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Airtel Axis Vs Cashback SBI Credit Card

27 March, 2026 / By Amisha Negi / 1 Comment

Choosing the right cashback credit card can make a big difference in how much you save on everyday spending. The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card and the Cashback SBI Card are two popular options in India, but they work very differently. While the Airtel Axis card focuses on high cashback on Airtel Mobile, Broadband, WiFi, and DTH Bill Payments via the Airtel Thanks App, the SBI Cashback card keeps things simple with a flat 5% cashback on most online purchases.

In this article, we’ll compare both cards in detail to help you understand which one suits your spending habits better. Whether you prefer category-based rewards or a straightforward cashback structure on all online spends.

Airtel Axis Vs Cashback SBI

Fee Structure and Joining Benefits

The Airtel Axis Card is priced at ₹500 + GST and includes a welcome voucher, whereas the Cashback SBI Card charges ₹999 with no joining benefits. Both offer annual fee waivers on spends of ₹2 lakh or more.

Particulars Airtel Axis Cashback SBI
Annual Fee ₹500 + GST ₹999 + GST
Joining Benefits Amazon Voucher Worth ₹500 N/A
Spend-Based Annual Fee Waiver Annual Fee Waived on Spending ₹2 Lakh or More in a Year Annual Fee Waived on Spending ₹2 Lakh or More in a Year

Cashback– Earning and Redemption

Particulars Airtel Axis  Cashback SBI
Earning Cashback
  • 25% Airtel cashback(Capped at 2× the base cashback earned)
  • 10% Utility cashback (Capped at equal to the base cashback earned)
  • 10% Cashback on Partner Brands, Including Zomato, Blinkit, and District Movies (Up To ₹200 Per Partner Per Month)
  • Unlimited 1% Cashback on All Other Retail Spends
  • 5% Cashback on Online Spends (Capped at ₹2000)
  • 1% Cashback on Offline Spends (Capped at ₹2000)
Cashback Redemption Cashback will be Credited Against the Statement Balance Cashback is Auto-Credited Against the Statement Balance

Other Features and Benefits

The Airtel Axis Credit Card comes with additional benefits. With this card, you can enjoy a 15% discount, up to ₹500, at over 4,000 participating restaurants nationwide through Axis Bank’s Dining Delights Program. To qualify for the discount, you must have a minimum order value of ₹2,500. Additionally, Airtel Axis cardholders will receive a welcome gift of a ₹500 Amazon gift voucher when they make their first transaction within 30 days of receiving their card.

In contrast, the SBI Cashback Credit Card does not offer any additional benefits compared to the Airtel Axis Credit Card.

Cashback Exclusions

The following spend categories are not eligible for Cashback –

Cashback SBI Credit Card Airtel Axis 
  • Wallet
  • Fuel
  • Rent
  • Jewelry
  • Government Related Transactions
  • EMI (All Types)
  • Cash Advantages
  • School & Educational Services
  • Interest Charges and Penalties
  • Purchase of Foreign Currency and Fees
  • Utility Bill Payments Not Made Through the Airtel Thanks App
  • Fuel Purchases
  • EMI Transactions
  • Rent Payments
  • Government Services
  • Insurance Services
  • Education Services
  • Payment of Credit Card Fees & Charges
  • Wallet Loading Transactions
  • Purchase of Jewelry Items
  • Cash Advances

Bottom Line

If you’re looking at both cards side by side, the SBI Cashback Credit Card comes out as the clear winner for most people. The biggest reason is how simple and reliable it is. You get a flat 5% cashback on most online purchases, whether you’re shopping on Amazon, ordering food, booking tickets, or paying for services. There’s no need to think too much about where or how you’re spending.

On the other hand, the Airtel Axis Card can give very high cashback, but only in specific cases like Airtel bill payments or a few partner apps. Outside of those categories, its value drops, and you also have to keep track of caps and conditions.

So, unless you are someone who regularly uses the Airtel Thanks app, the Airtel Axis Card won’t give you consistent savings.

In simple terms, the SBI Cashback Card is easier to use, more flexible, and gives steady rewards on your everyday online spending—making it the better overall choice.

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1 comment

  • Jay

    5 months ago Reply

    The Airtel Axis credit card has become less attractive and competitive since its devaluation, leading many customers to close their card.

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