travel BenefitsUSD 100 hotel credit and complimentary room upgrade at Hyatt & Hilton Hotels via Hotel Collection.
Travel BenefitsInstant savings of up to 15% on flights & hotels via Goibibo and Makemytrip every Wednesday.
Travel Benefits4 Complimentary Airport Meet & Assist Concierge Services Annually. Taj Epicure Membership on spending ₹12 Lakhs.
Movie Benefits
Movie BenefitsEnjoy movie or online shopping vouchers worth Rs. 1,000 for an expenditure of Rs. 50,000 in a calendar month.
Movie Benefits
Movie Benefits16 Complimentary Buy-One-Get-One Movie or Event Tickets Annually on BookMyShow (maximum 4 per quarter).
Dining Benefits
Dining BenefitsComplimentary memberships to ALL Accor+ Explorer, Taj Epicure, and EazyDiner Prime, offering discounts.
Dining BenefitsMinimum 15% discount on dining bills at over 4,000 partner restaurants via Axis Bank Dining Delights.
Dining BenefitsEarn 2 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Dining. 25% off on Food and beverages with Taj Epicure Membership.
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits2 complimentary rounds of golf per month at over 32 premium golf destinations in India.
Golf Benefits
Golf BenefitsUp to 8 Complimentary Golf Games or Lessons Annually (2 per calendar quarter).
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹150 on fuel spends.
Fuel Surcharge WaiverNo surcharge at HPCL up to Rs. 5k. 1% at BPCL/IOCL, 2.5% at other stations.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400-₹4,000, capped at ₹400 per month.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹1,000 per statement cycle.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Insurance BenefitsRs. 1 crore personal air accident cover and purchase protection against loss, damage, or burglary.
Insurance Benefits
Insurance BenefitsAir Accident Cover – Up to ₹2 Crore, Card Liability Cover – Up to ₹15 Lakhs, Credit Shield – Up to ₹15 Lakhs, Purchase Protection – Up to ₹50,000.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of the withdrawn amount, or ₹500, whichever is higher.
Cash Advance Charges3.5% of the advanced amount, subject to a minimum amount of Rs. 250.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of withdrawn amount, subject to a minimum charge of ₹500.
Cash Advance ChargesNone.
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

CheQ AU Credit Card

American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card

Axis Bank Pride Signature Credit Card

AU Zenith+ Credit Card

Who is it for?

The CheQ AU Credit Card is India’s first LED-enabled credit card, offering a unique visual experience and strong rewards. It provides up to 12% rewards on popular brands, 2.5% on CheQ UPI, and 1% on other spends. Marketed as lifetime free for the standard variant, it also offers the convenience of two cards (Visa LED and RuPay) with a single application. This card is ideal for those seeking high reward rates, unique features, and convenient digital banking for everyday online shopping, food delivery, travel, and utility payments.

Who is it for?

The American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card is a premium offering designed for individuals seeking a comprehensive suite of luxury lifestyle and travel benefits. Positioned as the second most exclusive Amex card, it provides complimentary memberships to ALL Accor+ Explorer, Taj Epicure, and EazyDiner Prime. Cardholders enjoy extensive lounge access, golfing privileges, and valuable monthly milestone vouchers. It is ideal for high spenders who can maximize its exclusive memberships and concierge services, offering a well-rounded premium experience.

Who is it for?

The Axis Bank Pride Signature Credit Card is exclusively designed for Indian defence personnel, featuring a patriotic design. It offers 8 EDGE REWARD Points for every ₹200 spent, complimentary domestic lounge access, and attractive dining discounts. With a waiverable annual fee and enhanced security features, it's a valuable option for its target audience.

Who is it for?

The AU Zenith+ Metal Credit Card is AU Small Finance Bank’s most luxurious offering, specifically designed for individuals who frequently travel and engage in high credit card spending. It distinguishes itself with a choice of ₹5,000 luxury gift vouchers or Reward Points as a welcome benefit, a competitive 0.99% forex markup fee, and extensive travel perks including 16 complimentary domestic and international lounge accesses. The card also provides valuable lifestyle benefits such as golf rounds and Buy-One-Get-One movie tickets.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

India's first LED-enabled credit card offers a unique and visually engaging payment experience.

High reward rates up to 12% on popular brands and categories like shopping, travel, and utilities.

Lifetime free for the standard variant, making it an attractive option with no annual fees.

Receive both a Visa (LED) and RuPay card with a single application, offering great versatility.

Uncapped base rewards ensure continuous earning even after reaching accelerated rewards limits.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Offers 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits and a Priority Pass membership for frequent flyers.

Complimentary memberships to Taj Epicure, ALL Accor+ Explorer, and EazyDiner Prime.

Cardholders can enjoy 2 complimentary rounds of golf every month at premium courses across India.

Comprehensive insurance benefits, including Rs. 1 crore air accident cover and purchase protection.

Monthly milestone benefits offer valuable Flipkart/BookMyShow or other brand vouchers.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

The annual charge can be waived if you spend at least ₹40,000 in the card anniversary year.

Offers a unique patriotic theme and personalized card features.

Provides valuable travel (lounge access) and dining benefits.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Enjoy a very low foreign currency markup of just 0.99% on all international transactions.

Extensive travel benefits with 16 complimentary domestic and 16 international lounge accesses.

Generous welcome benefits offering luxury gift vouchers worth ₹5,000 or 5,000 Reward Points.

Valuable lifestyle perks include 16 BOGO movie tickets and 8 complimentary golf rounds annually.

Milestone benefits like Taj Epicure Membership and bonus Reward Points enhance value.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Accelerated rewards are capped at 12,000 CheQ points per month, limiting high spenders.

Rewards are not applicable on several categories like fuel, education, gold, and rent payments.

Optional LED card incurs a one-time issuance fee of ₹999 + GST, which is an additional cost.

Interest rate on revolving credit is high at 3.75% per month (45% per annum), typical of the category.

No domestic or international airport lounge access on this card.

Applications for the LED card opened on April 28, 2026; the LED variant is now live on the CheQ app.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The annual fee of Rs. 10,000 + GST is considered high for many cardholders.

The annual spend requirement of Rs. 10 Lakh for the fee waiver is quite steep.

A foreign currency markup of 3.5% is relatively high for a premium travel card.

International lounge access is limited to only 2 complimentary visits per year.

Access to American Express Centurion Lounges in Delhi and Mumbai has been discontinued.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Interest rates are not preferential for military personnel, unlike some other defence-specific cards.

The Axis Bank Pride Signature Credit Card does not offer any international lounge access.

Reward points are excluded on common spending categories such as utilities, education, insurance, and fuel.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The annual fee of ₹4,999 + GST is relatively high, despite the spend-based waiver.

Reward points are not earned on essential categories like fuel, cash advances, and EMI spends.

A rewards redemption fee of ₹99 + GST is charged for each redemption transaction.

Quarterly caps on lounge access and movie tickets might limit usage for some users.

Some benefits of the AU Zenith+ Credit Card have experienced devaluations over time.

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 CheQ AU Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for Axis Bank Pride Signature Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for AU Zenith+ Credit Card(opens in new tab)