The banking sector has seen many changes recently, particularly regarding credit cards. As competition increases and banks adapt to market trends, they try to provide attractive features and benefits to customers. AU Bank has recently updated its ixigo AU Credit Card to keep up with the trend of devaluation in the banking sector.
AU Bank has changed its reward program by eliminating the accumulation of Reward Points on certain types of transactions. Cardholders will no longer earn Reward Points on international spending, payments for rent, government services, and educational expenses. The bank is still offering Reward Points for transactions related to utilities and insurance payments. These changes will be implemented from 22nd December 2024.
Continue reading for updates on the reward system for the ixigo AU Credit Card.
No Reward Points on Foreign Transactions
While the ixigo AU Bank credit card continues to offer a 0% forex markup on international transactions, AU Bank has decided to discontinue reward points for foreign transactions. From December 22, 2024, cardholders will no longer earn reward points on any international spending. This can be considered a massive setback for those with this card, as international spending and rewards were one of the main reasons to get this card.
No Reward Points on Specific Categories
One of the major updates is the removal of reward points for transactions in select categories, including education, government payments, rent, and BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System). Transactions in these categories will no longer be eligible for earning reward points. Below are the details of the affected merchant categories:
| Merchant Categories | Merchant Category Code | Reward Points |
| Rent | 6513 | Nil |
| Education & Government | 8211, 8220, 8241, 8244, 8249, 8299, 9211, 9222, 9223, 9311, 9399, 9402, 9405, 9950 | Nil |
| BBPS | Not Applicable | Nil |
Earning Reward Points on Telecom/ Utility and Insurance Spends
Cardholders will still be able to earn reward points on utility, telecom, and insurance payments. Here’s how the reward points structure will work:
| Merchant Categories | Merchant Category Code | Reward Points |
| Utility & Telecom | 4812, 4814, 4899, and 4900 | 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 spent |
| Insurance | 5960 and 6300 | 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 spent, capped at a maximum of 100 Reward Points per transaction |
Bottom Line
AU Bank’s updates to the ixigo AU Credit Card reward points policy bring many changes for cardholders, especially with the exclusion of Reward Points on international transactions and specific categories like rent and educational expenses starting 22 December 2024. While these updates may reduce earning potential in some areas, cardholders can still benefit from Reward Points on utility, telecom, and insurance payments. It’s important for users to know about these changes to get the best benefits from their credit cards.
Stay tuned for further updates, or contact AU Bank for detailed information on how these changes might affect your card usage.