HSBC has recently launched the TravelOne Credit Card, which is designed specifically for travel rewards. While many people are aware of the success of the TravelOne Credit Card internationally, there is curiosity about how it compares to one of the top travel credit cards in India, the Axis Atlas Credit Card. In this comparison, we will examine the key benefits of both the HSBC TravelOne and the Axis Atlas Credit Card to help identify the better option.
Fee Structure
For most of us, the most essential aspect of selecting a credit card is the joining and annual fee structure. Both HSBC TravelOne and Axis Atlas Credit Card are available at a joining and renewal fee of ₹5,000 + GST. Technically, HSBC TravelOne is available at ₹4,999 + GST, which is ₹1 cheaper, not a detail worth taking into account. This brings both these cards to the premium segment.
Verdict: Draw
Which Card Offers the Most Value for Joining Fees?
While the fee structure of both these cards is the same, there is a stark difference between the welcome benefits offered by both these cards.
The HSBC TravelOne Credit Card offers a cashback of ₹1,000, a ₹3,000 PostCard voucher, and a 3-month EazyDiner Prime Membership when you spend ₹10,000 within 30 days of account activation. While this may seem appealing at first glance, it’s important to note that redeeming the PostCard Hotels voucher can be cumbersome, as it can only be used for stays at the premium hotel. Additionally, HSBC TravelOne cardholders can earn 3,000 Reward Points by spending ₹1 lakh within 90 days, which is a relatively high threshold.
In contrast, the Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card provides a straightforward benefit of 2,500 EDGE Miles for completing just one transaction within 30 days of card issuance. This makes it a simpler and more rewarding option as the Reward Points can be converted to various hotels and airline partners at a 1:2 ratio.
Verdict: Axis Bank Atlast Credit Card offers better value for the joining fee than the HSBC TravelOne.
Which Card Has the Better Reward Structure?
| HSBC TravelOne Credit Card | Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card |
| 4 Reward Points/₹100 on Flights, Travel Platforms, and International Spends (~4% Reward Rate) | 5 EDGE Miles/₹100 on Travel Spends (Axis Travel Edge, Hotels, Flights) (~10% Reward Rate) |
| 2 Reward Points/₹100 on All Other Eligible Spends (~2% Reward Rate) | 2 EDGE Miles/₹100 on All Other Eligible Spends (~4% Reward Rate) |
| Accelerated Reward Points Are Capped at 50,000 Per Month | Accelerated EDGE Miles Capped at Cumulative Spends of ₹2 Lakh Per Month |
Axis Atlas Credit Card offers a 1:2 for most of its conversion partners, which makes it practically unbeatable in the travel category.
Verdict: Axis Atlas Credit Card clearly offers a higher reward rate (10%) on travel spending, making it more rewarding for frequent travelers.
Reward Point Redemption
The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card offers a superior rewards system, allowing cardholders to earn and redeem EDGE Reward Points more effectively than other cards. Users can benefit significantly by converting their points to partner airlines and hotels with the Axis Atlas Credit Card. Although the HSBC TravelOne card features various hotel and airline partners, it does not match the favorable conversion rates offered by the Axis Atlas Credit Card.
| HSBC TravelOne | Axis Atlas |
| 1 Reward Point = 1 Partner Point (For Most Partners) | 1 EDGE Mile = 2 Partner Points (For Most Partners) |
Free Airport Lounge Access
Complimentary airport lounge access is a significant benefit when applying for a travel credit card. Those who frequently travel for work would find this feature essential for a comfortable and hassle-free experience around the globe.
| HSBC TravelOne Credit Card | Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card |
| 6 Domestic and 4 International Lounge Visits Per Year |
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Verdict: Axis Atlas offers more lounge visits, especially for higher tiers, making it better for frequent travelers.
Which Card Offers the Lowest Forex Charge?
While TravelOne offers accelerated Reward Points for international spending, it is worth noting that it has a Forex markup charge of 3.5%. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card, on the other hand, has a low Forex fee of 2%.
Verdict: The Axis Atlas card is more cost-effective for international transactions.
Additional Benefits
The HSBC TravelOne Credit Card offers complimentary golf rounds and purchase protection. These benefits, especially the purchase protection insurance, are highly useful for cardholders. While the TravelOne card provides many additional non-travel benefits, the Axis Atlas card completely lacks in this area.
Verdict: HSBC TravelOne offers unique lifestyle perks like golf, while Axis Atlas focuses solely on travel rewards.
Bottom Line
Both cards are excellent for travel enthusiasts, but the Axis Atlas stands out for its higher reward rate and tier-based benefits. At the same time, HSBC TravelOne offers more flexibility with transfer partners and unique lifestyle perks. However, this point also does not matter now since Axis Atlas is no longer available for online application; those looking to apply for this card would have to make do with the likes of HSBC TravelOne or Axis Horizon.