I’ve always been cautious when it comes to signing up for credit cards, especially with all the options available in the market. But when I came across the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, I was curious. Many people think that getting this card is a difficult process, but that’s not the case at all. Today, I’m sharing my two-year experience with this card, hoping to help others who are considering it. I’ll talk about the application process, the savings I’ve made, the bugs and devaluation issues, and why I eventually decided to close the card. Let’s dive in!
The Application Process: Quick and Easy – It’s Simpler Than You Think!
When I first heard about the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, I expected a long, drawn-out process. After all, most credit card applications involve tons of paperwork, verification, and a wait time that can stretch for days or even weeks. But to my surprise, I was able to get approved for this card within just 30 seconds, and it happened over a simple customer care call.
Here’s how it went down: I had been using Airtel services for quite some time, and I noticed the option to apply for this card on the Airtel Thanks app. Being an Axis Bank cardholder already, I decided to give it a shot. Instead of applying through the app, which often led to rejection or incomplete applications, I called the customer care number directly. After confirming my eligibility, I got approved right then and there. No long forms, no waiting. It was that easy.
However, this was during the first few months after the card’s launch. Back then, the process was smooth and quick, but now, the process has shifted slightly. You can apply directly through the Airtel website or Axis Bank app, and things have become a bit more formalized. But trust me, it’s still much easier than many people expect.
So, here’s the takeaway: if you’re eligible, just go ahead and apply directly through customer care. If you want to increase your chances of approval, confirm your eligibility first with the support team. It can save you a lot of time and effort.
How Much I Saved with the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card – You Can Save More Than You Think
Now, let’s get to the exciting part: savings. A lot of people believe that the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card doesn’t offer significant savings, but I’ve got news for you—it does! Over the course of two years, I saved an average of ₹10,000 per year just by using this card for two types of transactions: Airtel services payments and Swiggy orders.
Airtel Services Payments
If you’re already using Airtel services, then this card is a game-changer. Every time I paid my Airtel postpaid bills or recharged my number, I earned cashback. This added up significantly over the months, and I found that the cashback was a great way to reduce my overall telecom expenses. If you use Airtel Broadband, DTH, or postpaid services, this card makes the most sense for you.
Swiggy Orders
I’m sure many of us are familiar with Swiggy for food deliveries. With this card, I was able to earn great cashback on my food orders. Given how much I ordered over the two years, this saved me a substantial amount—sometimes more than ₹1,000 a month. If you’re a foodie who frequently orders takeout, this card can help you save significantly.
The Downside: Bugs and Devaluation – Why the Card Isn’t as Good as It Used to Be
As much as I love the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, I can’t ignore the issues that popped up along the way. There’s no perfect product, and this card had its fair share of bugs and devaluation. Cashback was a major selling point for me, but unfortunately, the bugs made it unpredictable.
Cashback Issues: The Struggle with Proper Refunds
At the beginning, the cashback was consistent and easy to earn. But as time went on, I noticed discrepancies in the cashback I received. Sometimes I would get 10% cashback when I expected 25%, and other times I’d only receive 1% when I should have gotten 10%. Even worse, I found that my cashback was sometimes short by ₹20 to ₹100.
This became increasingly frustrating, and the only way to get the correct cashback was to call customer care and lodge a complaint. Unfortunately, Axis Bank’s support team was not able to resolve these issues quickly, and it felt like a constant battle to get what I was owed. During six months, I didn’t get the proper cashback at all, and when I did, it was often halved.
Recent Devaluation: Is It Still Worth It?
Apart from the technical issues, there’s also been some devaluation in the rewards program. Axis Bank recently reduced the cashback rates for certain transactions, making the card less rewarding than it used to be. I still think it’s a good card for specific use cases, like Airtel services and food delivery. However, if you were hoping for a smooth and hassle-free cashback experience, this card might not be the best option anymore.
Why I Closed My Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card – Too Many Cards, Too Little Time
After two years of using the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, I finally decided to close it. The main reason was that I had too many cards in my wallet, and I wasn’t using this one enough to justify keeping it.
Here’s the deal: I already had three Axis Bank cards: the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, the Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card, and the Samsung Infinite Credit Card. Together, they gave me a credit limit of ₹1.32 lakh. But I wasn’t using all of them to their full potential. When I tried to increase my credit limit, Axis Bank didn’t approve the request. At this point, I decided I needed a core credit card from Axis Bank, rather than just co-branded cards.
Why Did I Close It?
I closed the card because:
- Too many Axis Bank cards—I wasn’t using them all efficiently.
- I wanted a core credit card from Axis Bank, not just a co-branded one.
- I found better options like the SBI Cashback Credit Card and the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card, both of which fit my needs better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card?
The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card offers various benefits such as cashback on your monthly bills, reward points on every purchase, and exclusive discounts on Airtel services. It’s designed to enhance your overall experience with added perks on both retail purchases and telecom-related expenses.
How does the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card compare to other credit cards in terms of rewards?
Compared to other credit cards, the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card provides competitive rewards, especially for customers who frequently use Airtel services. It offers a higher percentage of cashback and reward points on Airtel recharges and bills, which makes it attractive for those within the Airtel ecosystem.
Are there any hidden charges or fees associated with the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card?
While the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is relatively straightforward, users should be aware of standard fees such as annual fees, late payment charges, and foreign transaction fees. It’s always advisable to review the terms and conditions to avoid any surprises.
What was the customer service experience with the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card?
My two-year experience with customer service has been mostly positive. The bank provides dedicated support for credit card-related inquiries, and response times are generally quick. Any issues regarding billing or rewards have been resolved efficiently through their customer care channels.
Has the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card improved my credit score over the past two years?
Using the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card responsibly, such as paying bills on time and maintaining a low balance, has positively impacted my credit score. Timely payments and responsible credit utilization are key factors that contribute to improving your credit rating.
Conclusion
After two years of using the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, I can say it’s a great card if you frequently use Airtel services or order food online. The cashback on these transactions is unbeatable compared to other cards. However, the bugs and recent devaluation have made the experience less smooth, and if you’re not careful, you may find yourself fighting for the cashback you deserve.
If you’re eligible and use Airtel services or Swiggy often, go ahead and apply for the card. But be prepared to deal with the occasional issue. If you’re someone who needs a hassle-free, bug-free card with guaranteed cashback, then you might want to explore other options.
