Ixigo AU Credit Card vs ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ wins for travel-related spending with a high 5% reward rate on travel expenses.
• The ICICI Bank Coral Credit Cardⓘ is better suited for everyday spends like groceries and utilities, thanks to category rewards.
• Ixigo AU card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while ICICI Coral charges Rs 500 for each.
• Pick Ixigo AU if you travel frequently and want lounge access with a low spend gate; choose ICICI Coral for a first card with rewards on daily essentials and dining.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

On a standard Rs 10,000 spend, both the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ and the ICICI Bank Coral Credit Cardⓘ provide a base reward return of Rs 50, equivalent to a 0.5% rate. However, their category rewards set them apart. The Ixigo AU card excels with a 5% reward rate on travel spend, which translates to Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent specifically on travel categories. It also offers 1% rewards on UPI transactions, yielding Rs 100 per Rs 10,000.

In contrast, the ICICI Coral card targets everyday spends such as groceries and utilities with a 1% reward rate in these categories, providing Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 spent. While it lacks a special travel reward rate, it is positioned more as a first card with rewards on essentials and dining, making it versatile for general use but less rewarding for travel enthusiasts.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ offers a compelling zero joining and annual fee structure with a fee waiver threshold at Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month. This makes it accessible and economical for moderate spenders focused on travel and UPI payments.

Meanwhile, the ICICI Bank Coral Credit Cardⓘ charges both a joining and an annual fee of Rs 500 each. The fee waiver requires a higher annual spend of Rs 1.50 lakh or Rs 12,500 monthly, which may be challenging for some users. The Coral card’s break-even on fee recovery via base rewards is around Rs 1.00 lakh spend annually, assuming no category-specific rewards are factored in.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler or someone who uses UPI payments regularly. Its strong 5% travel rewards and free lounge access with a low spend gate of Rs 30,000 quarterly make it an excellent choice for those prioritizing travel perks without paying fees.

Opt for the ICICI Bank Coral Credit Cardⓘ if you want a reliable first credit card with rewards on grocery and utility spends alongside dining benefits. Despite the fees, it is suitable for users who can meet the higher waiver spend and want a balanced everyday card with lounge access.

In summary, travel-focused users should skip the Coral card due to its lack of travel rewards and higher fees, while casual or essentials-focused spenders might avoid Ixigo AU since its rewards outside travel and UPI are minimal. The clear winner for travel and fee-conscious use is the Ixigo AU Credit Card.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if the travel and UPI reward categories have any caps or limits that reduce effective returns.
• Investigate the redemption value of points for both cards, especially since both use points rather than cashback.
• Calculate carefully the monthly spend needed to waive fees and whether your typical spend pattern meets those thresholds.
• If you plan forex transactions, note both cards have a 3.5% forex markup, which is standard but costly for frequent international spenders.
• Verify the domestic lounge access gates, Ixigo AU requires Rs 30,000 quarterly spend, while ICICI Coral asks for Rs 75,000 quarterly, which impacts ease of lounge use.

FAQ