Axis Atlas Credit Card

About Axis Atlas Credit Card

Are you tired of earning reward points that lose half their value when you try to book a flight? The Axis Atlas Credit Card changes that by offering a simple, high-value reward system for people who live out of a suitcase.

This card offers a direct 1:1 conversion ratio for EDGE Miles, which means 1 Mile equals 1 Rupee. If you spend ₹1,00,000 on direct airline bookings, you get ₹5,000 worth of miles back. No confusing math and no hidden devaluations. It is a powerhouse for travelers who prefer booking directly with airlines and hotels rather than through crowded third-party portals.

Built for professionals and business owners earning ₹12 lakh or more annually, this card targets those who travel at least 3-4 times a year. Whether it is a business trip to Mumbai or a vacation in Paris, this card ensures every kilometer you travel works for your next trip.

What sets it apart:

• 5% Value Back: Earn 5 EDGE Miles for every ₹100 spent on direct airline and hotel bookings.
• 1:1 Redemption: Unlike most cards, 1 EDGE Mile equals ₹1 when used for flights and hotels.
• Tiered Lounge Access: Get up to 18 domestic and 12 international lounge visits based on your membership tier.

Quick check: To qualify, you will need a minimum annual income of ₹12 lakh if you are salaried and a credit score of 750 or higher.

Let's break down why this card might be the best travel companion in your wallet:

Key Benefits and Features of the Axis Atlas Credit Card

The Axis Atlas Credit Card is designed to reward loyalty to specific brands, particularly airlines and hotels. Here is a detailed look at how you can maximize your savings with this card.

Welcome Rewards: Earning from Day One

When you get the Axis Atlas card, you do not start from zero. For all cards issued from April 20, 2024, onwards, you earn 2,500 EDGE Miles as a welcome benefit. To get this, you just need to complete a single transaction within the first 37 days of receiving the card. Since 1 EDGE Mile equals ₹1, this benefit effectively covers half of your joining fee of ₹5,000 immediately.

Accelerated Rewards on Travel Spends

The core strength of the Axis Atlas card lies in its travel rewards. You earn 5 EDGE Miles for every ₹100 spent on Axis Bank Travel EDGE portal, direct airline websites, airline counters, or direct hotel bookings. This is a 5% reward rate, which is significantly higher than most premium travel cards in the market.

There is a cap on these accelerated rewards. You earn at this 5% rate for spends up to ₹2,00,000 per month. Any travel spend beyond that limit earns 2 EDGE Miles per ₹100. It is important to note that bookings made through online travel agencies (OTAs) like MakeMyTrip or Goibibo only earn 2 EDGE Miles per ₹100, so booking direct is the way to win here.

Daily Spending Rewards

For all other eligible purchases that are not related to travel, you earn 2 EDGE Miles for every ₹100 spent. This 2% reward rate is quite competitive for a base reward rate on a travel card. However, keep an eye on the exclusions. You will not earn miles on rent, fuel, insurance, utilities, or wallet loads.

Milestone Benefits

The more you use the card, the more it gives back. Axis Atlas rewards high spenders with additional miles at specific annual milestones:

• Spend ₹3 lakh in an anniversary year: Get 2,500 EDGE Miles.
• Spend ₹7.5 lakh in an anniversary year: Get an additional 2,500 EDGE Miles.
• Spend ₹15 lakh in an anniversary year: Get an additional 5,000 EDGE Miles.

If you hit the ₹15 lakh milestone, you would have earned 10,000 bonus miles in total, worth ₹10,000, which completely justifies the annual fee and provides extra value.

Tiered Airport Lounge Access

The lounge benefits on this card are unique because they are tied to your membership tier (Silver, Gold, or Platinum). This ensures that frequent travelers get more access:

• Silver Tier: 8 Domestic and 4 International lounge visits per year.
• Gold Tier: 12 Domestic and 6 International lounge visits per year.
• Platinum Tier: 18 Domestic and 12 International lounge visits per year.

A great feature here is that these visits include guest visits. If you are traveling with family, you can use your quota to bring them into the lounge without paying extra fees.

Fees and Annual Charges

The Axis Atlas Credit Card comes with a joining fee of ₹5,000 and an annual fee of ₹5,000. Unlike many other premium cards, this card does not offer an annual fee waiver based on spending, but the milestone rewards and welcome benefits are designed to offset these costs. For example, the 2,500 miles you get on your first transaction help lower the effective cost of the first year to ₹2,500.

How to Apply for the Axis Atlas Credit Card

The application process for the Axis Atlas card is straightforward. Follow these steps to start your application:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum income requirement. Salaried individuals need an annual income of ₹12 LPA, while self-employed individuals need ₹15 LPA.
2. Visit the Portal: Go to the official Axis Bank website or use the bank's mobile app to find the Atlas Credit Card section.
3. Fill the Form: Enter your basic details like name, mobile number, and pin code. Ensure your CIBIL or CRIF score is at least 750 to improve your chances of approval.
4. Submit Documents: You will need to provide proof of identity, address, and income. Have your PAN card and latest salary slips ready.
5. Verification: The bank will conduct a physical or digital KYC (Know Your Customer) check and verify your employment details.
6. Card Issuance: Once approved, the card is usually dispatched within 7-10 working days.

Credit Limit and What to Expect

Credit limits for the Axis Atlas Credit Card are assigned based on your income, credit score, and existing banking relationship. Given the high income requirement of ₹12-15 LPA, most cardholders can expect a substantial starting limit that allows for high-value travel bookings. Qualified applicants typically receive limits ranging from ₹3,00,000 to ₹10,00,000, ensuring you have ample room for international bookings and luxury stays. To get a limit increase, you should maintain a clean repayment history and use about 30% of your limit consistently for 6-12 months.

Comparison Table: Axis Atlas vs. Competitors

The Axis Atlas card is a clear winner if you prefer booking directly with airlines like Indigo, Air India, or Emirates, as it offers a flat 5% value back. While the HDFC Diners Club Black offers higher rewards on its own portal, Atlas gives you the freedom to shop around for the best flight prices directly on airline sites while still earning top-tier rewards.

Documents Required for Axis Atlas Credit Card Application

You will need to submit the following documents when applying:

For Salaried Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Utility Bills (not older than 2 months)
• Income Proof: Latest 3 months' salary slips and 6 months' bank statements showing salary credits
• Employment Proof: Office ID card or official email verification

For Self-Employed Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card, or Driving License
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Property Documents
• Income Proof: Latest 2 years' ITR (Income Tax Returns) with a computation of income sheet
• Business Proof: GST registration certificate or Shop Act License

Note: All documents should be clear and valid. The bank may request additional documents during the verification process if your income profile is complex.

Who Should Get This Card?

Should you get this card? Here is who benefits most from the Axis Atlas Credit Card:

The Corporate Frequent Flyer: If you are a consultant or manager earning ₹15 lakh annually and you travel for work twice a month, this card is perfect. By spending ₹40,000 monthly on direct flight bookings, you would earn 24,000 EDGE Miles in a year. That is ₹24,000 in free travel, which is nearly five times the annual fee.

The "Direct Booking" Specialist: If you hate using travel portals and prefer the better cancellation terms and customer service of booking directly with hotels and airlines, this card is built for you. You get the 5% reward rate without being forced to use a bank-specific travel website for every single transaction.

The High Spender: If your annual household expenses (excluding rent and fuel) cross ₹15 lakh, the milestone rewards alone give you ₹10,000 worth of miles. When you add the base rewards of 2% on general spends, your total value back could easily exceed ₹40,000 annually.

You might want to skip this card if: You spend heavily on rent, utilities, and insurance, as these categories earn zero rewards. If your monthly expenses are mostly in these excluded categories, a card like the Axis Ace or SBI Cashback might serve you better.

BankKaro Expert Review

Based on the card's features, the Axis Atlas Credit Card excels at bridging the gap between a standard travel card and a high-end luxury card. The 1:1 redemption ratio is the star of the show. Most cards hide their true value behind complex point systems where 4 points might only equal 1 Rupee. Atlas is honest; 1 mile is 1 Rupee.

The biggest limitation is the exclusion list. Axis Bank has recently become very strict about what counts for rewards. If you use your credit card primarily to pay rent or insurance premiums, you will find this card quite frustrating because you will earn nothing on those large transactions. Additionally, the income requirement is on the higher side, which keeps this card exclusive to high-income earners.

Our verdict: Choose this card if you are a frequent traveler who values simplicity and direct bookings. It is one of the most rewarding cards for travel in India right now, provided you can navigate the spending exclusions. The tiered lounge access also makes it a fantastic choice for those who want to treat their family to lounge comfort during vacations.

Terms and Conditions

• The bank may offer a different card variant based on your eligibility. Please carefully read the features of the card offered before submitting your application.
• A minimum transaction of Rs.100 within 30 days is required to activate the card, otherwise, you won't be eligible for the Rewards.
• Rewards are not applicable on excluded categories including rent, fuel, insurance, EMI, and wallet transactions.
• Miles are credited based on the date of transaction processing and your specific membership tier at that time.