Turn everyday spends into flights: Axis Bank IndiGo launch co-branded cards
Axis Bank and IndiGo have launched two -branded credit cards. These cards let you earn IndiGo “BluChips” on your spending with extra BluChips for IndiGo bookings and certain partner categories. You also get travel perks like lounge access, welcome benefits, lower forex markup, dining and movie offers and milestone vouchers. The BluChips earned on these cards go into your IndiGo BluChip account, which you can use to redeem IndiGo. Some add-ons.
2) What exactly was launched?
Axis Bank has two IndiGo -branded credit cards. A regular card and a premium card. Both cards have benefits, including welcome bonuses, BluChip earnings on everyday spending extra BluChips on IndiGo bookings, milestone benefits, domestic lounge access, lower forex markup and lifestyle offers. The premium card has benefits and higher BluChip earnings.
The cards let you earn BluChips, which you can redeem for IndiGo flights. Business and consumer press coverage highlights that these cards help convert spending into BluChips, which can be used for IndiGo flights.
3) What are BluChips? How do BluChips work?
IndiGo BluChip is IndiGos loyalty program. You earn BluChips by flying IndiGo buying IndiGo add-ons or using partner programs like -branded credit cards. You earn BluChips on spending with more BluChips for IndiGo bookings made through IndiGos website or app. To redeem BluChips you need least 500 BluChips. You can redeem them for IndiGo flights and some add-ons with no blackout dates. The value of BluChips varies but a common rule of thumb is that 1 BluChip is worth ₹1 when redeemed for flights.
4) How BluChips will you earn on the Axis Bank IndiGo cards?
The Axis Bank IndiGo cards have different BluChip earning rates. The premium card earns BluChips on general spending and IndiGo bookings. For example you might earn 3 BluChips per ₹100 on spending and 12 BluChips per ₹100 on IndiGo bookings. You should check the cards print for the exact BluChip earning rates.
5) Example maths. Converting everyday spends to flights
Lets say you spend ₹40,000 per month on grocery, dining and shopping. At 3 BluChips per ₹100 that’s 1,200 BluChips. If you book two IndiGo flights via the app for ₹6,000 you earn 720 BluChips at 12 BluChips per ₹100. In a year you can earn around 2,220 BluChips, approximately ₹2,220 towards IndiGo flights.
6) How redemption works (step-by-step)
To redeem BluChips link your IndiGo BluChip account with your Axis Bank card. Book an IndiGo. Choose to pay with BluChips or a combination of BluChips and cash. You need least 500 BluChips for the first redemption. Confirm the booking and the BluChips will be deducted from your account.
7) Practical tips to maximise value
Use the card for spending to earn BluChips. Book IndiGo flights through IndiGos website or app to get BluChips. Plan your spends to hit milestone benefits. You can combine BluChips with cash to redeem flights. Always check the print for any restrictions.
8) Fees, eligibility and fine print you must read
The Axis Bank IndiGo cards have joining and fees, which vary depending on the card. You should compare the fees with the benefits to see if the card is worth it. You should also check the interest rates, category exclusions and redemption restrictions.
9) How this Axis × IndiGo launch compares with past IndiGo co-branded cards
IndiGo has partnered with banks before offering different benefits. The Axis Bank IndiGo cards offer a BluChip earning rate and travel benefits. You should compare the BluChip earning rates and milestone benefits to decide which card is best, for you.
10) Real user. Red flags
The value of BluChips can change. The actual cash value depends on how IndiGo lets you use them. Sometimes convenience charges and taxes can eat into your savings. Some people have reported that after paying these fees the savings are not as much as they expected. It is always an idea to check the final booking page before redeeming BluChips instead of just assuming one BluChip is equal to one rupee.
There can be delays in getting BluChips. The time it takes for the points to be credited varies. Make sure that Axis Banks system and IndiGos system are in sync. Keep your transaction statements ready in case there are delays in getting your BluChips. There are processes to follow if you miss any BluChip credits.
The promotional offers can be complex. To get the offer or milestone credits you may need to make a certain number of transactions within a few months. If you miss this condition you will not get the bonus. Read the terms and conditions carefully before expecting the bonus.
Who is this card for?
Frequent IndiGo travelers who book through IndiGos channels can benefit from this card. The card is family-friendly as it allows you to nominate others for redemptions.
People who have a monthly spend can also benefit. If you have monthly expenses and pay your card balance in full each month you can convert your spends into BluChips to offset your travel costs.
This card may not be ideal for those who rarely fly IndiGo prefer airlines or carry a balance on their card as the interest will wipe out the rewards. They may prefer cashback cards or general-purpose travel cards.
Before you apply here is a checklist:
– Compare the earn rates of BluChips for spends and IndiGo spends across different banks IndiGo co-branded cards.
– Calculate how BluChips you can earn from your monthly spending.
– Check the joining and annual fees and the benefits that come with them. Calculate how long it will take to recover the fee.
– Read the redemption rules, including the first redemption and what is covered by BluChips.
– Check the network, such as RuPay, Mastercard or Visa and the forex markup if you travel abroad.
Some asked questions:
Q: Can I use BluChips to pay taxes and fees?
A: BluChips usually reduce the fare. You may still need to pay taxes, fees and some convenience charges separately.
Q: Do BluChips expire?
A: BluChips are valid long as your account is active. IndiGo requires some activity within a period to keep the points active.
Q: Can I transfer BluChips to someone
A: You can nominate a few people. Redeem BluChips for them. However direct transfer of BluChips between different IndiGo accounts is not allowed.
Is this card a product? Axis Banks IndiGo co-branded card is an option for frequent domestic flyers. It allows you to convert your spends into flight savings through IndiGo BluChips. The card also offers travel perks, like lounge access and reduced forex markup. Whether this card is right for you depends on how you fly IndiGo whether you pay your balance in full each month and how the cards earn rates and fees compare to other similar cards. If you are an IndiGo traveler and meet the cards spending habits it can lower your domestic travel costs. If not consider a cashback card or a different airline -branded card.
