Scapia Credit Card Review: The Only Zero Forex Card You Need?
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When Scapia launched, it broke the internet. A co-branded card with Federal Bank that offered Unlimited Lounge Access with zero spend criteria and Zero Forex Markup. It was too good to be true.
And as expected, the devaluation has arrived. But does that make the card useless? Absolutely not. It is still the best secondary card for any Indian traveler.
Benefit 1: Zero Forex Markup (The Real Killer Feature)
This feature alone makes the card worth holding.
- Standard Cards: Charge 3.5% + 18% GST = 4.13% Markup.
- Scapia: Charges 0% Markup.
The Math: If you spend ₹2 Lakhs on a trip to Europe or Thailand:
With HDFC Regalia/Axis Atlas: You pay ₹8,260 extra in fees.
With Scapia: You pay ₹0.
That save of ₹8,260 is basically a free flight ticket. Since the card is Lifetime Free, holding it just for international trips is a no-brainer.
Benefit 2: Unlimited Lounge Access (The 2026 Reality Check)
Here comes the "Brutally Honest" part.
Initially, Scapia gave lounge access to everyone. Now, they have tightened the screws.
- Old Rule: Spend ₹5,000/month to unlock lounge.
- New Rule (Feb 2026 onwards): You must spend ₹20,000 in the previous billing cycle to unlock unlimited domestic lounge access.
⚠️ The Trap
Do not use Scapia as your primary card just to chase lounge access. The reward rate on general spending is poor (1% to 2% Scapia coins).
Strategy: If you have a flight next month, shift ₹20k of your grocery/utility spend to Scapia this month to unlock the lounge. Otherwise, keep it in the drawer.
Benefit 3: The 4% Reward Rate (Scapia Coins)
Scapia doesn't give cashback. It gives "Scapia Coins" (5 Coins = ₹1).
Redemption is ONLY allowed for travel bookings on the Scapia App.
- Travel Bookings on App: 20% Coins (Effective 4% Value).
- All Other Spends: 10% Coins (Effective 2% Value).
Is 2% good? Yes, it beats HDFC Millennia (1%) and ICICI Amazon Pay (1%).
However: The catch is redemption. You can't pay your bill with coins. You MUST book a flight or hotel. If you don't travel often, these points are useless paper.
Comparison: Scapia vs Niyo vs AU Ixigo
| Feature | Scapia | AU Ixigo | Niyo Global (DCB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Markup | 0% | 0% | 0% (But loads in INR) |
| Lounge Access | Unlimited (₹20k spend criteria) | 16/Year (1 International) | Matches Debit criteria |
| Rewards on Intl Spend | 0% (No rewards) | Yes | No |
| App Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best UI) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Conclusion: The Verdict
Should you get it?
Yes. Because it is Lifetime Free.
Even if you never use the lounge, the Zero Forex benefit is a mandatory tool for your financial kit. Why pay 4% extra to banks when you go abroad?
Lifetime Free. No Joining Fees.
Calculated Choices, Zero Regrets.
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