American Express SmartEarn
American Express India · Checked 2026-10-09
American Express SmartEarn is a paid card focused on shopping rewards, online spending and dining rewards, charging ₹495 annually before GST.
CardIQ editorial view
Our take
American Express SmartEarn is a paid card focused on shopping rewards, online spending and dining rewards, charging ₹495 annually before GST.
Who it suits
- People who prioritise shopping rewards.
- People who prioritise online spending.
- People whose normal usage can recover the annual fee through relevant benefits.
Key strengths
- 10X points at listed partners; 5X on eligible Amazon purchases.
- Eligible ₹40,000 annual spend waives the renewal fee.
Trade-offs to understand
- Accelerated points have partner-group monthly caps; other categories earn standard points.
- Eligible ₹40,000 annual spend waives the renewal fee.
- Fuel, insurance, utilities, cash and point-of-sale EMI conversions are excluded from standard rewards.
CardIQ verdict
It deserves a place on the shortlist when your normal spending makes 10x points at listed partners; 5x on eligible amazon purchases valuable enough to clear the fee. Factor in this condition: Accelerated points have partner-group monthly caps; other categories earn standard points.
Compare before deciding
- IDFC FIRST SWYP — A higher-fee option to compare for broader benefits around shopping rewards and reward points.
- Reliance SBI Card — A higher-fee option to compare for broader benefits around shopping rewards and reward points.
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Benefits, limits and conditions
- Accelerated points have partner-group monthly caps; other categories earn standard points.
- Eligible ₹40,000 annual spend waives the renewal fee.
- Fuel, insurance, utilities, cash and point-of-sale EMI conversions are excluded from standard rewards.