Adani One Signature Credit Card vs American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spending, the Adani One Signature Credit Card ⓘ offers a better base reward rate of 1% compared to 0.5% on the American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card ⓘ.
• When it comes to travel perks and lounge access, the Amex card edges ahead with 8 domestic lounge visits annually and premium travel memberships, despite no international lounges.
• The Adani One card is cheaper to hold with a Rs 5,000 annual fee compared to Rs 10,000 on the Amex Platinum Reserve.
• Choose Adani One ⓘ if you want strong travel rewards with moderate fees; pick Amex Platinum Reserve ⓘ if you prioritize premium dining and travel benefits and can meet the higher fee.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the Adani One Signature Credit Card ⓘ earns Rs 100 in rewards at the base rate of 1%. This card significantly boosts rewards in travel-related spends, paying 7% or Rs 700 back on Rs 10,000, and 3.5% on utilities, or Rs 350. These category bonuses make it especially attractive for frequent travelers and those paying bills regularly.

In contrast, the American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card ⓘ returns Rs 50 per Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 0.5%, half that of the Adani One. While category-specific rates are not detailed here, the Amex card supplements rewards with premium benefits like dining discounts and memberships, which offset the lower direct reward rate for users who leverage these perks effectively.

Fees Compared

The Adani One Signature Credit Card ⓘ requires a Rs 5,000 joining and Rs 5,000 annual fee, with a fee waiver available on spending Rs 2.00 lakh annually (about Rs 16,667 monthly). This waiver threshold is moderate, making it achievable for many users to avoid fees with disciplined spending.

The Amex Platinum Reserve Credit Card ⓘ charges double that with Rs 10,000 for joining and annual fees and does not specify any fee waiver on spending, making the fee non-negotiable. To cover its higher fees purely through base rewards, a user would have to spend approximately Rs 20.00 lakh annually, four times the waiver spend level of the Adani One card.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Adani One Signature Credit Card ⓘ if you want a balanced travel and utility rewards card with a reasonable annual fee and achievable waiver. It suits frequent travelers who also pay utility bills and want solid lounge access without premium fees.

Opt for the American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card ⓘ if you value premium lifestyle and dining benefits, including extensive dining discounts and access to luxury memberships like Accor+ Explorer. This card suits affluent spenders who can comfortably pay higher fees and want exclusive concierge and golf access.

Skip the Adani One ⓘ if you rarely travel or cannot meet the waiver spend, as the rewards and fees may not justify the card. Skip the Amex Platinum Reserve ⓘ if you are fee-sensitive or do not frequently use dining and premium travel benefits, as the high fee and low base rewards may not provide good value.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Verify any caps on travel category rewards to avoid surprises on high spends.
• Confirm the redemption value for points to ensure you get good value from rewards.
• Calculate whether you can realistically meet the Rs 2.00 lakh annual spend waiver on the Adani One Signature card.
• Understand forex markup charges of 3.5% for both cards if you plan foreign currency transactions.
• Check which airports and locations the complimentary lounge accesses cover, especially for the Adani One card’s quarterly and annual limits.

FAQ