American Express Smartearn Credit Card vs Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spending, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ offers a significantly higher base reward rate, making it the winner for regular purchases.
• When it comes to travel benefits and lounge access, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite clearly leads with multiple complimentary domestic and international lounges.
• The American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ has a small joining and annual fee, but the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite is lifetime free, making it cheaper to hold for most users.
• Shoppers on a budget or those seeking a first credit card might prefer the American Express Smartearn, while frequent online shoppers and travellers should choose the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

On Rs 10,000 of generic spend, the American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ returns Rs 50 in rewards, reflecting its 0.5% base rate. This card shines with online purchases, offering Rs 250 back per Rs 10,000 spent due to its 2.5% category rate. However, for other categories, rewards remain modest.

In contrast, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ delivers Rs 150 per Rs 10,000 at its 1.5% base rate, tripling the Smartearn’s base return. Its standout feature is a 10% reward on online spend, yielding Rs 1,000 per Rs 10,000, and a decent 3% back on dining. This makes it exceptionally rewarding for online shoppers and diners. For general purchases, the Axis card’s higher base rate makes everyday spending more rewarding.

Fees Compared

The American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ charges an annual and joining fee of Rs 495 each. There is no fee waiver on minimum spend, so these fees are fixed yearly costs. To recover the Rs 495 annual fee from base rewards alone, you must spend about Rs 99,000 annually at 0.5% cashback.

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ has no joining or annual fees and is lifetime free, though there is a fee waiver spend threshold of Rs 3.00 lakh annually. Since fees are zero, there is no break-even spend needed for rewards to cover fees, making the Axis card more economical for most users.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ if you are a first-time credit card user, prefer a low-fee card with simple rewards, and shop online occasionally. Its small fees are manageable and the Rs 500 cashback welcome benefit adds value. However, if you primarily want lounges or high rewards on dining and travel, this is not the best fit.

Opt for the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ if you want superior rewards on online shopping and dining, appreciate complimentary lounge access at home and abroad, and want a no-fee card for life. It suits frequent travellers and shoppers who can make use of the high category rewards and lounge privileges. Avoid this card if your annual spend is well below Rs 3 lakh and you cannot benefit from the fee waiver conditions.

Overall, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ is the stronger all-rounder for rewards and travel benefits, while the American Express Smartearn ⓘ is a decent entry-level card with modest fees and simpler perks.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if online category rewards have any monthly or annual caps that limit earnings.
• Check the redemption value and process for points to ensure you can maximize your rewards.
• Understand the fee waiver calculation, especially for the Axis Bank Infinite’s Rs 3 lakh spend requirement.
• Consider the 3.5% forex markup if you plan to use the card extensively abroad.
• Verify the number and location of lounges accessible with the Axis Bank Infinite to match your travel patterns.

FAQ