Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spending, the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 1% compared to 0.4% on the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ.
  • For dining and online shopping, the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ shines with category returns up to 15%, significantly higher than the Standard Chartered card’s 2% in online and travel categories.
  • The Standard Chartered card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the Axis Bank card charges Rs 500 for both.
  • Choose the Axis Bank My Zone cardⓘ if you prioritize dining rewards and are a first-time credit card user; pick the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite cardⓘ if you want premium travel benefits, lounge access, and a fee-free experience.

Side by Side

DetailAxis Bank My Zone Credit CardⓘStandard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendNot recordedNot recorded
Reward rate0.4% base, 15% dining, 5% online1% base, 2% online, 2% travel
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge4 per year (Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate)Unlimited
International loungeNone6 per year
Forex markup3.5%2%
Best suited forDining, first-card, cashback, shoppingPremium, lounge, travel, lifetime-free, shopping

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 40 back at the base rate, but this jumps dramatically to Rs 1,500 for dining and Rs 500 for online purchases due to category bonuses. This makes it a strong choice for users who spend heavily on dining and online shopping. In contrast, the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offers a straightforward 1% base reward, translating to Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent, with a modest 2% return in online and travel categories, or Rs 200 per Rs 10,000. This card rewards consistent everyday spending and travel-related expenses with a steady return.

The Axis Bank card’s high category rewards come with a caveat of a quarterly Rs 50,000 spend gate for domestic lounge access, which may limit its appeal for frequent travelers. Meanwhile, the Standard Chartered card’s unlimited domestic lounge access and six international lounge visits per year add tangible value for travel enthusiasts, complementing its travel category rewards.

Fees Compared

The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 500 each for joining and annual fees. There is no explicit fee waiver on spend mentioned, so these fees are due regardless of usage. The card’s base reward rate of 0.4% means you need to spend approximately Rs 1,25,000 annually just to cover the Rs 500 annual fee through rewards alone. The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it a cost-effective option for those who prefer a fee-free premium card. Without fee waivers or charges, the Standard Chartered card’s break-even is immediate, favoring users who want to avoid fee-related calculations.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ if you are a first-time credit card user or someone who spends heavily on dining and online shopping. Its high category rewards and welcome benefit of a free SonyLiv subscription worth Rs 1,499 add extra value. However, be mindful of the Rs 500 fees and the quarterly spend gate for lounge access. This card is less suitable for frequent international travelers due to the lack of international lounge access and a higher forex markup of 3.5%.

Opt for the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you seek a premium, fee-free card with unlimited domestic lounge access, international lounge visits, and lower forex markup at 2%. It suits those with a Priority Banking relationship who want steady rewards on travel and online spends without worrying about fees. This card is less attractive if you want very high rewards on dining or if you do not have access to Priority Banking.

In summary, the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for category-focused spenders looking for big rewards on dining and online purchases, while the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ is better for premium users who value lounge access, travel perks, and fee-free ownership. Skip the Axis Bank card if you want a fee-free premium experience or travel internationally often. Skip the Standard Chartered card if you want the highest category rewards on dining and online shopping.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if the Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate for domestic lounges on the Axis Bank cardⓘ fits your spending pattern.
  • Check the redemption value and ease of redeeming points for both cards, as reward type is points for both.
  • Verify the waiver maths carefully for the Axis Bank cardⓘ, since fee waiver on spend is not specified.
  • Consider the forex markup differences: 3.5% on Axis Bank My Zoneⓘ versus 2% on Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infiniteⓘ.
  • Look at the lounge access locations and gates to ensure they align with your travel routes and preferences.

FAQ

What is the joining fee for each card?+
The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 500 as a joining fee, whereas the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ has no joining fee and is lifetime free.
Do both cards offer lounge access?+
The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ offers 4 domestic lounge visits per year with a Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate but no international lounges. The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ provides unlimited domestic lounge access and 6 international lounge visits annually.
Which card has a better forex markup for international spending?+
The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ has a lower forex markup of 2%, compared to 3.5% on the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ.
Are there any welcome benefits?+
Yes, the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ offers a free SonyLiv subscription worth Rs 1,499. The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ provides benefits tied to Priority Banking relationships but no specific welcome gift.
Can these cards be used for premium travel and shopping?+
The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ is better suited for premium travel and shopping with its lounge access and higher base reward rate. The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Cardⓘ is more focused on dining and online shopping rewards.