This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on July 16, 2025 by Mani Karthik
After 15 months of holding both the regular Magnus and the Magnus Burgundy, here’s my comprehensive analysis of whether this ₹30,000 annual fee card is worth the premium over its regular counterpart.
Quick Overview: The Burgundy Advantage 🏆
Card Type: Super-Premium Travel Credit Card (Burgundy Exclusive)
Annual Fee: ₹30,000 + GST (No lifetime free option)
Welcome Benefit: ₹5,000 voucher (Luxe/Postcard Hotels/Yatra)
Key USP: 5:4 transfer ratio vs 5:2 for regular Magnus
Target Audience: High-net-worth individuals with ₹30L+ annual spends
Primary Strength: Unmatched reward rates for high spenders who can leverage transfer partners
The Burgundy Exclusivity Factor 🎯
What Makes This Card Special:
- 5:4 Transfer Ratio: Best-in-class airline/hotel partner transfers
- Higher Transfer Caps: 10 lakh EDGE RP vs 5 lakh for regular Magnus
- Airport Meet & Greet: 4 complimentary services per year
- Burgundy Status: Access to premium banking services
- Metal Card: Lightweight titanium finish
The Catch:
- Burgundy Requirement: Must maintain qualifying relationship with Axis Bank
- High Annual Fee: ₹30,000 with limited welcome benefits
- Exclusivity Tax: Premium for marginal benefits over regular Magnus
To Qualify for Burgundy, You Need ONE of the Following:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Average Quarterly Balance | ₹10 lakh in savings/current account |
| Total Relationship Value | ₹30 lakh (deposits + investments) |
| Enhanced TRV | ₹1 crore (including Demat holdings) |
| Salary Account | ₹3 lakh monthly salary credit |
| NRI Requirement | ₹40 lakh foreign inward remittance |
Personal Experience:
I qualified through the ₹30 lakh TRV route by maintaining ₹15 lakh in savings and ₹15 lakh in fixed deposits. The relationship manager was proactive in offering the upgrade when the card launched.
The Reward Structure: Where Magnus Burgundy Shines ⭐
Current Earning Rates (Post-April 2024):
| Spend Category | Earning Rate | Monthly Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Base Spends | 12 EDGE RP per ₹200 | Up to ₹1.5 lakh |
| Accelerated Spends | 35 EDGE RP per ₹200 | Above ₹1.5 lakh (capped) |
| Travel EDGE Portal | 60 EDGE RP per ₹200 | Up to ₹2 lakh |
| Grab Deals | Varies | Up to 10,000 RP monthly |
What Doesn’t Earn Points (Post-April 2024):
- Insurance payments
- Gold/Jewellery purchases
- Fuel transactions
- Rent payments
- Wallet loading
- Government payments
- Utility bills
The Math Behind the Magic:
- Base Rate: 3% (12 RP per ₹200 = 6% in partner transfers at 5:4)
- Accelerated Rate: 8.75% (35 RP per ₹200 = 17.5% in partner transfers)
- Travel EDGE: 15% (60 RP per ₹200 = 30% in partner transfers)
Transfer Partners: The Heart of Magnus Burgundy Value 🌍
The 5:4 Advantage:
Axis Magnus for Burgundy cardholders can transfer accumulated reward points into 20+ partner airline or hotel loyalty points at a 5:4 ratio.
Group A Partners (2 Lakh RP Annual Cap):
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Air India Flying Returns
- Vistara Club Vistara
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- British Airways Executive Club
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- ITC Hotels
- Accor Live Limitless (ALL)
Group B Partners (8 Lakh RP Annual Cap):
- United Airlines MileagePlus
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Lufthansa Miles & More
- Marriott Bonvoy
- InterMiles
- Other regional partners
Annual Transfer Limits:
We can transfer a maximum of cumulative 2 Lakh EDGE RP to partners in Group A and a maximum of cumulative 8 Lakh EDGE RP to partners in Group B in a calendar year.
The April 2024 Devaluation: What Changed? 📉
Major Changes That Hurt:
- New Exclusions: Spending on Insurance, Gold, & Fuel MCC will no longer be eligible for EDGE REWARD Points
- Lounge Access: With effect from 1st May 2024, the airport lounge benefits (domestic only) are available after spending 50K INR in the past 3 calendar months
- Meet & Greet: complimentary 8 airport meet & assist services on your MAGNUS for Burgundy Credit Card will be revised to 4 services per calendar year
- Guest Visits: Reduced from 8 to 4 per year for both domestic and international
What Remained Strong:
- 5:4 Transfer Ratio: Unchanged (the core value proposition)
- Transfer Caps: Still 10 lakh RP annually
- Accelerated Earning: Still available above ₹1.5L monthly spend
- Travel EDGE Rates: Maintained at 30% earning rate
Real-World Value Analysis: The Numbers💰
Scenario 1: The Power User
- Monthly Spend: ₹3,00,000
- Annual Spend: ₹36,00,000
- Breakdown: ₹18L accelerated + ₹18L base
Points Earned:
- Base: 1,08,000 RP (₹18L × 12 RP/₹200)
- Accelerated: 3,15,000 RP (₹18L × 35 RP/₹200)
- Total: 4,23,000 RP
Partner Transfer Value:
- At 5:4 ratio: 3,38,400 partner miles
- Conservative value: ₹2.5 per mile = ₹8,46,000
- Effective Return: 23.5% on total spend
Scenario 2: The Moderate High Spender
- Monthly Spend: ₹2,00,000
- Annual Spend: ₹24,00,000
- Breakdown: ₹6L accelerated + ₹18L base
Points Earned:
- Base: 1,08,000 RP (₹18L × 12 RP/₹200)
- Accelerated: 1,05,000 RP (₹6L × 35 RP/₹200)
- Total: 2,13,000 RP
Partner Transfer Value:
- At 5:4 ratio: 1,70,400 partner miles
- Conservative value: ₹2.5 per mile = ₹4,26,000
- Effective Return: 17.8% on total spend
Annual Fee Justification:
Even with the ₹30,000 annual fee, the card delivers exceptional value for spenders above ₹15L annually.
Travel Benefits: The Premium Experience ✈️
Lounge Access:
- Domestic: Unlimited (with ₹50K quarterly spend requirement)
- International: Unlimited via Priority Pass
- Guest Access: 4 complimentary visits per year (both domestic & international)
Airport Meet & Greet:
The domestic airport meet & greet service – which Axis Bank calls as “airport concierge” service is the USP of this product. It gives VIP Assistance Services for a smooth and hassle-free airport transfers in India.
Other Travel Benefits:
- Forex Markup: 2% (excellent for international travel)
- Travel Insurance: Complimentary coverage
- Hotel Discounts: Up to 15% at Oberoi & Trident properties
- Travel EDGE Portal: Accelerated earning on bookings
Comparing Magnus vs Magnus Burgundy 🥊
| Feature | Magnus | Magnus Burgundy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹12,500 | ₹30,000 |
| Transfer Ratio | 5:2 | 5:4 |
| Transfer Cap | 5 lakh RP | 10 lakh RP |
| Welcome Benefit | ₹12,500 voucher | ₹5,000 voucher |
| Meet & Greet | None | 4 per year |
| Eligibility | ₹24L income | Burgundy + ₹24L income |
| Fee Waiver | ₹25L spend | ₹30L spend |
The 2X Factor:
The Burgundy card essentially doubles the value of transferred points, making it attractive for high spenders who can optimize partner redemptions.
Who Should Consider Magnus Burgundy? 🤔
Ideal Candidates:
- Ultra-High Spenders: ₹20L+ annual spend with focus on eligible categories
- Travel Enthusiasts: Frequent flyers who can leverage airline partners
- Burgundy Clients: Already maintaining qualifying relationship value
- Transfer Optimizers: Those who actively transfer points to partners
Not Ideal For:
- Fee-Sensitive Users: Those seeking lifetime free options
- Low Spenders: Below ₹15L annual spend
- Casual Users: Those who don’t optimize partner transfers
- Exclusion-Heavy Spenders: Heavy utility/insurance/fuel users
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up? 📊
Magnus Burgundy vs HDFC Infinia:
| Aspect | Magnus Burgundy | HDFC Infinia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹30,000 | ₹12,500 |
| Max Return | 24% (with partners) | 6.6% (Apple/Amazon) |
| Transfer Partners | 20+ with 5:4 ratio | Limited options |
| Availability | Burgundy exclusive | Easier to get |
| Complexity | High | Moderate |
Magnus Burgundy vs Axis Atlas:
| Aspect | Magnus Burgundy | Axis Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹30,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Reward Structure | Spend-based tiers | Flat rate |
| Transfer Ratio | 5:4 | 1:2 |
| Monthly Caps | Above ₹1.5L | Above ₹2L for travel |
| Complexity | Very high | Moderate |
Personal Experience: 15 Months📱
What Worked Well:
- Transfer Efficiency: Singapore Airlines transfers were seamless
- Accelerated Earning: Consistently hit ₹1.5L monthly for accelerated rates
- Meet & Greet: Used 3 times, excellent VIP service
- Relationship Manager: Proactive support for card-related queries
Challenges Faced:
- Exclusion Categories: Lost significant points on insurance and utility payments
- Lounge Spend Requirement: ₹50K quarterly spend requirement felt unnecessary
- Group A Limitations: 2 lakh RP cap limiting premium airline transfers
- Complex Optimization: Requires constant monitoring and planning
Best Use Cases:
- Business Travel: Excellent for corporate reimbursable expenses
- Direct Bookings: Hotel and airline website purchases
- Travel EDGE: Consistently earned 30% on portal bookings
- Partner Transfers: Maximized value through strategic transfers
The Future of Magnus Burgundy 🔮
Positive Indicators:
- Revenue Model: Tied to high-value Burgundy clients
- Profit Margins: ₹30,000 fee provides buffer against losses
- Exclusivity: Limited user base reduces abuse potential
- Banking Relationship: Integrated with broader relationship value
Risk Factors:
- Regulatory Pressure: RBI’s focus on reward card economics
- Partner Costs: Increasing costs of maintaining transfer partners
- Competition: Other banks offering competitive products
- Market Volatility: Economic factors affecting reward structures
Stability Assessment:
Magnus for Burgundy might stand bit longer as it’s tied to NRV which gives some profit to the bank.
Maximizing Your Returns 📈
Monthly Spending Strategy:
- Target ₹1.5L+: Always aim for accelerated earning threshold
- Eligible Categories: Focus on non-excluded categories
- Travel EDGE: Use for flight/hotel bookings when competitive
- Grab Deals: Utilize for online shopping up to monthly cap
Transfer Partner Strategy:
- Group A Focus: Use for premium airlines (Singapore, Qatar)
- Group B Volume: Utilize for larger transfers (United, Air France)
- Timing: Transfer based on award availability and devaluation risks
- Portfolio Approach: Maintain flexibility across multiple partners
Annual Planning:
- Q1-Q2: Build up points through high spending
- Q3: Plan major transfers based on travel needs
- Q4: Use remaining caps and plan for next year
The Verdict: Is Magnus Burgundy Worth It? ⭐
Rating: 8.5/10 (For Eligible High Spenders)
Strengths:
- Unmatched Reward Rate: Up to 24% on optimized spends
- Premium Transfer Ratio: 5:4 best-in-class
- High Transfer Caps: 10 lakh RP annually
- Exclusive Benefits: Meet & greet, Priority Pass
- Stability: Tied to profitable Burgundy relationships
Weaknesses:
- High Annual Fee: ₹30,000 without proportional welcome benefits
- Exclusivity Barrier: Requires Burgundy relationship
- Complex Optimization: Requires active management
- Group A Limitations: Only 2 lakh RP for premium partners
- Recent Devaluations: Reduced benefits across board
Bottom Line:
Magnus Burgundy is an amazing credit card for high spenders as its reward rate beats any card in any bank in the “world”, especially when “monthly” spends go up. You get 14% return for spends over 1.5L INR in a month.
The Magnus Burgundy is exceptional for ultra-high spenders who can:
- Consistently spend ₹20L+ annually in eligible categories
- Actively manage and optimize partner transfers
- Leverage the 5:4 transfer ratio effectively
- Maintain the required Burgundy relationship
However, it’s not suitable for casual users or those seeking simplicity. The card demands active management and significant spending to justify its premium.
Decision Matrix: Should You Get This Card? 📋
Get Magnus Burgundy If:
- ✅ You’re already a Burgundy client
- ✅ Annual spend exceeds ₹20L in eligible categories
- ✅ You actively use airline/hotel partners
- ✅ You can optimize the 5:4 transfer ratio
- ✅ You value exclusivity and premium service
Skip Magnus Burgundy If:
- ❌ You’re not a Burgundy client (and don’t want to be)
- ❌ Annual spend is below ₹15L
- ❌ You prefer simplicity over optimization
- ❌ You spend heavily in excluded categories
- ❌ You don’t utilize transfer partners
Consider Alternatives If:
- Lower Spending: Axis Atlas or HDFC Infinia
- Simplicity: HDFC Diners Club Black
- Cashback: American Express Platinum Cashback
- Airline Loyalty: Co-branded cards
Frequently Asked Questions 🙋
Q: Can I get Magnus Burgundy without being a Burgundy client?
A: No, the card is exclusively for Burgundy clients. You must first qualify for Burgundy status.
Q: What happens to my points if I downgrade from Burgundy?
A: Existing points remain transferable at 5:4 ratio, but you cannot get new Magnus Burgundy cards.
Q: Is the annual fee worth it compared to regular Magnus?
A: For spenders above ₹15L annually who use transfer partners, the 5:4 ratio often justifies the premium.
Q: Can I hold both Magnus and Magnus Burgundy?
A: No, they are variant products. You can upgrade from Magnus to Magnus Burgundy.
Q: How do Group A and Group B caps work?
A: You can transfer maximum 2 lakh RP to Group A partners and 8 lakh RP to Group B partners annually.
The Final Word: Premium Rewarding for Premium Spenders 💎
The Axis Bank Magnus Burgundy Credit Card represents the pinnacle of reward credit cards in India. With its 5:4 transfer ratio and ability to deliver up to 24% returns on travel spends, it’s unmatched for the right user profile.
However, it’s not for everyone. The card demands:
- Significant spending in eligible categories
- Active management and optimization
- Burgundy relationship maintenance
- Understanding of partner transfer systems
For those who meet these criteria, it’s arguably the best credit card in India. For others, simpler alternatives might provide better value.
The card’s stability, tied to profitable Burgundy relationships, makes it less likely to face severe devaluations compared to mass-market products. But vigilance remains essential in the rapidly evolving credit card landscape.
Final Recommendation: If you’re a Burgundy client with ₹20L+ annual eligible spends who actively uses transfer partners, the Magnus Burgundy is unbeatable. Otherwise, consider whether the complexity and requirements align with your lifestyle and spending patterns.
Disclaimer: This review is based on extensive personal experience and publicly available information as of 2025. Credit card terms change frequently. Always verify current benefits with Axis Bank before applying.