Axis Atlas Devaluation: 25% Lower Returns - New Transfer Ratio 2:3 (Rumors)

[CardTroller]

Axis Bank is likely to devalue the Axis Atlas Credit Card soon.
The transfer ratio is expected to change from 1:2 to 2:3, which translates to ~25% lower returns for users.

As a cardholder, this is obviously disappointing. But if we look at it from the bank’s side, this move was long overdue to keep Atlas viable at its current positioning. Unsustainable reward structures always end the same way.

This is also a strong signal of what’s coming next. Indian credit card rewards are entering a tightening phase, and by 2026, earning high returns will become significantly harder, especially on premium cards.

Stable products > flashy launches followed by silent devaluations.

 

[Dr.AMAN]

We all knew this was coming sooner or later. Wont be surprised if the card itself gets discontinued by next year. The 1:2 ratio in Atlas was proving to be too costly for Axis. Thats y they r slowly killing Atlas and promoting horizon/olympus. Sad to see the end of the mighty Atlas. Overall 2026 is going to be the most brutal year for credit card devaluations.

 

[Odyssey]

Nothing lasts forever. Let's see😔

 

[nh124001]

hmm lag hi raha hai..next fy se dcbm lena padega

 

[nh124001]

kab tak aane ke chances hai?

 

[Odyssey]

kab tak aane ke chances hai?

Jaise hi tum kahi ki trip plan karoge

 

[nh124001]

Jaise hi tum kahi ki trip plan karoge

kaal hi...20k edge miles accor mein transfer kare hai agar iss fy tak hai toh.. 1:2 mein aur nibta kar band karva du 😛

 

[Odyssey]

kaal hi...20k edge miles accor mein transfer kare hai agar iss fy tak hai toh.. 1:2 mein aur nibta kar band karva du 😛

Don't worry, we will get 30 days Grace period😉

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

This is still not very bad, Earlier 1:2 could give 8% in accor, now it is reduced to 6%
And on 5EM category, 20% on accor would now be 15%.
Was expecting worse things and this is kind of not so brutal.

 

[Pissant]

I want to believe in your name and hope you’re simply trolling

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

If it gets devalued, which are some other cards that give good based rate on general spends? Something like Atlas, which can be used as a generic card for offline swipes and online spends still giving not so bad returns? (Not the super premium ones)
But what else can we depend upon? Travel One is not great for general spends, offline swipes etc I guess right?
What else could be some possible alternatives?

 

[Pissant]

Honestly? Nothing. No card in the market will be comparable, even after the devaluation. No other card gives 6% (if redeemed for accor) on general spends

Axis MB is an option but it is in a completely different category of cards

Amex MRCC can give 6% if you redeem on cleartrip and only spend until 20k

 

[nh124001]

If it gets devalued, which are some other cards that give good based rate on general spends? Something like Atlas, which can be used as a generic card for offline swipes and online spends still giving not so bad returns? (Not the super premium ones)
But what else can we depend upon? Travel One is not great for general spends, offline swipes etc I guess right?
What else could be some possible alternatives?

if you are into travel : hdfc dcbm, hsbc premier, amex pt

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

if you are into travel : hdfc dcbm, hsbc premier, amex pt

Not eligible for DCBM and Premier.
Have Plat Travel.
I'll post a thread tomorrow.

 

[taskmaster]

Already have DCBM but i feel for hotels atleast it gives similar returns to Atlas as prices on smartbuy are inflated. Thinking if i should shift to HSBC if this happens.

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

Already have DCBM but i feel for hotels atleast it gives similar returns to Atlas as prices on smartbuy are inflated. Thinking if i should shift to HSBC if this happens.

Hsbc has its own problem.
@nh124001 @taskmaster why did you refer dcbm? Is it via smartbuy or otherwise better?

 

[nh124001]

Hsbc has its own problem.
@nh124001 @taskmaster why did you refer dcbm? Is it via smartbuy or otherwise better?

hdfc smartbuy gives flexibility of using it's reward points directly for flights or hotel booking(upto 70%), yes it shall show inflated price, but some times it shows good price also(atleast better than axis travel edge) + we can use dcbm directly for insurance and utility spends, although accor transfer ratio is not that good 2:1

some major drawbacks : dinners acceptability and yearly talwar of atleast spending 8Lakh

 

[TheTravelGuy]

Axis Bank is likely to devalue the Axis Atlas Credit Card soon.
The transfer ratio is expected to change from 1:2 to 2:3, which translates to ~25% lower returns for users.

As a cardholder, this is obviously disappointing. But if we look at it from the bank’s side, this move was long overdue to keep Atlas viable at its current positioning. Unsustainable reward structures always end the same way.

This is also a strong signal of what’s coming next. Indian credit card rewards are entering a tightening phase, and by 2026, earning high returns will become significantly harder, especially on premium cards.

Stable products > flashy launches followed by silent devaluations.

Whats the source of your information? If you dont mind sharing.

 

[ismail]

i feel this is false info. am sure axis will continue atlas transfer ratio at 1:2, as if it were to devalue it, axis will surely go for 1:1 or 1:half. Axis is known to KILL cards and not devalue it

 

[taskmaster]

Hsbc has its own problem.
@nh124001 @taskmaster why did you refer dcbm? Is it via smartbuy or otherwise better?

For flights it gives 16% and they are not that inflated as well based on past experience. For Hotels inflation is there but you get 33%, even with the inflation you can expect 20-25% returns and also you can book hotels other than accor. Plus quaterly milestones of 4L is somewhat easier if you have an upcoming trip. Acceptability might be issue but have not faced it in my city atleast.