Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 3.33% compared to 2.4% on the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ.
  • For travel and lounge benefits, the HDFC BizBlack Metal Edition also leads with unlimited international lounge access, whereas Axis Magnus offers 8 visits per year and requires quarterly spend gates.
  • The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ is more expensive to hold with a Rs 12,500 joining and annual fee, compared to Rs 10,000 each on the HDFC BizBlack Metal Editionⓘ.
  • Choose Axis Bank Magnusⓘ if you value curated premium gifts and dining privileges; pick HDFC BizBlack Metal Editionⓘ if you want superior rewards on travel and utilities with better lounge access and a lower fee.

Side by Side

DetailAxis Bank Magnus Credit CardⓘHDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 12,500Rs 10,000
Joining feeRs 12,500Rs 10,000
Fee waiver on spendRs 7.50 lakh annually (Rs 62,500 per month)
Reward rate2.4% base3.33% base; 16.67% travel; 3.33% utilities
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic loungeUnlimited (Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate)Unlimited
International lounge8 per yearUnlimited
Forex markup2%2%
Best suited forpremium, travel, lounge, forex, dining, shoppingbusiness, premium, travel, lounge, rewards

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 240 worth of points at the base rate of 2.4%. This is a solid return for a premium card, especially considering its curated welcome benefit in the form of a Rs 12,500 gift voucher. The card’s rewards are general-purpose points, which can be valuable but do not have elevated category multipliers.

In contrast, the HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 333 back per Rs 10,000 spent at its base rate of 3.33%, making it the more rewarding option for everyday purchases. It also offers exceptional category returns, particularly in travel where the rate surges to 16.67%, equating to Rs 1,667 back on Rs 10,000 spent. Utilities also earn a higher 3.33% rate. This makes the BizBlack Metal Edition highly attractive for business users and travelers who can leverage these category bonuses.

Fees Compared

The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ charges a hefty Rs 12,500 joining and annual fee with no fee waiver on spend, meaning the fee is due regardless of your annual expenditure. To cover the fee purely with rewards at the base rate, you need to spend about Rs 5.21 lakh annually.

Meanwhile, the HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ has a lower joining and annual fee of Rs 10,000 each. More importantly, the fee can be waived if you spend Rs 7.50 lakh annually or Rs 62,500 monthly. The break-even spend to cover the fee at base rates is about Rs 3.00 lakh, significantly lower than Axis Magnus. This makes the BizBlack Metal Edition more flexible for fee-conscious users who can meet the waiver threshold.

Which One Should You Pick

The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ suits premium lifestyle users who want curated luxury gifts like the Rs 12,500 welcome voucher and dining privileges through EazyDiner Prime membership. It is ideal if you value exclusive perks and are comfortable with a high annual fee without a waiver option. Skip this card if you prefer higher rewards or fee waivers on spend.

The HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ is perfect for business professionals and frequent travelers who want the highest rewards on travel and utilities plus unlimited lounge access both domestic and international. Its fee waiver on Rs 7.50 lakh annual spend makes it attractive for high spenders who want to avoid fees. Avoid this card if your spend is low or you do not value travel and lounge benefits.

Overall, the HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ is the better all-rounder for rewards and travel perks at a lower cost with fee waiver flexibility. The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ is for those seeking curated luxury and dining benefits and willing to pay a premium fee.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly Rs 50,000 domestic lounge spend gate on Axis Magnusⓘ to ensure you qualify for unlimited lounge access.
  • Check the redemption options and value for points on both cards to maximize your rewards.
  • Understand the monthly spend of Rs 62,500 needed to waive the HDFC BizBlack Metal Editionⓘ annual fee.
  • Note the 2% forex markup on both cards when using them abroad, which adds to foreign spend cost.
  • Verify which lounges are accessible with each card and if any require separate enrollment or conditions.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Both the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ and HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ charge a 2% forex markup on foreign currency transactions. This means for Rs 1,00,000 spent abroad, you pay Rs 2,000 as forex fees.
Are there any fee waivers available?+
The HDFC BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ offers a fee waiver if you spend Rs 7.50 lakh annually or Rs 62,500 monthly. The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ does not provide any fee waiver on spend.
How many airport lounges can I access with these cards?+
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ offers unlimited domestic lounge access subject to a Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate and 8 international lounge visits per year. HDFC BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ provides unlimited domestic and international lounge access.
What welcome benefits do these cards offer?+
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Cardⓘ gives a gift voucher worth Rs 12,500 from Luxe, Yatra, or Postcard Hotels. HDFC BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ offers Club Marriott Membership and Taj Vouchers worth Rs 5,000.
Which card is better for travel rewards?+
HDFC BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ is superior for travel, offering a 16.67% reward rate on travel spends and unlimited international lounge access, making it the preferred choice for frequent travelers.