Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ wins due to a higher base reward rate and excellent returns on grocery and online spends.
  • For travel and lounges, the Select card also leads with both domestic and international lounge access and a lower forex markup.
  • The Axis Bank Privilege Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with a lower joining and annual fee and a more attainable fee waiver threshold.
  • Choose the Privilege card if you want a cost-effective first card focused on domestic lounges and shopping rewards; pick the Select card if you spend heavily on groceries, travel internationally, and want premium benefits.

Side by Side

DetailAxis Bank Privilege Credit CardⓘAxis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 1,500Rs 3,000
Joining feeRs 1,500Rs 3,000
Fee waiver on spendRs 2.50 lakhRs 10.00 lakh
Reward rate0.8% base, 2% online1% base, 4% grocery, 2% online
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge8 per year, 2x per quarter Mastercard-affiliated8 per year
International loungeNone4 per year
Forex markup3.5%1.5%
Best suited forRewards, lounge, first-card, travel, shoppingRewards, grocery, lounge, travel, shopping

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the Axis Bank Privilege Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 80 back at the base rate and Rs 200 if spent online, reflecting its 0.8% base and 2% category return. This card is designed for those who value rewards on online shopping and travel with moderate returns on other spends.

On the other hand, the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 100 at the base rate and Rs 400 on groceries, plus Rs 200 on online spends. The Select card’s 1% base rate and elevated 4% grocery cashback make it more rewarding for frequent grocery buyers and online shoppers alike. This card’s reward structure is more aggressive, targeting users with diverse spending habits.

Fees Compared

The Privilege card charges Rs 1,500 as both joining and annual fees, which are waived on Rs 2.50 lakh annual spend, translating to about Rs 20,833 per month. The Select card’s fees are double at Rs 3,000 joining and annual fees, waived only on Rs 10 lakh annual spend or about Rs 83,333 monthly. This means Select’s higher fee demands heavy usage to justify.

The head-to-head break-even shows that the higher base reward rate of Select covers the extra Rs 1,500 annual fee only after spending about Rs 7.50 lakh more, a significant commitment. Thus, light to moderate spenders will find the Privilege card more economical, while heavy spenders can benefit from the Select card’s superior rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the Axis Bank Privilege Credit Cardⓘ if you want an affordable entry-level card with decent rewards on online shopping and travel, plus access to domestic lounges with manageable fee waiver requirements. It suits first-time credit card users and moderate spenders who prioritize cost-effectiveness.

Choose the Axis Bank Select Credit Cardⓘ if your spending includes significant grocery and online purchases, or if you travel internationally, benefiting from international lounge access and a lower forex markup. This card is ideal for premium users who can meet the high fee waiver threshold and want maximum rewards and benefits.

Skip the Privilege card if you spend heavily on groceries or international travel, as you will miss out on better returns. Skip the Select card if your spend is below Rs 83,333 per month or if you want a lower-cost card with simpler benefits.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly or annual spend thresholds for fee waivers and lounge access to avoid unexpected fees.
  • Understand the redemption process and value of EDGE Reward Points, as points alone do not guarantee value.
  • Calculate if your monthly spend can realistically achieve the fee waiver amounts, especially on the Select card.
  • Check the forex markup charges if you frequently transact abroad, as 3.5% on Privilege is costly compared to 1.5% on Select.
  • Verify the domestic and international lounge locations and Mastercard-affiliated lounge availability for your travel routes.

FAQ

What are the main differences in reward rates between these two cards?+
The Privilege card offers 0.8% base rewards and 2% on online spending, while the Select card has a 1% base rate, 4% on grocery, and 2% on online spends. The Select card provides higher returns especially on groceries.
Can I get lounge access with both cards?+
Both cards offer eight domestic lounge visits per year, but only the Select card includes four international lounge visits annually. The Privilege card restricts lounges to Mastercard-affiliated domestic lounges with quarterly visit limits.
How do the fees and fee waivers compare?+
Privilege card fees are Rs 1,500 annually and waived on Rs 2.50 lakh spend. Select card fees are Rs 3,000 and waived only on Rs 10 lakh spend. Select requires more than three times the spend to waive fees.
Which card is better for foreign currency transactions?+
The Select card has a lower forex markup of 1.5%, costing Rs 1,500 on Rs 1,00,000 abroad, versus 3.5% on Privilege, which costs Rs 3,500, making Select more affordable for international use.
Is the welcome benefit significant on either card?+
Privilege card offers 12,500 EDGE Reward Points worth Rs 2,500, and Select card gives 10,000 points worth Rs 2,000 on the first transaction. Privilege offers a higher value welcome reward but Select’s ongoing rewards may outweigh this advantage.