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Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card VS ICICI Bank Sapphiro 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: 21 July 2026

Both Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card and ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card suit travel-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card costs ₹12,500 + GST and earns 12 EDGE RPs per ₹200 on retail spends up to ₹1.5L/month, then 35 RPs. 60 RPs per ₹200 on Travel EDGE Portal. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card costs ₹6,500 + GST and earns 4 RP/₹100 on international, 2 RP/₹100 on domestic (excl. fuel), 1 RP/₹100 on utility/insurance. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card also brings unlimited complimentary domestic airport lounge access (spend ₹50,000 in preceding 3 months), while ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card counters with 4 complimentary visits/quarter, subject to ₹75,000 spend in preceding quarter. Primary cardholder only. Weigh the fee against the reward rate above to see which fits your spending pattern better.

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹12,500 + GST
Joining Fee₹6,500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹12,500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹3,500 + GST
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 WaiverRenewal fee waiver on spending ₹6 lakhs or more annually in the preceding year.
Foreign Transaction Fees2% of the total transaction amount.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.50% + GST
Interest Rate (APR)3.0% per month (42.58% annually) on extended credit.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum) on purchases, ATM withdrawals, and minimum due payments.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusChoose any one gift voucher worth ₹12,500 from Luxe, Yatra, or Postcard Hotels.
Welcome BonusWelcome vouchers worth over ₹13,000 (Tata CliQ, EaseMyTrip, Da Milano, Croma) & 3 months EazyDiner Prime membership.
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 Rate4 RP/₹100 on international, 2 RP/₹100 on domestic (excl. fuel), 1 RP/₹100 on utility/insurance.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption Fee₹99 + GST

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary domestic airport lounge access (spend ₹50,000 in preceding 3 months). 4 complimentary guest visits annually.
Domestic Lounge Access4 complimentary visits/quarter, subject to ₹75,000 spend in preceding quarter. Primary cardholder only.
International Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary international airport lounge access with Priority Pass membership. 4 complimentary guest visits annually.
International Lounge Access2 complimentary visits/year with Priority Pass/DreamFolks membership. Primary cardholder only.
Travel BenefitsUnlimited complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access. Discounted stays at Oberoi and Leela Palace Hotels.
Travel BenefitsComprehensive travel privileges including lounge access, insurance, and concierge services.
Movie Benefits
Movie BenefitsBuy One Get One Free movie ticket offer via BookMyShow (up to ₹500 off, twice a month), subject to ₹25,000 spend.
Dining Benefits15% discount (up to ₹1,000 via Eazydiner) at over 4,000 restaurants under Axis Dining Delights.
Dining Benefits15% saving on bills at over 2,500 restaurants via ICICI Bank Culinary Treats Programme.
Golf Benefits4 complimentary rounds of green fees per calendar year (max 1 per month) via Mastercard World Program.
Golf BenefitsComplimentary rounds/lessons (up to 4/month), subject to ₹50,000 spend in preceding month.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waived for transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000. Max waiver ₹400 per month.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on transactions up to ₹4,000 (max ₹250/billing cycle) at all fuel pumps.

Security & Other

Insurance BenefitsCredit Shield protection worth ₹5 Lakh, Purchase protection worth ₹2 Lakh, Lost/Delayed Baggage coverage of $500.
Insurance Benefits₹3 Cr air accident, ₹50k credit shield, baggage, travel document, flight delay, and fraud protection.
Cash Advance ChargesNil (interest charges are applicable).
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of transaction amount (minimum ₹500).
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

Who is it for?

The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card is a super-premium offering designed for high-income individuals seeking a luxurious lifestyle. It provides extensive travel benefits, including unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access, and a competitive 2% foreign currency markup. Cardholders enjoy a robust rewards program with accelerated earnings on travel and dining discounts. With comprehensive insurance and an annual fee waiver based on spending, it's ideal for those who frequently travel and spend big.

Who is it for?

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card is a premium offering for frequent travelers and individuals seeking extensive lifestyle benefits. It provides welcome vouchers worth over ₹13,000, complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access, and attractive movie ticket offers. With a comprehensive reward program and various insurance benefits, it's ideal for those looking for a feature-rich card that rewards diverse spending habits.

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.

Generous welcome benefits worth over ₹13,000, significantly offsetting the initial joining fee.

Extensive complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access for globetrotters.

Attractive Buy One Get One Free movie ticket offer and exclusive dining discounts.

Comprehensive insurance coverage, including high air accident and various travel benefits.

Milestone rewards and annual fee waiver enhance long-term value for high spenders.

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.

High joining and annual fees, though welcome benefits and waivers can mitigate costs.

Lounge, movie, and golf benefits are subject to significant spend-based eligibility criteria.

Reward points value is relatively low at ₹0.25 per point, with an additional redemption fee.

High foreign currency markup and interest rates make it less ideal for specific uses.

Movie benefit eligibility changes to a spend-based model from April 1, 2026.

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.
Apply for Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card(opens in new tab)