Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card vs Hsbc Travelone Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card vs Hsbc Travelone Credit Card

The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card and the HSBC Travelone Credit Card both cater to frequent travelers but differ significantly in fees, rewards structure, and lounge access. Axis Bank Magnus offers unlimited domestic and international lounge visits with a higher joining and renewal fee, while HSBC Travelone provides limited lounge access and lower fees. Their rewards programs focus on travel-related spending but vary in earning rates and milestone benefits.

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

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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
Reward rate (headline)Earn 35 eDGE Reward Points Per Rs.200Earn 6X Reward Points on Hotels
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
Welcome benefitWelcome Benefits - Voucher Worth Rs.125003 months EazyDiner Prime Membership
Milestone benefitEarn 3000 Reward Points on Spend of Rs.1 Lakhs; Earn 10000 Reward Points on Spend of Rs.1200000
Foreign currency markup2% - Foreign Currency Transactions3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions

Which is better for rewards?

The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card offers a more rewarding points system for travel-related spends, including 5X reward points via Travel eDGE and additional points for high monthly spends. It also allows redemption for partner miles, enhancing its value for frequent travelers. HSBC Travelone provides decent rewards with 6X points on hotels and 4X on flights but has lower base earning rates and caps on some categories. Overall, Axis Bank Magnus is better suited for users seeking higher reward potential, especially on travel expenses.

Which is better for travel?

In terms of travel benefits, Axis Bank Magnus stands out with unlimited complimentary lounge access both domestically and internationally, which is ideal for frequent flyers. HSBC Travelone offers a limited number of lounge visits annually (6 domestic and 4 international) and includes golf benefits such as complimentary rounds and lessons, which may appeal to niche travelers. However, for pure travel convenience and lounge access, Axis Bank Magnus provides a more comprehensive package.

Which has lower effective cost?

The HSBC Travelone Credit Card has significantly lower joining and annual fees (Rs. 4999) compared to the Axis Bank Magnus (Rs. 12500). The fee waiver threshold is also lower for HSBC (Rs. 8 Lakhs) versus Axis Bank (Rs. 25 Lakhs), making HSBC Travelone more accessible for moderate spenders. However, Axis Bank Magnus offers a welcome voucher worth Rs. 12500, which may offset its higher fees for some users. Additionally, Axis Bank Magnus charges a lower forex markup of 2% compared to HSBC's 3.5%, which is beneficial for international transactions.

Forex Charges Comparison

Axis Bank Magnus charges a 2% forex markup fee on foreign currency transactions, which is lower than HSBC Travelone's 3.5%. This makes Axis Bank Magnus more cost-effective for international spending.

Milestone Benefits

HSBC Travelone offers milestone rewards such as 3000 points on spending Rs. 1 lakh and 10,000 points on Rs. 12 lakhs annually, providing incremental benefits for consistent spenders. Axis Bank Magnus does not list milestone benefits.

Lounge Access Details

Axis Bank Magnus provides unlimited complimentary lounge visits both in India and internationally, whereas HSBC Travelone limits users to 6 domestic and 4 international lounge visits per year, making the former better for frequent flyers.

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 higher reward points on travel spends. Its lower forex markup and ability to earn and redeem partner miles make it suitable for premium users who can meet the higher fee and spending requirements to maximize benefits.

Who should pick Hsbc Travelone Credit Card?

Consider HSBC Travelone Credit Card if you prefer a card with lower joining and annual fees and moderate lounge access. It is a practical choice for travelers who also appreciate golf-related perks and milestone rewards without committing to very high annual spends. This card suits those seeking balanced travel rewards with manageable costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the joining and renewal fees for these cards?

Axis Bank Magnus has a joining and renewal fee of Rs. 12,500, while HSBC Travelone charges Rs. 4,999 for both.

Are there fee waivers available on these cards?

Yes, Axis Bank Magnus waives the annual fee if you spend Rs. 25 Lakhs annually, and HSBC Travelone waives the renewal fee on spending Rs. 8 Lakhs.

How many complimentary lounge visits do these cards offer?

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

What is the forex markup fee on these cards?

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

Do these cards offer any welcome benefits?

Axis Bank Magnus provides a welcome voucher worth Rs. 12,500, whereas HSBC Travelone offers a 3-month EazyDiner Prime Membership and a postcard voucher worth Rs. 3,000.

Are there milestone rewards on these cards?

HSBC Travelone offers milestone rewards for spending Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 12 lakhs, while Axis Bank Magnus does not list milestone benefits.