Both the HDFC Infinia Credit Card and the Axis Magnus Credit Card offer luxury benefits and are curated for high spending individuals seeking unique rewards, privileges, and lifestyle perks. The HDFC Infinia, long considered the crown jewel of super-premium cards, offers an impressive reward structure with 5 points per Rs. 150 spent and 10X rewards on travel and shopping via SmartBuy. Meanwhile, the Axis Magnus, which underwent significant revamps in 2022 and subsequent modifications in 2023-2024, challenges with its tiered reward system offering up to 35 points per Rs. 200 on spends above Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly. With annual fees of approximately Rs. 12,500 (plus GST) for both cards, these financial instruments aren't merely payment tools but status symbols that unlock exclusive experiences—from unlimited airport lounge access worldwide to premium concierge services and comprehensive travel insurance coverage. The choice between these elite cards ultimately depends on your spending patterns, travel frequency, and preferred reward redemption options. Whatever card you choose to apply for, it is essential to do a credit score check to know if you are satisfying the issuer’s credit score requirements. You can get your CIBIL score free on Wishfin’s official portal and also view your detailed CIBIL report. 

Comparison of HDFC Infinia and Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

Key Differences

Reward Structure

The HDFC Infinia offers a straightforward 5 points per Rs. 150 (3.33%) reward rate, with each point valued at Re 1 for travel bookings. In contrast, the Axis Magnus has a tiered structure with 12 points per Rs. 200 (6%) up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs monthly and 35 points per Rs. 200 above that threshold. However, Axis points have been devalued with a 5:2 conversion rate for travel partners.

Annual Fee Waiver

HDFC Infinia has a more accessible annual fee waiver threshold at Rs. 10 lakhs annual spend compared to Axis Magnus's Rs. 25 lakhs requirement.

Travel Benefits

Both cards offer unlimited international lounge access, but Axis Magnus now limits guest visits to 4 per year. HDFC Infinia appears to maintain unlimited guest access with Priority Pass.

Excluded Categories

Axis Magnus has more excluded categories for earning reward points, including wallet transactions, rent payments (above Rs. 50,000), EMI transactions, utilities, government institution payments, and starting April 2024, insurance, fuel, gold, and jewelry purchases. HDFC Infinia has fewer exclusions but may not offer points on rent payments and government transactions.

Current Verdict

After recent changes to both cards, the HDFC Infinia appears to have reclaimed its position as the superior premium credit card in India. The primary advantages include:

1. Better reward point redemption value (1:1 for travel)
2. Lower annual fee waiver threshold (Rs. 10 lakhs vs Rs. 25 lakhs)
3. More flexible redemption options including statement credit
4. Renewal benefit of 12,500 points, which Axis Magnus has discontinued
5. More extensive travel and lifestyle benefits including golf privileges

For high spenders who consistently exceed Rs. 1.5 lakhs monthly, the Axis Magnus can still provide competitive value with its accelerated reward rate of 35 points per Rs. 200. However, the recent devaluation of point conversion from 5:4 to 5:2 has significantly reduced its overall appeal. Choose the card that best aligns with your spending habits and benefit preferences, keeping in mind that the landscape of premium credit cards is continuously evolving.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Which card can I choose among the HDFC Infinia and the Axis Magnus Credit Card if I'm a frequent traveler?

If you're a frequent traveler, HDFC Infinia is generally better with unlimited complimentary lounge access for both primary and add-on members, plus excellent reward redemption flexibility. However, Axis Magnus might be preferable if you specifically want to share travel benefits with family and need free lounge access for guests as well.

2. How do the reward structures compare between the HDFC Infinia and the Axis Magnus credit cards?

HDFC Infinia offers 5 reward points per Rs. 150 spent (including insurance, utilities, and education), with 10X rewards on travel and shopping via SmartBuy. Axis Magnus offers 12 points per Rs. 200 for monthly spends up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh, and 35 points per Rs. 200 for monthly spends above Rs. 1.5 Lakh, with higher reward rates for bookings through their Travel Edge portal.

3. What should be my spending pattern to maximize benefits from the HDFC Infinia and the Axis Magnus credit cards?

For HDFC Infinia, aim to spend at least Rs. 10 Lakh annually to get the fee waiver. Focus on travel and shopping through SmartBuy to get 10X rewards. For Axis Magnus, you would need to spend over Rs. 1.5 Lakh monthly to get higher reward rates (35 points per Rs. 200) and utilize the Travel Edge portal for booking travel to get maximum rewards.

4. Does having an Axis Burgundy account change the value proposition?

Yes, having an Axis Burgundy account improves the Axis Magnus redemption rates from 5:2 to 5:4 for airline/hotel loyalty program conversions, making it significantly more valuable. However, upgrading to Magnus Burgundy card comes with a higher annual fee of approximately Rs. 35,000 with no spend waiver.

5. Which card among the HDFC Infinia credit card and the Axis Magnus credit card offers better value for non-travel related spending?

HDFC Infinia generally offers better value for non-travel related spending due to its straightforward redemption options where 1 reward point can be worth up to Rs. 1 for various redemptions including Apple products and Tanishq vouchers, unlike Magnus where the primary value comes from travel redemptions.