Axis Bank and Scapia have launched the Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card with zero joining and annual fee, zero forex markup and unlimited domestic lounges on ₹20,000 monthly spend. Here is the real reward value.
Quick Verdict
Axis Bank and Scapia have launched theScapia Axis Bank Credit Card, a travel card withzero joining fee, zero annual fee and zero forex markup.
Scapia announced the launch on 3 September 2026, and onboarding opened the same day. Axis Bank is Scapia's third issuing bank, after Federal Bank and BOBCARD.
One application gets you two cards: aMastercardand aRuPaycard for UPI.
The headline rewards look big, but read them carefully.
"10% rewards" means 10 Scapia Coins per ₹100, and 5 coins are worth ₹1. So 10% rewards is really 2% value back, and 20% rewards is 4% value back. Coins can be redeemed only on the Scapia app.
The simple rule:
This is a strong free card for people who travel abroad and book travel on the Scapia app. It is weaker for people who want cashback they can spend anywhere.
Before applying, check:
that the application is for the Axis-issued card, not Federal Bank or BOBCARD
the ₹20,000 monthly spend needed to unlock lounge access
the categories that earn no rewards
the ₹20 and ₹500 minimum transaction rules
whether you will actually book travel on the Scapia app
whether you can pay the full bill every month
Benchmarksutra Score: 78/100 — B Tier
Apply with Axis Bank:Check eligibility and apply for an Axis Bank credit card on the official Axis Bank website
Disclosure: this is an affiliate link. BenchmarkSutra may earn a commission if you apply through it, at no extra cost to you. It does not change our analysis.
What Is the Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card News?
Scapia is a travel fintech. It does not hold a banking licence, so its credit cards are issued by partner banks.
Until now, Scapia cards came from Federal Bank and BOBCARD. On 3 September 2026, Scapia and Axis Bank announced a new co-branded card issued by Axis Bank.
Axis Bank now has a dedicated product page for the card, and its terms are published on the Axis Bank website. Scapia's own site also lists Axis Bank as an issuing partner, with its own customer care line.
Item | What Official Sources Show |
|---|---|
Card name | Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card |
Issuer | Axis Bank |
Launch date | 3 September 2026 (onboarding from the same day) |
Networks | Mastercard plus a RuPay card from one application |
Joining fee | Zero |
Annual fee | Zero |
Forex markup | Nil |
DCC surcharge | Nil |
Eligibility | Indian residents aged 18 to 70 |
Axis Bank's terms say plainly: there is no joining fee and no annual fee for the Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card.
Why This News Matters
Scapia's card was already popular with young travellers because it charges no fee and no forex markup.
Adding Axis Bank matters for three reasons:
More approvals.A third issuing bank gives more applicants a chance of getting a Scapia card.
A large bank behind it.Axis Bank has a big branch and service network for card servicing and disputes.
UPI built in.The RuPay card lets you use credit on UPI and earn rewards on QR payments.
Most Indian cards charge 3.5% markup on foreign currency spends. Axis Bank's own Rewards and Flipkart cards list 3.5% forex and 3.5% DCC markup. On the Scapia Axis card, both are listed as nil.
Foreign Spend in a Year | Markup at 3.5% | Markup on Scapia Axis |
|---|---|---|
₹50,000 | ₹1,750 | ₹0 |
₹1,50,000 | ₹5,250 | ₹0 |
₹3,00,000 | ₹10,500 | ₹0 |
Markup figures exclude GST, which most banks add on top. Axis Bank's terms say network charges, statutory levies and taxes may still apply where relevant.
How the Rewards Really Work
Rewards are credited as Scapia Coins. Axis Bank's terms set the value today at5 Scapia Coins = ₹1for redemption on the Scapia app.
Spend Type | Advertised Rate | Real Value Back | Minimum Transaction |
|---|---|---|---|
Eligible spends on the Mastercard | 10% rewards | 2% | ₹20 |
Eligible spends on the RuPay card (UPI, online, offline) | 5% rewards | 1% | ₹500 |
Flight, hotel and bus bookings on the Scapia app | 20% rewards | 4% | No cap stated |
Axis Bank's product page describes the 20% rate as covering flights, stays, trains, buses, visas, experiences and shopping on the Scapia app. The terms document names flight, hotel and bus bookings. Check the app for the current list before a big booking.
Rewards are converted to coins on the statement date. The bank says the conversion ratio and coin value can change, and Scapia must give one month's notice before changing coin value.
To understand why advertised and real rates differ, readReward Rate vs Effective Reward RateandHow to Calculate the Real Value of 1 Reward Point.
Worked example
Say you spend ₹30,000 a month on the Mastercard on eligible categories, and book one ₹40,000 trip a year on the Scapia app.
Item | Coins | Value |
|---|---|---|
₹3,60,000 yearly eligible card spend at 10 coins per ₹100 | 36,000 | ₹7,200 |
₹40,000 Scapia app booking at 20 coins per ₹100 | 8,000 | ₹1,600 |
Total | 44,000 | ₹8,800 |
This is illustrative. The ₹8,800 is worth that much only if you redeem the coins on Scapia bookings. Excluded categories and small transactions would lower it.
Categories That Earn No Rewards
Axis Bank's terms list these as ineligible for rewards:
wallet loading
education and school fees
fuel and fuel surcharge
government services
EMI transactions
business services
rent
crypto and financial institutions
MOTO transactions
insurance
utilities
gift cards
bridge fees, road fees and tolls
Some in-app wallet purchases may also earn nothing, because they work as a wallet load first. Exclusions are decided by merchant category, so readMerchant Category Code ExplainedandWhy You Sometimes Earn Zero Reward Points.
Lounge Access and Airport Privileges
The card offersunlimited domestic lounge access, but it is not automatic.
Condition | What Axis Bank's Terms Say |
|---|---|
Spend to unlock | ₹20,000 net spend per billing cycle |
Which cards count | Mastercard and RuPay spends combined, where you hold both |
When it starts | 3 to 5 working days after the billing date |
How to enter | QR code in the Scapia app, with boarding pass and location access |
Who gets in free | Primary cardholder only; guests pay |
Airport privileges
Instead of a lounge, you can dine, shop or use a spa at participating domestic airport outlets and get the value back as rewards.
up to 100% of the bill back, capped at ₹500 or ₹1,000 per transaction depending on the airport
total cap of ₹2,500 or ₹5,000 per billing cycle, based on city-wise limits
the claim must be used within 2 hours of activating it in the app
the same ₹20,000 monthly spend unlocks it
Fees You Can Still Pay
Zero joining and annual fee does not mean zero cost. Axis Bank lists these charges:
Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
Finance charges | 3.75% per month (55.55% per annum) |
Cash withdrawal | 2.5% of the amount, minimum ₹500 |
Late payment | Nil below ₹500; ₹500 to ₹1,300 depending on the amount due |
Rent | 1% per transaction, uncapped |
Education via third-party apps | 1% per transaction |
Wallet loads | 1% on ₹10,000 or more per statement period |
Fuel | 1% on ₹50,000 or more per statement period |
Utilities | 1% on ₹25,000 or more per statement period |
A 1% fuel surcharge waiver applies on transactions up to ₹5,000, capped at ₹500 per billing cycle. Use theCredit Card Interest Calculatorto see what carrying a balance would cost.
Axis vs the Older Scapia Cards
Scapia's site now lists three issuers: Federal Bank, BOBCARD and Axis Bank. Each has its own MITC, key fact statement and cardholder agreement.
The core proposition looks similar across all three: zero fees, zero forex and Scapia Coins. But terms, networks and fine print are set by each bank.
Two points to note for the Axis card:
Scapia's site says its Smart Forex feature is available only with the Visa card. The Axis card is on Mastercard and RuPay, so check in the app whether Smart Forex works on your Axis card.
If you already hold a Federal Bank or BOBCARD Scapia card, the Axis card is a separate product with a separate credit line and separate bank terms.
For our earlier take on Scapia's forex claim, readScapia Card Review: Why the 0% Forex Perk Has a Catch.
Should You Apply?
Situation | Decision |
|---|---|
You travel abroad at least once a year | Strong yes, for zero forex alone |
You spend ₹20,000+ a month and fly domestically often | Yes, lounge access adds real value |
You book flights and hotels anyway and can use the Scapia app | Yes |
You want cashback you can use anywhere | Look elsewhere |
Most of your spend is rent, utilities, fuel or insurance | Low value |
You already hold a Federal or BOBCARD Scapia card | Only if you want a second credit line |
If you are comparing options, seeHow to Compare Credit Cards in India.
Who Benefits Most?
international travellers who hate paying 3.5% forex markup
students and young professionals who want a no-fee first travel card
domestic flyers who cross ₹20,000 monthly spend
UPI users who want rewards on QR payments through RuPay
people who already plan trips on the Scapia app
The strongest profile is:
A traveller who spends ₹20,000+ a month, takes at least one foreign trip a year and is happy to redeem coins on Scapia bookings.
Who Will Get Little Value?
people who never travel
people who want statement cashback or airline miles
heavy spenders in excluded categories
people who make many small UPI payments under ₹500 on RuPay
anyone who revolves credit at 3.75% a month
Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card Checklist
Is the application for the Axis Bank-issued card?
Do you meet the 18 to 70 age and resident criteria?
Have you activated both the Mastercard and RuPay cards within 30 days?
Will you cross ₹20,000 net spend each billing cycle for lounges?
Do you know which categories earn no rewards?
Are your RuPay UPI payments ₹500 or more?
Will you redeem coins on the Scapia app?
Can you pay the full amount every month?
Have you checked your utilisation with theCredit Utilization Calculator?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Reading 10% rewards as 10% cashback
At 5 coins per ₹1, 10% rewards is 2% value back. 20% rewards is 4%.
Mistake 2: Expecting lounge access from day one
Lounge access unlocks only after ₹20,000 net spend in a billing cycle, and switches on 3 to 5 working days after the billing date.
Mistake 3: Not activating both cards
Axis Bank's terms say each card must be activated within 30 days, or it will be closed as per RBI rules.
Mistake 4: Small UPI payments on RuPay
RuPay spends below ₹500 earn no rewards.
Mistake 5: Paying rent or loading wallets for rewards
These earn nothing, and rent attracts a 1% fee.
Mistake 6: Assuming zero forex means zero cost abroad
Network charges and taxes may still apply. And cash withdrawals abroad still carry the 2.5% cash withdrawal fee (minimum ₹500) and finance charges.
Scapia Axis Benchmarksutra Score
We rate every card on the same fixed 100-point framework, using official bank data. See how the Benchmarksutra Credit Card Score works.
Scoring Category | Maximum Points | What it measures | Scapia Axis Score |
|---|---|---|---|
Reward Value | 20 | 10 coins/₹100 (2%) on Mastercard, 20 (4%) on Scapia travel, 1% on RuPay UPI ₹500+ | 14 |
Fee Value | 15 | No joining or annual fee per Axis terms; Mastercard + RuPay from one application | 15 |
Redemption Quality | 10 | 5 coins = ₹1 but redeemable only on the Scapia app; no statement cashback | 5 |
Use-Case Fit | 15 | Zero-fee travel card: nil forex and DCC, travel-booking accelerator, domestic lounges | 14 |
Eligibility & Accessibility | 10 | Residents 18–70; a third Scapia issuer widens approvals | 8 |
Benefits & Perks | 10 | Unlimited domestic lounges after ₹20k/cycle spend, airport dine/shop privileges | 7 |
Hidden Costs & Conditions | 10 | Nil forex/DCC; but broad exclusions, ₹500 RuPay minimum, coin value can change | 8 |
Bank & User Experience | 10 | Axis servicing plus Scapia app; launched 3 Sep 2026, short track record | 7 |
Total Benchmarksutra Score | 100 | Final card score | 78/100 |
Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card: 78/100 — B Tier
Zero joining, annual and forex fees make it a keeper for anyone who travels abroad.
Real value is 2% on spends and 4% on Scapia bookings, not the advertised 10%/20%.
Coins are locked to the Scapia app, so it suits people who book travel there.
Lounge access is unlimited but needs ₹20,000 net spend each billing cycle. Scored in line with Scapia (Federal) at 78.
Scores reflect official terms as of 4 November 2026. Banks can change fees, rewards and conditions, so check the latest terms before applying.
Benchmarksutra Impact Score
User Type | Impact Score | Benchmarksutra View |
|---|---|---|
Frequent international traveller | 9/10 | Excellent free forex card |
Domestic flyer spending ₹20,000+ a month | 8/10 | Unlimited lounges at no fee |
UPI-heavy user | 6/10 | 1% on RuPay, only above ₹500 |
Cashback seeker | 4/10 | Coins locked to Scapia app |
Non-traveller | 3/10 | Little reason to apply |
Overall impact: High for travellers
Benchmarksutra Verdict
The Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card brings Scapia's zero-fee, zero-forex formula to one of India's largest private banks.
It works if:
you travel, especially abroad
you can cross ₹20,000 monthly spend
you book travel on the Scapia app
you pay in full
It is weak if:
you want flexible cashback
most of your spend is in excluded categories
you rarely travel
Final rule:
A free card with no forex markup is worth keeping in any traveller's wallet. Just value the coins at ₹1 per 5 coins, not at the headline percentage.
You may also want to readVisa vs Mastercard vs RuPay vs AmexandCredit Card on UPI Explained.
Apply with Axis Bank:Check eligibility and apply for an Axis Bank credit card on the official Axis Bank website
Disclosure: this is an affiliate link. BenchmarkSutra may earn a commission if you apply through it, at no extra cost to you. It does not change our analysis.
FAQs
Has Axis Bank launched a Scapia credit card?
Yes. Scapia and Axis Bank announced the Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card on 3 September 2026, and Axis Bank has a product page for it.
Is the old Scapia Federal Bank card discontinued?
No official source says so. Scapia's site still lists Federal Bank and BOBCARD as issuers alongside Axis Bank.
What are the joining and annual fees?
Zero. Axis Bank's terms say there is no joining fee and no annual fee.
Which networks is the card on?
Mastercard, with a RuPay card issued from the same application.
What is a Scapia Coin worth?
5 Scapia Coins = ₹1 when redeemed on the Scapia app, as per Axis Bank's terms.
What is the real reward rate?
2% on eligible Mastercard spends of ₹20+, 1% on eligible RuPay spends of ₹500+, and 4% on eligible Scapia app travel bookings.
Is lounge access really unlimited?
Yes for domestic lounges, but only after ₹20,000 net spend in a billing cycle, and only for the primary cardholder.
Is there any forex markup?
No. Axis Bank lists foreign currency transaction fee and DCC surcharge as nil. Network charges and taxes may apply.
Can I redeem coins as statement cashback?
No. Coins can be redeemed only through the Scapia app on bookings and offers available there.
What is the Benchmarksutra view?
One of the best free cards for travellers. Not ideal for people who want cashback usable anywhere.
Official Sources and Editorial Note
Data checked as of: 4 November 2026
Axis Bank Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card page (features, fees and charges, eligibility)
https://www.axis.bank.in/cards/credit-card/scapia-axis-bank-credit-card
Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card member terms and conditions (fees, rewards, coin value, lounge and airport privileges)
Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card T&C (PDF)
Scapia press release, 3 September 2026 (launch and onboarding date)
https://www.scapia.cards/newsroom/from-tap-to-takeoff-axis-bank-and-scapia-launch-co-branded-credit-card-for-indias-new-generation-of-travellers
Scapia official website (issuing partners and benefits)
https://www.scapia.cards/
Important source note:
This article does not quote or rely on third-party wording. All fees, rewards and conditions are taken from Axis Bank's official product page and terms, and from Scapia's official website and press release. Spend and booking amounts in the examples are illustrative assumptions.
Editorial note:
Reward rates, coin value, eligible categories, lounge and airport privilege conditions, fees and network features can change. Always verify the latest terms with Axis Bank and in the Scapia app before applying.
