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CheQ AU Credit Card VS Axis Bank Freecharge 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 CheQ AU Credit Card and Axis Bank FreeCharge Credit Card suit different spenders, but they earn and cost differently. CheQ AU Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns up to 12 percent on select brands; 5 percent on other online spends; 2.5 percent on CheQ UPI; 1 percent on all other transactions. Axis Bank FreeCharge Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns 5 percent cashback on FreeCharge spends and 2 percent on other online transactions. CheQ AU Credit Card also brings Indias first LED card with dual Visa + RuPay issuance, while Axis Bank FreeCharge Credit Card counters with its own niche benefits. Compare the fee and reward differences above against your priority spend category - shopping, dining, fuel, or travel - to pick the right fit.

CheQ AU Credit Card
CheQ AU Credit Card
Axis Bank Freecharge Credit Card
Axis Bank Freecharge Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining FeeLifetime Free
Joining Fee₹250 + GST
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Renewal Fee₹250 + GST
Spend Based Waiver
Spend Based WaiverAnnual fee waived off on spending ₹50,000 or more in the previous year/anniversary year.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.49% on all foreign currency transactions.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% of the transacted amount.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum) on revolving credit and cash advances.
Interest Rate (APR)3.6% per month.

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 BonusWelcome gift vouchers worth up to ₹700.
Rewards RateUp to 12% on select brands; 5% on other online spends; 2.5% on CheQ UPI; 1% on all other transactions.
Rewards Rate5% cashback on Freecharge app spends; 1% cashback on all other spends.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points, Cashback
Reward Redemption FeeNo rewards redemption fee.
Reward Redemption FeeNil

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessNot available on the CheQ AU Credit Card.
Domestic Lounge Access
International Lounge AccessNot available on the CheQ AU Credit Card.
International Lounge Access
Travel BenefitsEarn 12% rewards on CheQ Travel (flights & hotels) and 5% on other travel spends. Redeem points for flights/hotels.
Travel BenefitsUp to ₹100 credit every month on Shuttl; Up to ₹150 off every month on Shuttl.
Movie Benefits
Movie Benefits50% off on an annual subscription on Eros Now.
Dining Benefits
Dining BenefitsUp to ₹100 credit every month on the Fresh menu.
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹150 on fuel spends.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waived for transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Insurance Benefits
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of the withdrawn amount, or ₹500, whichever is higher.
Cash Advance Charges3.5% of amount withdrawn or ₹250 (whichever is higher).
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

CheQ AU Credit Card

Axis Bank Freecharge 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 Axis Bank Freecharge Credit Card was an entry-level card designed for frequent Freecharge app users, offering 5% cashback on Freecharge spends and 1% on others. Despite its discontinuation, it was valued for its low fees and decent benefits, particularly for utility bill payments and mobile recharges. It provided an instant virtual card and exclusive rewards, making it suitable for individuals seeking affordable benefits focused on digital transactions.

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.

Enjoy low joining and annual fees, making it an affordable credit card option.

Offers decent benefits, especially for frequent users of the Freecharge app.

Earn exclusive Edge Reward Points with a wide variety of redemption options.

Get an instant virtual credit card via the Freecharge app, with physical card option.

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 open only from April 28, 2026, indicating a future availability.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The card's benefits are not as diverse compared to other credit cards in the market.

Lacks complimentary airport lounge access, both domestic and international.

This credit card has been discontinued, limiting new applications.

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 Axis Bank Freecharge Credit Card(opens in new tab)