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Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card VS ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 18 July 2026

Axis Bank Magnus charges ₹12,500 + GST for up to 30% dining discounts at 4,000+ restaurants and unlimited domestic and international lounge access - a super-premium card, often by invitation. ICICI Bank Platinum Chip is entirely free with a 15% dining discount via Culinary Treats and general retail rewards. For most applicants who don't meet Magnus's high-spend eligibility, Platinum Chip's free dining discount is the realistic option; Magnus is worth considering only if you're already positioned for its premium invitation tier.

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹12,500 + GST
Joining FeeLifetime Free
Renewal Fee₹12,500 + GST
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Spend Based WaiverAnnual membership fee waived on expenditure of ₹25 Lakhs or more in the preceding anniversary year (₹30 Lakhs for Burgundy variant).
Spend Based WaiverNot applicable as the card is Lifetime Free.
Foreign Transaction Fees2% of the total transaction amount.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% on all international transactions.
Interest Rate (APR)3.0% per month (42.58% annually) on extended credit.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum) on overdue amounts, ATM withdrawals, and if only the minimum due is paid.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusChoose any one gift voucher worth ₹12,500 from Luxe, Yatra, or Postcard Hotels.
Welcome Bonus
Rewards Rate12 EDGE RPs per ₹200 on retail spends up to ₹1.5L/month, then 35 RPs. 60 RPs per ₹200 on Travel EDGE Portal.
Rewards RateEarn 2 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on retail transactions; 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 on utilities and insurance.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption Fee₹99 + GST per redemption request.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary domestic airport lounge access (spend ₹50,000 in preceding 3 months). 4 complimentary guest visits annually.
Domestic Lounge Access
International Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary international airport lounge access with Priority Pass membership. 4 complimentary guest visits annually.
International Lounge Access
Travel BenefitsUnlimited complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access. Discounted stays at Oberoi and Leela Palace Hotels.
Travel Benefits
Movie Benefits
Movie Benefits
Dining Benefits15% discount (up to ₹1,000 via Eazydiner) at over 4,000 restaurants under Axis Dining Delights.
Dining BenefitsUp to 15% discount at over 2500+ restaurants in India through the ICICI Bank Culinary Treats Programme.
Golf Benefits4 complimentary rounds of green fees per calendar year (max 1 per month) via Mastercard World Program.
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waived for transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000. Max waiver ₹400 per month.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions done at HPCL fuel stations. This waiver applies to fuel transactions worth ₹400 to ₹4,000.

Security & Other

Insurance BenefitsCredit Shield protection worth ₹5 Lakh, Purchase protection worth ₹2 Lakh, Lost/Delayed Baggage coverage of $500.
Insurance Benefits
Cash Advance ChargesNil (interest charges are applicable).
Cash Advance ChargesHigher of ₹500 or 2.5% of the amount withdrawn.
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Unlimited international and domestic lounge access for primary and add-on cardholders.

Reduced foreign currency markup fee of 2% makes international spends more economical.

Comprehensive insurance benefits including Credit Shield cover and purchase protection.

Lifetime Free option for eligible Axis Bank Burgundy Salary Account holders.

The Burgundy variant offers an improved 5:4 reward point transfer ratio for travel.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

The ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card is lifetime free with no joining or annual fees.

Earns valuable reward points on everyday retail, utility, and insurance expenditures.

Enjoy significant savings with up to 15% discount on dining via the Culinary Treats Programme.

Benefit from a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at HPCL pumps for transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000.

Conveniently convert your large purchases into easy and manageable EMI options.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

High annual income requirement of ₹24 Lakhs makes it inaccessible for many applicants.

No golf benefits are explicitly listed in the main product details, unlike other premium cards.

Several benefits like movie BOGO offers and concierge services have been removed recently.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

A redemption fee of ₹99 + GST is applicable for each reward point redemption request.

The card levies a relatively high foreign currency markup fee of 3.5% on international transactions.

High interest rates of 3.75% per month apply to overdue amounts and cash advances.

Significant cash advance fees are charged, which can be costly for emergency withdrawals.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.