The Axis Select Credit Card Works Best for This Spending Pattern

Let’s say you spend about ₹60,000 monthly across retail stores, Swiggy orders, and the occasional flight booking. You’re not chasing ultra-premium perks, but you do want your credit card to pull its weight. That’s exactly where the Axis Bank Select Credit Card positions itself.

This card sits in what I call the “everyday premium” segment. It’s not trying to compete with cards charging ₹10,000+ annually, nor is it a basic cashback card. For salaried professionals, business owners, and self-employed individuals earning upwards of ₹6 lakh annually, it bridges lifestyle benefits with manageable spending thresholds.

But here’s what matters: does the ₹3,000 joining and annual fee actually deliver value, or are you just paying for a fancy piece of plastic?

Key Benefits & Features

Reward Structure & Points Redemption

The Axis Select earns 10 EDGE Reward Points for every ₹200 spent on most categories. Where it differentiates itself is retail shopping – you get 2X points (20 EDGE Points per ₹200) on offline retail spends. This includes grocery stores, apparel shops, departmental stores, and similar establishments.

However, this accelerated earning is capped at ₹20,000 per month in retail spends. Beyond that, you’re back to the standard rate.

Redemption value: EDGE Points typically redeem at ₹0.20 to ₹0.25 per point when used for products or vouchers. Air mile conversion exists but offers weaker value compared to competitors like HDFC Regalia. If you’re a catalog shopper rather than a travel miles enthusiast, this works fine. If you fly frequently and want maximum air mile value, this isn’t your card.

Milestone Benefits:

• Spend ₹3 lakh in a card anniversary year: 5,000 bonus EDGE Points (worth ₹1,000)
• Spend ₹8 lakh in a year: Complete annual fee waiver

The fee waiver target feels ambitious unless you’re genuinely putting ₹65,000+ monthly on this card.

Welcome & Renewal Benefits

Upon your first transaction within 30 days of card issuance, you receive 10,000 EDGE Reward Points worth ₹2,000. This effectively reduces your first-year cost to ₹1,000 (before GST).

Important: Burgundy account holders get this card lifetime free but don’t receive the welcome benefit. Non-Burgundy customers pay the full joining fee to unlock the welcome points.

Airport Lounge Access

International Lounges:

• Complimentary Priority Pass membership in the first year (upon first transaction within 30 days)
• 6 international lounge visits per calendar year
• Spend ₹3 lakh annually for 6 additional visits (total 12)

Domestic Lounges:

• 2 complimentary visits per quarter
• Condition: You must spend ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months

The Priority Pass auto-renews if you spend ₹3 lakh in the preceding card anniversary year. Otherwise, it lapses.

Reality check: If you fly internationally 2-3 times a year, those 6-12 lounge visits easily justify the card fee. Frequent domestic travellers benefit less unless they consistently hit the ₹50,000 quarterly spend.

Fuel Surcharge Waiver

1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000. Maximum benefit: ₹400 per statement cycle.

This isn’t groundbreaking, but if you’re filling up twice a month at ₹3,000 per fill, you’re saving about ₹60 monthly, or ₹720 annually.

Dining, Food Delivery & Grocery Benefits

• Swiggy: ₹200 off twice a month on minimum order of ₹1,000 (40% discount)
• BigBasket: ₹500 off per month on orders above ₹2,500 (20% discount)
• Dining Delights Program (EazyDiner): Up to ₹800 off on restaurant bills

The Swiggy benefit alone can add up to ₹4,800 annually if you use it consistently. The BigBasket offer is ₹6,000 annually. Together, that’s ₹10,800 in direct savings – which far exceeds the ₹3,000 annual fee, assuming you actually use these platforms regularly.

Movie & Entertainment

• District App: Buy-One-Get-One movie tickets with 100% off on the second ticket (up to ₹250). Valid twice a month on booking of minimum 2 tickets.

If you watch 2 movies monthly, that’s ₹500 saved each month or ₹6,000 annually.

Golf Privileges

6 complimentary golf rounds annually. Spend ₹3 lakh for 6 additional rounds (total 12).

Unless you’re an active golfer, this perk sits unused for most cardholders.

Insurance Coverage

• Purchase protection: Up to ₹1 lakh
• Travel insurance: Cumulative cover of up to USD 500 for lost baggage, delayed baggage, and loss of travel documents

This is more of a “nice to have” than a decision-making factor. Most people won’t need to claim this, but it’s reassuring for international travellers.

Charges, Fees & Hidden Costs of Axis Select Credit Card

Fee Type	Amount
Joining Fee	₹3,000 + GST
Annual Fee	₹3,000 + GST
Annual Fee Waiver Condition	Spend ₹8 lakh in card anniversary year
Add-On Card Fee	Nil
Interest Rate (APR)	3.6% per month (52.86% p.a.)
Late Payment Fee	Up to ₹50,000 (depending on due amount)
Cash Withdrawal Fee	2.5% (minimum ₹500)
Foreign Currency Markup	3.5%
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Fee	1.5% + taxes (when paying in INR abroad)
Fuel Transaction Surcharge	1% (waived between ₹400-₹4,000, max ₹400/month)
Rent Transaction Surcharge	1% (capped at ₹1,500 per transaction)
Card Replacement Fee	₹100
Overlimit Penalty	2.5% (minimum ₹500)

Commentary: The 3.5% forex markup is on the higher side compared to cards like HDFC Regalia (2% + GST). For frequent international travellers, this eats into savings. The rent surcharge is becoming standard across most cards now, so that’s not surprising.

The ₹8 lakh waiver threshold is steep. Unless you’re consistently spending ₹65,000+ monthly on this card, expect to pay the annual fee every year.

Eligibility & Approval Reality

Official Criteria:

• Age: 18-70 years
• Residency: Indian residents or NRIs
• Minimum annual income: ₹6 lakh
• Credit score: Not officially disclosed, but typically 750+

Practical observations: Axis Bank tends to be slightly more liberal with approvals compared to HDFC or ICICI for mid-tier cards. If you have a stable income proof, existing relationship with Axis Bank, and a clean credit history, approval chances are decent.

First-time credit card applicants might struggle unless they have a pre-approved offer through salary account or fixed deposit.

Limitations & Drawbacks (No Sugarcoating)

1. Weak Redemption Value

EDGE Points don’t stretch very far. The catalog options are mediocre, and air mile conversion rates lag behind cards like HDFC Regalia or even American Express cards. You accumulate points easily, but extracting real value requires effort.

2. High Annual Fee Without Easy Waiver

₹8 lakh annual spend is a tall ask for most middle-income cardholders. If you’re not hitting this target, you’re paying ₹3,000 + GST every year. Compare this to cards like Axis Ace (lifetime free) or HDFC Regalia (₹2,500 annual fee with easier waiver conditions).

3. Retail Spending Cap

The 2X reward rate on retail shopping maxes out at ₹20,000 monthly. For high spenders, this becomes limiting.

4. Lounge Access Conditions Feel Restrictive

The ₹50,000 quarterly spend requirement for domestic lounge access means you can’t just rely on the card during lean spending months. Competitors like HDFC Diners ClubMiles or SBI Card Prime offer uncapped domestic lounge visits.

5. Average Forex Markup

At 3.5%, the foreign currency markup isn’t competitive. Cards like HDFC Regalia (2%) or Niyo Global (zero forex) are better for international use.

6. No Clear Edge Over Competitors

At this price point, HDFC Regalia offers better travel benefits and redemption flexibility. SBI Card Prime delivers stronger rewards on everyday categories. Axis Select tries to do everything but doesn’t excel in any single area.

Who Should Avoid This Card:

• Infrequent credit card users who won’t hit ₹8 lakh annual spends
• International travellers seeking low forex charges
• Reward maximizers chasing best-in-class redemption rates
• People who primarily shop online (accelerated rewards are for offline retail only)

Axis Select Credit Card Comparison With Similar Cards

Feature	Axis Select	HDFC Regalia	SBI Card Prime
Annual Fee	₹3,000 + GST	₹2,500 + GST	₹3,000 + GST
Fee Waiver	₹8L spend	₹3L spend	₹3L spend
Welcome Benefit	10K points (₹2,000)	2,500 points	3K points
Reward Rate	10 points/₹200 (2X on retail)	4 points/₹150	10 points/₹100
Lounge Access (Intl)	Up to 12 (conditional)	6	2
Lounge Access (Domestic)	8/year (conditional)	12/year	Unlimited (with priority pass)
Forex Markup	3.5%	2% + GST	3.5%
Best For	Swiggy/BigBasket users, offline retail	Air miles, travel	Everyday spends, airport lounges

Where Select Wins: If you’re a heavy Swiggy and BigBasket user, Select’s monthly discounts are unmatched. The movie offers via District app are also generous.

Where Select Loses: HDFC Regalia has easier fee waiver conditions, better redemption value, and lower forex charges. SBI Prime offers unlimited domestic lounge access and stronger reward earning across categories.

Pros & Cons Table

Pros	Cons
✅ Strong Swiggy/BigBasket discounts	❌ Weak EDGE Points redemption value
✅ Up to 12 international lounge visits	❌ High ₹8L threshold for fee waiver
✅ 2X rewards on offline retail	❌ 2X retail rewards capped at ₹20K/month
✅ Movie offers via District app	❌ High 3.5% forex markup
✅ 6-12 golf rounds for enthusiasts	❌ Domestic lounge requires ₹50K quarterly spend
✅ Comprehensive insurance coverage	❌ No clear advantage over HDFC Regalia/SBI Prime

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Overall Assessment

The Axis Select Credit Card is a solid all-rounder but not a category killer. It works best for people who spend heavily on food delivery (Swiggy), groceries (BigBasket), and offline retail stores. If you’re using these platforms 2-3 times weekly, the savings alone justify the ₹3,000 annual fee.

However, the card underperforms in redemption value. You’ll earn points quickly but struggle to extract premium value unless you’re content with vouchers and catalog products.

For international travellers, the 3.5% forex markup is a deterrent. HDFC Regalia does better here.

The ₹8 lakh fee waiver target is unrealistic for most cardholders. Unless you’re putting ₹65,000+ monthly on this card, plan to pay the annual fee every year.

Long-term usability: If your spending patterns align with Swiggy, BigBasket, and offline retail, this card delivers consistent value. If not, you’ll find yourself questioning the annual fee after the first year.

Decide Factor: Should You Apply?

Best For:

✔ Swiggy & BigBasket regulars: If you order food 2x/week and groceries 2x/month, you’re saving ₹10,800+ annually just from these discounts.

✔ Offline retail shoppers: The 2X rewards on departmental stores, apparel shops, and grocery outlets add up for those who prefer store visits over e-commerce.

✔ Movie buffs: District app’s BOGO offers can save ₹6,000 annually if you watch 2 movies monthly.

✔ Occasional international travellers: 6-12 lounge visits work well for 2-3 international trips annually.

✔ Salaried professionals with ₹6L+ income: The card is accessible without requiring ultra-premium income brackets.

Avoid If:

❌ Your annual card spends won’t cross ₹3 lakh (you’ll struggle to extract value from benefits)

❌ You rarely use Swiggy or BigBasket (major value drivers disappear)

❌ You’re a heavy international traveller seeking low forex fees (3.5% is high)

❌ You want top-tier rewards redemption (EDGE Points offer weak value)

❌ You primarily shop online (accelerated rewards are offline-only)

Works Best When Used Like This:

Use the Axis Select as your primary card for offline retail, food delivery, and grocery shopping. Pair it with a zero-forex card (like HDFC Regalia or Niyo Global) for international spends. Use it for monthly Swiggy and BigBasket purchases to unlock discounts. Keep it active with at least ₹15,000-₹20,000 monthly spends to maintain lounge benefits and extract value from the annual fee.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Online Application:

1. Visit the official Axis Bank website: www.axisbank.com
2. Navigate to Cards > Credit Cards > Select Credit Card
3. Click “Apply Now”
4. Enter personal details: Name, mobile number, PAN, email
5. Provide employment and income details
6. Upload required documents (see below)
7. Submit application and wait for verification call
8. Typical approval timeline: 7-10 working days

Offline Application:

• Visit the nearest Axis Bank branch
• Request Axis Select Credit Card application form
• Fill form and attach documents
• Submit to branch executive

Documents Required:

• Identity Proof: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID
• Address Proof: Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, Utility Bill (not older than 2 months)
• Income Proof: Latest 3 months’ salary slips, ITR, Form 16
• Bank Statements: Last 6 months (for self-employed)

Approval Timeline:

Typically 7-10 working days after document submission. Existing Axis Bank customers with salary accounts may get instant or pre-approved offers.

FAQs (User-Intent Driven)

1. Is the Axis Select Credit Card lifetime free?

No, it has a ₹3,000 + GST joining and annual fee. However, Burgundy account holders get it lifetime free (but without the welcome benefit). The annual fee can be waived if you spend ₹8 lakh in a card anniversary year.

2. Are the reward points actually worth it?

EDGE Reward Points have moderate redemption value – typically ₹0.20 to ₹0.25 per point. They work fine for vouchers and catalog products but offer weaker value on air mile conversions. If you’re earning points on Swiggy/BigBasket discounts and movie tickets, you’re getting better direct value than relying on point redemption.

3. How does lounge access actually work? Any catches?

International: You get 6 visits via Priority Pass, and 6 more if you spend ₹3 lakh annually (total 12).

Domestic: 2 visits per quarter, but only if you’ve spent ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months. This condition often trips people up during low-spending quarters.

Priority Pass renewal is automatic if you hit ₹3 lakh annual spend. Otherwise, it lapses.

4. What happens if I don’t spend ₹8 lakh in a year?

You’ll pay the ₹3,000 + GST annual fee on your card anniversary. Most cardholders end up paying this since ₹8 lakh is a high threshold.

5. Is this card suitable for beginners?

Not ideal. It requires ₹6 lakh annual income and works best for those who can spend ₹15,000-₹20,000 monthly. Beginners are better off starting with no-annual-fee cards like Axis Ace or SBI SimplyCLICK to build credit history first.

6. Can I use this card for international transactions?

Yes, but the 3.5% forex markup is steep. For frequent international spends, consider pairing this with a zero-forex card or using HDFC Regalia/Diners ClubMiles which have lower markups.

7. Do I earn rewards on fuel, rent, and utility payments?

• Fuel: 1% surcharge waiver (₹400-₹4,000 range, max ₹400/month), but no reward points
• Rent: Charged 1% surcharge (capped at ₹1,500), no reward points
• Utilities: No reward points, but eligible transactions for fee waiver and milestone benefits

8. How long does card delivery take?

Typically 7-10 working days post-approval. Activate within 30 days to claim welcome benefit.

Final Verdict (Discover-Style Wrap-Up)

The Axis Select Credit Card isn’t flashy, and it won’t impress you with groundbreaking features. What it does do is deliver consistent value for people who order Swiggy regularly, shop groceries on BigBasket, and prefer offline retail stores over e-commerce platforms.

If your monthly spending aligns with these patterns, the ₹3,000 annual fee pays for itself. The lounge access sweetens the deal for occasional travellers. But if you’re chasing maximum reward points redemption or planning heavy international use, look elsewhere.

This is a card for practical spenders who want everyday benefits without chasing ultra-premium perks. It won’t be your forever card, but it’ll serve you well as long as your spending habits match its strengths.

Bottom line: Strong for Swiggy/BigBasket users and offline shoppers. Average for everyone else.

Disclaimer: Card features, fees, and benefits are subject to change at the issuer’s discretion. Always verify details on the official Axis Bank website before applying.

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