In 2023, Scapia launched its credit cards focused on the travel space. Scapia was unique because their card products and the whole app and experience are concentrated on travel. For instance, the company has an app that accompanies the card, where one can book flights and stays and even apply for visas.
In 2024, Scapia had to stop onboarding new customers because the regulator asked Federal Bank, their banking partner, to discontinue onboarding new co-brand credit card customers. But recently, they were back.
Scapia resumes issuance of credit cards.
Scapia has officially relaunched its credit card. Scapia’s core philosophy revolves around simplifying travel rewards. They shot a video, narrated by Naseeruddin Shah, to announce their comeback.
Once they were back in circulation, I got my cards approved, and they instantly made it to the cards in my wallet list. Since then, I’ve received a few queries about why this card is getting spends when I have access to almost all the top-tier cards. Here is why.
Instead of point systems and redemption processes, Scapia offers a different model: zero forex markup, unlimited domestic lounge access, and travel rewards through its “Scapia Coins” programme. Here is how the card works:
- Zero Forex Markup: Scapia eliminates forex markup, making it ideal for international travel and online purchases in foreign currencies. However, you don’t earn rewards on these purchases.
- Airport Privileges: When INR 10,000 is spent monthly, one can access unlimited domestic airport lounges across India. Scapia also offers the ability to spend money on specific airport outlets (up to INR 1,000) and then reimburses you for these in the form of Scapia Coins (1 Coin worth INR 0.2).
- Scapia Coins Rewards Programme: The card gives back 10% Scapia Coins on every transaction. On Travel Spends through the app, Scapia is currently offering 20% Scapia Coins. With the current conversion of 5 Scapia coins = 1 Rupee, that converts to 2% on regular spends and 4% on travel spends. These coins can be redeemed for travel bookings, including flights and hotels, through the Scapia app.
- Lifetime Free Card: No joining fees, no annual fees.
The key draw for me is the Scapia Airport Privileges Programme.
Scapia Airport Privileges. How do they work?
Scapia Airport Privileges get activated when you spend at least INR 10,000 before statement generation, for the following statement cycle. In the first month, you get it activated the minute you have done 10,000 INR spends. Once activated, you see that it is activated, in your dashboard.
There are three parts to the Airport Privileges programme, and you can choose one when you are travelling domestically around the country:
- Dine at the Airport. You can dine at an airport outlet and pay with Scapia. They will return up to INR 1,000 worth of coins into your account if you dine at the six major metros in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad) at an airport outlet on their list in the app. At other airports, they reimburse up to INR 500. You need to select the outlet and activate it before swiping the card.
- Buy something at the Airport. You can also use this card to go shopping at the airport. Pay with Scapia. They will return up to INR 1,000 worth of coins into your account if you shop at the six major metros in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad) at an airport outlet on their list in the app. At other airports, they reimburse up to INR 500. Please select the outlet and activate it before swiping the card.
- Sign up for Lounge Access at the Airport. If you are not the shopping or eating at outlet kind, you can opt for old school lounge access, which is available via a QR code generated on the app. At last count, 25 cities in India had lounges accessible through Scapia.
Remember, you can only claim one of the three perks in one airport departure, not all three.
I signed up for the card when it opened for applications again, and it was delivered with a pretty good limit. I hear that the card is also open for existing Federal Bank customers. I have no dearth of credit cards for lounge access, but I like this feature where I can sit at a coffee shop and be reimbursed for it rather than head to the lounge.
You can apply for the card here. It is a referral link, so you also earn Scapia Coins after a successful approval of your card.
Bottomline
Scapia has started onboarding customers again. This travel-focused credit card has some unique perks, is free for life, and offers zero markup on international spending. One of the unique ones is the ability to earn coins for airport spending, which bypasses the need for lounge access altogether. Apply here.
What are your thoughts and experiences with the Scapia Credit Card? Questions? Put them in the comments below.
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