IRCTC SBI Platinum RuPay Card vs LIC Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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In short: LIC Axis has the lower annual fee (none vs ₹500); IRCTC SBI Platinum includes 4 railway lounge visits a year, LIC Axis 2 airport lounge visits a quarter; both charge a 3.5% forex markup.
| Key facts | IRCTC SBI Platinum | LIC Axis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹500 | None |
| Joining fee | Not listed | None |
| Lounge access | 4 railway lounge visits a year | 2 airport lounge visits a quarter |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
From issuer benefit data, checked 22 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.
The Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card and the Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card cater to different user needs with distinct reward structures and travel benefits. The SBI card offers railway lounge access and milestone rewards, while the Axis Bank card focuses on reward points accrual and LIC premium payments without annual fees. Both cards have similar forex markup charges but differ in lounge access frequency and fee 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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| Feature | Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card | Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | SBI Cards | Axis Bank |
| Network | Rupay | Visa |
| Joining fee | — | Joining Fee - Nil |
| Annual / renewal fee | Annual Fee of Rs.500 | Annual Fee - Nil |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 1 Reward Points Per Rs.125 Spent on Retail | Earn 1 Reward Points Per Rs.100 |
| Lounge — domestic | Enjoy 4 Complimentary Railway Lounge Access in a Year | 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter |
| Welcome benefit | Welcome Benefits - 350 activation Bonus Reward Points | — |
| Milestone benefit | Milestone benefits - Earn 500 Reward Points | — |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
When it comes to rewards, the Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card offers a better accrual rate with 1 reward point per Rs.100 spent, compared to 1 point per Rs.125 on the Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card. Additionally, the Axis Bank card provides 2 reward points per Rs.100 on LIC premium payments, which is a valuable niche benefit. The SBI card does offer milestone and welcome bonus points, but the overall earning potential is higher with the Axis Bank card, especially for LIC policyholders.
Which is better for travel?
For travel benefits, the Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card has an edge with 4 complimentary railway lounge accesses annually, which is particularly useful for frequent train travelers. The Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card provides 2 complimentary airport lounge accesses per quarter, totaling 8 per year, but these are airport lounges rather than railway lounges. Depending on the primary mode of travel, the SBI card is more focused on railway travel perks, whereas the Axis Bank card supports airport lounge access.
Which has lower effective cost?
In terms of fees, the Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card has a clear advantage with no joining or annual fees, making it more cost-effective for users who want to avoid recurring charges. The Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card charges an annual fee of Rs.500, with milestone reward points credited upon fee payment, which somewhat offsets the cost. Both cards have a 3.5% forex markup fee, so there is no difference there. Overall, the Axis Bank card is better suited for fee-conscious users.
Reward Redemption Options
The Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card allows reward points to be redeemed at a 1:1 value for IRCTC travel bookings, which is convenient for frequent railway travelers. The Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card offers redemption against e-vouchers, gift cards, and other products, providing more flexibility but no direct travel redemption benefit.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Both cards provide a 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps, which helps reduce the cost of fuel purchases. This benefit is similar on both cards and can be useful for regular drivers.
Who should pick Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card?
Consider Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card if you frequently travel by train and value complimentary railway lounge access. This card also suits users who prefer milestone rewards and welcome bonuses tied to their annual fee payments. If you want a card that rewards travel on IRCTC and offers some fuel surcharge waiver, this card is a practical choice.
Who should pick Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card?
Consider Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card if you want a no-annual-fee credit card with a straightforward and higher reward points accrual rate. It is especially beneficial for LIC policyholders who can earn accelerated rewards on premium payments. Additionally, if you prefer airport lounge access over railway lounges and want to avoid joining or renewal fees, this card fits those requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it has an annual fee of Rs.500, which can be offset by earning milestone reward points.
No, the card has no joining or annual renewal fees.
Both cards charge a forex markup fee of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.
The Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card offers 4 complimentary railway lounge accesses per year, while the Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card provides 2 complimentary airport lounge accesses per quarter.
Yes, the Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card offers 2 reward points per Rs.100 spent on LIC premium payments, whereas the Irctc Sbi Platinum Rupay Card does not have this benefit.
Yes, both cards provide a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at petrol pumps.