The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card has become an essential part of my financial journey, helping me save money while enjoying various benefits. But like any tool, it comes with its ups and downs. This article shares my two-year experience with the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card in detail. From the application process to the rewards and challenges, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Getting Approved for the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card
One common misconception I had before applying for the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card was that it would be hard to get approved. But let me tell you, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I was pleasantly surprised when I got my Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card approved in just 30 seconds while talking to customer care. Yes, you heard that right—30 seconds! The process was so smooth, and all I needed was to be eligible for the card through the Airtel Thanks app.
The Step-by-Step Approval Process
I will now share the exact process that led to my approval. Here’s how you can also get the card quickly:
- Check Eligibility via Airtel Thanks App: The first step is to check if you’re eligible for the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card. Simply log into the Airtel Thanks app. If the option to apply for the card is available, it means you’re eligible.
- Direct Call to Customer Care: I recommend calling customer care if you’re eligible. This is the most efficient way to apply. Once I confirmed my eligibility, I directly spoke to the customer care representative.
- Instant Approval on the Call: The best part was that once I confirmed my eligibility, the representative approved my application on the spot. This is especially true for the first few months after the card was launched.
- Alternative Application Methods: While the Airtel app worked well for me, applications directly through the website or the Axis Bank app are also an option now. However, I advise confirming with customer care first to avoid incomplete or rejected applications.
How the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card Saved Me Money
Now, let’s talk about the real deal—savings. One of the biggest reasons people get credit cards is to save money, and in this case, the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card truly delivers.
Over the last two years, I’ve saved an average of ₹10,000 each year by using this card for just two types of transactions: paying for Airtel services and ordering from Swiggy. Now, you may be wondering how that works. Well, let me explain.
The Power of Cashback on Airtel and Swiggy Transactions
- Airtel Services: Using the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card to pay for my Airtel mobile bills, data packs, and DTH services automatically qualified me for a significant cashback percentage. If you’re an Airtel user, this card is a win-win situation.
- Swiggy Orders: Similarly, using the card for Swiggy orders helped me save even more. The cashback I received was often higher than what I would get from regular credit cards. Over time, these savings really added up.
Bugs and Devaluation: The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card Challenges
As much as I loved the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, I can’t ignore the significant issues that cropped up over time. One of the biggest problems I faced was the inconsistency in cashback—and trust me, it was frustrating.
Cashback Challenges
- Incorrect Cashback Amounts: Despite meeting all the criteria for cashback, I often found myself receiving lower amounts. Sometimes, I’d get just 10% cashback instead of 25%. Other times, the cashback amount was off by ₹20–100, which is a significant difference when you’re calculating savings.
- The Need to Complain: The Axis Bank team wasn’t proactive in fixing these issues. Whenever I noticed discrepancies, I had to call customer care, complain, and wait for them to resolve the issue. Sometimes, this would take weeks, and the cashback would only be credited after several follow-up calls.
- Bugs in the System: One of the worst parts of my experience was the number of bugs I encountered in the card’s reward system. The system itself was unstable, and Axis Bank wasn’t able to fix it for months. In fact, for an entire six months, I didn’t get my cashback as promised.
Why I Closed My Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card
After two years of using the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, I ultimately decided to close it. While it offered great benefits initially, I realized it wasn’t the best fit for my needs anymore.
The Reasons Behind Closing the Card
- Too Many Cards, Not Enough Utility: I 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 provided a combined credit limit of ₹1.32 lakh, which I couldn’t fully utilize. It just didn’t make sense to keep all these cards when I wasn’t using them efficiently.
- Trying to Upgrade: I attempted to increase my credit limit with Axis Bank, but unfortunately, my request was denied. I felt like I needed a core Axis Bank credit card instead of co-branded ones. So, I decided to look for a new credit card that better suited my financial situation.
- Switching to New Cards: I also recently acquired the SBI Cashback Credit Card and the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card, both of which are lifetime free. I now have 26 credit cards, and at this point, I no longer needed the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card?
You can apply for the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card through the Airtel Thanks app if you are eligible. If you see the option to apply there, you can directly call customer care for approval. This process is usually quicker than applying directly through the app or website. Alternatively, you can apply through the Axis Bank website or the Axis Bank app.
What are the primary benefits of using the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card?
The main benefits of the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card include substantial cashback on Airtel services (such as mobile bills and data packs) and Swiggy orders. These two categories alone helped me save an average of ₹10,000 annually. Additionally, the card offers attractive rewards and discounts for frequent users of Airtel and Swiggy services.
What are the cashback issues I might face with this card?
While the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card offers great cashback opportunities, users often face discrepancies in cashback amounts. Sometimes, you might receive less cashback than expected (e.g., 10% instead of 25%). If this happens, you’ll need to contact customer care to resolve the issue. The cashback system has bugs, and Axis Bank has yet to fix them completely.
Why did I decide to close my Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card?
I chose to close my Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card for a few reasons. First, I already had three Axis Bank cards with a combined credit limit of ₹1.32 lakh, and I wasn’t utilizing all of them. Additionally, after experiencing the cashback bugs and devaluation, I decided to switch to other cards that better suited my needs, such as the SBI Cashback Credit Card and HDFC Swiggy Credit Card.
Is the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card worth getting?
The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is worth considering if you use Airtel services or frequently order from Swiggy. The card offers great cashback and savings in these areas. However, potential users should be aware of the cashback issues and bugs that may arise. If you’re okay with following up with customer care when necessary, the card can still be a solid option.
Conclusion
After two years of using the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, I can confidently say it’s a good card, especially for those who use Airtel services or frequently order from Swiggy. The savings and cashback benefits are worth it, but the bugs and devaluations can be a serious issue. If you’re thinking about applying for this card, keep in mind the potential cashback issues, and always double-check your rewards.
While it didn’t work for me long-term, this card could still be a great choice for many. Have you had a similar experience? Feel free to share your feedback in the comments below. Your insights could help others make an informed decision.
