When it comes to travel credit cards, choosing the right one can help you save more and enjoy better experiences. In India, two popular names in the credit card market are ICICI Bank and Axis Bank. Both banks have travel-focused credit cards that give great perks like free lounge access, travel deals, and reward points.
But the real question is – ICICI vs Axis Bank Credit Cards: which one gives better travel benefits?
In this article, we will compare both banks and their travel credit cards, based on key features such as lounge access, travel rewards, discounts, and other travel-related perks. This will help you decide which bank’s credit cards suit your travel needs better.
Comparing ICICI vs Axis Bank Credit Cards for Travel Lovers
Let’s look at some of the most popular travel cards by both banks and compare the main features they provide to frequent flyers and travelers.
Airport Lounge Access
ICICI Bank Credit Cards:
- Cards like ICICI Coral and ICICI Sapphiro offer domestic and international airport lounge access.
- ICICI Sapphiro gives 4 free international lounge access visits every year through the Dreamfolks membership.
- Coral Credit Card offers 1 free domestic lounge visit per quarter.
Axis Bank Credit Cards:
- Axis Magnus and Axis Vistara Infinite offer premium travel perks.
- Axis Magnus provides unlimited domestic lounge access and 8 free international lounge visits yearly.
- Even entry-level cards like Axis Flipkart give free domestic lounge visits.
When comparing ICICI vs Axis Bank Credit Cards, Axis Bank wins in lounge access, especially for international travelers.
Travel Booking Benefits
ICICI Bank Credit Cards:
- ICICI cards let you book flights and hotels through their partners, sometimes with discounts.
- You can use reward points for travel-related bookings.
- Some cards also have tie-ups with travel apps like MakeMyTrip.
Axis Bank Credit Cards:
- Axis Bank has better tie-ups with brands like Yatra, Cleartrip, and Ixigo.
- Axis Magnus gives monthly vouchers and travel discounts worth up to ₹10,000 on hitting the monthly spending target.
Axis Bank is better for those who travel often and book online, as their cards give better rewards and vouchers.
Reward Points for Travel
ICICI Bank Credit Cards:
- ICICI’s reward system is simple but has a lower earning rate.
- Most cards give 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent.
- These points can be used for flight or hotel bookings through ICICI’s rewards portal.
Axis Bank Credit Cards:
- Axis Magnus gives 12 EDGE reward points per ₹200 spent.
- You get bonus points on travel bookings and milestone spending.
- Points are more valuable when used for travel redemptions.
In the comparison of ICICI vs Axis Bank Credit Cards, Axis Bank again takes the lead with more rewarding points and higher value when used for travel.
Travel Insurance and Protection
ICICI Bank Credit Cards:
- Some cards come with basic travel insurance such as lost baggage, flight delays, and accident cover.
- These are usually available on premium cards only.
Axis Bank Credit Cards:
- Axis Vistara and Axis Magnus offer better travel insurance coverage, including medical emergencies, lost luggage, and air accident insurance.
- Some even cover hotel stays due to flight delays.
Axis Bank offers better and broader insurance on its travel cards.
Co-branded Travel Credit Cards
ICICI Bank Credit Cards:
- ICICI has a co-branded card with MakeMyTrip, which offers benefits like free MMT Black membership and discounts on bookings.
- Suitable for those who use MakeMyTrip frequently.
Axis Bank Credit Cards:
- Axis Bank has tie-ups with Vistara and Air India.
- The Axis Vistara Infinite Card gives complimentary business-class tickets, club memberships, and air miles.
For air travel, Axis Bank’s co-branded cards are more useful. But if you book hotels and holidays on MakeMyTrip, ICICI cards may be better.
Final Thoughts on ICICI vs Axis Bank Credit Cards
After comparing the top features that matter for travel – like lounge access, travel rewards, booking discounts, and co-branded perks – it is clear that Axis Bank Credit Cards have the upper hand in most areas.
Whether you want international lounge access, high reward points, or travel vouchers, Axis Bank’s travel credit cards offer more value. Cards like Axis Magnus or Axis Vistara Infinite are ideal for those who travel regularly.
However, ICICI Bank Credit Cards are also good for casual travelers who don’t travel too often but still want some travel benefits like free domestic lounge access or hotel booking discounts. Cards like ICICI Coral and ICICI MMT Signature are more suitable for moderate usage.
So, the final choice depends on your travel habits. If you fly frequently, Axis Bank credit cards are better. But if you travel occasionally and prefer simple features, ICICI credit cards can still be useful.
Also Read:- Kotak Mahindra Bank Credit Card for Online Shopping
Bottom Line
Both banks offer good travel credit cards, but when we compare ICICI vs Axis Bank Credit Cards, Axis Bank gives better perks for frequent travelers. Their cards offer more lounge visits, stronger reward programs, and better tie-ups with airlines and travel websites. Still, your decision should match how you travel. If you’re someone who travels for work or goes abroad often, Axis Bank is a better choice. But for domestic travel and simple savings, ICICI can also be a smart pick.