Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spending, the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ offers better rewards on groceries and online shopping.
  • For travel and lounge access, the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ provides specific benefits on IndiGo spends and domestic lounges, but Axis Bank Selectⓘ has international lounge access and golf benefits.
  • The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with lower joining and annual fees.
  • Choose the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you fly IndiGo frequently or want a lower fee card; pick the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ if you prioritize broader lounge access, better grocery rewards, and can meet a high spend for fee waiver.

Side by Side

Detail6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit CardAxis Bank Select Credit Card
Annual feeRs 1,500Rs 3,000
Joining feeRs 1,500Rs 3,000
Fee waiver on spendRs 10.00 lakh
Reward rate1% base, 5% travel, 2.5% dining and grocery1% base, 4% grocery, 2% online
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International loungeNone4 per year
Forex markup3.5%1.5%
Best suited fortravel, lounge, rewards, fuelrewards, grocery, lounge, travel, shopping

Rewards Compared

The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ returns Rs 100 on Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 1%. When spending in travel categories, its reward rate jumps impressively to 5%, translating into Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000. Dining and grocery purchases also earn a decent 2.5% rate, or Rs 250 per Rs 10,000 spent. This card is tailored for travelers who frequently fly IndiGo and want extra value on travel-related expenses.

On the other hand, the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ also provides a 1% base reward rate yielding Rs 100 on Rs 10,000 spent. However, it boosts rewards to 4% for grocery spending, which is Rs 400 back per Rs 10,000, and offers 2% on online shopping categories (Rs 200 per Rs 10,000). This makes it a strong contender for users with high grocery and online spends. Unlike the IndiGo card, it does not provide special travel category rates but compensates with broader rewards on shopping and groceries.

Fees Compared

The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ has a joining fee and an annual fee both set at Rs 1,500. There is no fee waiver on spending, so these fees are payable regardless of usage. The card’s base reward rate suggests you need to spend about Rs 1,50,000 annually to cover the Rs 1,500 fee purely through rewards.

In contrast, the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ charges a higher joining and annual fee of Rs 3,000 each. However, it offers a fee waiver if you spend Rs 10.00 lakh annually, which translates to about Rs 83,333 per month. The break-even spend to cover the Rs 3,000 fee at the base rate is approximately Rs 3,00,000 annually. This means only very high spenders who can reach the waiver threshold should consider this card to avoid paying the fees.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent IndiGo flyer looking for travel-related perks and discounted convenience fees on IndiGo bookings. It offers 8 domestic lounge visits per year and a welcome benefit of a complimentary flight ticket worth Rs 3,000 plus 6E Prime Add-On. Its lower fees make it ideal for moderate spenders who want travel rewards without a steep annual cost. Skip this card if you do not fly IndiGo or want international lounge access.

The Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ suits heavy grocery and online shoppers who can meet the high fee waiver spend of Rs 10.00 lakh per year. It provides 8 domestic and 4 international lounge visits annually plus golf access, appealing to premium users who value luxury benefits. The welcome bonus of 10,000 EDGE Reward Points worth Rs 2,000 is a nice upfront perk. Avoid this card if your annual spend is low or you dislike paying high fees without a waiver.

Overall, the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ is the better pick for travelers focused on IndiGo flights and moderate spenders. The Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ is a premium choice for high spenders prioritizing grocery rewards and extensive lounge access.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if the lounge access limits fit your travel frequency, especially the international lounges on Axis Bank Select.
  • Check redemption rules for points to ensure value aligns with your spending patterns.
  • Understand the fee waiver calculation, especially the high Rs 10.00 lakh annual spend required for Axis Bank Select.
  • Factor in the forex markup: 3.5% on the IndiGo cardⓘ versus 1.5% on Axis Bank Selectⓘ, which matters if you spend abroad frequently.

FAQ

What are the joining and annual fees for these cards?+
The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 1,500 for both joining and annual fees. The Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 3,000 for both but offers a fee waiver if you spend Rs 10.00 lakh annually.
Which card offers better rewards on grocery spending?+
Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ offers 4% rewards on groceries, which is higher than the 2.5% offered by the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ.
Do both cards provide lounge access?+
Yes, both cards offer 8 domestic lounge visits per year. However, only Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ includes 4 international lounge visits and golf access.
How do the foreign exchange fees compare?+
The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ charges a 3.5% forex markup, while the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ charges a lower 1.5%, making the latter more cost-effective for international spending.
Is there a welcome benefit on either card?+
Yes, the IndiGo cardⓘ offers a complimentary flight ticket worth Rs 3,000 and 6E Prime Add-On, while the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ gives 10,000 EDGE Reward Points worth Rs 2,000 on the first transaction.