Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card vs HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a superior base reward rate of 1.5% compared to 0.5% on the HDFC MoneyBack Plus.
• For travel and lounge access, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite clearly leads with 8 domestic and 4 international lounges annually, while the HDFC MoneyBack Plus offers none.
• The HDFC MoneyBack Plus has a lower joining and annual fee impact at Rs 500 each, but its fee waiver threshold is much lower, making it cheaper to hold for moderate spenders.
• Pick the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite if you want premium rewards, travel perks, and can spend Rs 25,000 monthly to waive fees. Choose HDFC MoneyBack Plus if you want a simpler, lower-cost cashback card for smaller spends or a first credit card.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offers Rs 150 back on Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 1.5% and significantly higher rewards in key categories: Rs 1,000 back on online purchases and Rs 300 on dining for the same amount spent. This makes it an attractive card for those who spend heavily online or on dining, as the category rates of 10% and 3% respectively are substantially higher than the base.

The HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ provides Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 at its base rate of 0.5%, with an improvement to Rs 333 for online spend due to its 3.33% category rate. While this is decent for occasional online purchases, it is much less rewarding than the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite’s category offerings. This card suits users who prefer straightforward cashback without the need for high spending thresholds.

Fees Compared

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card has no joining or annual fees, but requires Rs 3.00 lakh annual spend (approximately Rs 25,000 per month) to maintain this waiver, which is relatively high. This fee waiver threshold means that casual or low spenders will not incur fees, but must meet a significant spend bar to keep the card free.

The HDFC MoneyBack Plus carries a Rs 500 joining and Rs 500 annual fee, which can be waived with Rs 50,000 annual spend (about Rs 4,167 monthly). This is a much lower threshold, making it easier for moderate spenders to avoid fees. The break-even point for base rewards covering the Rs 500 fee is about Rs 1,00,000 annual spend, so cardholders spending below that will effectively pay for the card.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent shopper, traveler, or someone who values premium rewards and lounge access. Its superior rewards on online and dining categories, combined with complimentary lounge visits, make it ideal for heavy spenders and travel enthusiasts who can meet the Rs 25,000 monthly fee waiver spend.

Opt for the HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ if you are a first-time cardholder, prefer a simple cashback structure, or have a modest monthly spend closer to Rs 4,167. This card is best for those who want basic rewards without the need for extensive perks or who do not meet the higher spend requirements of premium cards.

If you spend less than Rs 25,000 monthly and want luxury travel benefits, skip the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite. If you want lounge access or premium rewards, skip the HDFC MoneyBack Plus, as it does not offer these features.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Verify if the high category rewards on the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite have caps or limits that reduce value after a certain spend.
• Confirm the redemption value of points on both cards to ensure the effective cashback matches advertised rates.
• Consider the monthly fee waiver thresholds carefully to avoid unexpected annual fees.
• Factor in the 3.5% forex markup on both cards if you plan to use them abroad, as this adds a significant cost.
• Check which airport lounges you can access with the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite to ensure they align with your travel routes.

FAQ