I know this is an unusual comparison where we take 2 cards vs 1 but it makes a lot of sense especially as both these cards are easier to get than HDFC infinia and might provide better value based on use case.
In my experience, Axis Magnus and HDFC Infinia alone are quite comparable cards. But when we include SC ultimate in the equation, then Infinia stands no new/ better features against these two.
Axis Magnus gives better travel rewards than Magnus but HDFC Infinia is better in terms of regular rewards when you dont reach 1 lakh milestone in magnus.
SC Ultimate is same as HDFC in regular rewards but Infinia is better when it comes to travel.
Combined Magnus and Ultimate are better than Infina in both travel and regular rewards. And once you reach 1 lakh milestone in magnus, thats unstoppable.
All three cards have their perks and advantages and are best upon your use cases.
Criteria | SC Ultimate + Axis Magnus | HDFC Infinia |
| Joining/Renewal Fee | Rs5900+Rs11800 | Rs14750 |
| Welcome Benefit | 6000 RP worth Rs6000 on gift cards + Tata Cliq / Flight Voucher worth Rs10000 | 12500 RP worth Rs12500 on Smartbuy Hotel/Flight Booking/Apple Purchase Note: Only usable upto 70% of cost Complimentary Club Marriott membership for a year that offers up to 20% discounts for Dining and Stay across Asia – Pacific region Complimentary Dineout Membership |
| Renewal Benefit | 5000 RP + Tata Cliq / Flight Voucher worth Rs10000 | 12500 RP |
| Note: Welcome/Renewal Benefits almost recovers the fee for both cards and are similar for both cards | ||
| Fee Waiver | Ultimate: NA, Magnus: Spend 15 lakhs prev year | Spend 10 Lakhs prev year |
| Portal for extra rewards | NA for SC + GrabDeals/TravelEdge for Magnus | Smartbuy for HDFC |
| Lounge Access | Ultimate: Domestic 4 per quarter (16 per year), International 1 per month thru Priority Pass (Only of you spend 20000 in the previous month) This Priority Pass visit 1/month can be used for domestic lounge as well. Magnus: Unlimited Domestic visits through card (No priority pass for domestic lounge)+ Unlimited International visits thru Priority Pass + 8 Complimentary guest visits for your companions thru Priority pass. | Unlimited Domestic + International Visits Through Priority Pass. Note: Benefits can be used by add-on card holders but guest visits are not allowed |
| Movie Benefits | Magnus: BOGO 5 times a month upto max Rs500 using Book my show on movie/non-movie | NA |
| Golf Benefits | Ultimate: 1 Session + 1 Lesson in a month | Unlimited Lessons and Sessions |
| Airport Benefits | Magnus: 8 Complimentary Meet and Greet visits for you and your companions | NA |
| Other Benefits | Magnus: 40% off on EazyDiner above already discounted price once every 15 days and Birthday benefits Card Insurances for both cards Forex Fee - 2% Fuel Surcharge waiver 1% only on Magnus Metal card on Magnus Concierge and Priority customer service on Magnus No Cash Withdrawal fee on Magnus | Pay for 2 nights on 3 night stay at ITC Hotels. BOGO on weekend buffets at ITC Hotels Card Insurances Forex Fee - 2% Fuel surcharge waiver 1% Metal Card Concierge and Priority customer service |
| Eligibility | Ultimate: Gross income of 2 lakhs/month Magnus: Net Annual Income > 18 Lakhs | Invite only Hidden criteria: Net Annual Income > 40 Lakhs |
| Reward Points | Ultimate: 5RP per Rs 150 Spent. (You will get fractional rewards for every 30 spent (1RP)) Magnus: 12 RP per Rs 200 Spent. (No fractional rewards) | 5 RP per Rs 150 Spent. (No fractional rewards) |
| Milestone Benefits | Magnus: 25,000 EDGE RP on monthly spends of Rs1 Lakh | NA |
| Redemption Options | Ultimate: Can be used at 360 Reward portal where 1RP= 1Rs. Vouchers such as Myntra, Uber, Croma, jewellery, shopping brands, etc. available. Magnus: 5RP : 4 airmiles conversion available at leading airlines. (Many more airline options than Infinia) 1RP=0.2Rs at Gift Cards. | At Smartbuy: 1RP=1Rs (usable 70% of invoice value) Gift Cards: 1RP=0.5Rs Cash: 1RP=0.3Rs |
| Accelerated Rewards | 5X Points on Travel Edge for Magnus (Airmile Reward Rate: 24%) (Airmile Reward rate: 44% when spent=1L) | 5X points on travel booking via smartbuy (Max: 15000 per month, Max: 7500 per day) (Airmile Reward rate: 16.67%) |
| Reward Rate | Ultimate: 3.33% (Gift cards, travel vouchers) Magnus: Airmiles- 4.8%, Gift Cards- 1.2% (<1L spent) Airmiles- 24.8%, GC- 6.2% (=1L spent) | Airmiles/Fight-Hotel Bookings: 3.33% Gift Cards: 1.67% Cash: 1% |
In my experience, Axis Magnus and HDFC Infinia alone are quite comparable cards. But when we include SC ultimate in the equation, then Infinia stands no new/ better features against these two.
Axis Magnus gives better travel rewards than Magnus but HDFC Infinia is better in terms of regular rewards when you dont reach 1 lakh milestone in magnus.
SC Ultimate is same as HDFC in regular rewards but Infinia is better when it comes to travel.
Combined Magnus and Ultimate are better than Infina in both travel and regular rewards. And once you reach 1 lakh milestone in magnus, thats unstoppable.
All three cards have their perks and advantages and are best upon your use cases.
