Stop Transferring Your Axis Points. Seriously.
Everyone's asking where to transfer their Axis points before the year ends. Here's a better question: should you transfer at all?
Every December, WhatsApp groups and Twitter threads light up with the same question: "Where should I transfer my Axis points this year?"
The assumption is that you should transfer. That if you have points sitting in your Axis account, they need to go somewhere before the calendar flips.
I disagree.
For most people, the right answer is: don't transfer at all.
A Quick Primer on Axis Transfer Limits
If you're not familiar with how Axis Bank structures its transfer partners, we wrote a detailed guide on Group A and Group B partners. The short version: Group A has strict annual caps (2 lakh for Magnus Burgundy), Group B is more generous (8 lakh for Magnus Burgundy), and the limits reset every January 1st.
This reset is what creates the year-end frenzy. People feel they need to "use" their limits before they disappear.
But should they?
The Accor Problem
Let's talk about everyone's favourite transfer partner. Accor.
People love Accor because you get to stay in lavish properties. Fairmont, Sofitel. The aspirational stuff. I get it.
But here's what nobody talks about: Accor points expire in 12 months.
Say you have Magnus Burgundy and you transfer 2 lakh points to Accor. That's your entire Group A limit for the year. Those points now have a 12-month countdown.
Ask yourself: are you going to spend 3.2+ lakh rupees (2000 points = EUR 40) on hotels in the next year? Do you have those trips planned? Or are you just hoping something comes up?
If you don't have a concrete plan, you're setting yourself up for a scramble. Either you'll force a trip you didn't really need, or you'll spend time figuring out how to extend those points through some activity. Though its fairly easy in case of Accor but not others. It's a hassle you didn't need to create.
The Same Logic Applies to Group B
Group B has more generous limits. 8 lakh points for Magnus Burgundy. But that doesn't mean you should rush to fill it.
Someone messaged us today. They have 3.5 lakh points on Magnus Burgundy. They've already transferred 2 lakh to Accor (Group A). Now they're asking: should they send the remaining 1.5 lakh to Air India or Qantas?
My question back to them: why?
Think about it. They earned 3.5 lakh points this year. Realistically, they'll earn maybe 7 lakh points next year. The Group B limit is 8 lakh. Even if they wait until next year to transfer, they won't hit the ceiling.
There's no rush. Transfer when you actually have a booking in mind.
What Can Go Wrong
When you transfer points speculatively, you're taking on risk that didn't need to exist.
Partner points expire. Flying Blue gives you 24 months. Maharaja Club also gives you 24 months. Accor gives you 12 months. The clock starts the moment you transfer.
Programs devalue. Award charts change. Redemption rates get worse. The sweet spot you were eyeing might not exist by the time you're ready to book.
Rules change. Axis could restructure the Group A and Group B system tomorrow. Partners could leave the program. Anything can happen.
Yes, Axis points can also devalue. But historically, Axis has given reasonable notice before major changes. You have time to react. Once points are in a partner program, you're playing by their rules.
When You Should Actually Transfer
I'm not saying never transfer. I'm saying transfer with intent.
Here's when it makes sense:
Your Axis points are about to expire. Edge Rewards typically last 3 years. If you're approaching that window and can't find direct redemption value, then yes, transfer out.
You have a specific redemption planned. You've checked award availability. You know the dates. You're ready to book. Transfer the exact amount you need, then book.
You're sitting on so many points that you'll hit transfer limits. If you have 15 lakh points and you're earning another 10 lakh next year, your Group B limit of 8 lakh becomes a constraint. In that case, spreading transfers across years makes sense.
That's it. Three scenarios.
If none of these apply to you, keep your points in Axis.
Group B is Versatile Enough
The other thing people forget: Group B partners cover almost everything you'd need.
Flying Blue gets you SkyTeam. Air France, KLM, Vietnam Airlines, China Airlines, and more.
Air India gets you Star Alliance. Singapore Airlines, ANA, Lufthansa, the whole network.
Qantas gets you Oneworld. Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qatar (through Oneworld, not Privilege Club).
Between these three programs, you can fly almost anywhere in the world. And the Group B limit of 8 lakh points (for Magnus Burgundy) is more than enough for most travellers.
Why lock yourself into one program today when you don't know where you'll want to go tomorrow?
The Bottom Line
The end of the year creates artificial urgency. People feel like they need to "use" their transfer limits before they reset.
But the limits resetting isn't a loss. It's a fresh start.
If you don't have a trip planned, you're not losing anything by waiting. You're avoiding the risk of points expiring in a partner program, potential devaluations, and the general hassle of managing balances across multiple loyalty accounts.
Keep your points in Axis until you need them. That's not lazy. That's smart.
