RBL World Safari Credit Card Review

Here’s a comprehensive review of the RBL World Safari Credit Card, focusing on its features, benefits, and user feedback:

Overview:

The RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card is marketed as India’s first travel credit card with a 0% foreign currency markup fee, making it particularly appealing for frequent international travelers. It offers a suite of travel-related benefits, although its rewards system has some limitations compared to other premium travel cards.

Key Features and Benefits:

Travel Rewards:
- No Forex Markup: 0% foreign currency markup on all international transactions, a significant advantage for overseas spending.
- Travel Points: Earn 2 Travel Points per ₹100 spent generally, and 5 Travel Points per ₹100 on travel-related spends (excluding international transactions).
Welcome Benefits:
- MakeMyTrip Voucher: ₹3,000 voucher on payment of the joining fee and making one transaction within 30 days of card activation.
Travel Perks:
- Lounge Access:
  - Domestic: 2 complimentary visits per quarter at major airports.
  - International: 2 complimentary visits per year via Priority Pass.
- Travel Insurance: Covers aspects like personal liability, trip delay, baggage loss, dental treatment, and loss of passport.
Rewards and Milestones:
- Milestone Benefits:
  - 10,000 bonus points on annual spends of ₹2.5 lakh.
  - An additional 15,000 points on ₹5 lakh.
  - Gift card worth ₹10,000 on ₹7.5 lakh annual spends from brands like Taj, Amazon, etc.
Fees:
- Joining/Renewal Fee: ₹3,000 + GST, with no mention of a fee waiver based on spending.

Pros:

No Forex Markup: A major draw for international travelers.
Travel Points on Domestic Travel: Good for those who frequently book travel domestically.
Milestone Rewards: Can be lucrative for high spenders.

Cons:

No Travel Points on International Spends: A significant drawback for travelers who expected rewards on international transactions.
Annual Fee: No waiver option might make the card less attractive if not used extensively for travel.
Limited Lounge Access: Compared to some other premium travel cards, the number of complimentary visits is not the highest.

User Experience:

Ease of Use: The card is generally praised for its travel benefits, but users have noted challenges with international transaction acceptance in some regions or at some merchants.
Customer Service: RBL Bank’s customer service has mixed reviews. Some users report good support, while others mention delays in resolving issues or concerns about international transaction failures.

Sentiment from X and Web Reviews:

Posts on X and web reviews often highlight the 0% forex markup as a key benefit, with many users recommending it for this feature alone. However:
- Pros: Highly valued for no forex fees, good for travel booking rewards.
- Cons: Disappointment over no rewards for international spends, occasional issues with transaction acceptance abroad, and the annual fee’s non-waiver status.

Eligibility Criteria:

Age: Applicants should be between 21 to 60 years old.
Income:
- Salaried Individuals: A minimum monthly income of around ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 is generally required.
- Self-Employed: An annual income of approximately ₹6 lakh might be necessary.
Residency: Must be an Indian resident, with availability potentially limited to cities where RBL Bank has branches or serves credit card customers.
Credit Score: A good credit score is advantageous for approval, typically above 700, to ensure you’re seen as a low-risk borrower.

Application Process:

Online Application:

Visit RBL Bank Website:
- Navigate to the RBL Bank website, go to the credit cards section, and locate the World Safari Credit Card.
- Click on ‘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: RBL might conduct a video KYC or ask for document uploads:
  - Documents required:
    - Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)
    - Proof of Address (Aadhaar, Utility Bills)
    - Income Proof (Salary Slips, Bank Statements, 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:
- Once approved, you’ll receive notification.
- A digital card might be provided for immediate use, with the physical card following in the mail.

Offline Application:

Visit an RBL Branch:
- Go to a nearby RBL Bank branch with all necessary documents in hand.
- Fill out the physical application form.
- Submit documents for KYC verification in person.
Application Review: The process might be faster with direct interaction, but it still depends on the bank’s internal processing times.

Spending Requirements:

Milestone Benefits:
- 10,000 Bonus Points: Requires ₹2.5 lakh in annual spends.
- Additional 15,000 Points: For hitting ₹5 lakh in a year.
- Gift Card worth ₹10,000: On spending ₹7.5 lakh annually.
General Spending Considerations:
- Travel Points: To maximize the card’s value, focus on accumulating points by spending on travel bookings where you earn 5 points per ₹100. However, remember international transactions do not earn travel points, so planning your domestic travel spending is key.
- Foreign Transactions: The card’s no-forex-markup benefit is where you save money, so international transactions should be part of your strategy despite not earning rewards.
Annual Fee Justification: Since there’s no fee waiver, ensure your travel and spending habits justify the ₹3,000 annual fee, particularly through the travel benefits and milestone rewards.

Additional Tips:

Monitor Application: Keep an eye on your email or registered mobile number for updates from RBL Bank.
Customer Service: For any queries or issues with the application or card usage, RBL’s customer service can be contacted.
Spending Strategy: Plan your spending to leverage the card’s benefits. Use it for travel bookings and international transactions to get the most value, but remember the limitations on earning points outside India.

Conclusion:

The RBL World Safari Credit Card is best suited for individuals who travel frequently, both domestically and internationally, and can leverage the 0% forex markup benefit. However, for those expecting rewards on all their spends or looking for a card with more comprehensive travel perks, there might be more suitable options. The card’s value is maximized by those who can meet the spending milestones, but one must consider the lack of rewards on international transactions when evaluating its overall utility.