Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card vs SBI AURUM Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card ⓘ wins for everyday spend due to its higher base reward rate of 2.4% compared to SBI Aurum’s 1%.
• For travel and lounge access, Axis Magnus ⓘ edges ahead with 8 international lounge visits annually versus 6 with SBI Aurum, plus premium concierge and dining benefits.
• The SBI AURUM Credit Card ⓘ is cheaper to hold with a lower joining and annual fee of Rs 9,999 each versus Rs 12,500 for Magnus.
• Choose Axis Magnus ⓘ if you spend heavily across categories including forex and lounges and want premium travel perks. Pick SBI Aurum ⓘ for moderate spenders who want good dining rewards and a lower fee.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

With Rs 10,000 spent, the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card ⓘ delivers Rs 240 in value from its base reward rate of 2.4%. This is more than double the Rs 100 earned by the SBI AURUM Credit Card ⓘ at 1%. However, SBI Aurum offers elevated category rates of 2.5% for dining and grocery spends, yielding Rs 250 back on Rs 10,000 spent in these categories, slightly surpassing Magnus’s base return. Magnus, on the other hand, provides a strong flat rate that benefits diverse spending including forex, shopping, and travel.

Thus, for everyday generic purchases, Axis Magnus ⓘ offers superior rewards, but SBI Aurum ⓘ shines for dining and grocery expenditures. Both cards reward premium spenders well, but the higher base rate and additional perks on Magnus ⓘ make it the better all-rounder.

Fees Compared

The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 12,500 as both joining and annual fees, which is Rs 2,501 higher than the Rs 9,999 fee structure of SBI AURUM ⓘ. Neither card lists a fee waiver threshold based on spend, so these fees are guaranteed costs annually. To justify the higher fee, a Magnus user must spend about Rs 5.21 lakh to cover the fee via its 2.4% reward rate, compared to Rs 10 lakh spend needed on SBI Aurum ⓘ at 1%.

The head-to-head extra spend needed to offset Magnus’s higher return is Rs 1.79 lakh, indicating it pays off only for heavier spenders. SBI Aurum ⓘ is more economical for those with moderate annual spends.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card ⓘ if you are a premium user who spends heavily across travel, dining, forex, and shopping categories. Its higher base reward rate, 8 international lounge visits, and premium benefits like EazyDiner Prime membership make it excellent for frequent travellers and luxury spenders. However, skip it if your annual spend is below Rs 5.21 lakh, as the higher fees may not be worthwhile.

Opt for the SBI AURUM Credit Card ⓘ if you want a lower fee card with strong rewards on dining and grocery categories. Its 2.5% returns in these categories plus 6 international lounge accesses and concierge services suit moderate spenders who prioritize dining and travel rewards. Avoid it if you expect to spend very heavily across categories where 1% rewards lag behind other premium cards.

Overall, Axis Magnus ⓘ is the better pick for high spenders seeking luxury benefits, while SBI Aurum ⓘ offers a good balance of rewards and fees for more selective premium users.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if the Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate on domestic lounges for Magnus ⓘ fits your travel pattern.
• Check if the reward points redemption options and values match your preferences to avoid poor value conversions.
• Verify if the joining and annual fee waivers are truly unavailable or if there are any hidden conditions.
• Consider forex markup fees carefully if you frequently transact abroad; both hover around 2% but small differences add up.
• Review the list of lounges accessible under unlimited domestic visits to ensure coverage where you travel most.

FAQ