Cardfare / What changed / Axis defines reward exclusions by spend category instead of MCC

Axis defines reward exclusions by spend category instead of MCC

Axis now decides which spends are excluded from rewards, fee waivers and milestones using its own spend-category labels (Utility & Telecom, Rent, Wallet, etc.) rather than 4-digit merchant category codes. Axis said the list of excluded categories itself did not change.

Cards affected

Applies across Axis Bank's credit cards.

Source

However, to simplify, such transactions will be identified based on the spend category (Utility & Telecom, Rent, Wallet, etc.) rather than the assigned 4-digit Merchant Category Code (MCC).

Live From A Lounge · Bank notice

Cardfare summarises public announcements. The bank's current terms are final. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

More from Axis Bank

• UpcomingUpdateAxis Bank· from 15 November 2026

  Axis complimentary memberships renew only with your consent

  Complimentary memberships on Magnus, Magnus for Burgundy, Reserve, SELECT and other premium Axis cards will renew only after explicit cardholder consent. Axis says renewal details and consent options will be shared near the renewal date.

  Cards: AXIS BANK MAGNUS Credit Card, Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card, Axis Bank Select Credit Card

  Source: Axis Bank – Reserve T&C revision

• UpcomingCutAxis Bank· from 1 November 2026

  Axis movie offers need ₹25,000 spend in the previous 3 months

  The District buy-one-get-one on SELECT, Privilege and MY ZONE, and the NEO BookMyShow discount, will require ₹25,000 of settled spend in the previous 3 months. New cards are exempt for the issuance month and the next 3 months.

  Cards: Axis Bank Select Credit Card, AXIS BANK PRIVILEGE Credit Card

  Source: Axis Bank – Privilege T&C revision

• UpcomingCutAxis Bank· from 1 October 2026

  Axis SELECT milestone no longer counts non-reward spends

  The ₹3 lakh annual spend that unlocks 6 extra international lounge visits, 6 golf rounds and Priority Pass renewal on SELECT will no longer count insurance, rent, fuel, education, utilities and telecom, wallet, gold/jewellery, government or gift card spends.

  Cards: Axis Bank Select Credit Card

  Source: Axis Bank – SELECT T&C revision

• CutAxis Bank· since 28 August 2026

  Axis stops rewards on tolls and moves gift cards to their own excluded category

  Bridge, road and toll payments no longer earn rewards. Gift card purchases remain excluded from rewards and fee-waiver spend and now sit in a separate 'Gift card' category instead of 'Wallet'.

  Cards: Axis Bank Select Credit Card, AXIS BANK PRIVILEGE Credit Card, AXIS BANK MAGNUS Credit Card, Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

  Source: Business Standard