Synopsis: Axis Bank has rolled out changes in Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card in April 2026, with key transfer partners like Accor, Marriott Bonvoy, and Qatar Airways removed. The card core value has materially weakened and for the cardholders who relied on these hotel and flight redemptions, it is time to make alternative considerations.
The Axis Horizon was a solid entry-level travel card with 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on travel spends and a 1:1 miles transfer ratio. However, Axis Bank’s Travel Edge program changes from April 2, 2026 removed Accor, Marriott Bonvoy, and Qatar Airways, while new partners, British Airways, Finnair Plus, and Lotusmiles are added at lower redemption ratios. These changes make reward redemption more challenging, especially for mid and entry-level cardholders.
Revision in Conversion Ratios
Before April 2026
- Premium transfer partners Accor, Marriott Bonvoy, and Qatar Airways, available at conversion 1:1.
- Annual EDGE Miles transfer Cap: 1.5 lakh per customer ID per calendar year.
After April 2026
- Accor, Marriott Bonvoy, and Qatar Airways removed as transfer partners.
- New partners British Airways, Finnair Plus, and Lotusmiles are added at the ratio of 2:1,
- Conversion ratios revised down to Group A partners, Aeroplan, JAL, KrisFlyer and Group B partners, Flying Blue, Air India, ITC Hotels, IHG continue to offer relatively better value among remaining options.
Best 3 Alternative Credit Cards
Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹499
- Annual Fee: ₹499 from 2nd year
- Fee waiver: Annual fee waived on annual spends above ₹2 lakh
- Rewards: 5% cashback on utility bill payments, and DTH/mobile recharges via Google Pay, and 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola
- Lounge Access: 4 domestic lounge access per year
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
- Rewards: Earn 5 travel points per ₹100 on travel spends, and earn 2 travel points per ₹100 on all other transactions
- Lounge Access: 2 complimentary international lounge access per year via Priority Pass and 2 complimentary domestic lounge access per quarter, on spend ₹35,000 in previous quarter
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹0
- Annual Fee: ₹0
- Fee waiver: Not Applicable
- Rewards: Earn 20% Scapia Coins on all travel bookings made via the Scapia app, 10% Scapia coins on all the other eligible online and offline spends
- Lounge Access: Unlimited domestic lounge access on spending ₹20,000 per preceding month, and up to ₹1,000 airport dining or shopping reimbursement at metro airports. No international lounge access.
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
Comparison Table
Conclusion
The April 2026 devaluation makes a compelling case to move on from the Axis Horizon.If you want zero fees and unlimited lounges for domestic travel, Scapia is unmatched. For zero-cost international forex savings, RBL World Safari leads the pack. And for everyday cashback on bills and food delivery at just ₹499, Axis ACE remains the smartest low-cost play.
Written by Jahnavi
