Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ wins with a higher online reward rate.
  • Neither card offers domestic or international lounge access, so neither wins on travel benefits.
  • The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank card is cheaper to hold with a lower joining and annual fee.
  • Choose the American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ if you want a straightforward cashback welcome benefit and are a first-time cardholder. Pick the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ if you shop frequently online and want a lifetime-free card with better rewards.

Side by Side

DetailAmerican Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘShoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeRs 495Rs 299
Joining feeRs 495Rs 299
Fee waiver on spendNoneNone
Reward rate0.5% base, 2.5% online0.5% base, 6% online
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic loungeNoneNone
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forshopping, first-card, rewardsshopping, lifetime-free

Rewards Compared

The American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.5%, which translates to Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent. Its standout feature is the 2.5% reward rate on online spending, yielding Rs 250 on the same Rs 10,000. This makes it a decent choice for those who shop online but do not spend heavily enough to offset the fees.

In contrast, the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ also provides a base rate of 0.5% or Rs 50 per Rs 10,000 spent, but its online category rewards are significantly higher at 6%, resulting in Rs 600 for Rs 10,000 spent online. This card is clearly superior for online shoppers looking to maximize rewards. Both cards use points as their reward type, but the Shoppers Stop card’s category rate is more than double that of the Amex card, making it more rewarding for targeted online spending.

Fees Compared

The American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ carries a joining fee and annual fee of Rs 495 each. There is no fee waiver on spending, so these fees are payable regardless of usage. The card requires Rs 99,000 in spend to cover the annual fee through base rewards alone, which is quite high.

The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ is more affordable with a joining and annual fee of Rs 299 each. Like the Amex card, it does not offer fee waivers on spend. However, the break-even spend to cover the fee at the base reward rate is Rs 59,800, which is considerably lower. This makes the Shoppers Stop card cheaper to hold and easier to justify through rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ if you are a first-time credit card user looking for a simple cashback welcome benefit of Rs 500 and decent rewards on online shopping. It suits those who want a straightforward card from a reputed issuer and are comfortable paying a slightly higher fee.

Opt for the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ if you frequently shop online and want a card with a superior 6% reward rate in that category. It is also ideal for shoppers who want a lifetime-free card with a lower fee barrier and additional welcome benefits like a Shoppers Stop voucher and Silver Edge membership.

In conclusion, the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ is the better pick for online shoppers and those looking for a cheaper card with higher category rewards. The American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ is more suited to first-time cardholders and those who value a simple cashback welcome offer. Avoid the Amex card if you want to keep fees low or maximize online rewards. Skip the Shoppers Stop card if you do not shop online often or want lounge access.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if the online category rewards have caps or restrictions that limit earnings.
  • Check the redemption value and ease of using points for your preferred rewards.
  • Understand that neither card offers fee waivers on spend, so fees are unavoidable.
  • Be aware that both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup, which is standard but costly for foreign transactions.
  • Neither card provides domestic or international lounge access, so do not expect travel perks.

FAQ

Is there a welcome benefit with these cards?+
Yes, the American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ offers a cashback of Rs 500 as a welcome benefit. The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ provides a Shoppers Stop voucher worth Rs 500 and complimentary Silver Edge membership.
Do these cards offer lounge access?+
No, neither card includes domestic or international lounge access as part of their benefits.
What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Both cards charge a forex markup of 3.5%, which is the standard rate for foreign currency transactions in India.
Are the annual fees waived on spending a certain amount?+
No, neither card offers a fee waiver on spending, so the joining and annual fees are payable regardless of usage.
Which card is better for online shopping rewards?+
The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ is better for online shopping with a 6% reward rate compared to 2.5% on the American Express Smartearn Credit Card ⓘ.