American Express Gold Credit Card vs Shoppers Stop Black HDFC Bank Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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In short: both charge a ₹4,500 annual fee; both charge a 3.5% forex markup.
| Key facts | Amex Gold | HDFC Shoppers Stop Black |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹4,500 | ₹4,500 |
| Joining fee | Not listed | ₹4,500 |
| Lounge access | Not listed | 16 airport lounge visits a year |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
From issuer benefit data, checked 23 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.
The American Express Gold Credit Card and the Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card both carry a similar renewal fee of Rs.4500 and a forex markup of 3.5%. The Amex Gold card focuses on accelerated rewards with 5X points on select brands and a welcome bonus of 4000 Membership Rewards Points, while the Shoppers Stop Black card offers higher reward rates specifically for Shoppers Stop purchases along with complimentary lounge access. Each card targets different spending habits and benefits, making them suitable for distinct user profiles.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
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| Feature | American Express Gold Credit Card | Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | American Express | HDFC Bank |
| Network | American Express | Visa |
| Joining fee | — | Joining Fee of Rs.4500 |
| Annual / renewal fee | Renewal Fee of Rs.4500 | Renewal Fee of Rs.4500 |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point For Every Rs.50 | Earn 2% Reward Points on Every Non-Shoppers Stop Spends |
| Lounge — domestic | — | 16 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year |
| Lounge — international | — | 8 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year |
| Welcome benefit | Welcome Gift of 4000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points | Welcome Gift Voucher Rs.1500 From Shoppers Stop |
| Milestone benefit | Earn 1000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points | — |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
Both cards provide attractive rewards but cater to different spending preferences. The American Express Gold Credit Card offers 5X Membership Rewards Points on select brands like Myntra, Acer, Ajio, and others, with a welcome bonus and monthly bonus points, which may appeal to users who shop frequently at these brands. The Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card provides 7% reward points on Shoppers Stop spends and 2% on other spends, with reward points redeemable for vouchers and travel, which is beneficial for shoppers loyal to Shoppers Stop. Overall, rewards value depends on your spending pattern and preferred redemption options.
Which is better for travel?
For travel benefits, the Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card has a clear advantage with 16 complimentary domestic and 8 international airport lounge accesses per year. The American Express Gold Credit Card does not list any lounge access benefits. Both cards have the same forex markup of 3.5%, so foreign currency transaction costs are comparable. If airport lounge access is important during travel, the HDFC card is better suited.
Which has lower effective cost?
Both cards have a renewal fee of Rs.4500, with the American Express Gold Credit Card's joining fee not specified here, while the Shoppers Stop Black card has a joining fee of Rs.4500. Neither card mentions any fee waiver conditions explicitly, so the effective cost may be similar unless waivers are available through issuer promotions or spend thresholds. Fuel surcharge waivers differ, with the HDFC card offering a 1% fuel surcharge waiver starting October 2025, whereas the Amex card charges convenience fees on fuel purchases depending on the oil company and transaction amount.
Reward Redemption Flexibility
The American Express Gold Credit Card offers Membership Rewards Points which can be redeemed across a wide network of partners and categories, providing flexibility. The Shoppers Stop Black card allows redemption for Shoppers Stop vouchers at a 1:1 ratio and also offers travel redemptions, but the value per point varies depending on the redemption type.
Fuel Surcharge and Convenience Fees
The American Express Gold Credit Card imposes convenience fees on fuel purchases that vary by oil company and transaction size, while the Shoppers Stop Black card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver starting October 2025. Users with significant fuel expenses may find the HDFC card more cost-effective in this regard.
Who should pick American Express Gold Credit Card?
Consider American Express Gold Credit Card if you frequently shop with brands like Myntra, Acer, Ajio, and others that offer accelerated 5X rewards. It suits users looking for a flexible rewards program with membership points that can be accumulated and redeemed across various categories. If you prefer a card with a strong focus on reward points accumulation rather than travel lounge benefits, this card may be a better fit.
Who should pick Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card?
Consider Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card if you are a regular shopper at Shoppers Stop and want to maximize rewards on those spends with 7% points. Additionally, if you value complimentary airport lounge access both domestically and internationally, this card offers significant travel perks. It is also suitable for users who prefer straightforward reward redemption options including vouchers and travel benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both the American Express Gold Credit Card and the Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card have a renewal fee of Rs.4500.
The Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card offers 16 complimentary domestic and 8 international airport lounge accesses per year. The American Express Gold Credit Card does not list any lounge access benefits.
Both cards charge a forex markup of 3.50% on foreign currency transactions.
Yes, the American Express Gold Credit Card offers a welcome gift of 4000 bonus Membership Rewards Points, while the Shoppers Stop Black card provides a welcome gift voucher worth Rs.1500 from Shoppers Stop.
The Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver starting October 2025, whereas the American Express Gold Credit Card charges convenience fees on fuel purchases depending on the oil company and transaction amount.
The Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card has a joining fee of Rs.4500. The joining fee for the American Express Gold Credit Card is not specified here and should be checked on the issuer's site.