AU Bank ixigo Credit Card Review

Here’s a detailed review of the AU Bank Ixigo Credit Card:

Overview:

The AU Bank Ixigo Credit Card is a co-branded travel credit card launched in partnership with ixigo, an online travel aggregator. It’s designed for travelers, offering rewards on travel bookings and other perks like lounge access and zero forex markup for international transactions. This card aims to cater to both domestic and international travelers with a focus on simplicity and benefits within the ixigo ecosystem.

Key Features and Benefits:

Rewards Program:
- Earning:
  - Train Bookings via ixigo: 20 Reward Points for every ₹200 spent.
  - Online Transactions: 10 Reward Points for every ₹200.
  - Offline Transactions: 5 Reward Points for every ₹200 (excluding fuel, rent, etc.).
- Welcome Bonus: 1,000 Reward Points and ₹1,000 ixigo money on the first transaction within 30 days of card issuance.
Travel Benefits:
- Lounge Access:
  - Airport: 8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per year.
  - Railway: 8 complimentary railway lounge accesses per year.
  - International: 1 complimentary international lounge access per year via Priority Pass.
- Zero Forex Markup: No foreign currency transaction fee, ideal for international spends.
Discounts and Offers:
- Travel Discounts:
  - 10% off on flight, hotel, and bus bookings on ixigo, once per month.
  - No payment gateway charges on train bookings twice a month.
Fees:
- Lifetime Free (LTF): No joining or annual fee for a limited period, otherwise, the fee is ₹999 + GST with spending-based waivers.
Insurance and Protection:
- Air Accident Cover: Up to ₹1 lakh.
- Lost Card Liability: Protection against unauthorized transactions if reported promptly.

Pros:

High Rewards on Travel: Especially beneficial for those booking trains or flights through ixigo.
No Forex Fee: A significant advantage for international travel or purchases.
Extensive Lounge Access: Both airport and railway lounge benefits are generous.

Cons:

Ixigo Dependency: Many of the rewards and discounts are tied to bookings made through ixigo, which might not always offer the best prices or options.
Reward Redemption: Points can only be redeemed through ixigo for travel, potentially limiting flexibility.
Reward Caps and Exclusions: Some spending categories don’t earn points, and there are caps on reward earnings.

User Experience:

Ease of Use: Straightforward for those familiar with ixigo, but managing rewards requires using the ixigo app or website.
Customer Service: AU Bank’s service has mixed reviews, with some users finding support helpful while others report issues with card management or benefits.

Sentiment from X and Web Reviews:

X Posts and Web Reviews:
- Pros: Users often praise the zero forex fee and the high rewards on travel bookings. The LTF aspect during promotional periods is a big plus.
- Cons: Criticism includes the dependency on ixigo for maximizing benefits and some users experiencing issues with reward point crediting or transaction acceptance.

Eligibility Criteria:

Age: Applicants should be between 21 to 60 years old.
Income:
- Salaried Individuals: Typically requires a minimum monthly income of around ₹25,000 to ₹30,000.
- Self-Employed: An annual income of approximately ₹6 lakh might be necessary.
Residency: Must be an Indian resident.
Credit Score: A good credit score, ideally above 700, would improve approval chances.
ixigo Registration: Must be registered on the ixigo platform.

Application Process:

Online Application:

Visit ixigo or AU Bank Website:
- You can apply through ixigo’s website or app, where the card is promoted, or directly on the AU Bank website.
- Click on ‘Apply Now’ for the Ixigo AU Credit Card.
Fill Application Form:
- Provide your personal, employment, and financial details:
  - Name, DOB, Address
  - Employment details (Company, Salary)
  - Financial details (Income, Existing Liabilities)
KYC Verification:
- Digital KYC: AU Bank might require a video KYC or document uploads:
  - Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN)
  - Address Proof
  - Income Proof (Salary Slips, ITR for self-employed)
Digital Submission:
- Upload or submit details of the required documents online.
Application Review:
- The bank reviews your application, which might take up to 20 days depending on document verification and credit checks.
Approval and Card Issuance:
- Upon approval, you’ll be notified. A digital card might be issued for immediate use, with the physical card following.

Offline Application:

Visit an AU Bank Branch:
- Bring all necessary documents, fill out the physical application form, and submit for KYC verification.
- The application might be processed faster with direct interaction.

Spending Considerations:

Maximizing Benefits:
- Travel Bookings: Make all your travel bookings through ixigo to earn the highest reward points, especially on train bookings (20 points per ₹200).
- Online Purchases: Use the card for online shopping to benefit from the 10 points per ₹200 spent.
- International Transactions: Leverage the zero forex markup for savings on international spending.
Reward Redemption:
- Focus on converting reward points into ixigo money for flight bookings where 1 point = ₹0.50. Plan your redemptions wisely since points are mainly usable within the ixigo ecosystem.
Lounge Access:
- Ensure you use the complimentary lounge visits, especially if you travel frequently. Remember, these are available both for airports and railway stations.
Annual Fee:
- If the card isn’t Lifetime Free (LTF), you’d need to spend enough to justify the ₹999 + GST annual fee or aim for the spending-based waiver if applicable.

Additional Tips:

Monitor Application: Keep an eye on your email or registered mobile number for updates from AU Bank.
Credit Score: If you’re unsure about approval, check your credit score beforehand.
Spending Strategy: Align your travel bookings with ixigo to maximize benefits. Also, use the card for international transactions to save on forex fees.

Conclusion:

The AU Bank Ixigo Credit Card is best for individuals who frequently book travel through ixigo or are looking for a card primarily for travel rewards without foreign transaction fees. Its value is maximized if you can align your travel bookings with ixigo’s offerings. However, for those seeking a more versatile rewards program or not tied to a specific travel platform, other cards might offer better overall benefits.