Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card vs IDFC First Millennia Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend, thanks to its 1.5% base reward rate and impressive category bonuses.
• For travel and lounge access, the Samsung Axis Infinite also leads with eight domestic and four international lounge visits annually, compared to IDFC First Millennia’s four domestic lounges and no international access.
• Both cards have no joining or annual fees, making them equally cheap to hold.
• Choose the Samsung Axis Infiniteⓘ if you want higher rewards and premium travel benefits. Opt for the IDFC First Millenniaⓘ if you prefer a straightforward, no-frills lifetime free card, especially as a first credit card.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offers Rs 150 back on every Rs 10,000 spent at its base reward rate of 1.5%. This reward rate jumps significantly in key categories: online spends earn a stellar Rs 1,000 per Rs 10,000 (10%), and dining spends yield Rs 300 per Rs 10,000 (3%). This makes it highly rewarding for users who shop online frequently or dine out often.

In contrast, the IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ provides Rs 50 back per Rs 10,000 spent at its base 0.5% reward rate, with no enhanced category rates. This flatter structure suits users looking for simple, consistent rewards without focusing on specific spend categories.

Fees Compared

Neither card charges a joining or annual fee, making both excellent choices for cost-conscious users. The Samsung Axis Infiniteⓘ has a fee waiver spend threshold of Rs 3.00 lakh annually, translating to Rs 25,000 per month, but since the fees are nil, this waiver is mostly relevant if any fees arise later or for some linked benefits. The IDFC First Millenniaⓘ card has no fee waiver threshold as it is lifetime free.

The break-even for fees is therefore a non-issue for both, as cardholders pay no fees regardless of spend.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you are an active spender who shops online, dines out, or travels frequently. The superior reward rates, combined with robust lounge access at home and abroad, make it an excellent premium option. Its lifetime free status and welcome Samsung cashback vouchers worth Rs 2,500 add extra value.

Opt for the IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ if you want a straightforward, no-cost credit card to start your credit journey or prefer a simple rewards structure without worrying about category spends. The card’s welcome benefits and absence of fees make it a solid choice for first-time cardholders or those who spend moderately.

Skip the Samsung Axis Infiniteⓘ if you do not spend enough monthly to take advantage of its reward categories or lounge benefits. Avoid the IDFC First Millenniaⓘ if you want higher rewards or international lounge access.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm any caps on category rewards, especially for the high online and dining rates on the Samsung Axis Infiniteⓘ.
• Check the redemption process and value of points, since both cards use points but do not disclose exact redemption rates here.
• Understand the fee waiver calculations, especially the monthly Rs 25,000 spend threshold on Samsung Axis Infiniteⓘ to maintain benefits.
• Remember the 3.5% forex markup applies to both cards, which is standard but costly for frequent foreign currency spenders.
• Verify lounge access terms and the number of complimentary visits, plus any spend gating on the IDFC First Millenniaⓘ domestic lounge privilege.

FAQ