# AU ixigo Credit Card vs Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card: Which one is better for travel lovers?
If you are a frequent traveller, you might be looking for a credit card that offers you the best travel benefits and rewards. There are many travel credit cards in the market, but two of them stand out for their unique features and co-branding with popular travel platforms. These are the AU ixigo Credit Card and the Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card. In this blog post, we will compare these two cards on various parameters and help you decide which one is better for your travel needs.
Benefits and Cashback
Both the AU ixigo Credit Card and the Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card offer attractive benefits and cashback on travel bookings made through their respective platforms. Here are some of the highlights:
AU ixigo Credit Card: You can enjoy a 10% discount on flight bookings up to Rs. 1,000, a 10% instant off on hotel bookings up to Rs. 1,000, and Rs. 125 off on bus ticket bookings using the promo codes IXIGOCCFLY, IXIGOCCSTAY, and IXIGOCCBUS respectively. You can also get PG charges waived on train bookings twice a month. These discounts are valid once per month using the ixigo platforms only.
Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card: You can get a flat 20% instant discount on hotel bookings up to Rs. 5,000 for domestic hotels and Rs. 10,000 for international hotels, a flat 10% off on flight bookings up to Rs. 1,000 for domestic flights and Rs. 5,000 for international flights, and Rs. 125 off on bus ticket bookings using the promo code EMTSCB. These discounts are valid on all travel bookings made through the EaseMyTrip website or app.
Fees
Both the AU ixigo Credit Card and the Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card have a nominal annual fee of Rs. 350 plus GST. However, there are some differences in how you can get the fee waived.
- AU ixigo Credit Card: You can get the joining fee waived by making a transaction of Rs. 1,000 in the first 30 days of card issuance. You can also get the renewal fee waived by spending Rs. 50,000 or more in the previous year.
Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card: You can get the joining fee waived by spending Rs. 15,000 in the first 90 days of card issuance. You can also get the renewal fee waived by spending Rs. 60,000 or more in the previous year.
Eligibility
Both the AU ixigo Credit Card and the Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card have similar eligibility criteria for applicants. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a good credit score and history. You also need to meet the income and documentation requirements of the respective banks.
AU ixigo Credit Card: You need to have a minimum monthly income of Rs. 15,000 for salaried individuals and Rs. 2 lakh per annum for self-employed individuals.
Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card: You need to have a minimum monthly income of Rs. 22,000 for salaried individuals and Rs. 60,000 for self-employed individuals.
Cons
Both the AU ixigo Credit Card and the Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card have some drawbacks that you should be aware of before applying for them.
AU ixigo Credit Card: The card does not offer any complimentary lounge access or insurance benefits. The card also has a high foreign currency mark-up fee of 3.5% plus GST.
Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card: The card does not offer any reward points on other categories of spends apart from hotel and airline bookings at standalone websites or outlets. The card also has a high interest rate of up to 41.88% per annum.
Conclusion
Both the AU ixigo Credit Card and the Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card are good options for travellers who want to save money and earn rewards on their travel bookings. However, depending on your preferences and spending patterns, you may find one card more suitable than the other.
If you value discounts over rewards and want to book your travel through ixigo platforms, you may prefer the AU ixigo Credit Card. If you value lounge access and zero foreign currency mark-up fee over discounts and want to book your travel through EaseMyTrip website or app, you may prefer the Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can compare the features and benefits of both the cards and apply for the one that suits your travel needs the best.
FAQs On Selecting Credit Card
What is a travel credit card? A travel credit card is a type of credit card that offers benefits and rewards for frequent travellers. These benefits may include no foreign transaction fees, complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, air miles, discounts on flight and hotel bookings, and more.
How do I choose the best travel credit card for me? The best travel credit card for you depends on your travel preferences, spending habits, and reward goals. You should compare different travel credit cards based on factors such as annual fee, interest rate, reward rate, redemption options, partner airlines or travel portals, and additional benefits. You can use online tools such as Paisabazaar or Card Insider to compare and apply for travel credit cards in India.
What are the advantages of using a travel credit card abroad? Using a travel credit card abroad can help you save money and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience. Some of the advantages are:
You can avoid paying foreign transaction fees, which are usually 3-5% of the transaction amount, when you use a travel credit card that does not charge them.
You can earn rewards in the form of air miles, points, or cashback for every purchase you make abroad, which you can redeem for future travel expenses.
You can access airport lounges for free or at a discounted rate, which can provide you with comfort, convenience, and amenities while you wait for your flight.
You can get travel insurance coverage for emergencies such as flight cancellation, baggage loss, medical expenses, and more, depending on your travel credit card.
What are the disadvantages of using a travel credit card abroad? Using a travel credit card abroad can also have some drawbacks, such as:
You may incur interest charges if you do not pay your balance in full every month, which can negate the value of your rewards and benefits.
You may face currency conversion issues if your travel credit card does not support the local currency of the country you are visiting, or if the merchant does not accept your card.
You may have to pay a high annual fee for some travel credit cards, which may not be worth it if you do not travel frequently enough to make use of the benefits.
How do I redeem my travel rewards? The redemption process for travel rewards varies depending on your travel credit card and the type of rewards you have earned. Generally, you can redeem your rewards in the following ways:
For air miles, you can transfer them to your frequent flyer account and book award flights or upgrades with your partner airline or any of its alliance members.
For points, you can redeem them for travel-related expenses such as flight tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, and more, through your credit card issuer’s online portal or app, or by calling their customer service.
For cashback, you can redeem it as a statement credit, a direct deposit to your bank account, or a gift card from a retailer of your choice.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying for a travel credit card? The eligibility criteria for applying for a travel credit card may differ from one credit card issuer to another, but some of the common requirements are:
You must be an Indian citizen or a resident of India.
You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have a good credit score and a stable source of income.
You must meet the minimum income and documentation requirements specified by the credit card issuer.
What are the documents required for applying for a travel credit card? The documents required for applying for a travel credit card may vary depending on the credit card issuer and the type of travel credit card you are applying for, but some of the common documents are:
Identity proof, such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, or driving license.
Address proof, such as Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, utility bill, or bank statement.
Income proof, such as salary slip, income tax return, bank statement, or Form 16.
Passport size photograph.
How do I apply for a travel credit card? You can apply for a travel credit card online or offline, depending on your convenience and preference. To apply online, you can visit the credit card issuer’s website or app, fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and submit your application. To apply offline, you can visit the nearest branch of the credit card issuer, fill out the application form, attach the required documents, and submit your application.
How long does it take to get a travel credit card? The time taken to get a travel credit card depends on the credit card issuer and the verification process. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get a travel credit card, depending on factors such as your eligibility, credit history, documentation, and approval status.
How do I use my travel credit card responsibly? Using your travel credit card responsibly can help you avoid unnecessary fees, interest charges, and debt, as well as improve your credit score and enjoy the benefits of your card. Some of the tips to use your travel credit card responsibly are:
Pay your balance in full and on time every month to avoid interest charges and late payment fees.
Stay within your credit limit and avoid overspending to avoid over-limit fees and high credit utilization ratio.
Track your spending and monitor your statements regularly to avoid fraud and errors.
Review your rewards and benefits periodically and use them wisely to maximize their value.
Notify your credit card issuer before you travel abroad to avoid any issues with your card acceptance or security.
Comments