Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card vs IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spend, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 0.75%, translating to Rs 75 back on Rs 10,000 spent.
• For category-specific rewards like dining, the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ dominates with an effective 15% return in dining spends.
• The IDFC card is cheaper to hold with a lower joining and annual fee of Rs 199 each and a waiver on an annual spend of Rs 50,000.
• Choose the Axis Bank My Zone card if you prioritize dining rewards and domestic lounge access; pick the IDFC HPCL card for fuel, grocery, utilities, and a lower fee burden.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.4%, which means a Rs 40 return on every Rs 10,000 of general spend. However, it shines in dining with an effective 15% return, equating to Rs 1,500 on Rs 10,000 spent, making it highly attractive for foodies and restaurant-goers. Online spends also get a 5% reward rate, giving Rs 500 on Rs 10,000.

In contrast, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ sports a solid 0.75% base reward rate, delivering Rs 75 back on Rs 10,000 of general spend, nearly double the Axis Bank card’s base rate. Its category bonuses include 5% returns on fuel, grocery, and utilities, translating to Rs 500 on Rs 10,000 spend in these categories. This makes it highly suitable for everyday essential spends, especially fuel purchases.

Fees Compared

The Axis Bank My Zone card charges a joining fee and annual fee of Rs 500 each, with no waiver on annual fees regardless of spend. The IDFC HPCL First Power card is markedly cheaper with Rs 199 for both joining and annual fees. Furthermore, the IDFC card offers a waiver of the annual fee if you spend Rs 50,000 annually, which breaks down to about Rs 4,167 per month. The Axis Bank card requires approximately Rs 1,25,000 of spend annually to cover the fees through base rewards alone, while the IDFC card needs only Rs 26,533, making the latter a more economical choice for moderate spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ if you are a dining enthusiast or a first-time credit card user who values domestic lounge access. The card also benefits shoppers who spend online and like a welcome SonyLiv subscription. However, if you do not spend heavily enough to justify the Rs 500 fees or you seek lounge access internationally, this card may not be ideal.

The IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ suits users with regular fuel, grocery, and utility spends who want a card with a low fee and an achievable waiver threshold. It is also a good pick for first-card users seeking simplicity and decent rewards on essentials. Those prioritizing premium lounge access or dining rewards should look elsewhere.

Overall, for everyday value and lower fees, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card is the better pick. But for category specific dining rewards and some domestic lounge privileges, the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card has an edge.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Check quarterly spend requirements carefully, especially Rs 50,000 quarterly on the Axis Bank card to access domestic lounges.
• Understand the actual redemption value of points since both cards use points but do not specify conversion rates.
• Confirm if your monthly spend can realistically meet fee waiver thresholds: Rs 4,167 for IDFC and none for Axis Bank.
• Beware of the 3.5% forex markup on foreign transactions, which applies equally to both cards.
• Verify lounge access locations and availability, particularly Axis Bank’s 4 domestic lounges per year and no international lounges on either card.

FAQ