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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Aura Credit Card vs ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

Detailed comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and value to help you choose the right credit card for your spending pattern.

Axis Bank

Axis Bank Aura Credit Card

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹749
Base Rewards0.2%
NetworkVisa
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ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

9/10
Annual Fee₹12,499
Base Rewards3%
NetworkMastercard
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAxis Bank Aura Credit CardICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
Annual Fee₹749₹12,499
Joining Fee₹749₹12,499
Fee Waiver SpendN/A₹10,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.2%3%
Reward CurrencyEDGE Reward PointsICICI Reward Points
NetworkVisaMastercard
Editor Rating7.2/109/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

Axis Bank Aura Credit Card

  • 0% on Insurance

ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

  • 0% on Hotels via iShop
  • 0% on Flights via iShop

Pros & Cons

Axis Bank Aura Credit Card

Pros

  • 4 complimentary video doctor consultations per month via Practo.
  • 4 free interactive video fitness sessions and 16 recorded sessions per month via Fitternity.
  • 5X accelerated EDGE reward points on insurance spends (up to ₹10,000 transaction).
  • Annual discount of up to ₹500 on health checkups via IndushealthPlus.

Cons

  • No annual fee waiver based on spending milestones.
  • Low base reward rate of 0.2% (2 points per ₹200 spent).
  • No complimentary domestic or international airport lounge access.

ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

Pros

  • Unlimited domestic and international lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders.
  • High base reward rate of 3% (6 points per ₹200) with 1:1 redemption value on travel.
  • Comprehensive welcome benefits including Taj Epicure Plus and EazyDiner Prime memberships.
  • Zero late payment, overlimit, and cash advance fees.

Cons

  • High card replacement fee of ₹3,500 for the metal variant.
  • Taj Epicure membership is only for the first year and not renewed annually.
  • BookMyShow benefit now requires a quarterly spend of ₹25,000 (effective 2026).

Our Verdict

ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Axis Bank Aura Credit Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.

Choose Axis Bank Aura Credit Card if

Offers significant value through free doctor consultations and fitness sessions that outweigh the annual fee.

Choose ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card if

Exclusive invite-only access with premium lifestyle and concierge services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Axis Bank Aura Credit Card or ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card?
ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Axis Bank Aura Credit Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.
What is the annual fee difference between Axis Bank Aura Credit Card and ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card?
Axis Bank Aura Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹749, while ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹12,499. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card offers a fee waiver on ₹10,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Aura Credit Card or ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card?
Axis Bank Aura Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.2% with accelerated rewards on Insurance. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card offers 3% base rewards with bonuses on Hotels via iShop and Flights via iShop. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Axis Bank Aura Credit Card and ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Aura Credit Card and ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Axis Bank Aura Credit Card or ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card?
For beginners, Axis Bank Aura Credit Card may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹749. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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