Here’s an in-depth review of the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card:
Overview:
The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Axis Bank in partnership with Airtel, designed to reward users for their spending within the Airtel ecosystem and on select merchants. It’s particularly appealing for Airtel customers due to its cashback structure on Airtel services and utility bill payments.
Key Features:
- Rewards/Cashback Structure:
- 25% Cashback: On Airtel mobile, broadband, DTH, and WiFi bill payments made via the Airtel Thanks app, capped at ₹250 per month.
- 10% Cashback: On utility bill payments like electricity, gas, etc., via the Airtel Thanks app, also capped at ₹250 per month.
- 10% Cashback: On spends at select merchants like Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket, with a cap of ₹500 per month.
- 1% Cashback: On all other transactions, with no specific cap mentioned but typically not applicable on certain spends like fuel, insurance, etc.
- Welcome Offer:
- An Amazon eVoucher worth ₹500 on making the first transaction within 30 days of card issuance.
- Travel Benefits:
- Up to 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year (one per quarter) on spending ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months.
- Other Perks:
- Dining: Up to 20% discount at over 4,000 participating restaurants through the Axis Bank Dining Delights program.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400 to ₹4,000, with a monthly cap of ₹500.
- Fees:
- Joining/Renewal Fee: ₹500 + GST, waived if you spend ₹2 lakh in the previous year.
Pros:
- High Cashback on Airtel Services: Very beneficial for those with multiple Airtel connections or services.
- Utility Bill Payments: The 10% cashback on utilities is a significant advantage if these are regular expenses.
- Select Merchant Rewards: Good for users who frequently order from Swiggy, Zomato, or shop at BigBasket.
- Affordable Annual Fee: With the possibility of waiver on spending, it’s accessible for many.
Cons:
- Cashback Caps: The monthly caps on cashback might limit benefits for high spenders or those with substantial utility bills.
- Limited Lounge Access: Compared to some premium cards, the lounge access is restricted and requires spending to unlock.
- No International Lounge Access: Only domestic lounges are covered.
User Feedback:
- Positive: Users who are deeply integrated into the Airtel ecosystem often find this card’s cashback irresistible. The rewards on utility bills are also seen as a major plus.
- Negative: Some users have reported occasional issues with cashback not reflecting correctly or delays in crediting. There’s also feedback about the need for better customer support when issues arise.
Conclusion:
The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is an excellent choice for:
- Airtel Customers: If you’re heavily reliant on Airtel services, this card can save you considerable amounts on bills.
- Utility Bill Payers: With 10% cashback, it’s one of the better options for this category.
- Regular Users of Partner Merchants: If you frequently use Swiggy, Zomato, or BigBasket, the card offers substantial savings.
However, if your spending doesn’t align with these categories, or if you’re looking for broader travel perks or higher rewards on general purchases, you might find this card less appealing. It’s also worth noting the card’s acceptance is based on the Axis Bank network, which is generally good but might not be as widespread as Visa or MasterCard in some areas.
Before choosing this card, evaluate how much you spend in the categories where it offers the highest cashback. Remember, for this card’s benefits to outweigh its costs, you need to meet the spending threshold for the annual fee waiver or ensure your savings from cashback exceed the fee.