Ever wonder if a credit card can feel like both a winner and a headache? That’s exactly how my two-year ride with the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card went. I started with a smooth approval, racking up savings fast—until glitches and limits got in the way. Here’s my story in friendly, easy language.
What’s This Card About?
This card is made especially for Airtel users. It gives cash back when you pay for Airtel mobile, broadband, DTH, and more—all through the Airtel Thanks app. It’s also got perks for utilities and food orders on apps like Swiggy and Zomato.
It’s perfect if you:
- Use Airtel a lot.
- Want simple, real cash back.
- Don’t mind checking your bill carefully.
How I Got It—Fast and Simple
Guess what? I got approved in just 30 seconds—during a call! I had seen the option in the Airtel app, but instead of tap-tapping away, I called customer care. Once they confirmed eligibility, bam—approved immediately. No fuss.
The Good Stuff—How Rewards Piled Up
Over two years, I cashed in about ₹10,000 each year. And I only used it for two things:
- Paying Airtel bills.
- Ordering Swiggy food.
Here’s how the cash back works:
- 25% back on Airtel services, up to ₹250 a month.
- 10% back on utilities, up to ₹250.
- 10% back on Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket, up to ₹500 a month.
Even with monthly caps, my savings added up fast.
Climbing Through the Caps—A Strategy That Worked
One smart trick:
- Spend ₹1,000/month on Airtel → get ₹250 back (25%).
- Spend ₹2,500/month on utilities → ₹250 back (10%).
Total spend = just ₹42,000/year, but rewards often added up to a 14% return, even after paying the annual fee!
The Bad Stuff—When Cashback Doesn’t Add Up
Despite all those wins, things got messy:
- Sometimes I got only 10% instead of 25%, or 1% instead of 10%.
- The missing money ranged from ₹20 to ₹100.
- I spent six months missing cash back, only getting it after follow-up calls.
Other users mentioned similar issues:
“Cashback not being credited for Swiggy since they changed merchant name.”
Caps also felt too low:
“If you have Airtel bills over ₹1,200/month, this card may not be for you… the cap seems way too low.”
Why I Exited After Two Years
I eventually closed the card. Here’s why:
- I had three Axis co-branded cards and couldn’t use one well.
- My limit requests were denied—felt stuck.
- I found better fits: a lifetime-free SBI Cashback Card and an HDFC Swiggy Card, so why stick with this?
FAQs You Might Ask
How do I apply?
Check the Airtel Thanks app—if eligible, call customer care for quick approval.
What’s the main benefit?
High cash back on Airtel spends and food delivery orders. It’s ideal if those are your top categories.
What about the flaws?
Cashback can be inconsistent. If something’s missing, you’ll need to call and complain. It can be a hassle.
Is it still worth it?
Yes—for Airtel and food lovers who cross-check their statements. Just expect to check cashback closely.
Are there better options now?
Yes—especially for utility-heavy or Swiggy-heavy users. Others like SBI Cashback or HDFC Swiggy might offer steadier returns with fewer bugs.
If you’re an Airtel user looking for big savings and don’t mind tracking your cashback, this card can be a gold mine. But if you don’t want surprises or want smooth tracking, there might be better options now.
My journey ended on a high savings note—but also taught me to watch closely, compare, and switch when something better comes along.
Let me know—have you tried it too? Share your story and help others choose smart!
