An In-depth Review of the Scarpia Credit Card: Is It Worth It?

The Scapia Credit Card is the result of a unique collaboration between Federal Bank and the fintech firm Scapia, specifically designed with young travelers in mind.

If you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long international journey, the Scapia Credit Card has some good features that could make your travels a lot more rewarding.

However, this card has some disadvantages as well.

In this review, I will examine the card’s features, its pros and cons, and how it compares to other credit cards.

If you’re interested in applying for this card, keep reading.

Let’s get started.

Key Features of the Scapia Credit Card

• Zero Joining and Annual Fees: There are no joining and annual fees for the Scapia Credit Card, making it a lifetime-free card.
• Reward System: For every 20 spent, you earn 2 Scapia coins, which translates to 20 coins per 100 spent. Each Scapia coin is worth 20p, resulting in a 2% reward rate on general spending.
• Travel Rewards: If you choose to spend on travel via the Scapia app, the reward doubles. You earn 4 Scapia coins for every 20 spent, giving you a rewarding 4% return on your travel expenses.
• Exclusions: Some exclusions apply to the rewards system, including cash withdrawal, wallet load, fuel spending, rent payment, government payments, education and school fees, forex spending, and gift cards.
• Unlimited Lounge Access: This card offers unlimited lounge access, provided you spend at least 5000 in the previous billing cycle. Currently, Scapia credit card offers lounge access to 54 lounges in 31 cities across India.
• Zero Forex Markup: The Scapia credit card truly stands out with its zero forex markup on international spending. This feature can be a significant money-saver while traveling abroad.
• Competitive Pricing on Scapia App: The flight and hotel fares on the Scapia app are competitive, which becomes even more attractive considering the extra 4% reward in Scapia coins on the amount spent.

Pros and Cons of the Scapia Credit Card

The Scapia Credit Card, a co-branded credit card by Federal Bank and fintech firm Scapia, is designed with the young traveler in mind.

But like any financial product, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Here’s a breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Decent Reward Rate: 2% on normal spending and 4% on travel spending through the Scapia app, which is quite competitive.	Reward Redemption Limitations: Rewards can only be redeemed for travel and only through the Scapia app, limiting flexibility.
Unlimited Lounge Access: Provided you spent at least 5000 in the previous billing cycle, you can access 54 lounges across 31 airports in India.	Eligibility Issues: If you have an existing credit card from Federal Bank or a loan from the bank, you may not be approved for the Scapia credit card.
Zero Forex Markup: This feature is incredibly helpful for international spending, saving you from additional charges.	No Add-On Cards: The Scapia Credit Card does not offer add-on cards, which could be a downside for some.
Competitive Pricing on the Scapia App: Flight and hotel fares on the Scapia app are competitive, providing additional value.	Terms and Conditions Discrepancies: There are inconsistencies between the terms and conditions on the Scapia website and the Federal Bank’s website.

Rewards and Benefits of Scapia Credit Card

The Scapia Credit Card has a unique rewards system that’s designed to give you maximum benefits, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.

Scapia Coin System

The Scapia Credit Card rewards you in the form of Scapia coins.

Here’s how it works:

• For every 20 spent, you earn 2 Scapia coins. This translates to 20 coins for every 100 spent.
• Each Scapia coin is worth 20p, effectively giving you a 2% reward rate on general spending.
• If you choose to spend on travel via the Scapia app, the reward doubles. You earn 4 Scapia coins for every 20 spent, which translates to an impressive 4% reward rate on your travel expenses.

Spending Category	Scapia Coins Earned per 20 Spent	Reward Rate
General Spending	2 Coins	2%
Travel via Scapia App	4 Coins	4%

However, these are the types of transactions where you won’t be able to earn Scapia coins:

1. Cash Withdrawals: Any cash you withdraw using your Scapia Credit Card will not earn you any Scapia coins.
2. Wallet Load: Loading money into digital wallets is not eligible for earning Scapia coins.
3. Fuel Spends: Unfortunately, buying fuel for your vehicle does not earn you any Scapia coins.
4. Rent Payments: Paying your rent with your Scapia Credit Card will not earn you any Scapia coins.
5. Government Payments: Any payments made to government entities or services do not earn Scapia coins.
6. Education and School Fees: Paying for education or school fees with your Scapia Credit Card does not earn Scapia coins.
7. Forex Spends: Any foreign exchange transactions will not earn you Scapia coins.
8. Gift Cards: Purchasing gift cards with your Scapia Credit Card does not earn Scapia coins.

Unlimited Domestic Lounge Access

One of the standout features of the Scapia Credit Card is its unlimited domestic lounge access. Usually, this type of perk is reserved for super-premium credit cards with hefty annual fees.

But Scapia is offering it with some conditions:

• You need to spend a minimum of Rs 5,000 in each billing cycle.
• You must be active on a monthly basis to retain this access.
• Unlimited lounge access will be enabled 5 working days post the billing date if you’re eligible.
• Here is a list of participating lounges.

Scapia Credit Card Eligibility and How to Apply

If you’re a young traveler, the Scapia Credit Card might just be the perfect fit for you.

Before you apply, let’s go through the eligibility requirements and the application process.

Eligibility Requirements for the Scapia Credit Card

Before you apply, it’s essential to understand whether you’re eligible for the Scapia Credit Card. Here are the criteria:

1. Existing Financial Relationships: If you currently have a credit card or loan from Federal Bank, you may not be approved for the Scapia credit card. This is a unique policy of the Federal Bank, so make sure to consider this before applying.
2. Minimum Monthly Spend: To enjoy certain benefits like unlimited lounge access, you need to spend at least Rs 5,000 per billing cycle.

That’s it! There are no specified income requirements or age restrictions mentioned for the Scapia Credit Card, making it accessible to a wider audience.

How to Apply for the Scapia Credit Card

Applying for the Scapia Credit Card is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Website: Head to the Scapia website or the Federal Bank’s website.
2. Find the Card: Navigate to the credit cards section and find the Scapia Credit Card.
3. Click Apply: Once you’ve found the card, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button.
4. Fill in the Details: You’ll be asked to fill in your personal and financial details. Make sure to provide accurate information.
5. Submit the Application: After filling in all the required details, submit your application.
6. Wait for Approval: Once your application is submitted, the bank will review it. If approved, your new Scapia Credit Card will be mailed to you.

Approval is at the discretion of the Federal Bank, and fulfilling the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval.

My Thought

Scapia credit card offers an impressive unboxing experience and conveys sophistication. As a travel enthusiast, I’ve been using it for a month with positive results.

The zero forex markup has saved me unnecessary charges while spending abroad. There is no age limit either, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.

Scapia also offers a referral program where you can invite friends to apply. However, you are limited to 10 invites and if a referral is rejected, one invite is used. Choose referrals wisely.

Maximize the Scapia card’s benefits with these expert tips:

• Earn 2% rewards on regular spending and 4% on travel spending made via the Scapia app. Channel most spending, especially travel, through the card to maximize rewards.
• The zero forex markup truly shines while traveling abroad. Use your card for payments instead of withdrawing cash to save on forex fees.
• Some credit cards offer a fuel surcharge waiver. If your Scapia card has this, use it when refueling to avoid extra charges.
• In conclusion, the Scapia credit card is a robust tool for travel enthusiasts. Understanding its features can provide a range of benefits and rewards to make journeys even more worthwhile.

Close alternative to Scapia credit card

There are no pure LTF travel credit cards on the market at the moment that provide similar benefits and rewards as the Scapia credit card. Several other credit cards offer good cashback/rewards for travel-related expenses.

There are no forex markup fees on the Scapia credit card, which means you will save money when making transactions in foreign currencies.

Here is a comparison of the Scapia credit cards with other credit cards that have low or no Scapia credit cards.

Credit Card	Joining and Annual Fee	Network	Forex Markup Charges	Rewards	Effective Return	International Lounge Access
Scapia Credit Card	NIL (Lifetime Free)	Visa	0%	2% on normal spending and 4% on travel spending	2%	Not Available
OneCard Credit Card	NIL (Lifetime Free)	Visa	1% plus GST ~1.18%	0.1% to 1%	-1.08% to -0.18%	Not Available
IDFC First WOW! Credit Card	NIL (Lifetime Free)	Visa	0%	1%	1%	Not Available
RBL World Safari Credit Card	Rs 3000+GST	Mastercard	0%	No regular rewards. Only milestone rewards.	0%	2 complimentary visits per year

Why You Should Apply for the Scapia Credit Card

1. Targeted at Young Travellers: If you’re a young traveler, this card has been designed with you in mind, offering features that suit your lifestyle.
2. Zero Forex Markup: This is a key feature that stands out. The zero forex markup on international spending can save you money when you travel abroad or make purchases in foreign currency.
3. Unlimited Lounge Access: With the Scapia credit card, you enjoy unlimited lounge access in India, provided you spend at least 5000 in the previous billing cycle. This is a significant benefit for frequent flyers.
4. Decent Reward Rates: The card offers a 2% reward rate on normal spending and a 4% reward rate on travel spending through the Scapia app. These rewards can add up over time, leading to substantial savings.
5. Competitive Pricing on Scapia App: When compared to other platforms, the pricing on the Scapia app is competitive, and you get an additional 4% reward as Scapia coins on the amount spent.

Why You Should Not Apply for the Scapia Credit Card

1. Limited Redemption Options: One major drawback is that redemption is only for travel and only through their app. This could limit your options if you prefer to have more flexibility in how you redeem your rewards.
2. Eligibility Issues: If you have an existing credit card from Federal Bank or a loan from the bank, you will not be approved for the Scapia credit card.
3. No Add-on Cards: Scapia does not offer add-on credit cards. If you need an additional card for a family member, this could be a deal-breaker.
4. Inconsistent Terms and Conditions: There are inconsistencies between the terms and conditions listed on the Scapia website and the Federal Bank’s website, which could lead to confusion.
5. Weird Referral System: The referral system is limited and a bit odd – you only get 10 invites, and if your referral is rejected for any reason, it counts against your total.

The Scapia credit card has its pros and cons. It’s a great fit for young travelers who spend a lot on travel and can benefit from the zero forex markup and lounge access.

However, the limited redemption options and lack of add-on cards might not be ideal for everyone.

Final verdict: Is the Scarpia Credit Card worth it?

MyCreditCardClub Rating: 4/5

The Scapia credit card is a great choice for young travelers who are looking for a card with no forex markup, lounge access, and rewards.

However, the limited redemption options and lack of add-on cards may make it unsuitable for those who need more flexibility.

Scapia Federal Credit Card Most ImportantTerms & Conditions

Scapia Federal Credit Card Card Holder Agreement and General Terms & Conditions