Introduction
The Axis Select Credit Card, issued by Axis Bank, is designed to cater to the needs of premium customers, offering a blend of exclusive benefits and rewards. Positioned as a versatile card, it aims to provide substantial value through various perks such as milestone benefits, dining discounts, lounge access, and rewards on transactions. With an annual fee structure that is waived under certain conditions, the card appeals to users who frequently spend on retail shopping, dining, and travel. This review will delve into the detailed features, benefits, user experiences, and how it compares to other premium credit cards in the market, helping potential users make an informed decision.
Axis Select Credit Card
Apply Now
Joining Benefits of Axis Select Credit Card
- Welcome Benefit:
- Complimentary e-voucher worth โน2,000 from select brands upon card activation.
- Reward Points:
- 10 EDGE reward points for every โน200 spent on dining, travel, and utility bill payments.
- 5 EDGE reward points for every โน200 spent on all other categories.
- Airport Lounge Access:
- 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits annually.
- Dining Discounts:
- Up to 20% off at partner restaurants through Axis Bank's Dining Delights program.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
- 1% waiver on fuel transactions.
- Annual Fee Waiver:
- Annual fee waived on spending โน6 lakhs in a year.
- Comprehensive Insurance:
- Complimentary personal accident insurance and purchase protection.
- Interest-Free Period:
- Up to 50 days of interest-free credit.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Card Features and Benefits
The Axis Select Credit Card offers a range of features and benefits designed to enhance the cardholder's lifestyle and provide substantial rewards for their spending. Below is a detailed overview of the primary features and benefits:
Milestone Benefits
- EDGE Points on Annual Spend:
- Earn 5000 EDGE points on spending โน3 Lakhs in a card anniversary year.
- Receive a complete annual fee waiver on spending โน8 Lakhs in a card anniversary year.
- Note: Specific categories such as insurance, rent, fuel, educational services, utilities, government services, wallet transactions, and gold purchases are excluded from these milestone calculations.
- Dining Discounts:
- Get a flat โน200 off on Swiggy mobile app/website twice a month with a minimum transaction of โน1000 per order using code โAXIS200โ.
Rewards on Transactions
- EDGE Rewards:
- Earn 10 EDGE points for every โน200 spent.
- Earn 2X EDGE points for every โน200 spent on retail shopping (up to โน20,000 per month). For transactions exceeding โน20,000 per month, earn 10 EDGE points per โน200.
- Note: Transactions in categories like insurance, rent, fuel, educational services, utilities, wallet, gold/jewelry, and government services do not earn EDGE points.
Travel Benefits
- Airport Lounge Access:
- Enjoy up to 12 complimentary international airport lounge accesses through Priority Pass membership, which renews automatically upon meeting the annual spend threshold of โน3 Lakhs.
- Avail 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter on spending โน50,000 in the preceding 3 months.
- Golf Access:
- Enjoy 6 complimentary golf rounds per year.
- Unlock an additional 6 visits on spending โน3 Lakhs annually.
Dining and Lifestyle Perks
- Dining Delights:
- Access to the Axis Bank Dining Delights Program with exclusive offers on dining experiences through partnerships like EazyDiner.
- Avail up to โน800 off on dining experiences with specific conditions applied.
Fuel and Other Benefits
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
- Receive a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions between โน400 and โน4000, with benefits up to โน400 per statement cycle.
- Comprehensive Insurance:
- Purchase protection and travel insurance cover for loss of travel documents, delay of check-in baggage, and loss of check-in baggage.
Fees and Charges
- Annual Fee:
- Standard joining fee: โน3000 (waived for Burgundy customers).
- Standard annual fee from the second year onwards: โน3000 (waived on annual spend of โน8 Lakhs).
- Interest and Penalty Fees:
- Finance charges for retail purchases and cash withdrawals: 3.6% per month (52.86% per annum).
- Cash withdrawal fee: 2.5% of the amount (minimum โน500).
- Overdue penalty or late payment fee varies based on the total payment due, with a maximum of โน1200 for dues greater than โน10,000.
User Experience
The Axis Select Credit Card is designed to provide a seamless and rewarding user experience, combining convenience with substantial benefits. Hereโs an in-depth look at the user experience associated with this credit card:
Application and Onboarding
- Application Process:
- The application process for the Axis Select Credit Card is straightforward, available both online and at Axis Bank branches. Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being a resident of India, aged 18-70, and having a minimum annual income of โน6 Lakhs.
- Approval and Issuance:
- Once the application is submitted, the approval process is relatively quick, and the card is typically issued within a few days. Customers are kept informed through SMS and email notifications throughout the process.
Day-to-Day Usage
- Ease of Use:
- The Axis Select Credit Card is widely accepted at millions of merchant locations worldwide. Users report smooth transactions, both online and offline, facilitated by robust security features like EMV chip technology and contactless payment options.
- Mobile and Online Banking:
- Axis Bank provides a user-friendly mobile app and online banking platform, allowing cardholders to manage their accounts, track spending, redeem rewards, and make payments with ease. The app offers features like instant card hotlisting, setting transaction limits, and viewing statements.
- Customer Support:
- Axis Bankโs customer service is known for its responsiveness and efficiency. Cardholders can reach support via phone, email, or through the Axis Bank mobile app. The bank offers 24/7 customer support to handle queries and resolve issues promptly.
Rewards and Redemption
- Reward Points Accumulation:
- Cardholders appreciate the clarity and ease with which they can accumulate EDGE reward points. The real-time tracking of points through the Axis Bank app ensures transparency, and users can easily see how their spending translates into rewards.
- Redemption Options:
- The Axis EDGE REWARDS Catalogue offers a diverse range of redemption options, including merchandise, gift vouchers, travel bookings, and more. The redemption process is straightforward, with points being easily convertible into rewards through the bankโs online portal.
Travel and Lifestyle Benefits
- Lounge Access:
- The complimentary lounge access, both domestic and international, enhances the travel experience significantly. Users report satisfaction with the quality of lounges available through the Priority Pass membership, making travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Dining Discounts and Offers:
- The dining offers provided through partnerships like Swiggy and EazyDiner are popular among cardholders, who value the savings and enhanced dining experiences.
Overall Satisfaction
- User Feedback:
- Feedback from Axis Select Credit Card users is generally positive, highlighting the cardโs valuable rewards, milestone benefits, and comprehensive travel perks. The card is especially well-regarded among frequent travelers and those who spend heavily on retail shopping and dining.
- Areas for Improvement:
- Some users have noted that the exclusion of certain categories like fuel, rent, and utilities from reward points accumulation can be a limitation. Additionally, the high finance charges and fees may be a concern for some cardholders.
Additional Perks and Benefits
The Axis Select Credit Card provides an array of additional perks and benefits designed to offer cardholders an enhanced lifestyle experience. These benefits extend beyond the standard features, adding significant value to the card.
Golf Access
- Complimentary Rounds and Lessons:
- Enjoy 6 complimentary golf rounds per year at select golf courses.
- Unlock an additional 6 complimentary rounds on spending โน3 Lakhs annually.
- Access to golf lessons and exclusive golfing events, enhancing the experience for both amateur and seasoned golfers.
Dining and Entertainment
- Extraordinary Weekends:
- Access to curated experiences and events through the "Extraordinary Weekends" program, designed exclusively for premium customers.
- These experiences include fine dining, weekend getaways, and unique lifestyle events.
- Dining Delights Program:
- Get the best dining experiences with up to โน800 off through the Axis Bank Dining Delights Program in partnership with EazyDiner.
- Special discounts and offers at a wide range of partner restaurants.
Insurance Coverage
- Comprehensive Insurance:
- Purchase protection covering various scenarios such as loss of travel documents, delay of check-in baggage, and loss of check-in baggage.
- Coverage for family and pets under specific circumstances, providing peace of mind for cardholders.
- Travel Insurance:
- Coverage includes loss of travel documents and trip delays, adding an extra layer of security for frequent travelers.
Fuel Benefits
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
- Receive a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between โน400 and โน4000, with benefits up to โน400 per statement cycle.
- Note: No reward points are earned on fuel transactions, but the waiver significantly reduces the cost burden for regular fuel purchases.
Shopping and Lifestyle
- Retail and Shopping Offers:
- Access to exclusive shopping deals and offers, particularly in categories like clothing, accessories, and department stores.
- Enhanced rewards points on retail shopping up to certain thresholds.
Financial Flexibility
- EMI Options:
- The ability to convert large purchases into easy EMIs, making it simpler to manage high-value transactions over time.
- Competitive interest rates on EMI conversions provide financial flexibility.
- Waiver of Additional Fees:
- Waivers on certain fees, such as card replacement, duplicate statement fees, and over-limit penalties, add to the card's appeal.
Concierge Services
- Concierge Assistance:
- Dedicated concierge services to assist with travel bookings, dining reservations, and exclusive event access.
- The concierge service can help plan special occasions and secure reservations at high-demand venues.
Comparative Analysis
In evaluating the Axis Select Credit Card, it is essential to compare it with other similar offerings in the market to provide a comprehensive view of its value proposition. Here, we compare the Axis Select Credit Card with a few other premium credit cards in the same category.
Axis Select Credit Card vs. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
- Annual Fee:
- Axis Select: โน3000 (waived on spending โน8 Lakhs annually).
- HDFC Regalia: โน2500 (waived on spending โน3 Lakhs annually).
- Rewards Program:
- Axis Select: Earns 10 EDGE points per โน200 spent; 2X points on retail shopping up to โน20,000 per month.
- HDFC Regalia: Earns 4 reward points per โน150 spent.
- Travel Benefits:
- Axis Select: Up to 12 international lounge accesses through Priority Pass and 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter on spending โน50,000.
- HDFC Regalia: 12 complimentary international lounge accesses and 6 domestic lounge visits annually.
- Dining and Lifestyle:
- Axis Select: โน200 off on Swiggy twice a month, exclusive dining offers through EazyDiner.
- HDFC Regalia: Dining offers and discounts through the HDFC Dining Delights program.
- Insurance Coverage:
- Axis Select: Comprehensive travel and purchase protection insurance.
- HDFC Regalia: Travel insurance, including air accident cover and emergency overseas hospitalization.
Axis Select Credit Card vs. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
- Annual Fee:
- Axis Select: โน3000 (waived on spending โน8 Lakhs annually).
- ICICI Sapphiro: โน3500 (waived on spending โน6 Lakhs annually).
- Rewards Program:
- Axis Select: 10 EDGE points per โน200 spent; 2X points on retail shopping up to โน20,000 per month.
- ICICI Sapphiro: 2 reward points per โน100 on domestic spends, 4 points on international spends.
- Travel Benefits:
- Axis Select: Up to 12 international lounge accesses through Priority Pass and 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter on spending โน50,000.
- ICICI Sapphiro: Unlimited domestic lounge visits and up to 4 international lounge visits annually.
- Dining and Lifestyle:
- Axis Select: โน200 off on Swiggy twice a month, exclusive dining offers through EazyDiner.
- ICICI Sapphiro: Exclusive dining offers through the Culinary Treats program.
- Insurance Coverage:
- Axis Select: Comprehensive travel and purchase protection insurance.
- ICICI Sapphiro: Personal air accident insurance and lost card liability cover.
Axis Select Credit Card vs. SBI Card ELITE
- Annual Fee:
- Axis Select: โน3000 (waived on spending โน8 Lakhs annually).
- SBI Card ELITE: โน4999 (waived on spending โน10 Lakhs annually).
- Rewards Program:
- Axis Select: 10 EDGE points per โน200 spent; 2X points on retail shopping up to โน20,000 per month.
- SBI Card ELITE: 2 reward points per โน100 on all spends, 5X points on dining, grocery, and department store spends.
- Travel Benefits:
- Axis Select: Up to 12 international lounge accesses through Priority Pass and 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter on spending โน50,000.
- SBI Card ELITE: Complimentary domestic and international lounge access.
- Dining and Lifestyle:
- Axis Select: โน200 off on Swiggy twice a month, exclusive dining offers through EazyDiner.
- SBI Card ELITE: Complimentary movie tickets and exclusive dining offers.
- Insurance Coverage:
- Axis Select: Comprehensive travel and purchase protection insurance.
- SBI Card ELITE: Comprehensive travel insurance, including air accident cover.
Conclusion and Overall Rating
The Axis Select Credit Card emerges as a strong contender in the premium credit card market, offering a robust suite of benefits and rewards tailored for high-spending individuals. Its comprehensive features are designed to enhance the lifestyle of its users, with particular strengths in travel, dining, and shopping rewards. Below is a summary of the key points and an overall rating for the card.
Key Highlights
- Milestone Benefits:
- Significant rewards with 5000 EDGE points on spending โน3 Lakhs annually.
- Complete annual fee waiver on spending โน8 Lakhs annually, making it cost-effective for high spenders.
- Rewards Program:
- Earn 10 EDGE points per โน200 spent, with 2X points on retail shopping up to โน20,000 per month.
- Exclusions for certain categories, but overall, a generous rewards system for regular spenders.
- Travel Perks:
- Up to 12 international lounge accesses through Priority Pass and 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter based on spending criteria.
- Complimentary golf rounds and lessons add unique value for golf enthusiasts.
- Dining and Lifestyle:
- Substantial dining discounts, including โน200 off on Swiggy twice a month and exclusive offers through EazyDiner.
- Access to the Extraordinary Weekends program for curated lifestyle experiences.
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage:
- Extensive travel and purchase protection insurance, adding peace of mind for frequent travelers.
- Additional Benefits:
- Fuel surcharge waiver, flexible EMI options, and concierge services enhance the overall value proposition.
Comparative Analysis Summary
- Against HDFC Regalia: The Axis Select offers more focused rewards on retail shopping and additional golf benefits, while the Regalia provides higher domestic lounge access.
- Against ICICI Sapphiro: Axis Select has a more attractive rewards structure and additional milestone benefits, though Sapphiro offers unlimited domestic lounge visits.
- Against SBI Card ELITE: Axis Selectโs lower annual fee and unique golf and dining perks provide a competitive edge over SBI Card ELITEโs higher fee and entertainment-focused benefits.
Overall Rating
Considering the comprehensive benefits, user-friendly rewards program, and extensive travel and lifestyle perks, the Axis Select Credit Card is well-suited for high-income individuals who value premium experiences and rewards. Its flexibility in fee waivers and attractive milestone benefits further enhance its appeal, making it a highly recommended choice in the premium credit card segment.
- Strengths: Extensive travel benefits, robust rewards program, comprehensive insurance coverage, unique golf and dining perks.
- Areas for Improvement: Exclusion of certain spending categories from rewards accumulation, relatively high finance charges.
