Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate, making it the better choice.
  • For travel and lounge access, the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ also wins with more domestic and international lounge visits.
  • The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with lower joining and annual fees.
  • Pick Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ if you prefer dining rewards and lower fees; choose Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ if you travel frequently and want better lounge access and higher base rewards.

Side by Side

DetailAxis Bank My Zone Credit CardⓘMakemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 500Rs 999
Joining feeRs 500Rs 999
Fee waiver on spendNone specifiedNone specified
Reward rate0.4% base, 15% dining, 5% online1.25% base, 6% travel, 2.5% dining
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per year (Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate)8 per year
International loungeNone4 per year
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fordining, first-card, cashback, shoppingtravel, lounge, rewards

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ provides Rs 40 back as a base reward, which is modest. However, it shines in dining and online spends, returning Rs 1,500 and Rs 500 respectively on Rs 10,000 spent in those categories, reflecting its focus on dining and shopping rewards. This makes it attractive for users who spend heavily on dining and online purchases.

Meanwhile, the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ delivers a stronger base reward of Rs 125 per Rs 10,000 spent, which is more than three times higher than Axis Bank’s base rate. It offers Rs 600 back on travel category spending and Rs 250 on dining per Rs 10,000 spent, indicating a rewards structure tailored to travel and moderate dining spenders. The higher base rate translates to better rewards on non-category spends.

Fees Compared

The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ has a joining and annual fee of Rs 500 each, making it a low-cost option. There is no specified fee waiver threshold, so these fees are payable regardless of spend. The Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ charges higher fees of Rs 999 for both joining and annual fees. It also lacks a fee waiver on spending. The head-to-head extra annual fee for the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ compared to the Axis card is Rs 499. To offset this higher fee through rewards, you would need to spend around Rs 58,706 more on the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ, considering its higher base reward rate.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ if you are a dining enthusiast or a first-time credit card user looking for a low-cost card with decent category rewards and some domestic lounge access. It is also good for shoppers who want straightforward points for online spend. However, if you are not planning large spends to offset the fees, the Axis card keeps your costs low.

Opt for the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler who values higher rewards on all spend and desires more lounge visits, both domestic and international. The card’s higher fees make sense if you spend enough to cover them and want premium travel benefits, including the MMTBLACK Gold Tier Membership. Those who do not travel often or spend substantially should avoid this card to prevent paying unnecessary fees.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify any caps on category rewards or lounge access to ensure you can maximize benefits.
  • Understand the redemption value and process for points, as the cards use points but value and ease of redemption can differ.
  • Check the fee waiver thresholds carefully; neither card explicitly waives fees based on spend, so fees could be unavoidable.
  • Be aware of the 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but can add up during travel.
  • Confirm the domestic lounge locations and international lounge airport gates to ensure convenient access during your travels.

FAQ

What is the forex markup fee on these cards?+
Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency spend, which is standard for Indian credit cards.
Does the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card offer international lounge access?+
No, the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ provides only domestic lounge access, with 4 visits per year subject to a Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate.
Can I waive the annual fee on the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card with spending?+
There is no specified fee waiver on spend for the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ, so the joining and annual fees are likely payable regardless of spend.
Which card offers better rewards on dining?+
The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ offers a superior reward rate of 15% on dining compared to Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ’s 2.5%, making it better for heavy dining spenders.
How many domestic and international lounge visits do these cards provide?+
The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ offers 4 domestic lounges a year, while the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ offers 8 domestic and 4 international lounge visits annually.