Travel is getting easier and more affordable, especially if you use the right credit card. Two new popular credit cards—Federal Scapia Credit Card and ixigo AU Credit Card—are gaining attention for being Lifetime Free (LTF) and packed with travel-focused rewards. They are co-branded cards from well-known banks and travel platforms, aimed at helping you save on trips, bookings, and daily spending.
If you’re wondering which of these two is better, you’re in the right place. While both come with 0% forex markup and no annual fees, they offer different types of lounge access, reward systems, and travel discounts. Choosing the right one can help you save money, earn free rewards, and even make your travel more comfortable.
Why Compare Scapia and ixigo AU Credit Cards?
These cards may look similar on the surface, but here’s why it’s important to understand their differences:
- Both are Lifetime Free: No joining or annual charges.
- Both offer 0% foreign currency markup, which is rare.
- Both are travel credit cards with reward programs.
- They differ in travel perks, reward earning, and lounge access.
Now let’s go into the feature-wise comparison.
1. Welcome Benefits
A welcome gift is a great bonus when applying for a new credit card.
- Scapia Credit Card:
No welcome benefits provided. - ixigo AU Credit Card:
✅ 1,000 Reward Points
✅ ₹1,000 worth of ixigo money vouchers (valid for 90 days only)
📝 Verdict: ixigo AU wins here with actual monetary value for new users.
2. Zero Forex Markup – International SavingsThis is a major benefit for anyone who shops online in foreign currency or travels abroad.
- Both cards offer 0% forex markup, which means you won’t pay the usual 2%-3.5% fee on international transactions.
📝 Verdict: A big plus for both cards. Ideal for international shoppers and travelers.
3. Travel Perks – Lounge Access & Discounts
Let’s explore the travel comforts each card offers.
Domestic Airport Lounge Access
- Scapia:
✅ Unlimited access (if you spend ₹10,000 on Visa or ₹15,000 on RuPay variant each month) - ixigo AU:
✅ 8 visits per year (2 per quarter) – no monthly spending required
International Airport Lounge Access
- Scapia: ❌ Not available
- ixigo AU: ✅ 1 visit per year via Priority Pass (on request)
Railway Lounge Access
- Scapia: ❌ No access
- ixigo AU: ✅ 8 visits per year
Extra Travel Discounts
- Scapia: ❌ None
- ixigo AU: ✅ 10% discount on flights, buses, and hotel bookings on ixigo
📝 Verdict: ixigo AU offers more variety in lounge access and has exclusive discounts. But if you fly often and can meet the monthly spend, Scapia’s unlimited domestic lounge can be a game-changer.
4. Earning & Redeeming Rewards
This is where the cards differ the most. Let’s break down how you earn and use your reward points.
Scapia Federal Credit Card
Earning:
- ✅ 20% Scapia Coins on Scapia app travel bookings
- ✅ 10% Scapia Coins on all online & offline purchases
Redemption:
- 🔁 5 Scapia Coins = ₹1
- 🛒 Redeem only via the Scapia app
Effective Return:
- Travel Bookings: 4%
- All Purchases: 2%
ixigo AU Credit Card
Earning:
- ✅ 20 RP/₹200 on train tickets
- ✅ 10 RP/₹200 on online shopping
- ✅ 5 RP/₹200 on offline spending
Redemption:
- 🔁 1 RP = ₹0.25
- 🛒 Use via AU Rewardz or ixigo app
Effective Return:
- Train Tickets: 2.5%
- Online: 1.25%
- Offline: 0.63%
📝 Verdict: Scapia offers much higher reward rates (up to 4%), especially for users who book via their app. ixigo AU is more flexible with redemption, but has lower returns on regular spending.
5. App and Payment Flexibility
Scapia Credit Card
- 🔄 UPI support through Scapia app
- 📲 Digital-native design (targeted for tech-savvy users)
ixigo AU Credit Card
- 📱 Access through AU Bank & ixigo apps
- ❌ No UPI payment support
📝 Verdict: Scapia offers a more modern and integrated experience with UPI and a single app.
6. Application Restrictions
- 🚫 Some users report that AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank may not approve a second card, even if you’ve closed your previous one.
- ⚠️ Make sure to check with customer care before applying if you already have another card from the same bank.
Bottom Line: Which Card Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide based on your needs:
| Type of User | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent domestic flyer | Scapia | High lounge access, great reward rate |
| Train traveler | ixigo AU | 8 railway lounge visits, 2.5% train booking rewards |
| UPI spender | Scapia | UPI-enabled for all daily transactions |
| Budget traveler | ixigo AU | Discounts on flight, hotel, and bus bookings |
| International traveler | Both | Zero forex markup on both cards |
FAQs
1. Is the ixigo AU Credit Card free for life?
Yes, it is a Lifetime Free (LTF) card. No joining or annual charges.
2. Does the Scapia Credit Card offer lounge access?
Yes, but only for domestic airports, and only if you meet the monthly spending limit:
- ₹10,000 for Visa
- ₹15,000 for RuPay
3. Can I use Scapia for UPI payments?
Yes, it supports UPI via the Scapia app, a big plus for daily usage.
4. Are there any international lounge benefits?
Only the ixigo AU Credit Card offers 1 international lounge visit per year via Priority Pass. Scapia does not.
5. What is the reward value of Scapia Coins?
Every 5 Scapia Coins = ₹1. You can use these to book travel through the Scapia app.
6. Can I apply for both cards?
You may face issues if you already hold a credit card from Federal Bank or AU Bank. Even after closing a previous card, approval is not guaranteed.
Conclusion
Both the Federal Scapia and ixigo AU Credit Cards are strong options in the Lifetime Free travel credit card category. Scapia stands out for its better reward returns, UPI support, and unlimited lounge access, while ixigo AU wins in terms of railway benefits, welcome gifts, and broad travel discounts.
👉 If you are digitally savvy and want higher savings on all purchases: Choose Scapia.
👉 If you want simple, balanced travel perks without monthly spending conditions: Pick ixigo AU.
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