Scapia and AU Small Finance Bank’s ixigo credit cards have a lot in common; they’re both co-branded, travel-focused credit cards available in Visa and RuPay variants, and are offered as Lifetime Free (LTF) with no joining or annual charges. Despite these similarities, their reward structures, travel benefits, and brand tie-ups differ, making each better suited for different types of travelers.
While Federal Scapia/BOBCARD Scapia is in partnership with the Scapia app, targeting digital-native users with perks like zero forex markup and UPI payments, the ixigo AU Credit Card is linked to the ixigo travel platform, offering direct travel discounts and reward benefits tailored for frequent domestic travelers.
Welcome Benefits
Since both of these cards are available as LTF options, receiving welcome benefits on these is an added option. While Scapia offers no welcome benefits, the ixigo AU credit card comes with a bonus of 1,000 Reward Points and ₹1,000 worth of ixigo money vouchers. This benefit expires in 90 days and cannot be retrieved after that.
Zero Forex Markup Fee
This is one of the most important features for frequent international travelers. Scapia Credit Card and the ixigo AU Credit Card both offer a 0% forex markup, meaning no additional charges on international transactions, a rare and highly valuable benefit among Indian credit cards.
Travel Perks
Airport or railway lounge access is a feature customers usually look for when comparing different credit cards. These are travel credit cards, and hence, the presence of lounge access becomes even more critical. The following table indicates the presence of lounges in each of these credit cards.
| Travel Perk | Scapia Federal Credit Card | ixigo AU Credit Card |
| International Airport Lounge Access | N/A | 1 per Year via Priority Pass (Issued on Request) |
| Domestic Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited Airport Lounge Access on Making Monthly Spends of ₹20,000 | 8 Complimentary Visits per Year (2 per Quarter) on Spending ₹50,000 per Quarter |
| Railway Lounge Access | N/A | 8 Complimentary Visits per Year |
| Additional Travel Discounts | N/A | 10% Off on Flight, Bus, & Hotel Bookings |
Earning and Redeeming Rewards
The two cards differ in the rewards system, as well as in how to redeem these rewards after you have accumulated them.
| Particulars | Scapia Federal Credit Card | ixigo AU Credit Card |
| Earning Rewards |
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| Redeeming Rewards | 5 Scapia Coins = ₹1 (Scapia Coins can be Redeemed for Bookings Via the Scapia App) | 1 RP = ₹0.25 (RPs can be Redeemed Via AU Rewardz or the ixigo App) |
| Reward Return Rate |
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Bottom Line
When comparing the reward rates of Scapia and the ixigo AU Credit Card, Scapia comes out to be more valuable. Travel bookings via the Scapia app offer a high reward rate of 20% in Scapia Coins, which translates to a 4% effective reward rate, higher than typical credit card returns. On regular online and offline spends, it still maintains a solid 2% value, which is rare among lifetime free cards.
In contrast, the ixigo AU Credit Card offers flat 1.25% rewards. While ixigo AU does offer more flexibility in redeeming points and includes railway lounge access, Scapia’s higher reward value, zero forex markup, and UPI support make it the stronger choice for modern travelers. If you prioritize real returns and travel frequently via flights, Federal Scapia delivers better value overall.
FAQs
Is the ixigo AU credit card free for life?
Yes, the ixigo AU Credit Card is offered as a Lifetime Free (LTF) card with no joining or annual fees, subject to approval criteria.
Can I get lounge access with the Scapia credit card?
Yes, Scapia offers unlimited domestic airport lounge access, provided you spend ₹20,000 each month. However, it does not offer international or railway lounge access.
Are there any railway lounge benefits on the ixigo AU card?
Yes, the ixigo AU Credit Card offers 8 complimentary railway lounge visits per year, a rare perk among Indian travel credit cards.
What is the forex markup on the ixigo AU credit card?
The ixigo AU Credit Card has a forex markup of 0%, making it competitive for international spending alongside Federal Scapia.