The AU Small Finance Bank Altura Credit Card is an entry-level cashback credit card designed for individuals seeking a cost-effective option with rewards on everyday spending. Launched by AU Small Finance Bank, it caters to first-time credit card users and those with moderate spending habits. With a low annual fee of ₹199 + GST, it offers cashback on groceries, utility bills, departmental stores, and fuel, along with complimentary railway lounge access. The card’s simplicity and affordability make it a practical choice for budget-conscious consumers in India.
Review
The AU Altura Credit Card is a straightforward cashback card that delivers value for low to moderate spenders. Its primary appeal lies in its low annual fee, which can be waived with minimal spending (₹10,000 in the first 90 days for the first year, ₹40,000 annually thereafter). The card’s cashback structure—2% on groceries, utility bills, and departmental stores (capped at ₹50 per cycle) and 1% on other retail spends (capped at ₹50)—is modest but useful for essential expenses. A milestone benefit of ₹50 cashback on ₹10,000 monthly spends and a 5% welcome cashback (up to ₹150) on ₹2,500 spent within 60 days add to its appeal.
The card also offers practical features like contactless payments (up to ₹5,000 without a PIN), EMI conversion for transactions above ₹2,000, and zero liability for fraudulent transactions after reporting a lost card. Complimentary railway lounge access (two visits per quarter at select stations) is a unique perk for frequent train travelers. However, the card lacks airport lounge access, accelerated rewards on dining or entertainment, and a robust rewards program, limiting its appeal for high spenders or premium card seekers.
The forex markup fee of 3.49% + GST is high, making it unsuitable for international transactions. Compared to peers like the Axis Ace or SBI Cashback Card, the Altura’s cashback caps are restrictive, and its rewards are less versatile. It’s best suited for beginners or those prioritizing low fees over extensive benefits.
Rewards and Benefits
The AU Altura Credit Card focuses on cashback rather than reward points, with the following key benefits:
- Welcome Benefit: 5% cashback (up to ₹150) on retail spends of ₹2,500 within 60 days of card setup.
- Cashback on Everyday Spends:
- 2% cashback on groceries, departmental stores, and utility bill payments (max ₹50 per statement cycle).
- 1% cashback on other retail spends, excluding fuel, rent, wallet, and cash transactions (max ₹50 per cycle).
- Milestone Benefit: Additional ₹50 cashback on ₹10,000 retail spends per statement cycle.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 (max ₹100 per cycle).
- Railway Lounge Access: Two complimentary visits per calendar quarter at select railway stations (e.g., New Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Agra).
- Contactless Payments: Secure tap-and-pay transactions up to ₹5,000 without a PIN.
- EMI Conversion: Convert transactions above ₹2,000 into EMIs via customer care.
- Fraud Protection: Zero liability for fraudulent transactions after reporting a lost card, plus protection against skimming and online fraud.
- Add-on Card: Free lifetime add-on card for family members above 18.
The cashback is credited directly to the cardholder’s account, ensuring simplicity. However, the low caps (₹150 total monthly cashback) limit earnings for higher spenders.
Fees and Charges
The AU Altura Credit Card is budget-friendly, with the following fees and charges:
- Joining/Annual Fee: ₹199 + GST (waived for ₹10,000 spends in first 90 days; ₹40,000 annually thereafter).
- Cash Advance Fee: 2.5% of the amount withdrawn (min ₹100).
- Interest Rate: Up to 3.59% per month (43.08% annually) on revolving credit.
- Foreign Currency Markup Fee: 3.49% + GST.
- Overlimit Fee: 2.5% of the over-limit amount (min ₹500).
- Late Payment Charges: ₹0–₹1,100, based on outstanding balance.
- Card Reissuance Fee: ₹100 for lost/stolen/damaged cards.
- EMI Conversion Charges: 1% (min ₹99 + GST) for Xpress EMI; ₹199 + GST for Instant EMI.
- GST: 18% on all fees, charges, and interest.
The low annual fee and waiver conditions make it accessible, but the high interest rate and forex fee require careful usage.
Pros
- Low Annual Fee: ₹199, easily waived with moderate spending.
- Cashback on Essentials: 2% on groceries, utilities, and departmental stores suits everyday needs.
- Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for first-time credit card users due to low fees and simple rewards.
- Railway Lounge Access: Unique perk for train travelers (two visits per quarter).
- Fraud Protection: Zero liability and anti-skimming safeguards enhance security.
- Contactless Payments: Convenient for small transactions.
- Free Add-on Card: Lifetime free for family members.
Cons
- Low Cashback Caps: Max ₹150 monthly cashback limits rewards for higher spenders.
- No Airport Lounge Access: Lacks premium travel perks.
- High Forex Fee: 3.49% + GST makes international transactions costly.
- Limited Reward Flexibility: Cashback-focused with no versatile reward points program.
- No Dining/Entertainment Rewards: Misses benefits in popular spending categories.
- Exclusions: Fuel, rent, wallet, education, and government transactions don’t earn cashback.
- Modest Credit Limit: Typically ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹2 lakh, based on creditworthiness.
Comparison with Peers
The following table compares the AU Altura Credit Card with three peer cards: Axis Ace, SBI Cashback, and HDFC Millennia, which target similar customer segments.
|
Feature |
AU Altura |
Axis Ace |
SBI Cashback |
HDFC Millennia |
|
Annual Fee |
₹199 + GST (waived on ₹10,000 in 90 days; ₹40,000 annually) |
₹499 + GST (waived on ₹2 lakh annual spends) |
₹999 + GST (waived on ₹2 lakh annual spends) |
₹1,000 + GST (waived on ₹1 lakh annual spends) |
|
Welcome Benefit |
5% cashback (up to ₹150) on ₹2,500 in 60 days |
₹500 cashback on first transaction within 30 days |
None |
1,000 cashback points (₹1,000) on ₹30,000 in 90 days |
|
Cashback/Rewards |
2% on groceries, utilities, dept. stores (max ₹50); 1% others (max ₹50); ₹50 on ₹10,000 monthly |
5% on Google Pay (max ₹500/month); 2% others; 1.5% on utilities, telecom |
5% on online spends (max ₹5,000/quarter); 1% others |
5% on Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, etc. (max ₹1,000/month); 1% others |
|
1% (₹400–₹5,000, max ₹100/cycle) |
1% (₹400–₹4,000, max ₹400/month) |
1% (₹500–₹3,000, max ₹100/month) |
1% (₹400–₹5,000, max ₹250/month) |
|
|
Lounge Access |
2 railway lounge visits/quarter |
4 domestic airport lounge visits/year |
None |
8 domestic airport lounge visits/year |
|
Forex Markup Fee |
3.49% + GST |
2% + GST |
3.5% + GST |
2% + GST |
|
EMI Conversion |
Yes (₹2,000+, via customer care) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Contactless Payments |
Yes (up to ₹5,000) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Best For |
Beginners, low spenders, train travelers |
Online shoppers, Google Pay users, airport lounge access |
Online shoppers, high spenders |
Millennials, online shoppers, airport lounge access |
|
Drawbacks |
Low cashback caps, no airport lounge, high forex fee |
Limited to Google Pay for max cashback, moderate fee |
High fee for low spenders, no lounge access |
Higher fee, limited 5% cashback partners |
Recommendations
The AU Altura Credit Card is recommended for:
- First-Time Credit Card Users: Its low fee, easy waiver, and simple cashback structure make it an excellent starter card.
- Low to Moderate Spenders: Ideal for those spending ₹10,000–₹20,000 monthly on essentials like groceries and utilities, where cashback and fee waivers are achievable.
- Frequent Train Travelers: The complimentary railway lounge access (eight visits annually) is a standout perk for regular train commuters.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those prioritizing low fees over premium benefits will find value in its affordability.
Who Should Avoid It?
- High Spenders: The low cashback caps (₹150/month) and lack of accelerated rewards on dining, entertainment, or travel make it unsuitable for heavy spenders.
- International Travelers: The 3.49% forex fee is high; cards like Axis Ace or HDFC Millennia (2%) are better for overseas transactions.
- Premium Perk Seekers: Those wanting airport lounge access, dining discounts, or versatile reward points should opt for Axis Ace, SBI Cashback, or HDFC Millennia.
- Online Shoppers: Cards like SBI Cashback or HDFC Millennia offer higher cashback on e-commerce platforms.
Alternative Options
- Axis Ace: For online shoppers using Google Pay, offering higher cashback and airport lounge access at a modest fee.
- SBI Cashback: For frequent online shoppers, with 5% cashback on e-commerce and a higher cap, though it lacks lounge perks.
- HDFC Millennia: For millennials seeking premium benefits like airport lounge access and targeted online cashback, despite a higher fee.
- AU Altura Plus: For those wanting more rewards (1.5% cashback, 2X points on online spends, no reward cap) at a slightly higher fee (₹499).
Final Verdict
The AU Altura Credit Card is a solid entry-level option for beginners and low spenders in India, offering affordable fees, modest cashback, and unique railway lounge access. However, its low cashback caps, high forex fee, and lack of premium perks make it less competitive for high spenders or frequent travelers. Compare it with peers like Axis Ace or SBI Cashback based on your spending habits. For those prioritizing simplicity and affordability, the Altura is a practical choice to build credit while enjoying basic rewards.
