American Express Smartearn Credit Card vs Ixigo AU Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday online shopping, the American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ wins with a higher 2.5% reward rate.
• For travel spend and domestic lounge access, the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ is superior, offering 5% rewards on travel and four free domestic lounge visits annually.
• The Ixigo AU Credit Card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the Amex Smartearn charges Rs 495 for both.
• Choose the Amex Smartearn ⓘ if you want simple rewards on online shopping and are okay paying a small fee; pick the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ if you prioritize travel rewards, lounge access, and a fee-free experience.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.5%, which translates to Rs 50 back on every Rs 10,000 spent. However, it shines with online spend, where the rate increases to 2.5%, giving Rs 250 back on Rs 10,000 spent in that category. This makes it attractive for users who primarily shop online and want straightforward cashback in the form of points.

The Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ also has a base reward rate of 0.5%, equating to Rs 50 per Rs 10,000 spent, but it significantly rewards travel spend at 5%, returning Rs 500 on Rs 10,000. Additionally, it offers 1% rewards on UPI transactions, which is Rs 100 per Rs 10,000. This tiered reward structure suits frequent travelers and digital payment users, making it more versatile for those categories compared to the Amex Smartearn ⓘ.

Fees Compared

The American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ charges a joining fee and an annual fee of Rs 495 each. There is no fee waiver based on spend, so these fees are payable regardless of usage. The card’s base reward rate means you need to spend about Rs 99,000 annually just to cover the Rs 495 annual fee with cashback earned.

In contrast, the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ has no joining fee or annual fee, making it free to hold for life. It has a fee waiver threshold of Rs 1,00,000 annual spend, but since the fees are nil, this is more relevant for lounge access eligibility and other benefits rather than fee waivers. The Ixigo card is clearly more economical for users who want to avoid fees altogether.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ if you are a first-time credit card user or someone who shops heavily online and wants a simple, decent cashback card. The Rs 495 fees are modest and can be justified if you maximize online shopping rewards. However, skip this card if you do not spend online often or want lounge access.

The Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ is ideal for frequent travelers who value lounge access and want to earn high rewards on travel spends. It also suits users who make many UPI transactions and prefer a no-fee card. Avoid this card if you do not travel domestically or use UPI much, as its rewards outside those categories are just the base 0.5%.

Overall, if you want a fee-free card with travel perks and lounge access, the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ is the better pick. For online shopping rewards and a straightforward cashback experience, the Amex Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ is preferable.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm the quarterly Rs 30,000 spend gate for domestic lounge access on the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ.
• Understand that both cards have a 3.5% forex markup, which can be costly for foreign currency spend.
• Check how the Rs 495 fees on the Amex Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ compare to your expected rewards to avoid paying fees without benefit.
• Verify which lounges are accessible with the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ and if the number of free visits (4 per year) meets your travel habits.

FAQ