The Scapia Credit Card, launched in partnership with Federal Bank, has established an emerging presence in the Indian credit card market due to its travel-first focus and no-annual-fee policy. It stands out because of its zero forex markup, a feature that appeals to international travelers and digital nomads. The card is managed entirely through an app, enabling users to control settings, track spending, redeem rewards, and book travel directly from the Scapia app. Additional perks like complimentary access to domestic airport lounges, up to 20% Scapia coins on travel bookings, and rewards on every purchase have contributed to its popularity among younger, mobile-savvy users.
However, the card has recently encountered a surge of feedback and concern. Reports of application rejections, credit limits as low as ₹10,000, and questions about RBI oversight have led to mixed reviews on social media. This article examines the card’s strengths and weaknesses and questions whether it truly meets expectations.
Scapia Credit Card Zero Forex Markup
One of the standout features of the Scapia Credit Card is its 0% foreign exchange markup, a rarity in the Indian credit card market. This means users do not face any extra fees when spending in foreign currencies, whether online or abroad. In contrast, most mainstream credit cards charge a forex markup of 2.5% to 3.5% on each international transaction. This fee is in addition to the currency conversion rate and can add up significantly for frequent travelers or those who shop on global websites.
| Card | Forex Markup Fee |
|---|---|
| Scapia Credit Card | 0% |
| HDFC Regalia | 2% + GST |
| Axis Magnus | 2% + GST |
| SBI Card ELITE | 1.99% + GST |
| ICICI Sapphiro | 3.5% + GST |
| OneCard Credit Card | 1% (limited time offer) |
Scapia Credit Card Lounge Access
The Scapia Credit Card provides unlimited access to domestic airport lounges, but this benefit depends on the network. For the Visa version, cardholders must spend ₹10,000 or more in the previous billing cycle. Users of the RuPay version need to spend ₹15,000 to gain lounge access for the next cycle. Once activated, there is no monthly limit on the number of visits, and access is allowed at participating lounges in Indian airports.
How It Works
- Eligibility Condition: You must spend ₹5,000 or more in the previous billing cycle using your Scapia Credit Card.
- Access Limit: One lounge visit per calendar month.
- Location: Available at select Indian domestic airports. The list of participating lounges is managed by the card’s lounge access partner, currently DreamFolks or a similar aggregator, based on backend arrangement.
- No Vouchers or Codes: Once you meet the spending condition, lounge access is automatically enabled and linked to your card. You just swipe the card at eligible lounges to get in.
- Digital Notification: The Scapia app informs users each month when lounge access becomes active, making it easier to track eligibility.
List of domestic airport lounges eligible for complimentary access
Many entry-level or mid-tier credit cards impose strict limits or require high annual fees for similar lounge access. In contrast, Scapia’s offering is relatively flexible, as long as users meet the monthly spending requirement. However, users should regularly check for updates in lounge partnerships, since changes could impact access at specific airports.
Scapia Credit Card Rewards
Earn 20% Scapia Coins on all travel bookings through the Scapia app. Earn 10% Scapia Coins on all offline and online transactions. No Scapia Coins are earned for fuel, rent, crypto, forex, gift cards, wallet reloads, education, government services, business services, or EMI transactions. Utility, telecom, and cable spending over ₹20,000 per month will not earn any rewards.
Scapia Coins have a fixed redemption value of ₹0.20 per coin, which means 5 coins equal ₹1. They can only be used for booking travel through the Scapia app. There is no limit on how many you can redeem, and you cannot get cash or statement credits. Users earn rewards generously, but the redemption value is modest. They effectively receive a 2% return on regular spending when earning 10% in coins. For travel spending where they earn 20% in coins, the return goes up to 4%.
100% Value Back Benefit in Airport Outlets
The Scapia Credit Card offers a unique benefit through its Airport Privileges program. Once you reach the monthly spending limit (₹10,000 for Visa and ₹15,000 for RuPay), you earn full value-back (100%) in Scapia Coins, up to ₹1,000 per trip. This applies to purchases at selected airport food, retail, or spa outlets.
Dine at the Airport
You can enjoy a meal at certain airport restaurants found in the Scapia app. If you choose the outlet and activate it in the app before swiping, Scapia gives you:
- ₹1,000 worth of Scapia Coins at metro airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad).
- ₹500 worth of Scapia Coins at other airports.
Shop at the Airport
You can shop instead. Whether you want books, clothes, or travel gear, if the store is listed in the app and you follow the same activation-before-payment rule, you’ll earn:
- ₹1,000 in Scapia Coins (metros)
- ₹500 in Scapia Coins (non-metros)
Scapia Rupay Credit Card Launch
Scapia has launched its credit card on the RuPay network, bringing a significant upgrade: UPI-based rewards. If you choose the RuPay version of the Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card, you can link it to UPI apps like PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM. Once linked, you’ll earn up to 5% Scapia Coins on eligible UPI transactions of ₹500 or more.
Scapia Credit Card Fees
| Charge Type | Amount / Rate |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹0 |
| Annual Fee | ₹0 (Lifetime Free) |
| Forex Mark-up | 0% (No foreign currency transaction fee) |
| Interest Rate (APR) | 3.75% per month (≈ 45% per annum) |
| Cash Withdrawal Fee | 3% of amount withdrawn (Min ₹300) |
| Late Payment Fee | ₹0–₹1,300 (based on total amount due) |
| Overlimit Fee | ₹500 or 2.5% of overlimit amount (whichever is higher) |
| Card Replacement Fee | ₹100 + GST |
Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card Eligibility
- Age Group: 23-60 years
- Employment type: Salaried and Self-employed
- Income : Salaried ₹18,000 & Self-Employed ₹4 lakh
- Credit Score: 720+
- New customer of Federal Bank
Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card Comparison
| Feature | Scapia | IDFC FIRST Wealth | AU Bank LIT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹0 (Lifetime Free) | ₹0 (Lifetime Free) | ₹0 base; add-ons ₹49–₹499/90 days |
| Forex Markup | 0% | 1.5% + GST (~1.77%) | 3.49% + GST (~4.13%) |
| Lounge Access | Unlimited domestic after ₹10K (Visa) / ₹15K (RuPay) spend | 2 domestic + 2 international + 4 railway + 2 spa/quarter (₹20K/month spend) | Up to 2 domestic/quarter via add-on (~₹199–₹299/90 days) |
| Reward Structure | 10% coins on app travel, 5% elsewhere; ₹0.20/coin | 10X on travel/birthday, 6X online, 3X offline; tiered after ₹20K/month | 1 RP/₹100 base; up to 10X via add-ons; also cashback |
| Redemption Options | In-app travel only (₹1 = 5 coins) | Flights, hotels, vouchers, Amazon Pay, debit credit | Cashback to statement; vouchers via app |
| Customization / Perks | Fixed features only | Fixed bundle: lounge, spa, insurance, golf, concierge | Modular: lounge, cashback, subscriptions selectable |
| User Feedback Highlights | Fast approval; 0% forex highly appreciated | Loved for forex & lounges; devaluation complaints | Complaints on hidden costs & approval issues |
Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card Review
The Scapia Credit Card, issued with Federal Bank, is one of the best Lifetime Free travel credit cards available now. It features no annual fee, unlimited domestic lounge access for spending between ₹10K and ₹15K, and no forex markup. This combination is rare even among paid premium cards. These benefits make it a great choice for frequent domestic travelers, international shoppers, and app-savvy users who want high-value rewards without extra costs.
The rewards system offers up to 20% back in Scapia Coins on travel bookings. However, you can only redeem these rewards for bookings made through the Scapia app, which limits flexibility. Yet, for users who mainly travel and shop online, the overall value, easy-to-use app interface, and travel perks make Scapia stand out in its category in 2025.
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