The verdict
A premier cross-border travel card tailored for global Indians and frequent international travelers. The 0.99% low forex fee combined with ₹5,000 MMT welcome voucher and 16 international/domestic airport lounges delivers remarkable value for global jet-setters.
Paying the ₹4,999 joining fee immediately unlocks a ₹5,000 MakeMyTrip voucher (100% fee offset). Spending ₹5,00,000 internationally in foreign currency saves ₹12,500 in forex markups (0.99% vs standard 3.50%). Adding 12 airport lounge visits (~₹18,000 value) and rewards points yields over ₹35,500 in net annual cross-border savings.
Spenders who rarely travel overseas or transact in foreign currency will not benefit from the 0.99% forex savings, making standard domestic cards more cost-effective.
✓What works
- +Ultra-low 0.99% foreign currency markup on all international card swipes and online portals.
- +₹5,000 MakeMyTrip travel voucher upon card setup and activation (100% fee offset).
- +16 complimentary airport lounge visits per year (8 domestic + 8 international via Priority Pass).
- +2X reward points on all international retail and overseas dining transactions.
- +Dedicated NRI relationship management and 24x7 global travel concierge.
- +1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 (up to ₹500/month).
✕What doesn't
- −High annual fee waiver threshold of ₹8 Lakhs.
- −Targeted primarily at international travelers, NRIs, and high foreign-spend cardholders.
- −Point redemption best suited for travel portals and airline bookings.
What it earns
1 Reward Point = ₹0.50 on flight and hotel bookings via AU travel portal.
| Category | Rate | Monthly Cap | Per ₹1L spent |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Foreign Spends (2X) | 1.0% (2 Points / ₹100) | Uncapped | 2,000 Points (₹1,000 value) |
| Domestic Travel & Dining | 0.50% (1 Point / ₹100) | Uncapped | 1,000 Points (₹500 value) |
| All Other Domestic Retail Spends | 0.50% (1 Point / ₹100) | Uncapped | 1,000 Points (₹500 value) |
| Fuel Purchases | 0% | Excluded | 0 Points |
Accelerated earn
2X Points on International + 0.99% Forex
Earn 2 points per ₹100 on foreign currency transactions with minimal markup.
| Category / Channel | Multiplier Rate | Monthly Cap | Cap / Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Transactions2 points per ₹100 spent on foreign currency merchant outlets. | 2× · 1.0% | Uncapped | — |
| Domestic Travel Bookings1 point per ₹100 on airlines and domestic hotels. | 1× · 0.50% | Uncapped | — |
Redemption options
Redeem accumulated reward points on AU travel portal at 1 Point = ₹0.50 for flights and hotels.
| Redemption Channel | Value Per Point | Minimum | Ceiling / Limits | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight & Hotel BookingsBEST VALUE | ₹0.50 / Reward Point | 1,000 pts | None | Nil |
| Travel Brand VouchersBEST VALUE | ₹0.50 / Reward Point | 1,000 pts | None | Nil |
| Statement Cash Credit | ₹0.25 / Reward Point | 1,000 pts | None | Nil |
Reward Scope: Inclusions & Exclusions
✓Eligible Spends (Inclusions)
- +International cross-border retail, overseas e-commerce, and global hotel bookings.
- +16 complimentary airport lounge visits (8 domestic + 8 international via Priority Pass).
- +Airline bookings, car rentals, and travel agency reservations.
✕Excluded Spends & Fee Traps
- −Fuel transactions (eligible for 1% surcharge waiver up to ₹500/cycle).
- −Cash advances, ATM withdrawals, and digital wallet loads.
Fee Schedule & Waiver Criteria
| Fee Component | Amount / Rate |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹4,999 + GST (Includes ₹5,000 MakeMyTrip Voucher) |
| Annual Renewal Fee | ₹4,999 + GST (Waived on ₹8,00,000 annual spend) |
| Finance Charges (Interest Rate) | 2.99% per month (35.88% per annum) |
| Foreign Currency Markup | 0.99% + GST (Ultra-Low) |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% waiver on ₹400 to ₹5,000 transactions (Max ₹500/cycle) |
Eligibility & Approval Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Target Audience & Nationality | NRIs and Resident Indians with substantial foreign spend |
| Minimum Monthly Income | ₹2,00,000+ per month or equivalent in foreign currency |
| Credit Score (CIBIL) | 750+ recommended for smooth approval |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AU Traverse Credit Card offer airport lounge access?
What are the MITC charges, annual fees, and interest rates for AU Traverse Credit Card?
What is the reward rate and point redemption value on AU Traverse Credit Card?
Which transactions are excluded from earning rewards on AU Traverse Credit Card?
Who is AU Traverse Credit Card best suited for in 2026?
Editorial Deep-Dive Analysis
Comprehensive Overview: AU Traverse Credit Card
The AU Traverse Credit Card is a dedicated international travel and lifestyle credit card issued by AU Small Finance Bank, tailored specifically for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), global executives, frequent overseas vacationers, and cross-border digital shoppers. Available on the Visa network with an annual membership fee of ₹4,999 + GST, the card offers an annual renewal fee waiver upon achieving ₹8,00,000 in eligible retail spends during the previous card anniversary year.
The card’s flagship value proposition is an ultra-low foreign exchange markup of just 0.99% + GST, positioning it among the most competitive cross-border cards in the Indian banking landscape. This is paired with an upfront ₹5,000 MakeMyTrip welcome travel voucher that directly offsets the initial annual fee, 16 complimentary global airport lounge visits (8 domestic and 8 international via Priority Pass), 8 railway executive lounges, and dedicated 24/7 global concierge assistance.
Key Privileges and Practical Everyday Benefits
- Ultra-Low 0.99% Foreign Exchange Markup: Slashes foreign currency transaction markup to an industry-leading 0.99% + GST, saving approximately 2.5% compared to standard banking cards on all overseas shopping, hotel bookings, and foreign websites.
- Substantial Welcome Gift (₹5,000 MMT Voucher): Receive a ₹5,000 MakeMyTrip travel voucher upon card setup and payment of the joining fee, completely neutralizing the initial cost of ownership.
- Comprehensive Global Lounge Access:
- Domestic Airport Lounges: 2 complimentary visits per calendar quarter (up to 8 visits annually) across domestic airport terminals.
- International Airport Lounges: 2 complimentary visits per calendar quarter (up to 8 visits annually) worldwide via complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Railway Executive Lounges: 2 complimentary visits per calendar quarter (up to 8 visits annually) across Indian Railways junctions.
- Accelerated International Rewards (2X): Earn 2X reward points on all international retail and merchant transactions executed in foreign currencies.
- Dedicated Global Concierge & Travel Protection: Access 24/7 round-the-clock global concierge assistance for flight reservations, dining bookings, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
Important Terms and Spend Conditions to Keep in Mind
- High Fee Waiver Threshold: Annual renewal fee of ₹4,999 is waived on reaching ₹8,00,000 in eligible retail spending in the previous anniversary year.
- Priority Pass Guest Policies: Complimentary Priority Pass international lounge visits apply strictly to the primary cardholder; accompanying guests incur standard lounge access fees.
- MakeMyTrip Voucher Redemption Rules: The ₹5,000 welcome voucher must be redeemed through MakeMyTrip within its designated validity period and subject to platform terms.
- Spend Exclusions: Fuel purchases, wallet loads, rent payments, and ATM cash advances are excluded from reward points and milestone spend calculations.
- Finance Charges (APR): Standard revolving finance charge of 3.49% per month (41.88% per annum) applies on unpaid revolving statement balances.
Who Benefits Most
- Frequent International Vacationers & NRIs: Travelers spending ₹3 Lakhs or more overseas annually who save thousands of rupees with the 0.99% forex markup.
- Global Business Executives: Professionals who require dependable, seamless airport lounge access across domestic hubs and overseas destinations.
- Cross-Border Online Buyers: Individuals who regularly pay for international software subscriptions, cloud tools, or overseas e-commerce goods.
- High-Spenders Targeting Lounge Comfort: Cardholders who can comfortably spend ₹8 Lakhs annually to maintain a luxury travel card at zero net holding cost.
Independent Editorial & Statutory Disclaimers
Institutional Transparency & Nominative Fair Use Statement
CredSutra operates as an independent credit card discovery and consumer intelligence engine. CredSutra is NOT a bank, Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), Direct Selling Agent (DSA), or Lending Service Provider (LSP).