Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card Review

By | May 10, 2017

Axis Bank recently launched a couple of credit cards after the launch of Vistara co-branded credit cards. Its good to see Axis coming up with new cards after a very long time. They were running credit card business on the pretty old portfolio since past 4 yrs or so with no competitive cards in market.

Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card Review- Free for Burgundy customers

Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card Review- Free for Axis Burgundy customers

Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card is a Visa Signature Variant and it appears that its free for Axis Burgundy customers (AQB: 10 Lakhs), however, am unsure if they’re also issuing to others with some Joining Fee.

Benefits of Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card:

Welcome Bonus: Rs.1,000 Jabong Voucher

Lounge Access:

  • You get 6 Complimentary Visits per Year through Priority Pass Lounge programme.

For a long time i’ve been waiting to see competitors to HDFC for issuing Priority Pass based lounge access and here we go. PP Lounge Access serves good for international lounge Access, while you can use the credit card directly for domestic lounge access, courtesy Visa Lounges.

eDGE Loyalty Reward points:

Axis Bank’s eDGE Loyalty Reward point system has evolved a lot in recent times that its in par and above HDFC reward system that comes with cards like regalia.

  • Earn 10 eDGE reward points on every Rs. 200 spends. (1% Value)
  • Earn 20 Points per Rs 200 on ‘Retail Shopping’ spends. (2% Value)
  • Approx Value of 1 RP = 0.20 ps

Insurance cover:

  • Air Accident Cover upto Rs. 2,50,00,000
  • Purchase Protection upto Rs. 1,00,000
  • Lost Card Liability upto Rs. 3,00,000
  • Loss Travel Documents Cover upto 300 USD
  • Delay of Check-In Baggage Cover upto 300 USD
  • Loss of Check-In Baggage Cover upto 500 USD

I never see it as a reason to choose a card, but i see good numbers above. Though I’ve to figure out what this purchase protection actually mean by.

Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card Features:

  • Card Expert Rating: 4.5/5 [yasr_overall_rating]
  • Reward Rate: 1% – 2%
  • Joining Fee: Free for Axis Bank Burgundy customers
  • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 2.5% fuel surcharge waived off on fuel transactions of maximum Rs. 4,000 at any fuel outlet.
  • Complementary Airport lounge access: Yes, 2 per Quarter via Visa Lounges & 6 Visits per yr via Priority Pass Programme.
  • Foreign Exchange Markup fee: 3.5% + Service Tax
  • Other Features: 3 complimentary Golf rounds per year. Additionally, 1 extra round of Golf per every Rs 1 Lac spent in a card-setup year. Better insurance cover. Taj Epicure Membership.

Overall, i see it a good competitor for HDFC Regalia Credit Card which is a premium credit card for ages except that Axis is not concentrating on Forex Markup fee. However, i did notice that Axis Bank Burgundy debit cards has a super cool 0.035% (now 3.5%) Markup fee which is pretty close to 0% markup fee with Indusind Signature Exclusive Debit Card.

Well, i see Credit/debit card industry in India is now getting some good competition 🙂

What do you think about the new Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card? Share your views in comments below.

58 thoughts on “Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card Review

  1. mv srinivas

    hi siddarth can u pls give review on axis myzone credit card

    thanks in advance

    Reply
  2. ritesh

    Which one is better Axis Select credit card or Axis reserve credit card?

    Reply
  3. Amit Sen

    Hi,

    From where are you able to confirm 0.035% foreign exchange markup fee for Axis Bank Burgundy debit cards ?
    In website it says 3.5%.

    Reply
  4. AN

    Hi Siddharth,

    which is better in comparison, Axis bank Signature or Select.

    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Depends!
      If you get Select card for free, ofcourse its the better one.

      Reply
  5. Gagan

    Any reader has idea if this is only for Axis Bank customers or even non-axis bank customers can get this card?

    Reply
  6. Dr Ashok

    Hi there Siddharth,
    I enjoyed that write up. I am an axis bank burgundy customer and I’ve just applied for the select credit card. I also have the SBIcard visa signature which they just converted to the SBIcard Elite and have lost a lot of benefits in the process 🙁
    The main reason I am planning to shift to axis bank is because SBIcard refuses to increase my limit even after showing evidence that I’m earning enough to cover it and keep maxing out the card.
    MY question is,
    In ur opinion, which of the above two would be better for reward points?

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Sounds good,
      SBI Elite is good upto certain milestone spend, beyond which you can route the spend on Select Card.

      Reply
  7. Nikhil Vatrana

    Axis Bank today is refusing that they even have a product called Axis Bank Select. The branches are not aware and if you request for a call back online, the lead is given for Vistara Credit Card. Anyone facing the same issue?

    Reply
    1. vishwesh

      Yes, I saw its for 3000 Rs ( Burgundy customers) in website, But they are saying this is only for Burgundy customers

      Reply
  8. Arjun Jayasimha

    I managed to get this card under lifetime free despite not being a Burgundy customer. I have a priority salary Account with Axis since almost 5 years and had a Axis visa signature card since 2013. The card doesn’t seem to have too many unique features – in fact the Axis visa signature card used to refund 25% of movie expenses including food and beverage purchases as a cash back. This card doesn’t have that feature and has even recently discontinued Taj Epicure. If you can get a Yes First exclusive card then Priority pass lounge access as a reason to take this card vanishes. I don’t see this card being a game changer for Axis.

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      That’s interesting to know that Axis gives this card for free for non-burgundy customers too. Yes, its not a great card compared to hdfc/yesbank but it does have Priority Pass free visits due to which it can be called one of the best among Axis cards for those who need international Lounge access.

      Reply
      1. Santosh Dharmarajan

        Is it compulsory to spend 300000 Rs for second year priority pass renewal, if not the procedure to renew it for the second year.

        Reply
  9. suman ghosh

    Dear Siddharth,
    Please confirm if the Priority pass membership is valid only for primary card holder ? Or, add on card holder also can use it.

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Pls check with Axis Customer care. They reply to emails at light speed. like in few mins to hrs 🙂

      Reply
    2. gurvinder

      hi
      Priority pass membership is valid only for primary card holder and there is also a hidden charges.
      Applicable Charges
      Countries/ Region of Airport Lounges Pricing per Lounge Visit
      China (Domestic) India (Domestic) US$ 16.50
      Taiwan US$ 18.50
      Hong Kong, Macau, China (International) US$ 19.75
      Singapure, Malaysia and Indonesia US$ 22.50
      Korea, India (International)
      & Rest of Asia (including Japan) US$ 25.00
      Rest of the world US$ 25.00

      Reply
      1. Ekas

        Hi ! I just received my Select CC.
        I need some clarity on the Priority Pass Programme.
        It says 6 complimentary access. Does that mean I enter and can enjoy lounge services for free 6 times ?
        or does it mean I can enter 6 times and pay a discounted price overtime to use the services and after 6 visits I pay normal PP fee ?

        Reply
  10. Parag

    I am holding this card. Few changes that they have made:
    a. Instead of Jabong Voucher they are now awarding 5000 edge point on first transaction
    b. Taj Epicure membership has been discontinued

    Reply
  11. Kunal

    Hi Siddharth

    I just wanted to check what do we mean by ‘Retail shopping’. I did some shopping at Tanishq store using my card but didn’t get 2x reward points. Could you please confirm? Thanks

    Reply
  12. S&S

    Hi Siddharth
    Axis credit cards via edge rewards have a 20x partner (Suraj Diamonds) and quite a few 10x partners (Savaari, Wandertrails, Cheapticket, Urban clap, Condé Naste, GQ, Ad).
    I now see treebo is a recent 10x addition.
    Some of them have monthly earning limits, some don’t.
    Edge rewards bonus RPs aren’t as valuable as others, but useful nonetheless.
    Points are credited within 15 days as per TnC.
    Wasnt sure if this was brought up ever on your pages… hence this update.

    S&S

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Yes, i’ve been checking on it a while back but the limits and the point value makes it nowhere near to the other offers around.

      Btw, Surat Diamonds seems to be interesting, but i doubt about this brand’s credibility due to recent happenings in the industry with Gitanjali Gems.

      Reply
      1. Jiten Baruah

        Hi ,I want to know that how can we apply for priority pass ?
        Will it come automatically or we have to appyfor it select credit card.

        Reply
  13. Gagan

    Hi Siddharth,

    I got this card today and can confirm the latest benefits basis the welcome letter:

    5000 eDGE Reward Points (worth Rs 1000)
    6 complimentary Golf Rounds (Unlock 3 additional rounds on spending Rs 3 lacs annually)
    6 complimentary lounge visits at International airports through Priority Pass (Primary cardholder only). Unlock 6 additional visits on spending Rs. 3 lakhs annually.
    8 complimentary lounge visits at selected domestic airports, twice every per calendar quarter

    The card is now available for Non-Burgundy account holders too at Annual Fees of Rs 3000/-

    Reply
    1. Siddharth Post author

      Thanks for this Update. Unlocking additional visits on spends is a nice deal.

      But again, welcome benefit is pretty low on paid variant!

      Reply
      1. HIRANMOY HAZRA

        Hi Siddharth,

        I am an Axis Bank Burgundy Customer.I am a Seafarer So I have Axis NRI Account.I have no loan or credit history.As I haven’t ever taken loan or have any credit card.Can I get the Axis Select credit card?

        Reply
  14. Rishi

    Hi Siddharth,

    Thanks for this info. Whats the most premium card offered by Axis bank .Is it Axis Select ?

    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Akash Jain

      It’s axis reserve. It has some great benefits but there is no signup fee waiver and also no annual fee waiver condition.

      Reply
  15. Sanjay

    Hi Siddarth, so according to you Axis select is not a great Credit Card.

    Reply
    1. Ajay

      On the contrary, I would actually recommend the Axis Select as some of the information in this article requires updating like for example:-
      1. Now the card comes along with a Club Marriott subject to a 30k spend in the first 90 days post card setup and customer service request
      2. 6 international PP lounge visits are complimentary and 6 additional visits can be unlocked if a 3L annual spend has been made.
      3. Domestic lounge visits are capped at 2 per quarter
      4. 5000 axis edge reward points worth 1k (versus 1k jabong previously?)

      For a former SPG and current Marriott elite member, its a definite must in my extremely humble opinion. For those who aren’t, its an opportunity to become one with better pricing I suppose owing to the Club Marriott discounts.

      I would kind of imagine this to be a strong contender to the Super Premium Credit Card list made by Siddharth earlier.

      Reply
  16. BasantP

    Me and my wife both are Axis Burgundy Customers. Both have Burgundy Wealth Debit cards (Master) which allow complimentary Domestic Lounge visits. But no PP Membership or access to International Lounges.

    I understand Axis Select CC is free (both joining and Annual Fee) for Burgundy Customers. Should we apply / get Axis Select CC just because it is free for us and we can use complimentary International Lounges access during our travels abroad through PP Membership?

    Burgundy Wealth account allows adding 3 Family members under Family Banking. My son and daughter have no Axis Bank accounts. I am planning to open basic Savings Bank accounts for them and then add them under my Burgundy Family Banking which will enable them to get Burgundy Account Status as well as Burgundy World Debit Card (Master). Next logical step would be to get Axis Select CC for them on the strength of their Burgundy account. Since I as a Primary member is already meeting Burgundy MAB requirements, they can have zero balance Burgundy account as well as life time free Axis Select CC. Is it possible? I tried to check with Axis Bank but got confusing answer.

    Pls advise. Thanks in advance

    Reply
    1. Ekas B

      Hey!
      My entire family is under the burgundy blanket and trust me its totally worth it.
      DEBIT CARD:
      The benefits on the master card WORLD are amazing especially BMS 1+1 Ticket.

      Regarding SELECT CC:

      Approval:
      After a little pressure via Burgundy toll free number I was able to receive an approval over the phone in 4 days the card was in my hand. Also, PP is on its way. And Club Marriot membership has been dispatched. (Tho you need to request it by calling burgundy toll free after you spend 30k )

      Why should you get it?:

      The reason I got this card is cause its free for me and free PP for my international travel.
      Tho I’m not sure if the access to PP Lounge Services is completely free or is at discounted prices. Overall its not bad at all.
      Again as mentioned if you’re getting it for free its totally worth it 🙂

      Hope you found your answer.

      Reply
  17. Vishal

    Hi!
    I am looking forward to get this card but have a question regarding Renewal of Club Mariott Membership and Priority Pass.
    I have heard that renewal is only possible when you spend 3 Lakhs in preceding card membership year.

    Is that true? If so, it would be deal breaker for me.

    Reply
    1. Ekas

      For PP : You need to do 1 transaction. Generated automatically, to be relied in 14 day
      For CM: You need to spend 30k. You’d need to call the customer care and request for a membership, once accepted you’ll get CM membership in 14 days.

      Reply
  18. hrishig

    You need to open Burgundy account only ( with 5 lkh min ) for all the members and not any normal account if you want PP, individual Marriot membership. Later you can combine all of them under one family code and maintain MAB for the family account.

    Reply
    1. Vishal

      My concern was regarding spends of 3L from next year onwards and not about MAB.

      Reply
      1. Prateek Chanana

        The 3L spends is a necessity for renewal of PP as well as club Marriott membership. We have 4 burgundy accounts and all of them got PP for the first year, but it was renewed only for mine as on other cards the spend was in the range of 2-2.5 lacs. They did not take any request for exemption/reduction to 3L spends rule.

        Reply
  19. Narayanan

    Is the axis bank select Visa signature credit card valid for transactions during international travel, such as shopping or retail online purchases. The reason i asked this question is since the card does not mention the word international on it and hence i am doubtful whether we can use it for expenses incurred during international travel anywhere in the world. Kindly send me a reply to mail id as well.

    Reply
  20. Praveen Katiyar

    @Narayanan
    The word international is not required for card to be usable internationally. All variants of Visa/MC are usable internationally. Just request ur card Customer care to enable if not enabled for international use, this is a safety procedure.
    Pls be informed that ‘generally’ cards levy 3.5%+18%GST on the amount u swipe. Pls inform your Card issuer of dates and countries of visit so that they do authorize trxns in those dates from those countries. After returning for safety, u can stop international trxn from ur card.

    Reply
  21. vivek kaushik

    HI , Being Axis Priority Salary Account Holder since last 8 years , they had just upgraded my Axis Account to Burgundy Account and I have now Burgundy Debit card. Also , they have offered Axis Select Card.

    This is the best card one can have. Burgundy Debit card offers tons of privileges of a top-notch benefits. A real wow factor and once can enjoy 4 Book mY show movie vouchers and 3 per quarter Lounge access in Master Card Setup Lounges across Pan India, which is decent is no .
    They also provide edge rewards point on each instance you use either Debit/Credit card that can be redeemed on KFC/MORE /Big Bazaar etc.

    Overall nice feeling

    Reply
    1. Mouli

      vivek kaushik
      How your account got upgraded ,you took the initiative if so what is the procedure,because I am also having Axis Priority Salary Account

      Reply
  22. Ashutosh

    Hi Siddharth
    Just let me know is axis select better than hdfc infinia
    Also is there any card with better features than infinia

    Reply
    1. Praveen Katiyar

      @Ashutosh
      Both cater to different segment, can’t be compared.
      What features you are exactly looking at ?

      Reply
  23. Arun

    I have SELECT credit card and AXIS recently offering me PRIVILEGE card as upgrade for this card. Is it really an upgrade or downgrade?!

    Reply
  24. Abhi

    Hi, I am new to priority pass. I was wondering when the Axis Burgundy card has complementary international lounge access (2 hours prior to the departure), how is that different fro the PP? Further PP seems to be paid service?

    Reply
  25. Gagan

    Hi,

    Anyone have clarification what is meant by “Retail Shopping” here?

    Reply
  26. Darshdeep Singh Grewal

    I want to apply for this card. What is the eligibility criteria on c2c basis? How old other bank credit card with how much limit?

    Reply
    1. Pratyush

      if you have a credit card with a limit of more than 2L, you will get select credit card. card should be minimum 6 months old

      Reply
  27. AKHIL KUMAR GUPTA

    Hi Siddharth,

    Could you please tell me what are retail transactions ( offline or online).?

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Akash Jain Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *