1. Overview
The Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card is a premium lifestyle card aimed at high-net-worth individuals. It’s part of the Visa Infinite range and offers top-tier travel, dining, and luxury experiences, along with generous reward earning and redemption options. The card is best suited for users with high annual spending and a taste for luxury benefits.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹50,000 + GST |
| Fee Waiver | Waived on ₹35 lakh annual spend |
| Rewards Rate | 15 RP/₹200 (Domestic), 30 RP/₹200 (International) |
| Welcome Bonus | 50,000 Edge Reward Points |
| Lounge Access | Unlimited (Domestic & International) via Priority Pass |
| Golf | 50 complimentary games/lessons per year |
| Hotel Benefits | Accor, Marriott, Club ITC privileges |
| Airport Concierge | 8 complimentary meet & assist services/year |
| Forex Markup | 1.5% + GST |
| Insurance | Air accident cover up to ₹4.5 crore |
2. Eligibility & Fees
- Eligibility: Primarily issued to select customers with high income or banking relationships. Specific eligibility criteria are not publicly listed.
- Joining Fee: ₹50,000 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹50,000 + GST (waived on ₹35 lakh annual spend)
3. Welcome & Renewal Benefits
- Welcome/Renewal Gift: 50,000 Axis Edge Reward Points
- Points Value: Can be transferred to hotel and airline partners or redeemed via Axis platforms
4. Rewards Program
- Domestic Spend: 15 Edge Reward Points per ₹200
- International Spend: 30 Edge Reward Points per ₹200
- Point Transfer Ratio: 5 Edge Points = 1 Partner Point (varies by program)
- Annual Cap: Up to 5 lakh Edge Points can be transferred to partners per year
5. Travel Benefits
- Lounge Access: Unlimited domestic and international lounge access for primary and add-on cardholders via Priority Pass
- Airport Concierge: 8 complimentary meet-and-assist services per year at select airports
- Airport Transfers: 4 complimentary luxury airport transfers per year (recently discontinued in some cities)
6. Hotel & Lifestyle Privileges
- Club Marriott & Accor Plus Memberships: Complimentary access offering hotel stays, dining discounts, and room upgrades
- Club ITC Culinaire: Benefits on ITC hotel stays and dining
- Oberoi and Postcard Hotels: Special rates and privileges
- EazyDiner Prime: Up to 25% off at premium restaurants
- BookMyShow: Buy 1 Get 1 Free on movie tickets (5 times/month)
7. Golf Benefits
- 50 complimentary golf rounds or lessons per year at select courses across India and abroad
8. Insurance & Security
- Air Accident Cover: ₹4.5 crore
- Medical Insurance Abroad: ₹50 lakh
- Lost Card Liability: Full coverage on reported loss
- Purchase Protection: Up to ₹2 lakh
- Baggage Loss/Delay: $500 coverage
9. Charges
- Foreign Exchange Mark-up: 1.5% + GST (lower than standard 3%)
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000 (capped at ₹400/month)
- Interest Rate: Approx. 2.95% per month if balance not paid in full
10. Real-World Use & Considerations
While the Axis Reserve card offers elite benefits, it may not suit everyone due to the high annual fee and limited availability of services in smaller cities. Some users have reported reduced services like airport transfers and changes to transfer ratios. However, for those who spend over ₹35 lakh annually and regularly travel or dine out, the card can offer significant lifestyle and financial value.
Conclusion: The Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card is ideal for affluent users who can take full advantage of luxury privileges, travel, and reward redemptions. For others, alternatives like Axis Magnus, HDFC Infinia, or Amex Platinum may offer better value based on lifestyle needs.
Let me know if you want this summarized in a comparison table or benchmarked against other elite cards like Infinia or Magnus.