AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card Review

Here’s a comprehensive review of the AU Small Finance Bank Zenith+ Credit Card:

Overview:

The AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card is an upgraded version of the original Zenith card, offering enhanced travel, lifestyle, and reward benefits. It’s aimed at high spenders and frequent travelers, providing a premium metal card experience with a focus on luxury perks.

Key Features and Benefits:

Rewards Program:
- Earning:
  - Dining, International, and Travel: 2 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent.
  - Other Purchases: 1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent.
- Milestone Benefits:
  - Complimentary Taj Epicure Membership on spending ₹12 lakh annually, offering dining discounts and a complimentary night stay.
  - Bonus Reward Points on renewal fee payment.
Travel Benefits:
- Lounge Access:
  - Domestic: 4 complimentary visits per quarter.
  - International: 4 complimentary visits per year via Priority Pass.
- Low Forex Markup: Only 0.99% on international transactions, which is highly competitive.
- Travel Insurance: Covers various travel-related incidents like baggage loss, flight delays, etc.
Welcome and Annual Benefits:
- Joining Fee: ₹4,999 + GST, but you receive luxury brand vouchers or reward points worth ₹5,000 on card activation.
- Annual Fee: Same fee, justified by various benefits including 5,000 Bonus Reward Points on paying the renewal fee from the second year onwards.
Lifestyle and Entertainment:
- Movie Tickets: Buy one, get one free on BookMyShow, up to 4 tickets per quarter.
- Golf: Complimentary golf lessons or rounds, up to 2 per quarter.
- Concierge Services: 24/7 global concierge assistance.
Insurance and Protection:
- Air Accident Cover: Up to ₹2 crore.
- Lost Card Liability: Protection against fraudulent transactions.

Pros:

Enhanced Travel Benefits: The card significantly improves on lounge access, forex fees, and travel insurance compared to the standard Zenith.
Luxury Perks: Offers like Taj Epicure Membership add substantial value for luxury travelers.
High Reward Rate: On select categories like dining and travel, the reward rate is quite attractive.

Cons:

Annual Fee: While offset by benefits, the fee is still considerable, and its value is contingent on leveraging all offered perks.
Reward Rate Variability: The base rate for non-priority categories is relatively standard.

User Experience:

Ease of Use: The premium nature of the card comes with a more complex rewards structure, requiring users to manage their spending for maximum benefit.
Customer Service: AU Bank’s service has mixed reviews. The premium cardholders might receive more attention, but experiences can vary.

Sentiment from X and Web Reviews:

X Posts and Web Reviews:
- Pros: Users often commend the card for its travel perks, especially the low forex fee and lounge access. The metal card adds a touch of prestige.
- Cons: Some criticism revolves around the reward rate for non-travel spends and the need to spend significantly to justify the annual fee. There’s also mention of the card’s rewards being less competitive if not fully utilized.

Eligibility Criteria:

Age: The primary cardholder should be between 21 to 60 years, with add-on cardholders being 18 years or older.
Income:
- Salaried Individuals: A minimum monthly income of around ₹2.5 lakh is typically required.
- Self-Employed: Might require an annual income of approximately ₹30 lakh or more.
Residency: Must be an Indian resident.
Credit Score: A high credit score, generally above 750, is advantageous for approval, reflecting the card’s premium status.

Application Process:

Online Application:

Visit AU Small Finance Bank Website or Partner Platforms:
- Navigate to the AU Bank site or use comparison sites where the card might be listed.
- Find the Zenith+ Credit Card and click ‘Apply Now’.
Fill Application Form:
- Provide:
  - Personal Details (Name, DOB, Address)
  - Employment Information (Company, Salary, etc.)
  - Financial Information (Annual Income, Existing Liabilities)
KYC Verification:
- Digital KYC: AU Bank might conduct a video KYC or require document uploads:
  - Documents needed include:
    - Proof of Identity (PAN Card, Aadhaar)
    - Proof of Address
    - Income Proof (Salary Slips, Bank Statements, ITR for self-employed)
Digital Submission:
- Upload or provide 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 receive notification. A digital card might be issued for immediate use, followed by the physical metal card.

Offline Application:

Visit an AU Bank Branch:
- Go to the nearest AU Small Finance Bank branch with all necessary documents.
- Fill out the physical application form.
- Submit documents for KYC verification in person.
Application Review: Might be expedited with direct interaction, but still depends on bank procedures.

Spending Considerations:

Maximizing Benefits:
- Travel: Use the card for all travel bookings to benefit from the low forex markup and earn rewards on travel expenses.
- Dining: Leverage the 2 Reward Points per ₹100 on dining to maximize rewards in this category.
- Milestone Rewards: Aim to spend ₹12 lakh annually to secure the Taj Epicure Membership and other premium perks.
Annual Fee Justification:
- The ₹4,999 + GST fee might seem high, but the welcome vouchers and the potential for fee offset through rewards and benefits can make it worthwhile if you can meet the spending thresholds.
Reward Redemption:
- Plan your redemptions. Each point typically has a value of ₹0.25 when redeemed for vouchers or travel, so focus on areas where you can get the most value.
Lifestyle Benefits: Utilize movie tickets, golf lessons, and concierge services to get the full value from the card.

Additional Tips:

Monitor Application: Keep an eye on your email or registered mobile number for updates from AU Bank.
Credit Score: Ensure your score is in excellent standing before applying for such a premium card.
Spending Strategy: Tailor your spending to match the card’s reward structure, focusing on travel and dining to maximize benefits.

Conclusion:

The AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card is best for those who travel often, can leverage travel-related benefits, and dine out frequently. It’s a card where the luxury and travel perks are the highlight, but they require the cardholder to align their spending habits with the card’s benefits to truly get value from it. If you’re not a frequent traveler or can’t meet the spending thresholds for additional benefits, other cards might offer better overall value.