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Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank vs Airtel Axis Bank: Which Card Is Better?

A side-by-side comparison of Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank and Airtel Axis Bank credit cards: fees, reward rates by category, caps, forex markup, lounge access, and which one earns more for different kinds of spenders.

Verdict

Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank earns more in 7 of the 7 spending profiles we tested. Choose Swiggy BLCK HDFC for heavy swiggy, instamart and dineout users. Choose Airtel Axis for airtel customers who also spend regularly on the card.

Spending profileSwiggy BLCK HDFCAirtel AxisWinner
Balanced spender₹11,760₹8,160Swiggy BLCK HDFC (+₹3,600)
Online shopper₹17,580₹7,980Swiggy BLCK HDFC (+₹9,600)
Frequent traveller₹18,804₹8,244Swiggy BLCK HDFC (+₹10,560)
Family & groceries₹11,520₹11,040Swiggy BLCK HDFC (+₹480)
Foodie₹15,840₹7,680Swiggy BLCK HDFC (+₹8,160)
Daily commuter₹7,020₹6,360Swiggy BLCK HDFC (+₹660)
High spender₹25,566₹21,366Swiggy BLCK HDFC (+₹4,200)

Estimated yearly value after caps, fees (with GST) and forex costs. Try your own spends →

Swiggy BLCK HDFC vs Airtel Axis: full comparison

FeatureSwiggy BLCK HDFC BankAirtel Axis Bank
Card
Swiggy BLCK HDFC BankHDFC Bank
Airtel Axis BankAxis Bank
Annual fee₹1,000 + GST₹500 + GST
Joining fee₹1,000 + GST₹500 + GST
Fee waiverWaived on ₹2,00,000 yearly spendWaived on ₹2,00,000 yearly spend
NetworkMastercardMastercard
Amazon rewards5%1%
Flipkart rewards5%1%
Other online shopping rewards5%1%
Food delivery rewards10%10%
Dining out rewards1%1%
Groceries rewards1%1%
Flights & hotels rewards5%1%
Fuel rewards0%0%
Bills & recharges rewards0%10%
Everything else rewards1%1%
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Lounge accessNoneNone (removed in April 2026)
Reward caps10% Swiggy cashback capped at ₹1,500 per month
5% online cashback capped at ₹1,500 per month		10% utility cashback capped at 1× the 1% base cashback you earn (25% on Airtel bills capped at 2×)
10% value back on Zomato capped at ₹200 a month, as partner wallet credit (min. order ₹499)
Est. yearly value: balanced spender₹11,760₹8,160
Est. yearly value: online shopper₹17,580₹7,980
Est. yearly value: frequent traveller₹18,804₹8,244
Est. yearly value: family & groceries₹11,520₹11,040
Best forHeavy Swiggy, Instamart and Dineout usersAirtel customers who also spend regularly on the card
Pros
  • 10% cashback on Swiggy Food, Instamart and Dineout
  • 5% cashback on online spends across apparel, electronics, pharmacy, travel, cabs and more
  • 1% cashback on other spends
  • Joining fee waived on ₹75,000 spend in the first 90 days
  • 25% cashback on Airtel mobile, broadband and DTH bills via Airtel Thanks
  • 10% cashback on utility bills via Airtel Thanks
  • 10% value back on Zomato, Blinkit and District (₹200 cap each)
  • 1% cashback on everything else
Cons
  • Higher ₹1,000 fee than the old Swiggy HDFC card
  • Separate ₹1,500 monthly caps on each cashback tier
  • No rewards on fuel, rent, utilities or wallet loads
  • Since April 2026, bill cashback caps depend on how much base cashback you earn
  • Lounge access and Swiggy/BigBasket cashback removed
  • Partner rewards come as wallet credit, not cash
Visit HDFC BankVisit Axis Bank

FAQs

Which is better, Swiggy BLCK HDFC or Airtel Axis?

Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank comes out ahead in 7 of 7 spending profiles we tested. Choose Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank if you want a card for heavy swiggy, instamart and dineout users. Choose Airtel Axis Bank if you want a card for airtel customers who also spend regularly on the card.

What is the difference in annual fee between Swiggy BLCK HDFC and Airtel Axis?

Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank: ₹1,000 + GST (waived on ₹2,00,000 yearly spend). Airtel Axis Bank: ₹500 + GST (waived on ₹2,00,000 yearly spend).

Which card has a lower forex markup?

Both cards charge 3.5%.

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