In India, co-branded credit cards are quickly becoming a popular choice for savvy consumers. The blend of convenience and perks offered by these collaborations between top banks and renowned brands is hard to resist.
Today, we’re turning our spotlight to an exciting entrant in this field – the IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card. Born out of a partnership between IndusInd Bank, Qatar Airways, and British Airways, this card is making waves in the credit card market.
Its standout feature? The ability to earn and redeem rewards across two premier airlines! But does it live up to its promise?
Let’s see if this card has what it takes to become your trusty travel ally.
Overview of IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card
The IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card is quite a fascinating financial tool. It’s not just a credit card, but a travel companion that caters to your needs in a unique way.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what this card brings to the table:
- Type: This is a multi-brand credit card, offering versatility and added value.
- Reward Rate: The card offers an approximate reward rate of 3.5%, which can add up significantly over time.
- Joining Fee: There’s a joining fee of INR 40,000 plus GST, which might seem steep but wait till you see the benefits it comes with.
- Unique Selling Point: Its standout feature? An international Meet and greet benefit! Imagine being welcomed and guided through unfamiliar airports – a true luxury for frequent travelers.
This card also flaunts a dual personality. Depending on the loyalty program you prefer, you could choose between the Qatar Airways Privilege Club or the British Airways Executive Club.
But irrespective of your choice, Avios – the shared reward currency of both airlines – remains constant.
This means you can earn and transfer Avios between the two airlines, giving you more flexibility and control over your rewards.
Fees & Benefits
The IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card brings with it a myriad of benefits, but it does come at a price.
Let’s walk into the specifics of the fees associated with this card and the benefits you stand to enjoy.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Fee/Benefit
Amount/Value
Details
Joining Fee
INR 40,000+GST
A one-time fee paid when you receive your credit card.
Welcome Benefit (Qatar)
Gold tier + 20,000 Avios
This benefit is extended if you choose the Qatar Airways Privilege Club variant.
Welcome Benefit (British Airways)
55,000 Avios
This benefit is offered if you opt for the British Airways Executive Club variant.
Renewal Fee
INR 10,000+GST
This is an annual fee paid to renew your card membership.
Renewal Benefit (Qatar)
5,000 Avios + Gold tier (on spending 3L on Qatar Airways Website or mobile App)
This benefit is provided if you choose the Qatar Airways Privilege Club variant.
Renewal Benefit (British Airways)
10,000 Avios
This benefit is extended if you opt for the British Airways Executive Club variant.
As you can see, the joining fee might seem hefty at first glance. However, the renewal fee is quite reasonable considering the array of benefits that accompany it.
As the saying goes, “You have to spend money to make money,” and this seems particularly true with this card.
Dhiraj Jha
In the words of Warren Buffet,
“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.” It’s important to remember this as you weigh the costs against the potential benefits of the IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card.
Warren Buffet
Design & Physical Appeal
The IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card is more than just a financial tool; it is a statement of style and sophistication.
With its sleek design, the card not only looks neat but also carries an air of elegance. The clever placement of the chip on the flight's windshield gives it a distinctive look that sets it apart from other credit cards.
When you hold this card, you can feel its premium quality. It has the weight and finish of a high-end metal credit card, giving it a luxurious feel.
Reward Structure
When it comes to earning rewards, the IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card plays a fascinating game. It’s not just about spending money; it’s about making those expenses work in your favor.
Here’s how the reward structure works:
- Regular Spends: For every INR 200 you spend, either domestically or internationally, you earn 1 Avios. Think of it as a little ‘thank you’ for every purchase you make.
- Airline Spends: If you’re booking flights with Qatar Airways or British Airways, your rewards double! For every INR 200 spent, you receive 2 Avios. That’s like a mini celebration every time you plan a trip!
- Preferred International Destination Spends: Now, this is where things get really interesting. When you apply for the card, you choose a preferred international destination. Every time you spend at POS in this location, you earn a whopping 5 Avios per INR 200! It’s like the card is cheering you on while you explore your favorite place on the globe.
Here’s an example to put things into perspective:
Let’s say you spend INR 20,000 on regular purchases, INR 20,000 on flight bookings with British Airways, and INR 20,000 at your preferred international destination.
You would earn 100 Avios for the regular spends, 200 Avios for the airline spends, and a massive 500 Avios at your preferred destination. That’s a total of 800 Avios for spending INR 60,000.
Milestone Benefits
Milestone benefits are like the cherry on top of your IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card experience.
They add an extra layer of value, enhancing the overall reward rate and making your card usage even more rewarding.
Here’s how it works:
Spend Requirement
Milestone Benefit
Cumulative Milestone Benefit
INR 8 Lakhs
25,000 Avios
25,000 Avios
INR 16 Lakhs
25,000 Avios
50,000 Avios
Now, let’s break this down with an example. Suppose you spend INR 16 lakhs in a year.
Not only would you earn Avios through regular spending and special categories, but you would also receive a massive 50,000 Avios as milestone rewards.
This significantly boosts your total Avios accumulation for the year, thereby increasing your overall reward rate.
These additional Avios can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more with Qatar Airways or British Airways.
Qatar Gold Benefit
Becoming a member of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club is already an exciting prospect, but the IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card takes it to another level, especially if you’re a frequent flyer with Qatar Airways.
Here’s what you get with the Qatar Gold membership:
- Meet & Greet Service: Arriving at Hamad International Airport in Qatar? You and a guest can make use of the meet and greet service. It’s a warm welcome that sets the tone for a pleasant journey.
- Priority Check-in: Skip the queues with priority check-in at business class counters. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference, especially during those busy airport moments.
- Complimentary Seat Selection: Choose your preferred seat without any additional cost. It’s all about making your flight as comfortable as possible.
- Extra Baggage Allowance: Carry more without worrying about extra charges. This feature is particularly useful for those long trips or shopping sprees.
- Access to Business Class Lounges: Relax in the exclusive business class lounges. Enjoy some quiet time or catch up on work before your flight.
- Invitations to Lounge at Hamad International Airport: You can invite friends to join you in the lounge at Hamad International Airport, up to four times a year.
- 40 Q credits: These can be redeemed for upgrades, extra baggage, and more. It’s like a little bonus for choosing Qatar Airways.
- 5% Off on Avios Redemptions: Get more value out of your Avios with a 5% discount on redemptions.
- Better Award Seat Availability: The Qatar Gold membership gives you greater access to award seats.
- Change or Cancel Your Booking Free of Charge: Flexibility is key when traveling, and this benefit ensures you have plenty of it.
The Qatar Gold membership also grants you the “Oneworld Sapphire” status, which offers additional travel benefits across all Oneworld partners.
Airport Lounge Access
One of the many perks of the IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card is access to airport lounges.
Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, you can enjoy a bit of tranquility amidst the bustling airport environment.
Here’s how it works:
Access Type
Via
Limit
Domestic Lounge Access
Visa/Mastercard
2 per quarter
International Lounge Access (Primary)
Priority Pass
2 per quarter
Although these limits might seem a bit low, it’s important to remember that this card is designed with the frequent traveler in mind.
Realistically, most cardholders won’t go on more than one or two international trips per quarter.
However, if you find yourself frequently connecting through different airports, those lounge visits can add up quickly.
Special Feature: Airport Meet & Greet Service
Travel can be super exciting, but let’s be real, it can also get pretty stressful, especially when dealing with busy international airports.
That’s where the IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card comes in clutch. It offers an amazing Airport meet-and-greet Service that takes your travel experiences to the next level.
But here’s the thing, It’s not just about convenience, it’s about adding that personal touch that turns your journey into an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
How awesome is that? ✈️🌍
Here’s what you can expect:
- Complimentary Service: As an IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card holder, you get two complimentary Meet and greet services per year. This is a significant value addition considering each service is valued at approximately INR 10,000.
- Global Coverage: This service covers numerous airports worldwide, making it immensely beneficial for frequent international travelers.
- Fast Track Security Lane: Skip the long queues with access to fast track security lanes. This means less waiting and more time enjoying the airport amenities or catching up on work.
- Quicker Immigration Clearance: The Meet & Greet service also provides quicker immigration clearance, helping you breeze through one of the most time-consuming aspects of international travel.
- Personal Escort & Porter Services: You will be accompanied by airport staff who will guide you through the entire process. A porter will also be available to handle your luggage. It’s like having a personal assistant during your airport journey.
The IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card is the only card in India that offers international meet-and-greet services without any conditions.
This awesome service brings a sense of peace and luxury to your travel, saving you time and energy.
So you can just focus on enjoying the journey ahead.
Personal Experience & Recommendation
My journey with the IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card has been a rewarding one, to say the least.
The transition from my previous IndusInd Bank EazyDiner Credit Card was smooth and expedited, and I received the new card within a week.
The Unboxing Experience
The card arrived in a premium package, meticulously wrapped in bubble wrap, giving the feeling of unwrapping a luxurious item.
Inside, I found not only the card but also a detailed benefits guide, a warm welcome letter, and an elegant wallet in a matte finish.
The card itself is quite heavy, exuding a sense of premium quality. It boasts a clean, simple, yet elegant design, with the smart placement of the chip on the flight’s windshield.
Why Consider This Card?
- Frequent Qatar Airways Travelers: The Qatar variant of this card comes with Qatar Gold tier benefits, significantly enhancing your travel experience.
- Airmiles Enthusiasts: If you love collecting airmiles, spending 16L on the BA variant would give you a whopping 113K Avios.
- International Meet & Greet Service: This service is invaluable for frequent international travelers, offering convenience and peace of mind during your journeys.
How to Apply or Upgrade
Applying for the IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card is straightforward. You can apply directly through the bank’s website or via your relationship manager/branch.
If you’re an existing IndusInd Bank Credit Card holder, you can request an upgrade by calling customer support.
Remember to provide details such as the card variant you prefer, your preferred destination, and your Qatar/BA loyalty account number (if applicable) when applying.
Rating
🌟🌟🌟🌟
After weighing all aspects of the IndusInd Bank Avios Credit Card, I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5. The mix of perks, especially for frequent travelers, really makes it shine.
One standout feature is the international Meet and greet service, which gives you unbelievable convenience and peace of mind on your international trips.
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