The AU Small Finance Bank Altura Plus Credit Card is a mid-tier offering designed to cater to the evolving needs of Indian consumers, particularly young professionals, frequent online shoppers, and domestic travelers. Launched as an upgrade to the entry-level AU Altura Credit Card, it combines cashback and reward points to deliver value on everyday spending. With a modest joining and annual fee, spend-based fee waivers, and unique benefits like railway lounge access, the card appeals to those seeking an affordable yet rewarding credit card. Targeted at Indian residents aged 21–60 with a stable income, the Altura Plus emphasizes convenience through contactless payments, EMI options, and a straightforward rewards program. Its focus on online transactions and practical lifestyle perks makes it a compelling choice in the competitive mid-tier credit card market.
Review
The AU Altura Plus Credit Card strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a strong contender in the mid-tier credit card segment. Its dual reward structure—1.5% cashback on POS retail spends and 2X reward points on online transactions—caters to the growing trend of digital shopping. The card’s milestone benefits, such as 500 bonus reward points for ₹20,000 monthly spends, encourage consistent usage without requiring exorbitant spending thresholds. The inclusion of two complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter is a standout feature for domestic travelers, particularly in a country where train travel is prevalent. However, the absence of airport lounge access limits its appeal for frequent flyers, and the cashback cap of ₹100 per statement cycle restricts benefits for high spenders. The reward redemption rate (1 RP = ₹0.25) is modest compared to premium cards, but the lack of a cap on reward points accumulation adds long-term value. The card’s contactless payment feature, EMI conversion options, and fraud protection enhance its practicality, while the low joining and annual fees (₹499 each, with waivers) make it accessible to a wide audience. Overall, the AU Altura Plus is ideal for budget-conscious users who value online shopping rewards and railway lounge access but may fall short for those seeking premium travel or uncapped cashback benefits.
- Joining Fees: Rs 499 + applicable taxes
- Annual Fees: Rs 499 + applicable taxes
- 8 Complimentary lounge access per Year.
- 15% Off on Domestic Flight
Rewards and Benefits
The AU Altura Plus Credit Card offers a well-rounded rewards program tailored to everyday spending, with additional lifestyle and convenience benefits:
- Cashback:
- 1.5% cashback on all POS retail spends at merchant outlets (excluding fuel, rent, and cash withdrawals), capped at ₹100 per statement cycle.
- After reaching the cashback cap, users earn 1 reward point per ₹100 spent on retail transactions (except fuel).
- Reward Points:
- Online Transactions: 2X reward points (2 points per ₹100) on retail online spends, excluding education, government services, and BBPS transactions.
- Other Categories: 1 reward point per ₹100 on utilities, insurance, rent, education, and government transactions.
- Milestone Benefit: 500 bonus reward points for spending ₹20,000 or more monthly on retail purchases (excluding fuel and cash transactions).
- Welcome Benefit: ₹500 vouchers (redeemable at select brands) for ₹10,000 retail spends within 60 days of card setup.
- Redemption:
- Reward points are redeemable via the AU Rewardz portal for e-vouchers, merchandise, mobile/DTH recharges, flight/hotel bookings, or Flipkart gift vouchers at a rate of 1 RP = ₹0.25.
- No cap on reward points earned, with a monthly redemption limit of 25,000 points.
- Points remain valid as long as the card is active, with no expiry for regular users.
- Railway Lounge Access:
- 2 complimentary visits per calendar quarter at railway lounges in New Delhi, Kolkata (Sealdah), Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Agra, and Madurai (available for VISA cardholders only).
- Benefit extends to add-on cardholders, enhancing family usage.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
- 1% waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000, capped at ₹150 per statement cycle.
- Applicable at all fuel stations across India accepting card payments.
- Contactless Payments:
- Supports transactions up to ₹5,000 without a PIN at participating merchants, ensuring quick and secure payments.
- EMI Conversion:
- Transactions of ₹2,000 or more can be converted into EMIs through XpressEMI (call 1800 1200 1500).
- Instant EMI option available at select merchants for immediate conversion.
- Insurance and Fraud Protection:
- Zero liability for fraudulent transactions after reporting card loss to customer care.
- Protection against card skimming and online fraud.
- Complimentary insurance and extended warranty on electronics and smartphone purchases (terms apply).
- Add-on Card:
- Lifetime-free add-on cards for family members above 18 years, sharing the same credit limit and benefits.
- Concierge Services:
- 24/7 assistance for travel bookings, restaurant reservations, and event planning via 1800 210 0298 or 022-42320298.
- Other Perks:
- Online account management through the AU0101 app for bill payments, reward tracking, and transaction monitoring.
- Customizable billing cycle to align with user’s financial planning.
Fees and Charges
The AU Altura Plus Credit Card maintains a cost-effective fee structure, though users should be aware of specific charges:
- Joining Fee: ₹499 + 18% GST, waived if ₹20,000 is spent on retail purchases within 90 days of card setup.
- Annual Fee: ₹499 + 18% GST (some sources cite ₹2,999 + GST, but ₹499 is standard). Waived for ₹80,000 retail spends in the previous card anniversary year.
- Cash Advance Fee: 2.5% of the amount withdrawn (minimum ₹100).
- Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.49% of the transaction amount, relatively high for international use.
- Interest Rate: 3.59% per month (43.08% annually) on revolving credit, applicable if the outstanding balance is not paid by the due date.
- Overlimit Charges: 2.5% of the over-limit amount (minimum ₹500).
- Late Payment Charges:
- ₹0 for balances below ₹100.
- ₹100 for ₹100–₹500.
- ₹400 for ₹501–₹5,000.
- ₹600 for ₹5,001–₹10,000.
- ₹800 for ₹10,001–₹25,000.
- ₹950 for ₹25,001–₹50,000.
- ₹1,100 for balances above ₹50,000.
- EMI Conversion Charges:
- XpressEMI: 1% of the transaction amount (minimum ₹99 + GST).
- Instant EMI: ₹199 + GST per transaction.
- Card Reissuance: ₹100 for lost, stolen, or damaged cards.
- Other Charges:
- ₹500 for cheque/ECS/NACH/autopay return.
- ₹25 for outstation cheque processing.
- ₹2 for lounge validation (per visit, if applicable).
- ₹100 for duplicate physical statements.
- Interest-Free Period: Up to 50 days, depending on the billing cycle and payment habits.
Pros
- Affordable Fee Structure: Low joining and annual fees (₹499 each) with achievable spend-based waivers.
- Dual Reward System: Combines 1.5% cashback and uncapped reward points, offering flexibility for various spending habits.
- Online Shopping Focus: 2X reward points on online retail transactions align with e-commerce trends.
- Railway Lounge Access: Unique perk with 2 complimentary visits per quarter, ideal for train travelers.
- Flexible EMI Options: Conversion of ₹2,000+ transactions into EMIs enhances affordability.
- No Reward Cap: Unlimited reward points accumulation ensures long-term value.
- Lifetime-Free Add-on Cards: Extends benefits to family members at no extra cost.
- Contactless Payments: Convenient for quick transactions up to ₹5,000 without a PIN.
- Fraud Protection: Zero liability for unauthorized transactions post-reporting, plus skimming and online fraud coverage.
- Welcome Benefits: ₹500 vouchers for achievable ₹10,000 spend in 60 days add immediate value.
Cons
- Low Cashback Cap: ₹100 per statement cycle limits benefits for high spenders.
- No Airport Lounge Access: Lacks a key travel perk offered by competitors like Axis Ace and Flipkart Axis.
- Modest Redemption Value: 1 RP = ₹0.25 is lower than premium cards offering higher conversion rates.
- High Interest Rate: 43.08% annually on revolving credit is steep, penalizing unpaid balances.
- High Foreign Transaction Fee: 3.49% markup makes it less ideal for international spending.
- Limited Lounge Locations: Railway lounge access is restricted to select cities, reducing its utility.
- Category Exclusions: Fuel, rent, and cash transactions excluded from bonus rewards or milestone benefits.
- No Premium Travel Perks: Lacks air miles, golf privileges, or international lounge access.
- Redemption Restrictions: 25,000 points monthly redemption cap may limit flexibility for heavy users.
Comparison with Peers
The following table compares the AU Altura Plus Credit Card with peers in the mid-tier segment: AU Altura, SBI Cashback, Axis Ace, and Flipkart Axis Credit Cards.
Feature | AU Altura Plus | AU Altura | SBI Cashback | Axis Ace | Flipkart Axis |
Joining Fee | ₹499 (waived on ₹20,000 spend in 90 days) | ₹199 (waived on ₹10,000 spend in 90 days) | ₹999 | ₹499 | ₹500 |
Annual Fee | ₹499 (waived on ₹80,000 annual spend) | ₹199 (waived on ₹40,000 annual spend) | ₹999 (waived on ₹2,00,000 annual spend) | ₹499 (waived on ₹2,00,000 annual spend) | ₹500 (waived on ₹2,00,000 annual spend) |
Cashback | 1.5% on POS retail (max ₹100/statement) | 2% on groceries, utilities, dept. stores (max ₹50/statement); 1% others | 5% on online spends, 1% others (no cap) | 5% on online food, cabs, Google Pay; 2% others (no cap) | 5% on Flipkart, Myntra; 4% on partners; 1.5% others (no cap) |
Reward Points | 2X on online (2/₹100), 1/₹100 on others, 500 bonus on ₹20,000/month | 2/₹100 on groceries, dining, travel; 1/₹100 others | None | None | 4/₹100 on retail; uncapped |
Lounge Access | 2 railway lounge visits/quarter | 2 railway lounge visits/quarter | None | 4 domestic airport visits/year | 4 domestic airport visits/year |
1% (₹400–₹5,000, max ₹150/statement) | 1% (₹400–₹5,000, max ₹150/statement) | 1% (₹100–₹4,000, max ₹100/month) | 1% (₹400–₹5,000, max ₹250/month) | 1% (₹400–₹5,000, max ₹400/month) | |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3.49% | 4.12% | 3.5% | 2% | 3.5% |
EMI Conversion | ₹2,000+ transactions | ₹2,000+ transactions | Yes (varies) | Yes (varies) | Yes (varies) |
Interest Rate | 43.08% annually | 43.08% annually | 42% annually | 47.88% annually | 47.88% annually |
Welcome Benefits | ₹500 voucher on ₹10,000 spend in 60 days | 5% cashback on ₹2,500 spend in 60 days (max ₹150) | None | ₹500 cashback on ₹10,000 spend in 30 days | ₹1,100 Flipkart vouchers on first transaction |
Best For | Online shoppers, railway travelers | Entry-level users, grocery shoppers | Online shoppers, high spenders | Online food, cab users, frequent flyers | Flipkart/Myntra shoppers, frequent flyers |
Recommendations
The AU Altura Plus Credit Card is a strong choice for specific user groups but may not suit everyone. Here are tailored recommendations:
Recommended For:
- Young Professionals and First-Time Cardholders: The low joining/annual fees (₹499 each) and achievable fee waivers (₹20,000 for joining, ₹80,000 for annual) make it an accessible entry point into credit cards.
- Online Shoppers: 2X reward points on online retail transactions align perfectly with e-commerce enthusiasts, especially those shopping on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart.
- Domestic Train Travelers: The 2 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter are a unique perk for frequent train users, particularly in cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, or Ahmedabad.
- Budget-Conscious Users: The combination of low fees, no reward cap, and practical benefits like EMI conversion and contactless payments suits moderate spenders seeking value without complexity.
- Families: Lifetime-free add-on cards allow family members to share benefits like railway lounge access and rewards, enhancing overall value.
Not Recommended For:
- High Spenders: The ₹100 cashback cap per statement cycle and modest redemption rate (1 RP = ₹0.25) limit benefits for those with high monthly spends.
- Frequent Flyers: The absence of airport lounge access makes competitors like Axis Ace or Flipkart Axis more suitable for air travelers.
- International Travelers: The 3.49% foreign transaction fee is higher than cards like Axis Ace (2%), making it less cost-effective for overseas spending.
- Premium Perk Seekers: Those looking for air miles, golf privileges, or higher redemption values will find premium cards more rewarding.
Alternatives to Consider:
- SBI Cashback Card: Ideal for online shoppers with 5% uncapped cashback on online spends, though it lacks lounge access and has a higher annual fee (₹999).
- Axis Ace: Suits users who frequently order food online or use cabs, offering 5% cashback on select categories and 4 domestic airport lounge visits per year.
- Flipkart Axis: Best for Flipkart/Myntra shoppers with 5% cashback on these platforms, plus 4 airport lounge visits, making it a strong travel and shopping card.
Final Thought
The AU Altura Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice for young professionals, online shoppers, and domestic train travelers seeking a low-cost card with decent rewards and practical benefits. Its railway lounge access and dual reward system set it apart in the mid-tier segment, but the cashback cap and lack of airport lounge access limit its appeal for high spenders and frequent flyers. For those prioritizing uncapped cashback or airport lounge access, the SBI Cashback or Axis Ace cards are better alternatives. To maximize value, pay dues on time to avoid the high 43.08% interest rate and aim for spend-based fee waivers. If your spending aligns with online retail and domestic train travel, the AU Altura Plus is a reliable and cost-effective option.
With over 15 years of experience in Banking, investment banking, personal finance, or financial planning, Dkush has a knack for breaking down complex financial concepts into actionable, easy-to-understand advice. A MBA finance and a lifelong learner, Dkush is committed to helping readers achieve financial independence through smart budgeting, investing, and wealth-building strategies, Follow Dailyfinancial.in for practical tips and a roadmap to financial success!
