The Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card is one of the most exciting additions to Axis Bank’s credit card portfolio.
Designed to cater to high-net-worth individuals, this card brings a blend of luxury, travel, rewards, and lifestyle benefits. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the features, benefits, and our opinion on whether this card is worth the steep joining and renewal fees of ₹20,000 + GST.
Key Features of Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹20,000 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | ₹20,000 + GST |
| Rewards Rate | 1 EDGE Mile/₹100 on domestic spends; 2 EDGE Miles/₹100 on international spends |
| Reward Redemption | 1 EDGE Mile = 4 Partner Points |
| Airport Privileges | Unlimited domestic and international lounge access with Priority Pass |
| Welcome Benefits | Taj/ITC Hotel vouchers worth ₹10,000; 2,500 EDGE Miles |
| Golf Benefits | 8 complimentary golf rounds per year; additional rounds for every ₹50,000 spent |
| Forex Markup Fee | 1.8% + GST |
| Additional Benefits | Complimentary Taj Epicure membership, dining discounts, and BookMyShow BOGO offers |
Rewards Structure: How Does It Compare?
The reward rates for the Axis Olympus Credit Card may initially appear modest. However, the true value lies in the EDGE Mile redemption system:
- Domestic Spending: Earn 1 EDGE Mile per ₹100, translating to 4 Partner Points. This effectively gives you 4% rewards on domestic spends.
- International Spending: Earn 2 EDGE Miles per ₹100, translating to 8 Partner Points. Including the low 1.8% Forex markup fee, the net reward rate rises to 5.8% on international transactions.
Comparison Table: Axis Olympus vs Competitors
| Card | Reward Rate (Domestic) | Reward Rate (International) | Forex Markup Fee | Annual Fee |
| Axis Bank Olympus | 4% | 5.8% | 1.8% + GST | ₹20,000 + GST |
| Axis Reserve | 3.75% | 5% | 1.5% + GST | ₹50,000 + GST |
| HDFC Infinia | 3.33% | 6.6% | Nil | ₹10,000 + GST |
| ICICI Sapphiro | 2.5% | 3.5% | 3.5% + GST | ₹6,500 + GST |
Opinion: The Olympus card’s reward structure offers exceptional value for both domestic and international spending, outperforming many competitors in its class.
Travel and Airport Privileges
Domestic Lounge Access
Enjoy unlimited domestic lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders at select airports across India. Additionally, you get 10 free guest visits annually.
International Lounge Access
With the Priority Pass Membership, you gain unlimited international lounge access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide. Plus, enjoy 10 guest visits annually for a seamless travel experience.
Airport Transfer Services
The card provides 2 complimentary airport pickups or drops each year. Luxury transfers (Mercedes, BMW, Audi) are available in select metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Verdict: The Olympus card’s travel benefits cater perfectly to frequent flyers, offering unmatched convenience and luxury.
Exclusive Luxury Benefits
Taj Epicure Membership
The card comes with a complimentary Taj Epicure membership, unlocking exclusive privileges:
- 25% Discount: On dining and takeaway orders at participating Taj restaurants.
- 20% Savings: On spa treatments at Jiva Spas.
- Room Discounts: Enjoy up to 20% off on rooms at Taj properties.
Complimentary Golf Benefits
Cardholders can avail 8 complimentary golf sessions annually at domestic courses. For every ₹50,000 spent, you earn one additional golf round.
Takeaway: These luxury benefits elevate the Olympus card’s status, making it ideal for those who prioritize exclusivity.
EDGE Mile Redemption
Redemption Categories
| Category | Redemption Value | Minimum EDGE Miles Required |
| Partner Miles | 1 EDGE Mile = 4 Partner Points | 500 |
| Travel EDGE Bookings | Book flights, hotels, and experiences | 500 |
Partner Transfer Limits
The card divides partners into Group A and Group B with annual transfer caps:
| Group A (1.5 Lakh Cap) | Group B (6 Lakh Cap) |
| Accor Hotels | Air France-KLM |
| Air Canada | Air India |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Marriott International |
Insight: With a maximum cap of 7.5 lakh EDGE Miles annually, the Olympus card provides flexibility to redeem rewards across top-tier travel and lifestyle partners.
Welcome and Annual Benefits
Welcome Benefits
- 2,500 EDGE Miles upon first transaction.
- Taj/ITC Hotel Vouchers worth ₹10,000.
Renewal Benefits
- Repeat of the welcome benefits every year upon renewal.
Analysis: The welcome and renewal benefits alone justify a significant portion of the annual fee, especially for frequent travelers.
Entertainment Benefits
BookMyShow Offers
- Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) on movie tickets, capped at ₹650 per ticket.
- BOGO for Non-Movie Tickets: Maximum discount capped at ₹1,000.
Note: These offers are ongoing and add considerable value for entertainment enthusiasts.
FAQs
1. Is the Axis Olympus Credit Card worth the annual fee?
Answer: Yes, if you frequently travel or spend on luxury, dining, and entertainment. The rewards, benefits, and exclusive privileges offset the steep annual fee.
2. Can I transfer EDGE Miles to airline loyalty programs?
Answer: Yes, you can transfer EDGE Miles to partners like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and more. Limits apply based on partner categories.
3. How does the Olympus card compare to Axis Reserve?
Answer: While the Reserve card offers higher EDGE Reward Points, the Olympus card is more cost-effective, especially for those maximizing EDGE Mile transfers.
Final Verdict
The Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card is a top-tier option for anyone looking to combine luxury with practicality. Its competitive rewards rate, extensive travel benefits, and exclusive privileges make it a strong contender among India’s super-premium credit cards. While the annual fee is steep, the value provided easily outweighs the cost for frequent travelers and high spenders.
For those who prioritize exclusivity, luxury, and flexibility, the Axis Olympus is undoubtedly a card worth considering.
