Two notable contenders in the travel credit card category, the Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card and the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card, offer a variety of benefits and features for the avid traveler. Despite their subtle differences, both cards cater to the needs of wanderlust enthusiasts. This comprehensive comparison aims to assist you in choosing the card that best aligns with your preferences and requirements.
Compare table summarizing the key features of Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card and American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card:
| Feature | Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card | AmEx Platinum Travel Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Rs. 5,000 per annum | Rs. 5,000 per annum (Rs. 3,500 for the first year) |
| Rewards Program | Edge Miles, redeemable for travel spends and transferable to airlines | Membership Rewards Points, redeemable for shopping/vouchers |
| Travel Benefits | Complimentary airport lounge access, pickup/drop-off, additional Miles | Taj Stay Vouchers, domestic lounge access, Priority Pass |
| Tier System | Silver, Gold, Platinum tiers based on annual spend | N/A |
| Welcome Bonus | 5,000 Miles on 3 transactions within 60 days | 10,000 Membership Rewards Points on Rs. 5,000 spend |
| Earn Rate | 5 Miles per Rs. 100 (travel), 2 Miles per Rs. 100 (foreign), 1 Mile per Rs. 100 (other) | 2 Membership Rewards Points per Rs. 100 (all transactions) |
| Milestone Rewards | Lounge access, bonus Miles based on spend milestones | Taj Stay Vouchers, bonus Membership Rewards Points |
| Transfer Partners | Partner airlines for Edge Miles transfer | Flight/hotel loyalty programs for Membership Rewards Points |
| Additional Benefits | Additional Miles, dining discounts, concierge services | Dining discounts, Priority Pass, additional Membership Rewards |
| Eligibility | Minimum monthly income of Rs. 9 lakh | Income of more than Rs. 6 lakh per annum (salaried/self-employed) |
| Age Range | 18 to 70 years | 18 to 70 years |
Please note that the information provided is based on the details in the previous sections. Be sure to check the official terms and conditions of each credit card before making a decision.
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card:
- Annual Fee: Rs. 5,000 per annum
- Rewards Program: Earn Edge Miles, redeemable for travel spends and transferable to partner airlines.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary domestic/international airport lounge access, airport pickup/drop-off service, and additional Miles on spend milestones.
- Tier System: Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers based on annual spend.
- Welcome Bonus: 5,000 Miles on three successful transactions within 60 days.
- Earn Rate: 5 Miles per Rs. 100 on travel, 2 Miles per Rs. 100 on foreign transactions, and 1 Mile per Rs. 100 on other spends.
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card:
- Annual Fee: Rs. 5,000 per annum (Rs. 3,500 for the first year)
- Rewards Program: Membership Rewards Points, redeemable for shopping vouchers, credit card bill payment, or transfer to partner programs.
- Travel Benefits: Taj Stay Vouchers, domestic airport lounge access, and complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Welcome Bonus: 10,000 Membership Rewards Points on spending Rs. 5,000 within 60 days.
- Milestone Rewards: Additional Membership Rewards Points on achieving spend milestones.
- Earn Rate: 2 Membership Rewards Points per Rs. 100 on all transactions.
Quick Comparison:
- Reward Rate: Atlas – 5 Edge Miles per Rs. 100 vs. AmEx Platinum – 2 Membership Rewards Points per Rs. 100.
- Reward Redemption: Edge Miles for travel bookings vs. Membership Rewards Points for shopping/vouchers.
- Welcome Benefits: Atlas – 5,000 Miles vs. AmEx Platinum – 10,000 Membership Rewards Points.
- Tier Benefits: Atlas – Lounge access and bonus Miles vs. AmEx Platinum – Taj vouchers and lounge access.
- Annual Fee: Both cards have a Rs. 5,000 annual fee.
- Eligibility: Axis – Minimum monthly income of Rs. 9 lakh vs. AmEx Platinum – Income of more than Rs. 6 lakh per annum.
The Verdict: Selecting between the Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card and the AmEx Platinum Travel Credit Card depends on your travel and spending preferences. If you prioritize flight and hotel bookings, Axis Bank Atlas is ideal, offering versatile Edge Miles. Conversely, if luxury hotel stays excite you, the AmEx Platinum Travel Card’s Taj Stay Vouchers could be your preference. In the end, the decision rests on your travel aspirations and financial needs. Remember to review the latest terms and conditions from both issuers before making your choice.
FAQs – Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card vs. AmEx Platinum Travel Credit Card
1. Which card is better for frequent travelers?
Both cards are suitable for frequent travelers, but Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card offers Edge Miles that can be redeemed for travel bookings and transferred to partner airlines. AmEx Platinum Travel Card offers Taj Stay Vouchers and Priority Pass for lounge access.
2. What are the annual fees for these cards?
The annual fee for both cards is Rs. 5,000 per annum. However, the first year fee for AmEx Platinum Travel Card is Rs. 3,500.
3. How do I earn rewards on these cards?
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card earns 5 Miles per Rs. 100 on travel spends, while AmEx Platinum Travel Card earns 2 Membership Rewards Points per Rs. 100 on all transactions.
4. What are the welcome benefits of these cards?
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card offers 5,000 Miles on making 3 transactions within 60 days. AmEx Platinum Travel Card offers 10,000 Membership Rewards Points on spending Rs. 5,000 in the first 2 months.
5. Are there any milestone benefits?
Yes, both cards offer milestone benefits. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card offers additional Miles and lounge access based on spend tiers. AmEx Platinum Travel Card offers Taj Stay Vouchers and bonus Membership Rewards Points based on spending milestones.
6. Can I transfer my rewards to airlines' frequent flyer programs?
Yes, Edge Miles from Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card can be transferred to partner airlines. Membership Rewards Points from AmEx Platinum Travel Card can be transferred to flight/hotel loyalty programs.
7. Do these cards provide complimentary airport lounge access?
Yes, both cards offer complimentary domestic airport lounge access. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card provides international lounge access as well.
8. Is there a dining discount program with these cards?
Yes, both cards offer dining discounts. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card provides discounts at partner restaurants. AmEx Platinum Travel Card offers up to 20% discount on dining bills.
9. What are the eligibility criteria for these cards?
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card requires a minimum monthly income of Rs. 9 lakh (salaried) or Rs. 12 lakh per annum (self-employed). AmEx Platinum Travel Card requires an income of over Rs. 6 lakh per annum.
10. Can I apply for these cards if I'm between 18 and 70 years old?
Yes, both cards are available for individuals aged 18 to 70 years.