Axis Olympus and American Express Platinum Charge Card are two of the many premium cards currently available in the Indian Credit Card Market. Both cards are designed for people who travel often, spend internationally, and enjoy premium lifestyle benefits. While both cards provide exceptional perks, they differ in terms of pricing, rewards programs, and the overall luxury experience they offer. Choosing between these two can be a tough decision, as each comes with its own set of advantages that appeal to different types of cardholders.
Joining Fee, Renewal Cost, and Welcome Benefits
The joining and renewal fee for Axis Olympus is ₹20,000 + GST. This is reasonable compared to the AmEx Platinum Charge Card, a premium credit card offering significant travel and lifestyle benefits. The welcome benefit includes Taj Hotels or ITC Hotel gift vouchers worth ₹10,000 upon making the first transaction. In addition, the cardholder receives 2,500 EDGE Miles.
The joining fee for American Express Platinum Charge Card is ₹66,000 + GST, which is significantly higher than that of other premium credit cards. However, the high fee is justified by the extensive range of benefits and privileges. The welcome benefits include ₹60,000 worth of gift vouchers from Taj Hotels, Luxe Gift Cards, and Postcard Hotels & Resorts (after spending ₹50,000 within the first two months). Additionally, the cardholder receives 10,000 Referral Bonus Membership Rewards points after spending ₹5,000 within 90 days.
| Particulars | Axis Olympus | American Express Platinum Charge Card |
| Joining/Renewal Fee | ₹20,000 + GST | ₹66,000 + GST |
| Welcome Benefits |
(Upon Making the First Transaction with the Card) |
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Earn and Redeem Reward Points
Axis Olympus offers 1 EDGE Mile for every ₹100 spent on domestic purchases and 2 EDGE Miles for every ₹100 spent internationally. These points can be redeemed for flights or hotel bookings or transferred to various partner programs. When transferring to partner programs, The EDGE Miles with Axis Olympus are transferred at a 1:4 ratio. (Olympus Credit Card 1 EDGE Mile = 4 Partner points).
The American Express Platinum Charge Card offers multiple ways to earn points, including 10X Membership Rewards Points for spending with RewardXcelerator on luxury brands, 5X points for shopping through the Rewards Multiplier portal, and 3X points for international spending. Points can be redeemed for e-vouchers, hotel bookings, and flights. When transferred to various partner rewards programs, MR points have different transfer ratios. For instance, they are transferable to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio.
| Particulars | Axis Olympus | American Express Platinum Charge Card |
| Earning Reward Points |
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Lifestyle Perks
The American Express Platinum Charge Card stands out here with its wider range of lifestyle perks, such as luxury hotel memberships, golf privileges, and discounts on dining and movies. The Axis Olympus card is still competitive, with its unlimited lounge access and decent movie and dining discounts.
However, Axis Olympus offers a significantly lower foreign currency markup, making it a better choice for frequent international travelers who can save more on foreign exchange fees than with the AmEx Platinum Charge Card.
| Particulars | Axis Olympus | American Express Platinum Charge Card |
| Domestic Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited Free Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited Free Airport Lounge Access |
| International Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited International Airport Lounge Access, with the Priority Pass Membership | Unlimited International Airport Lounge Access, with the Priority Pass Membership |
| Movie and Dining |
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| Complimentary Status into Membership Tiers | Complimentary Membership to Taj Epicure |
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| Golf | Eight Complimentary Golf Lessons/Rounds | Complimentary Access to More Than 30 Golf Courses in India & 50 Golf Courses Worldwide. |
| Foreign Currency Markup | 3.5% + GST | 1.8% + GST |
Bottom Line
The Axis Olympus Credit Card offers a great balance of premium perks with a reasonable annual fee of ₹20,000. Its solid rewards system, the convenience of Mastercard’s wide acceptance, and strong travel benefits, such as unlimited airport lounge access, make this card an excellent choice for those seeking luxury on a budget. At the same time, the AmEx Platinum Charge Card is designed for those willing to pay a higher fee of ₹66,000 in exchange for premium benefits. It offers superior lifestyle perks, a range of hotel memberships, golf benefits, and excellent international travel advantages. It’s ideal for people who frequently travel and dine and want access to luxury experiences.
If you’re looking for a premium credit card without breaking the bank, Axis Olympus provides great value with its affordable fee and strong benefits. However, for those who value travel perks, and luxury memberships, the American Express Platinum Charge Card offers an unbeatable experience despite its higher cost.