Quick Verdict

  • The Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ wins for travel and UPI spends with a high 5% reward rate on travel and 1% on UPI transactions.
  • The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ is the better choice for dining and online shopping due to its 15% and 5% category reward rates respectively.
  • The Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fee, while the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 500 for both.
  • Choose the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ if you prioritize travel rewards and fee-free usage; pick Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ if you spend heavily on dining and online shopping and value the welcome SonyLiv subscription.

Side by Side

DetailIxigo AU Credit Card ⓘAxis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakhNone
Reward rate0.5% base0.4% base
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge4 per year (Rs 30,000 quarterly spend gate)4 per year (Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate)
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forTravel, UPI, LoungeDining, First-card, Cashback, Shopping

Rewards Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.5%, translating to Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent. Its standout feature is the 5% reward rate on travel spends, yielding Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 in travel expenses, and 1% on UPI transactions, giving Rs 100 back. This makes it highly attractive for travelers and users who frequently transact via UPI. For general spends outside these categories, the returns are modest.

On the other hand, the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ has a slightly lower base rate of 0.4%, or Rs 40 back per Rs 10,000 spent. However, it excels in dining and online shopping categories, offering 15% and 5% respectively. This translates to Rs 1,500 back on Rs 10,000 dining spend and Rs 500 on Rs 10,000 online spend, making it a lucrative option for foodies and online shoppers. The card’s rewards are thus more focused on lifestyle and shopping categories rather than travel.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ stands out with zero joining and annual fees, making it free to hold for life. The only condition to avoid any implicit cost is to spend Rs 1,00,000 annually, or about Rs 8,333 per month, to maintain fee waiver benefits related to lounges. This is reasonable for moderate spenders who value travel perks.

Conversely, the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ demands a joining fee of Rs 500 and an annual fee of Rs 500. There is no fee waiver threshold, so these fees are payable regardless of spend. The card requires Rs 1,25,000 in annual spend just to cover the Rs 1,000 combined fees via rewards at the base rate, which is higher than Ixigo’s waiver requirement. This makes Axis Bank My Zone less attractive for low spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ if you are a frequent traveler or UPI user who wants a no-fee card with solid travel rewards and domestic lounge access. It suits those who can spend Rs 1,00,000 annually to unlock full benefits and want to avoid any joining or annual fees. It is less ideal if you want international lounge access or higher rewards on dining.

Choose the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ if your spending is concentrated on dining and online shopping categories, and you value the SonyLiv subscription welcome benefit. It fits first-time credit card users or lifestyle spenders who can absorb the Rs 1,000 in fees and spend enough to maximize category rewards. Avoid it if you dislike paying upfront fees or travel frequently without dining focus.

In conclusion, travelers and UPI users should lean towards the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ for its fee-free structure and travel rewards, while lifestyle spenders focused on dining and online shopping will find better value in the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ. Those looking for a fee-free card with travel perks should skip Axis Bank My Zone, and those wanting high dining rewards without fees should skip Ixigo AU Credit Card.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly spend gates for domestic lounge access: Rs 30,000 for Ixigo AU and Rs 50,000 for Axis Bank My Zone.
  • Check the redemption options and value of points, as both cards use points but with different reward structures.
  • Understand the fee waiver math: Ixigo waives fees after Rs 1,00,000 annual spend, Axis Bank My Zone has no waiver.
  • Beware of the 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency spends, which applies equally to both cards.
  • Verify the availability and location of domestic lounge partners to ensure convenient access.

FAQ

What are the joining and annual fees for these cards?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ has no joining or annual fees for life. The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 500 as joining fee and Rs 500 as annual fee.
Do these cards offer international lounge access?+
No, neither the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ nor the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ provides international lounge access. Both offer four domestic lounge visits per year with spend-based gates.
How much do I need to spend to waive fees on these cards?+
Only the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ has a fee waiver condition requiring Rs 1,00,000 annual spend or about Rs 8,333 per month. Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ does not offer any fee waiver.
What reward categories do these cards excel in?+
Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ excels in travel (5%) and UPI (1%) spends, while Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card ⓘ offers high rewards on dining (15%) and online shopping (5%).
Are forex charges the same on both cards?+
Yes, both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard for Indian credit cards.