Axis Bank credit cards were long admired for a broad array of transfer partners, with Accor standing out as one of the most valuable options thanks to an excellent earn rate. As of 2 April, however, that chapter has ended: Axis Bank has removed Accor from its list of points transfer partners, and it has also dropped Marriott and Qatar.
Removing Accor may make business sense given the cost of that partnership, but the surprise comes from the timing and lack of advance notice. Cardholders who relied on these transfer avenues received no meaningful heads-up, which has understandably caused frustration among frequent points users.
So what’s going on?
Accor likely drove large outflows of value for Axis, so ending the tie-up is a predictable commercial move. Marriott and Qatar may have produced similar pressures on Axis’s liability for transferred points, which would explain their removal as well.
The fallout isn’t catastrophic for everyone: Qatar’s Avios availability is still accessible through HDFC, and Marriott redemptions remain achievable via American Express and HSBC transfer partners. That means alternatives exist, even if they are less convenient for former Axis users.
Will Accor come back?
A return is plausible, but timing and terms are uncertain. After a period of strong redemption activity, Accor may be reluctant to rejoin quickly without a new agreement that protects its economics. Expect at least a cooling-off period—possibly a year—before any reinstatement.
If Accor does return, it will likely be at a less generous transfer ratio than before. Where Axis previously offered favourable rates, a future partnership might settle at ratios such as 5:2 or 5:3 rather than 5:4. Only time will tell how negotiations unfold.
Best alternatives
If you’re adjusting to the loss of Accor, Marriott and Qatar on Axis, consider these solid transfer options that work well for many cardholders:
- Flights: Aeroplan (Group A); Air India (Group B)
- Hotels: ITC (Group B)
I personally shifted a significant portion of Axis points to Air Canada’s Aeroplan last year and plan to continue doing so. Aeroplan remains a standout program because of its extensive partner network and redemption flexibility, advantages that set it apart from other Star Alliance-linked programs.
Given Aeroplan’s utility, it wouldn’t be surprising if card issuers adjust access or ratios in the future, so it’s wise to monitor partner lists and act on points transfers you value.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Aeroplan | Air Asia |
| The British Airways Club | Flying Blue |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Air India (Maharaja Club) |
| Etihad Guest | IHG One Rewards |
| Finnair Plus | ITC |
| JAL Mileage Bank | Orchid Rewards |
| Singapore Airlines (Krisflyer) | The Postcard Sunshine Club |
| Royal Orchid Plus | Qantas Frequent Flyer |
| Turkish Airlines | Radisson Rewards |
| United MileagePlus | SpiceJet |
| Lotusmiles (Vietnam Airlines) | |
| Wyndham Rewards |
Other useful partners include JAL and Krisflyer. I don’t personally prioritize JAL due to limited use cases, and Krisflyer can often be topped up through other channels, so I tend to reserve Axis points for transfers that deliver the most value.
Flying Blue remains a practical option for economy-focused redemptions, while ITC is a consistently strong hotel transfer partner. Note that transferring to Marriott is still possible from some programs, but typically with limits and/or less favourable ratios.
Axis added new partners such as Finnair Plus, British Airways Club and Vietnam Airlines LotusMiles, but transfer ratios for some programs have been reduced. For example, Magnus Burgundy now converts at 5:2 (down from 5:4), while Burgundy private transfers remain at 5:4.
Alternate cards for Accor
With Axis no longer offering Accor transfers, consider these card alternatives:
- HSBC Premier or HSBC Travel One
- HDFC Infinia, HDFC Regalia Gold, or HDFC Diners Black
For many Atlas or Magnus cardholders, the HSBC Travel One is a strong option. If you hold Magnus Burgundy, the HSBC Premier card may be a better match. HDFC’s premium cards provide a reasonable fallback, though their transfer ratios (often 2:1) are generally less generous than HSBC’s current 1:1 offers.
Bottomline
Losing three major partners overnight without notice is a sharp reminder that reward programs and bank partnerships can change quickly. For Axis cardholders, the practical response is to focus on remaining valuable partners—especially Aeroplan and ITC—move points where you see the best short-term value, and watch for any future reinstatements or new partner deals. Happy redeeming!