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Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card VS Times Black ICICI Bank 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

Both Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card and Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card suit travel-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card costs ₹20,000 + GST and earns 1 EDGE Mile/₹100 domestic (4% effective) & 2 EDGE Miles/₹100 international (5.8% effective). Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card costs ₹20,000 + GST and earns 2.5% RP on international spends, 2% RP on domestic spends. Capped on utilities/insurance. Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card also brings unlimited domestic lounge access for primary & add-on cardholders + 10 guest visits annually, while Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card counters with unlimited complimentary access for primary and add-on cardholders by swiping the card. If international spends spending matters more, go with Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card; if dining is the priority, Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card fits better.

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹20,000 + GST
Joining Fee₹20,000 + GST
Renewal Fee₹20,000 + GST
Renewal Fee₹20,000 + GST
Spend Based Waiver
Spend Based WaiverAnnual fee waived from 2nd year on ₹25 Lakh spends in the previous year.
Foreign Transaction Fees1.8% + GST (effective 2.12%) on international spends.
Foreign Transaction Fees1.49%
Interest Rate (APR)3.6% Monthly (52.86% Annually).
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month on outstanding balance if only minimum due is paid.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusTaj/ITC Hotel vouchers worth ₹10,000 & 2,500 EDGE Miles on first transaction.
Welcome BonusLuxury stay gift cards (₹10-12K), lifestyle vouchers (₹4K), Zomato Gold, travel visa benefits (₹10K).
Rewards RateEarn 1 EDGE Mile/₹100 domestic (4% effective) & 2 EDGE Miles/₹100 international (5.8% effective).
Rewards RateEarn 2.5% RP on international spends, 2% RP on domestic spends. Capped on utilities/insurance.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption Fee
Reward Redemption FeeNot applicable.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessUnlimited domestic lounge access for primary & add-on cardholders + 10 guest visits annually.
Domestic Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary access for primary and add-on cardholders by swiping the card.
International Lounge AccessUnlimited international lounge access via Priority Pass for primary & add-on cardholders + 10 guest visits.
International Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary access for primary/add-on cardholders via Priority Pass.
Travel BenefitsUnlimited lounge access, 8 concierge services, 2 airport transfers, 3rd night free on Hotels.com.
Travel BenefitsUnlimited domestic/international lounge access, 1.49% Forex markup, luxury airport transfers, Avis discounts.
Movie BenefitsBOGO on movie tickets (up to ₹650) & non-movie tickets (up to ₹1,000) via BookMyShow.
Movie Benefits
Dining Benefits30% discount up to ₹1,000 on dining via Axis Dining Delights. Also Taj Epicure membership.
Dining BenefitsAnnual Zomato Gold membership, 20% dining discount at select premium restaurants via The Quorum Club.
Golf Benefits8 complimentary golf rounds/lessons annually; earn 1 extra round per ₹50,000 spend.
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on fuel transactions at all stations, up to ₹1,000 per statement cycle.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Insurance BenefitsComprehensive insurance: Air accident (₹3 Cr), purchase protection (₹1.4L), credit shield (₹1L), travel covers.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% (Minimum ₹500).
Cash Advance ChargesNo cash withdrawal charges.
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card

Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Exceptional reward rate of 4% on domestic and 5.8% on international spends.

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

Complimentary Taj Epicure membership offers significant dining and stay discounts.

Flexible redemption via Travel EDGE (1 EDGE Mile = 4 Partner Points) or transfer to partners.

Enjoy 8 complimentary golf rounds/lessons annually, with additional rounds on spend.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Enjoy luxurious benefits like helicopter city transfers and exclusive access to premium events and clubs.

Earn high reward rates: 2.5% on international and 2% on domestic spending.

Benefit from unlimited complimentary access to both domestic and international airport lounges.

Comprehensive insurance cover provides extensive protection for various travel and personal eventualities.

A competitive 1.49% Forex markup makes international transactions more cost-effective.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

High joining and annual fees of ₹20,000 + GST make it a significant investment.

Lacks milestone benefits, which are often expected from super-premium credit cards.

No spend-based waiver for the annual fee, requiring full payment each year.

Exclusion of reward points on key categories like utilities, rent, and fuel.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The 1.49% Forex markup is a drawback, as some premium cards offer zero Forex charges.

The high annual fee waiver threshold of ₹25 lakh is challenging for many cardholders.

Helicopter city transfer is limited to Bangalore Airport and can only be availed once annually.

A monthly cap of 5,000 reward points applies to utility, insurance, and education payments.

No reward points are earned on essential transactions like fuel and rent payments.

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.