Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card vs HSBC TravelOne Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card vs

In short: HSBC TravelOne has the lower annual fee (₹4,999 vs ₹12,500); Axis Magnus includes unlimited domestic & international lounge access, HSBC TravelOne 6 airport lounge visits a year; Axis Magnus has the lower forex markup (2% vs 3.5%).

Key factsAxis MagnusHSBC TravelOne
Annual fee₹12,500₹4,999
Joining fee₹12,500₹4,999
Annual fee waivedOn ₹25 lakh annual spendOn ₹8 lakh annual spend
Top reward rate5X Reward Points on Spends via Travel eDGE2X Reward Points on Car Rentals
Base rewards12 eDGE Reward Points Per ₹2002 Reward Points on ₹100 Spent
Lounge accessUnlimited domestic & international lounge access6 airport lounge visits a year
Forex markup2%3.5%

From issuer benefit data, checked 8 Nov 2026. Milestones, welcome benefits and caps are in the full table below.

The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card and the HSBC Travelone Credit Card both cater to travel enthusiasts but differ significantly in fees, rewards structure, and lounge access. Axis Bank Magnus offers unlimited domestic and international lounge visits and a high reward rate on travel spends, while HSBC Travelone provides limited lounge access and rewards focused on car rentals and foreign currency spends. Fee waivers and forex charges also vary, making each card suitable for different spending profiles.

Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.

Last updated:

Best for rewards → Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Best for travel → Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Best for low fee → Hsbc Travelone Credit Card
Best for beginners → Hsbc Travelone Credit Card
Feature Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card Hsbc Travelone Credit Card
BankAxis BankHSBC
NetworkMasterCardMasterCard
Joining feeJoining Fee of Rs.12500Joining Fee - Rs.4999
Annual / renewal feeSecond Year Onwards Annual Fee of Rs.12500Annual Fees - Rs.4999
Annual fee waiverSpend Rs.25 Lakhs For Annual Fee WaiverSpend Rs.8 Lakhs For Renewal Fee Waiver
Top reward rateEarn 5X Reward Points on Spends via Travel eDGEEarn 2X Reward Points on Car Rentals
Base rate (other spends)Earn 12 eDGE Reward Points Per Rs.200Earn 2 Reward Points on Rs.100 Spent
Lounge — domesticEnjoy Unlimited Complimentary Lounge Visits in India6 Complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge Access Per Year
Lounge — internationalEnjoy Unlimited Complimentary International Lounge Visits4 Complimentary International Lounge Access Per Year
Fuel surcharge waiver1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver—
Welcome benefitWelcome Benefits - Voucher Worth Rs.12500Rs.1000 Cashback As Welcome Rewards
Milestone benefit—Earn 10000 Reward Points on Spend of Rs.1200000
Foreign currency markup2% - Foreign Currency Transactions3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions

Which is better for rewards?

Axis Bank Magnus clearly leads in rewards with its 5X points on travel spends and 35 eDGE points on transactions above Rs. 2,00,000 per month, compared to HSBC Travelone's 2X points on car rentals and 4 points per Rs. 100 on flights and foreign currency spends. The Magnus card's base rate of 12 eDGE points per Rs. 200 also surpasses HSBC's base of 2 points per Rs. 100. At Rs. 20,000 monthly spend, Magnus can yield about Rs. 6,600 annually in rewards, indicating stronger value for high spenders.

Which is better for travel?

For travel benefits, Axis Bank Magnus offers unlimited complimentary lounge access both domestically and internationally, which is superior to HSBC Travelone's capped 6 domestic and 4 international lounge visits per year. Magnus also has a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, whereas this benefit is not listed for HSBC Travelone. However, HSBC Travelone includes complimentary golf lessons and rounds, which may appeal to niche travelers. Overall, Magnus is better suited for frequent travelers seeking extensive lounge access and travel rewards.

Which has lower effective cost?

HSBC Travelone is more accessible with a joining and renewal fee of Rs. 4,999 each, compared to Axis Bank Magnus's Rs. 12,500 fees. The fee waiver threshold is also lower for HSBC at Rs. 8 lakhs annual spend versus Rs. 25 lakhs for Magnus. However, HSBC charges a higher forex markup of 3.5% compared to Magnus's 2%. Depending on your forex usage and spending capacity, HSBC offers a lower upfront cost but higher foreign transaction fees.

Forex Charges and Benefits

Axis Bank Magnus has a lower forex markup fee at 2%, making it more cost-effective for international transactions compared to HSBC Travelone's 3.5%. This can lead to significant savings for frequent international travelers.

Fee Waiver Complexity

The Axis Bank Magnus card requires a much higher annual spend of Rs. 25 lakhs to waive the Rs. 12,500 annual fee, which may be challenging for many users. HSBC Travelone offers a more attainable waiver at Rs. 8 lakhs spend, making it more accessible for mid-tier spenders.

Who should pick Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card?

Consider Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card if you are a frequent traveler who values unlimited lounge access and high reward points on travel spends. This card suits high spenders who can benefit from the Rs. 25 lakh annual fee waiver and want to maximize rewards, especially for large monthly transactions. Its lower forex markup and fuel surcharge waiver add to its appeal for premium users.

Who should pick Hsbc Travelone Credit Card?

Consider HSBC Travelone Credit Card if you prefer a lower joining and renewal fee and plan to spend around Rs. 8 lakhs annually to waive fees. This card is suitable for travelers who want decent lounge access with a limited number of visits and appreciate rewards on car rentals and foreign currency spends. It also offers unique benefits like complimentary golf lessons and rounds, ideal for golf enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the annual fees for both cards and how can they be waived?

Axis Bank Magnus has a joining and renewal fee of Rs. 12,500, waived on spending Rs. 25 lakhs annually. HSBC Travelone charges Rs. 4,999 for joining and renewal, waived on Rs. 8 lakhs annual spend.

Which card offers better lounge access benefits?

Axis Bank Magnus provides unlimited complimentary lounge visits in India and internationally, whereas HSBC Travelone offers 6 domestic and 4 international lounge visits per year.

What are the forex markup fees for these cards?

Axis Bank Magnus charges a 2% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, while HSBC Travelone charges 3.5%.

How do the reward points compare for travel-related spends?

Axis Bank Magnus offers 5X reward points on travel spends via Travel eDGE and accelerated points on high monthly spends. HSBC Travelone gives 4 points per Rs. 100 on flights and foreign currency spends, and 2X points on car rentals.

Are there any fuel surcharge waivers available?

Axis Bank Magnus offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. This benefit is not listed in our data for HSBC Travelone.

Do these cards offer any welcome benefits?

Axis Bank Magnus provides a welcome voucher worth Rs. 12,500, while HSBC Travelone offers Rs. 1,000 cashback and a Rs. 3,000 PostCard voucher upon meeting minimum spend criteria.