Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card vs Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa: Which is Better in 2026?

Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card vs Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa

The Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card and the Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa both offer travel-related benefits with complimentary lounge access and milestone rewards. Axis Bank's card focuses on EDGE reward points with a fixed annual fee and a waiver option, while the ICICI Bank card emphasizes MakeMyTrip cashback and has no annual fee. Forex markup and fuel surcharge waivers differ notably between the two cards.

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 Privilege Easy Credit Card
Best for travel → Too close to call
Best for low fee → Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa
Best for beginners → Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa
Feature Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa
BankAxis BankICICI Bank
NetworkMasterCardVisa
Joining feeJoining Fee of Rs.1500Joining Fee of Rs.2500
Annual / renewal feeSecond Year Onwards Annual Fee of Rs.1500No Annual Fee
Annual fee waiverSpend Rs.5 Lakh For Waiver of Annual Fee
Reward rate (headline)Earn 10 EDGE Reward Points Per Rs.200
Lounge — domestic2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
Welcome benefitWelcome Benefit - 12500 EDGE REWARD PointsWelcome Benefit - Get Rs.1500 MakeMyTrip Cash in My Wallet
Milestone benefit10000 Edge Reward Points on Spend of Rs.2.5 LakhsSpend Rs.2.5 Lakhs and Earn 1100 My Cash Per Anniversary Year; Spend Rs.5 Lakhs and Earn 4000 My Cash Per Anniversary Year
Foreign currency markup3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions0.99% - Foreign Currency Transactions

Which is better for rewards?

For rewards, the Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card offers a straightforward points system with 10 EDGE Reward Points per Rs.200 spent and a welcome bonus of 12,500 points, redeemable at Rs.0.20 per point. It also has a milestone reward of 10,000 points on Rs.2.5 lakh spend. In contrast, the Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa provides cashback in the form of MakeMyTrip My Cash, including a welcome benefit of Rs.1500 and milestone My Cash rewards at Rs.2.5 lakh and Rs.5 lakh spends. The Axis Bank card's rewards may appeal more to users who prefer points that can be redeemed flexibly, while ICICI's rewards are travel-focused and tied to MakeMyTrip bookings.

Which is better for travel?

Both cards offer 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter, making them comparable for domestic travel convenience. Neither card provides international lounge access. The ICICI Bank card includes a complimentary MMTBLACK membership, which can enhance travel experiences on MakeMyTrip. Fuel surcharge waivers differ slightly: Axis Bank offers a 1% waiver at any fuel outlet, while ICICI's waiver is limited to HPCL fuel stations. Overall, travel benefits are closely matched, with ICICI providing additional value for frequent MakeMyTrip users.

Which has lower effective cost?

The Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card charges a joining and renewal fee of Rs.1500, with an annual fee waiver if you spend Rs.5 lakh in a year. The ICICI Bank Makemytrip Signature Card has a higher joining fee of Rs.2500 but no annual fee thereafter, which may be more cost-effective for moderate spenders. Forex markup fees also differ significantly: Axis Bank charges 3.5%, which is relatively high, while ICICI charges only 0.99%, making it more suitable for frequent international transactions. Late payment fees and other charges should be reviewed on the issuer sites for full details.

Forex Markup Comparison

The Axis Bank card charges a forex markup of 3.5%, which is significantly higher than the ICICI Bank card's 0.99%. If you often transact in foreign currencies, the ICICI card offers a more economical choice for overseas spending.

Reward Redemption Flexibility

Axis Bank's EDGE Reward Points can be redeemed at Rs.0.20 per point, providing flexibility across various redemption options. In contrast, ICICI's rewards are in the form of MakeMyTrip My Cash, usable only on travel bookings via MakeMyTrip, which may limit redemption versatility.

Who should pick Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card?

Consider Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card if you prefer a traditional reward points system with flexible redemption options and are comfortable paying an annual fee that can be waived with high spending. This card suits users who want consistent rewards on everyday spends and value domestic lounge access.

Who should pick Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa?

Consider Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa if you frequently book travel through MakeMyTrip and want cashback rewards directly usable on the platform. Its no annual fee after joining and low forex markup make it attractive for occasional international travelers and those looking for travel-specific benefits without recurring fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for each card?

Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card has a joining and renewal fee of Rs.1500, waivable on Rs.5 lakh annual spend. Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa has a joining fee of Rs.2500 and no annual fee thereafter.

Do both cards offer airport lounge access?

Yes, both cards provide 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter. Neither offers international lounge access.

Which card has a lower forex markup fee?

Makemytrip Icici Bank Signature Credit Card Visa charges a forex markup of 0.99%, which is lower than Axis Bank Privilege Easy Credit Card's 3.5% fee.

Are there milestone rewards on these cards?

Yes, Axis Bank's card offers 10,000 EDGE Reward Points on spending Rs.2.5 lakh annually. ICICI's card provides MakeMyTrip My Cash rewards of Rs.1100 and Rs.4000 on spends of Rs.2.5 lakh and Rs.5 lakh respectively.

Can the rewards be redeemed for cash or only travel bookings?

Axis Bank's EDGE Reward Points can be redeemed at Rs.0.20 per point, potentially across various options. ICICI's My Cash is redeemable only on MakeMyTrip travel bookings.

Is there a fuel surcharge waiver on these cards?

Both cards offer a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. Axis Bank's waiver applies at any fuel outlet, while ICICI's waiver is limited to HPCL fuel stations.