Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card
The Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card is a good choice for people who travel often and want to earn rewards whenever they spend. It comes with a joining and annual fee of ₹3,000 plus taxes, offering benefits like free lounge access and reward points on every transaction. For every ₹100 spent, cardholders can earn 2 to 5 EDGE Miles, with a 5% reward rate on travel bookings through Travel Edge.
This card is available in two versions to suit different preferences. The Mastercard World variant offers 6 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits, while the Visa Signature variant provides 8 lounge visits. One of the best features is that EDGE Miles can be redeemed at a 1:1 conversion rate with multiple travel partners, giving users flexibility and better value for their points.
Additional perks include international lounge access, EazyDiner discounts for dining, and a fuel surcharge waiver, which can help save on everyday expenses. Although it doesn't provide a spend-based fee waiver, the generous travel benefits and reward options make it a great choice for those seeking convenience and comfort during their trips.
Rewards and Benefits
Fees & Charges
What should you consider before applying for a credit card in India?
Key Considerations Before Applying for a Credit Card in India:
- Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include age, income, credit score, and employment status as defined by the issuing bank or financial institution.
- Credit Score: A strong credit score can significantly improve your chances of approval and result in more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates or higher credit limits. Verify that your credit score is healthy before applying.
- Interest Rates and Fees: Compare the annual percentage rates (APR), processing fees, late payment penalties, and foreign transaction charges associated with various cards. These costs can vary widely and impact the overall value of the card.
- Rewards and Benefits: Evaluate the rewards, cashback, discounts, or other perks offered by the card to ensure they align with your spending patterns. Some cards may provide better benefits in specific categories, such as travel, shopping, or dining.
- Credit Limit: Review the credit limit offered by the card to ensure it meets your financial needs. Avoid applying for cards with excessive limits if you are concerned about managing debt, as this can lead to higher interest charges.
- Repayment Terms: Understand the repayment structure, including the minimum payment amount, payment due dates, and any associated penalties. Being clear about these terms can help you manage payments effectively and avoid interest buildup.
- Card Type and Features: Choose a card type that matches your specific needs—whether standard, premium, or specialized cards like those offering travel rewards or dining privileges. Ensure the features of the card align with your lifestyle and spending habits.
- Bank’s Reputation: Opt for a financial institution with a proven reputation for customer service and transparency. Consider researching customer reviews and assessing their support channels to ensure reliable service.
- Hidden Charges: Be aware of any hidden fees, including annual fees, balance transfer charges, foreign transaction fees, or cash withdrawal charges. These can add up over time and affect the overall cost-effectiveness of the card.
- Credit Utilization: Maintain a balance within your credit limit to avoid high credit utilization ratios, which can negatively impact your credit score. Responsible use of credit is essential for maintaining financial health.
- Long-Term Financial Plans: Consider how the credit card fits into your overall financial strategy. Avoid accumulating unnecessary debt and choose a card that supports your long-term financial goals without adding financial strain.
Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card: Features, Rewards, and Benefits
The Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card is a travel-focused credit card designed for people who travel frequently for work or leisure. It offers good value through travel rewards, airport lounge access, and flexible redemption options, all at a reasonable annual fee. This card is especially useful for individuals who regularly book flights or hotels and want rewards that are easy to understand and use.
It is suitable for salaried professionals, business owners, and frequent travelers who want travel benefits without choosing an expensive premium credit card. The Horizon Credit Card focuses on practicality, comfort, and value.
Welcome and Renewal Benefits
New cardholders receive attractive benefits when they start using the card, along with rewards for long-term usage.
Joining Benefit
- Earn 5,000 EDGE Miles by spending ₹1,000 or more within 30 days of receiving the card
- No merchant category restrictions apply to eligible spends
- EDGE Miles can be redeemed with airline and hotel partners
- The welcome reward value can be worth up to ₹5,000, depending on redemption choice
This welcome benefit helps cardholders start earning value quickly, even with small initial spending.
Renewal Benefit
- 1,500 EDGE Miles are credited every year on the card anniversary
- Renewal miles are credited within 30 days of the anniversary date
The renewal benefit rewards continued usage of the card and adds extra value each year.
Reward Rate and EDGE Mile Earnings
The Axis Horizon Credit Card offers higher rewards on travel spending along with steady rewards on regular purchases.
Earn 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on:
- Axis Bank Travel Edge bookings
- Airline bookings made via official airline websites
- Airline ticket purchases at airport counters
- Bookings done through airline customer support or helpline numbers
This reward rate makes flight bookings more rewarding and suitable for frequent flyers.
Earn 2 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on:
- All other eligible retail transactions
This ensures that even non-travel spending contributes to reward accumulation.
EDGE Miles are not earned on:
- Fuel transactions
- Rent payments
- Wallet loading transactions
- Insurance premium payments
- Utility bill payments
- Government-related payments
- Education-related payments
- Transportation services and toll charges
These exclusions are standard across most credit cards.
EDGE Mile Redemption Options
EDGE Miles earned using the Axis Horizon Credit Card can be redeemed in flexible and easy ways, especially for travel.
Redemption methods include:
- Booking flights, hotels, and travel experiences through the Axis Bank Travel Edge platform
- Transferring EDGE Miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs
Key redemption details:
- Minimum redemption starts from 500 EDGE Miles
- 1 EDGE Mile is equal to 1 partner point during loyalty transfers
This structure helps cardholders choose how they want to use their rewards.
Airline and Hotel Partners
The Axis Horizon Credit Card offers access to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, making redemptions useful for both domestic and international travel.
Annual transfer limit:
- Up to 500,000 EDGE Miles can be transferred in one calendar year
Transfer limit structure:
- Group A allows transfers up to 100,000 EDGE Miles per year
- Group B allows transfers up to 400,000 EDGE Miles per year
Available partners include:
- Airline partners such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air France KLM, Air Canada, United Airlines, and others
- Hotel partners including Accor Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Hotels, Wyndham Rewards, and ITC Hotels
All airline and hotel transfers follow a 1:1 conversion ratio, which keeps the redemption process simple.
Airport Lounge Access
The card improves the travel experience by offering complimentary lounge access.
Domestic airport lounge access:
- Available at major airports across India
- Number of free visits depends on the card variant
- Visa Signature variant offers more visits compared to Mastercard World
- A small access charge is applied at entry and later refunded
International airport lounge access:
- 2 complimentary visits per quarter
- Enjoy as many as 8 complimentary international airport lounge visits annually.
- A temporary USD 1 charge is placed and refunded later
Lounge access is available only to the primary cardholder.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
The Axis Horizon Credit Card also provides savings on fuel expenses.
Fuel surcharge benefit:
- 1 percent fuel surcharge waiver
- Applicable on fuel purchases between ₹400 and ₹5,000
- Maximum waiver of ₹400 per statement cycle
- GST charged on fuel surcharge is not refundable
This benefit helps reduce fuel-related expenses during regular usage.
Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card Review
The Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card is a well-balanced travel credit card that offers good rewards on airline bookings and Travel Edge spends. Its welcome benefit, annual renewal rewards, and wide airline and hotel partner network make it useful for frequent travelers.
With complimentary airport lounge access, easy EDGE Mile redemption options, and reasonable annual charges, this credit card is a suitable choice for people who want a comfortable and rewarding travel experience without opting for high-cost premium credit cards.
What special offers can you get with the Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card?
You can enjoy special offers every Wednesday, including a 15% discount on flights and hotel bookings via Goibibo and MakeMyTrip. Plus, get 10% off on purchases from Swiggy, Amazon Fresh, and Tira.
How much does cash withdrawal cost using this credit card?
The card charges a 2.5% fee on cash withdrawals, with at least ₹500 being charged. Also, interest begins right away without any free period.
Are there any late payment charges?
Yes, for an outstanding balance of ₹9,774, you will be charged ₹750 as a late fee.
What charges apply for international transactions?
A 3.5% extra charge is added to all purchases made in foreign currency.
Who can apply for the Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card?
Applicants must be between 18 and 70 years old, with eligibility determined by factors like income and credit history.
What are the annual benefits for spending ₹1.6 lakh?
You can earn up to ₹8,000 in Accelerated EDGE Reward Points for an annual spend of ₹1.6 lakh.
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