Part 7: AU Small Finance Bank — Customization & Travel

AU Small Finance Bank has rapidly expanded its credit card portfolio in recent years. To compete with the established giants, they have introduced highly innovative, Lifetime Free (LTF) products that cater to modern users who want control over their rewards.

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🏦 AU Small Finance Bank’s Core Policy

• Maximum Limit: AU Bank generally follows a strict One Primary Credit Card policy per customer.
• Credit Profile: They are known to be slightly strict with their underwriting. They prefer applicants with a strong existing credit history (CIBIL > 750) and tend to verify office addresses thoroughly.

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💳 The “Pay-as-you-go” Innovation: AU LIT Credit Card

The LIT (Live-It-Today) Credit Card is perhaps the most unique credit card in the Indian market. It is India’s first customizable credit card.

• Status: The base card is unconditionally Lifetime Free (Zero Joining, Zero Annual Fee).
• How it Works: The base card gives you standard, minimal rewards. However, you can use the AU Bank mobile app to “switch on” premium features for a specific duration (like 90 days) by paying a small fee.
• Customizable Features you can toggle:
  • Lounge Access: Pay a small fee to enable 1 or 2 airport lounge accesses for the next 90 days. Ideal if you only travel during Diwali.
  • Milestone Cashback: Enable 5% cashback on groceries and apparel for 3 months.
  • OTT Subscriptions: Toggle on ZEE5, Amazon Prime, or Cult.fit memberships.
• Verdict: This is the ultimate card for someone who hates paying a ₹3,000 annual fee for benefits they only use once a year. You hold the card for free, and only pay for the benefits exactly when you need them.

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✈️ The Travel Co-Brand: Ixigo AU Credit Card

If you travel frequently via trains and domestic flights, AU partnered with Ixigo to create a powerhouse Lifetime Free travel card.

• Status: Frequently offered as Lifetime Free during promotional periods on the Ixigo app. (Always verify the LTF tag during application).
• Best For: Zero Forex Markups and Railway Travel.
• Key Benefits:
  • Zero Forex Markup: Makes it an excellent companion for international travel. You save the 3.5% fee on all foreign currency transactions.
  • Railway Lounge Access: 8 complimentary railway lounge visits per calendar year (2 per quarter). Very few cards offer this.
  • Airport Lounge Access: Up to 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year.
  • Ixigo Discounts: 10% off on flight bookings, bus bookings, and hotel bookings made via the Ixigo app.
• TCS Strategy: If you travel internationally for TCS onsite assignments, the zero forex markup on this card will save you thousands of rupees compared to using a standard corporate card.

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Summary for Part 7

AU Bank forces you to choose one card. If you are an IT professional who travels often, wait for an LTF offer on the Ixigo AU Credit Card—the zero forex markup and massive lounge access limits are unbeatable. If you prefer a modular approach to rewards, the LIT Card is a fascinating free addition to your wallet.

Next Part: 8 Federal Bank — Travel & Lifestyle →

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