Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card vs Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card vs Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card

The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card and the Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card cater to different spending needs and preferences. Axis Bank Magnus offers premium travel and lounge benefits with a high joining fee, while Shoppers Stop Black focuses on rewarding shopping spends with a lower fee. Both cards provide lounge access and reward points but differ significantly in fees, forex charges, and reward structures.

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 → Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card
Best for beginners → Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card
Feature Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card
BankAxis BankHDFC Bank
NetworkMasterCardVisa
Joining feeJoining Fee of Rs.12500Joining Fee of Rs.4500
Annual / renewal feeSecond Year Onwards Annual Fee of Rs.12500Renewal Fee of Rs.4500
Annual fee waiverSpend Rs.25 Lakhs For Annual Fee Waiver
Reward rate (headline)Earn 35 eDGE Reward Points Per Rs.200Earn 7% Reward points on every Shoppers Stop spends
Lounge — domesticEnjoy Unlimited Complimentary Lounge Visits in India16 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year
Lounge — internationalEnjoy Unlimited Complimentary International Lounge Visits8 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year
Welcome benefitWelcome Benefits - Voucher Worth Rs.12500Complimentary Shoppers Stop Black Membership
Foreign currency markup2% - Foreign Currency Transactions3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions

Which is better for rewards?

For rewards, the Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card provides a higher earning rate on general spends and travel-related transactions, including 35 eDGE Reward Points per Rs.200 and 5X points on travel spends. In contrast, the Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card offers 7% reward points on Shoppers Stop spends and 2% on other spends, which is more niche and retail-focused. If your spending is travel-heavy or broad, Axis Bank Magnus is more rewarding, whereas Shoppers Stop Black is better for frequent shoppers at Shoppers Stop.

Which is better for travel?

Axis Bank Magnus clearly leads in travel benefits with unlimited complimentary domestic and international lounge access, making it suitable for frequent flyers. Shoppers Stop Black offers limited lounge access with 16 domestic and 8 international visits annually, which is more modest. Additionally, Axis Bank Magnus has a lower forex markup of 2% compared to 3.5% on the Shoppers Stop Black card, favoring international travelers. Overall, Axis Bank Magnus is better suited for travel-focused users.

Which has lower effective cost?

The Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card has a significantly lower joining and renewal fee of Rs.4500 compared to Rs.12500 for the Axis Bank Magnus. While Axis Bank Magnus offers an annual fee waiver on spending Rs.25 Lakhs, this threshold is quite high. Both cards provide a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. Considering the fee and waiver conditions, Shoppers Stop Black is more accessible for users seeking lower costs, whereas Axis Bank Magnus requires a premium commitment.

Reward Redemption Flexibility

Shoppers Stop Black offers versatile reward redemption options including vouchers, statement balance cashback, travel bookings, and Shoppers Stop vouchers, allowing cardholders to choose how to utilize their points effectively. Axis Bank Magnus primarily focuses on redeeming eDGE Reward Points for partner miles, which is travel-centric.

Fee Waiver Conditions

Axis Bank Magnus provides an annual fee waiver only after spending Rs.25 Lakhs, which is a high threshold and may not be achievable for most users. Shoppers Stop Black does not mention any fee waiver, making its fee predictable and straightforward.

Who should pick Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card?

Consider Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card if you prioritize premium travel benefits such as unlimited domestic and international lounge access and higher reward points on travel and general spends. This card suits high spenders who can meet the Rs.25 Lakhs annual fee waiver criterion and want a comprehensive travel-focused rewards program with a Mastercard network.

Who should pick Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card?

Consider Shoppers Stop Black Hdfc Bank Credit Card if you frequently shop at Shoppers Stop and want to maximize rewards on those spends with 7% reward points. This card is also suitable for users looking for a lower joining and renewal fee and moderate lounge access benefits. It fits well for retail-focused users who prefer the Visa network and want a simpler fee structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the joining and renewal fees for both cards?

Axis Bank Magnus charges Rs.12500 for joining and renewal, with an annual fee waiver on spending Rs.25 Lakhs. Shoppers Stop Black has a joining and renewal fee of Rs.4500 with no fee waiver mentioned.

Which card offers better lounge access benefits?

Axis Bank Magnus offers unlimited complimentary domestic and international lounge visits, while Shoppers Stop Black provides 16 domestic and 8 international lounge visits per year.

What are the forex markup fees for these cards?

Axis Bank Magnus has a forex markup of 2%, whereas Shoppers Stop Black charges 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.

Which card is better for shopping rewards?

Shoppers Stop Black offers 7% reward points on every Shoppers Stop spend and 2% on other spends, making it more rewarding for retail shopping. Axis Bank Magnus provides higher rewards on travel and general spends but does not focus on retail-specific rewards.

Are there any welcome benefits on these cards?

Axis Bank Magnus offers a welcome voucher worth Rs.12500, while Shoppers Stop Black provides complimentary Shoppers Stop Black membership and a Rs.1500 welcome gift voucher.

Do both cards offer fuel surcharge waivers?

Yes, both cards offer a 1% fuel surcharge waiver.