Introduction
The Federal Scapia Credit Card is a co-branded financial product created through a partnership between Federal Bank and Scapia, a fintech company with a focus on travel. This credit card is specifically designed to meet the needs of frequent travelers and tech-savvy users who prefer managing finances digitally. With a range of travel benefits, no annual fees, and instant issuance, the card has become increasingly popular among young professionals.
Key Features
1. Fully Digital Application Process
Applicants can apply for the card directly through the Scapia app. The process is paperless and quick, requiring basic identity verification using PAN and Aadhaar. Upon approval, a virtual card is instantly issued for immediate use, while the physical card is delivered in a few days. Users can monitor spending, set card controls, and redeem rewards directly within the app.
2. No Annual or Joining Fees
One of the most attractive aspects of the card is its zero-cost structure. There are no joining fees, and no annual maintenance charges, making it ideal for budget-conscious consumers.
3. No Foreign Currency Markup
International travelers benefit significantly from this card’s 0% forex markup, which means you don’t incur additional charges for transactions made in foreign currencies. This feature is rare among Indian credit cards.
4. Rewards – Scapia Coins
Cardholders earn Scapia Coins for eligible purchases:
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10% coins on regular spending
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20% coins when booking hotels or flights through the Scapia platform
These coins can be used to pay for travel within the app, with a redemption value of 5 coins = ₹1. There is no limit on how many coins you can redeem at once, and they remain valid for up to three years.
5. Lounge Access
The card offers free access to domestic airport lounges in India. To unlock this benefit each month, users must spend a minimum of ₹10,000. Once this threshold is met, they can enjoy unlimited lounge visits at participating airports.
6. EMI Facility
Eligible purchases, especially travel bookings made through the Scapia app, can be converted into three-month no-cost EMIs, allowing cardholders to manage large expenses conveniently.
New Updates and Changes
Dual-Network Variant: Visa + RuPay
In June 2025, Federal Bank and Scapia introduced a dual-network version of the credit card, which supports both Visa and RuPay. This enhances card usage both globally and domestically, allowing UPI payments through RuPay and international transactions via Visa — all linked to a single credit line and monthly bill.
Recent Policy Revisions
As of September 2024, several policy updates were made:
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Fuel surcharge waiver applies up to ₹5,000/month.
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Utility bill rewards capped at ₹20,000 monthly spend; beyond this, a 1% fee is charged.
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Rent, government fees, and wallet loads are no longer eligible for rewards and may attract extra charges.
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Lounge access now requires ₹10,000 monthly spend (up from ₹5,000 previously).
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Monthly interest rate adjusted to 3.75%, effectively 45% per annum.
These changes reflect broader regulatory shifts and internal risk control measures by Federal Bank and Scapia.
Fees and Charges Overview
| Charge Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹0 |
| Annual Fee | ₹0 |
| Interest Rate | 3.75% per month |
| Cash Withdrawal | 2.5% or ₹500 (whichever is higher) |
| Late Payment Fee | ₹100 to ₹1,000 |
| Card Replacement | ₹200 |
| Foreign Markup | 0% |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Federal Scapia Credit Card:
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Applicants must be Indian residents.
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Age must be 18+ (salaried) or 21+ (self-employed).
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Valid PAN and Aadhaar required for KYC.
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Income verification may be requested (e.g., payslips or Form 16).
Note: Applicants who already hold a Federal Bank credit card or savings account might face rejections due to internal restrictions.
Application Process
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Download the Scapia app from Google Play or Apple App Store.
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Complete mobile number verification and KYC.
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Submit application for approval.
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If approved, receive instant virtual card.
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Physical card arrives via courier within a few business days.
Everything from spending limits to credit statements can be managed via the app.
Real User Experiences
Positive Feedback
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Users appreciate the instant card issuance, no forex markup, and ease of use.
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Travel rewards and lounge access are often cited as major advantages.
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The 20% travel rewards are particularly popular with frequent flyers.
Common Complaints
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Some applicants report being rejected without clear reasons, especially if they already have an account with Federal Bank.
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Several users have experienced sudden credit limit reductions, impacting their credit utilization ratios and planning.
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Customer service and support response times have been criticized as inconsistent.
These experiences suggest that while the card has many strong points, its operational aspects may not yet be fully streamlined.
Who Should Consider This Card?
Ideal for:
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Individuals who travel frequently, both domestically and internationally.
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Users who prefer digital management of finances via mobile apps.
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Shoppers looking for zero-annual-fee cards with travel rewards.
Not Ideal for:
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People who prefer offline customer service or branch support.
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Consumers looking for universal reward redemption options (Scapia Coins are only usable in the app).
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Those who already bank with Federal Bank (due to higher chances of rejection).
Comparison with Alternatives
| Card | Key Benefit | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Scapia Card | 0% forex, 20% travel rewards | ₹0 |
| Niyo Global | International zero markup, ATM withdrawals | ₹0–250 |
| AU Ixigo Card | Travel perks, flight discounts | ₹500 |
| SBI Air India Card | Air miles and travel insurance | ₹1,499 |
If travel and zero forex charges are your top priorities, Scapia is one of the best options. However, for broader utility, alternatives may offer more flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The Federal Scapia Credit Card stands out for its traveler-friendly benefits, modern app experience, and zero fees. It’s a strong offering for individuals who frequently book flights or accommodations and are comfortable using digital platforms exclusively.
However, prospective users should be aware of:
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Limitations on point redemption.
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Possible credit policy changes.
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Customer service variability.
Despite a few drawbacks, the card presents excellent value for its target audience — tech-savvy, travel-loving Indian consumers.