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

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spend, both the Ixigo AU Credit Card and the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card offer the same base reward rate of 0.5%, equating to Rs 50 per Rs 10,000 spent.
• The Ixigo AU Credit Card clearly wins for travel spend with a 5% reward rate on travel categories, earning Rs 500 per Rs 10,000 spent, plus access to four domestic lounges per year.
• Both cards have no joining or annual fees, making them equally cheap to hold, but the Ixigo card requires Rs 1 lakh annual spend for fee waiver benefits related to lounge access.
• Choose the Ixigo card if you prioritize travel rewards and occasional lounge access; pick the ICICI Platinum Chip card if you want a simple, no-fee card suited for first-time users focusing on dining and shopping without lounge needs.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

Examining rewards on Rs 10,000 spent, the Ixigo AU Credit Card returns Rs 50 at the base rate of 0.5%, identical to the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card which also offers Rs 50. However, the Ixigo card shines when spending in the travel category, awarding a substantial Rs 500 for every Rs 10,000 spent, a 5% effective return. It also offers 1% returns on UPI transactions, adding Rs 100 per Rs 10,000. The ICICI card’s category-specific enhancement is limited to utilities at 0.5%, equating to Rs 50 per Rs 10,000, effectively no uplift over its base rate. This positions the Ixigo card as a rewarding choice for those with travel expenses, while the ICICI card suits general usage without category focus.

Fees Compared

Both cards boast no joining or annual fees, making them cost-effective options in that regard. The Ixigo AU Credit Card does require Rs 1 lakh in annual spend to maintain fee waiver benefits related to lounge access and other perks; this breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month. The ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card carries no such spend condition for fee waiver, as it is lifetime free with no fees or spend requirements. Since both cards have zero fees, the break-even analysis is straightforward but the Ixigo card’s lounge privileges come with a spend gate that may require disciplined usage to maximize value.

Which One Should You Pick

The Ixigo AU Credit Card is ideal for frequent travellers who want to maximize rewards on travel spends and enjoy domestic lounge access. Its higher category rewards and lounge benefits make it a great companion for those who can meet the Rs 1 lakh annual spend requirement. It is less suitable for users who do not travel or who cannot meet the quarterly Rs 30,000 spend needed to unlock lounges.

The ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card suits first-time credit card users or those looking for a simple, no-fee card for everyday dining, shopping, and utility payments without the fuss of spending thresholds or lounge access. It is perfect for users who want a straightforward rewards structure without travel or lounge perks. Those who want travel rewards or lounge access should skip this card.

In the final call, if travel rewards and lounge access matter, the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ wins. Otherwise, for basic no-fee usage with decent rewards on utilities and dining, the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card ⓘ is a solid choice.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm the Rs 30,000 quarterly spend requirement on the Ixigo card to access domestic lounges, as missing this gate limits lounge benefits.
• Verify the redemption value and flexibility of reward points, especially for the Ixigo card’s travel and UPI rewards.
• Understand the Rs 1 lakh annual spend threshold on the Ixigo card for fee waiver-related perks and whether you can comfortably meet it.
• Be aware that both cards apply a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but costly for overseas use.
• Check the number and locations of domestic lounges accessible with the Ixigo card to ensure they align with your travel patterns.

FAQ