This article is outdated. Kindly refer to the latest review of Axis Privilege Credit Card.
After launching its Vistara co-branded cards in early 2016, Axis Bank recently introduced the Privilege Credit Card — a premium card focused on travel benefits. Before this card arrived, the Axis Signature card served as one of the bank’s top-tier options for several years. The Signature card offered a neat perk of double points during the birthday month, but otherwise felt like a typical premium card. The Privilege Credit Card aims to offer clearer value for frequent travelers. Key details at a glance:
- Joining/Renewal Fee: Rs. 1,500 + taxes (renewal fee waiver on annual spends of Rs. 4 lakh)
- Welcome Bonus: Rs. 5,000 Yatra voucher
The welcome voucher effectively covers more than twice the upfront fee, which makes the initial value proposition attractive. The voucher can be used for domestic and international flights, hotels, and holiday bookings. There are some conditions to be aware of, and the card’s renewal benefits are not as straightforward; holders should confirm renewal fee waivers as they may require meeting high annual spend thresholds.
The voucher terms to note:
- You must use the card at least three times within 60 days to qualify for the welcome benefit.
- The welcome consists of two vouchers of Rs. 2,500 each (issued after redeeming 12,500 reward points).
- The two vouchers cannot be combined for a single booking.
- Each voucher has a validity of four months.
Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card reward structure
- Earn 10 Edge points for every Rs. 200 spent (approximately 1% base reward rate).
- Spend milestone bonus: Receive a Rs. 5,000 Yatra voucher on every Rs. 2,50,000 spent (effectively a 2% reward for that milestone).
Combining reward points and spend-based travel vouchers, the effective benefit for milestone spenders approaches a 3% reward rate. That places the Privilege Card in line with the reward efficiency of some super-premium cards. To reach the maximum realized value, cardholders should plan to cross the Rs. 2.5 lakh milestone, after which the cumulative benefit can amount to roughly Rs. 7,500 in value.
Axis Privilege Credit Card — features and benefits
- Card Expert Rating: 4/5
- Reward Rate: 1% base, up to 3% with milestone vouchers (Edge reward points + spend-based vouchers)
- Fuel surcharge waiver: 2.5% waiver on fuel transactions above Rs. 400, capped at Rs. 400 per month (maximum waiver applies up to Rs. 4,000 transaction)
- Complimentary airport lounge access: Yes — 2 complimentary visits per quarter to participating Mastercard lounges
- Special feature: Spend-based travel vouchers for every Rs. 2.5 lakh milestone
- Forex markup fee: 3.5% + applicable taxes
If you travel frequently, the Privilege Credit Card is a strong option to keep in your wallet. It also serves well as a fallback for card acceptance gaps where Amex or Diners may not be accepted. For those who value travel vouchers and milestone rewards, the overall return can be compelling compared to many other premium cards.
After closing an FD-linked Axis Insta Easy card some years ago, many customers consider re-establishing a relationship with Axis Bank through this Privilege offering. If you meet the spending thresholds, the card can deliver meaningful value.
Update Sep 2018: Axis Privilege cards have been issued free for the first year to Axis Priority account holders.
What are your thoughts on the Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card? Share your experience and questions in the comments below.