Axis Bank Burgundy Private and Axis Bank Reserve credit cards are two of the prominent high-end cards offered by Axis Bank. Often confused as identical, due to a similar fee of Rs. 50,000, these cards differ a lot in terms of offering savings to customers.
While no specific eligibility requirements are disclosed for Axis Reserve, a TRV of around Rs. 5 Crore is required to avail the Burgundy Private Credit Card. Private account holders can even avail the annual fee waiver without adhering to any other terms and conditions. On the other hand, Axis Reserve requires a high threshold of fee waiver at Rs. 35 lakh, a high amount again suggesting its target towards the ultra-elites. Having said that, beyond these distinctions, both cards offer a similar range of lifestyle benefits around travel concierge, movies, dining, and golf.
But which one is better for you? Read our detailed comparison to find out!
Fee & Charges
| Fee Type | Reserve | Burgundy Private |
| Joining Fee | 50,000 | 50,000 (Nil for Burgundy Private account holders) |
| Annual Fee | 50,000 (Waived on eligible spends* of Rs. 35 Lakh in the preceding year) |
50,000 (Nil for Burgundy Private account holders) |
| Finance Charges | 3.0% per month | 42.58%
Per annum |
1.5% per month | 19.56%
Per annum |
| Cash withdrawal fee | Waived | Waived |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to Rs. 1,200 (depending on the outstanding amount) | Waived |
| Forex markup fee | 1.5% | Nil |
Rewards Structure
The reward earning rate for both cards is the same at 15 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent. However, the real differentiating factor is the redemption value. Burgundy offers a higher value of 5:4 in comparison to 5:2 offered on Reserve. The group partners for miles conversion are the same for both cards, but varying capping is as follows:
| Reserve | Burgundy | |
| Group A | 1 Lakh | 3 Lakh |
| Group B | 4 Lakh | 12 Lakh |
| Total (per year) | 5 Lakh | 15 Lakh |
Usually, most Axis cards offer a lower capping on group A partners, limiting the brand preferences of customers who have their preferred brand in this group. Amongst all Axis Cards, Burgundy Private offers the highest capping of 3 lakh points. Check capping on all other cards and list of airline & hotel partners here.
Beyond redemption, Reserve has an edge due to two factors. First, it offers bonus points on card activation, which Burgundy Private does not; secondly, it offers an accelerated 2x reward on incremental spends.
Having said that, understand that these additional benefits on Reserve can simply not be a deciding factor. To make a decision based on the overall value back, consider factors like:
1. Burgundy Private offers a high redemption value of 5:4 in comparison to 5:2. So calculate if the bonus of 15,000 points offered only in the first year would really make a difference or not.
2. Though no accelerated rewards are offered on international spends, Burgundy compensates this via a zero forex markup fee in comparison to 1.5% charged by Reserve.
For users who are frequent international travelers, a zero forex markup fee would make more sense. However, those who have diverse spending needs beyond travel; accelerated rewards on international spends could be more beneficial. That way, even in times when they are not traveling throughout the year, they can utilize the rewards against the product catalog or shopping vouchers.
How much can you save on these cards?
| Reserve | Burgundy Private | |
| Domestic Spends of Rs. 1.5 Lakh | 15 points per Rs. 200 | 15 points per Rs. 200 |
| 11,250 | 11,250 | |
| International spends of Rs. 2 Lakh | 30 points per Rs. 200 | 15 points per Rs. 200 |
| 30,000 | 15,000 | |
| Total points earned | 11,250+ 30,000= 41,250 | 11,250+15,000= 26250 |
| Value-back via points conversion | 5:2 | 5:4 |
| 16500 partner points | 21000 partner points | |
| Forex markup charges on int. spends | 1.5% | 0% |
| Rs. 3,000* | – |
*Plus applicable GST.
Travel and other Lifestyle Benefits
In terms of international travel, both cards reward users differently: the Reserve via accelerated rewards and the Burgundy Private via a zero forex markup fee. However, most travel benefits on both cards are similar, as follows:
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership for primary and add-on members
- Unlimited lounge access at international airports with 12 free guest visits
- Unlimited lounge access at domestic airports with 12 free guest visits
The cards also extend a decent frequency on concierge service. Both offer 8 VIP assistance at airports. But Burgundy, additionally allows cardholders the flexibility to increase credit limits during foreign travel and get up to 30% off on conveyance to airports.
Beyond airport travel, benefits are also extended to hotel stays with multiple popular hotel chains worldwide.
- Reserved offers ITC Culinaire, Accor Plus, and Club Marriott Asia Pacific memberships and discounts at Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and Postcard Hotel.
- Burgundy Private offers Club Marriott, Accor Plus, and Taj Epicure memberships and stay privileges at Postcard hotels, Oberoi & Trident Hotels, including discounts of up to 15% off.
Unlike travel, where benefits are identical, for other lifestyle benefits the cards cover similar features as follows:
- 50 complimentary golf rounds every year
- Complimentary BookMyShow ticket for 5 movies and 5 non-movie shows per month
- Up to 25% savings via complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership
- Health and wellness coaching at Weljii; consultations with world-class medical specialists for second opinions and diagnoses at leading medical institutions.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between Rs.400 and Rs.4000 (Capped at Rs.400 per month).
On a concluding note, when looked upon individually, Axis Reserve and Axis Burgundy Private are good options for elite customers seeking high-end travel and lifestyle privileges. However, due to similar lifestyle privileges and reward earn rates, when comparing the two, travel benefits on the cards are a real differentiating factor. In comparison, Burgundy Private offers a good overall return due to a huge redemption value and zero forex markup fee. However, understand that even with a similar fee, the card is offered selectively to individuals maintaining a very high TRV.
Once availed, card users need to avail the Burgundy Private status every year otherwise they are entitled to pay a fee of Rs. 50,000. The good part is the benefits on the card truly justify the fee one might pay. However, for non-Burgundy holders, there is no spend-based criteria for card users to avail the fee waiver.
In comparison, Axis reserve is offered even to non-Burgundy account holders and comes with a fee waiver option of Rs. 35 Lakh, though high, it can still be achieved by heavy spenders. If offered, Axis Reserve is also a great option to stick to. However, before choosing this card, ensure you analyze if the card justifies the fee of Rs. 50,000 and if you are able to derive benefits worth the annual fee you pay.