AU Altura Plus Credit Card

About AU Altura Plus Credit Card

Are you still using a debit card for your daily shopping without getting anything back in return? The AU Altura Plus Credit Card is designed to change that by putting real value back into your wallet with every transaction.

This card is a powerhouse for mid-income professionals who want a simple, effective way to earn rewards on both online and offline purchases. If you spend around ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 a month, this card could effectively cost you nothing while building your credit history. It is a straightforward tool that turns your regular bills into vouchers, flights, or merchandise.

Built specifically for salaried individuals earning at least ₹4 lakh annually or self-employed professionals with a steady business income, the AU Altura Plus fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle. Whether you are ordering dinner online or picking up groceries at a local store, this card ensures your loyalty is recognized.

What sets it apart:

• Easily Achievable Waivers: Unlike many premium cards that require lakhs in spending, you can get your first-year fee waived by spending just ₹20,000 within the first 90 days.
• Versatile Redemption: Your points aren't locked into one store. You can use them for everything from flight bookings to mobile recharges at a value of ₹0.25 per point.
• Low Entry Barrier: With a minimum CIBIL score requirement of 720, it is accessible to those who have maintained a disciplined credit habit but don't need a high-end luxury card yet.

Quick check: To qualify for this card, you will need to be between 21-60 years old (for salaried) and have a minimum monthly income of ₹34,000. If you are self-employed, the bank looks for an annual income of at least ₹5 lakh.

Let's break down why this card stands out in the crowded entry-level segment:

Key Benefits and Features of AU Altura Plus Credit Card

The AU Altura Plus is structured to reward consistency. It does not try to overwhelm you with complex tiers; instead, it focuses on usable rewards and fee flexibility. Here is a detailed look at what you get:

Reward Point System and Redemption

The core of the Altura Plus is its reward engine. Every time you use the card, you accumulate points that can be converted into actual value. The bank provides a redemption rate where 1 Reward Point equals ₹0.25. This transparency is refreshing because you know exactly what your points are worth before you even start spending.

You can use these points through the AU Bank rewards catalogue for:

• Booking flights and hotels for your next vacation.
• Buying e-vouchers for popular brands.
• Selecting merchandise from their curated list.
• Directly recharging your mobile or DTH connection.

To ensure you start earning right away, remember that you must make a minimum transaction of ₹100 within the first 30 days of receiving the card. This simple step activates your eligibility for rewards. Without this, you might miss out on the points you earn thereafter.

Annual Fee and Waiver Conditions

The AU Altura Plus comes with a joining fee of ₹499 and an annual fee of ₹499. However, the card is designed to be "free" for active users. Here is how you can bypass the costs:

• First Year Fee Waiver: Spend ₹20,000 within the first 90 days of card issuance. For most users, moving their monthly grocery and utility spends to this card for three months easily hits this target.
• Second Year (and onwards) Fee Waiver: Spend a total of ₹80,000 in the previous year. This averages out to less than ₹6,700 per month. If you use the card for your basic monthly expenses, you will never have to pay the annual fee.

Eligibility Criteria

AU Bank has clear guidelines on who can access this card. Meeting these criteria increases your chances of a smooth application process:

• Age for Salaried: 21 to 60 years.
• Age for Self-Employed: 25 to 65 years.
• Income (Salaried): Minimum annual income of ₹4 lakh.
• Income (Self-Employed): Minimum annual income of ₹5 lakh (ITR).
• CIBIL Score: A score of 720 or higher is required to demonstrate creditworthiness.

Spending Exclusions

While the card is great for shopping, some categories do not earn reward points. It is important to know these so you can plan your spends. No points are earned on: Cash withdrawals, Rent payments, Education-related spends, Government transactions, Fuel, Insurance premiums, and Wallet loads. Also, any transaction converted into an EMI will not earn reward points.

How to Apply for AU Altura Plus Credit Card

The application process is designed to be straightforward. Follow these steps to get your card:

1. Check Your Income: Before applying, ensure your annual income meets the ₹4 lakh (salaried) or ₹5 lakh (self-employed) threshold.
2. Verify Your Credit Score: Use a credit health tool to ensure your CIBIL score is at least 720.
3. Visit the Portal: Go to the AU Small Finance Bank website or a trusted partner link to initiate the application.
4. Fill in Details: Provide your PAN, Aadhaar, and employment details accurately.
5. Documentation: Upload the necessary proof of identity and income.
6. Verification: The bank will conduct a physical or digital verification. Ensure you are available for the call or visit.
7. Activation: Once the card arrives, make a transaction of at least ₹100 within 30 days to stay eligible for all reward benefits.

For any specific questions regarding your application status, you can track your application online using your mobile number and application ID.

Credit Limit: What to Expect

Credit limits are assigned based on your unique financial profile. When you apply for the AU Altura Plus, the bank looks at your income, existing debts, and your CIBIL score to determine how much credit to extend.

Applicants meeting the minimum income criteria of ₹4 lakh receive starting credit limits ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹1,25,000 depending on credit history. This amount adequately covers basic monthly expenses. If you have a long-standing relationship with AU Bank or a very high credit score, you will likely receive a higher limit. To get an increase in the future, use at least 30 percent of your limit and pay the full amount back every month for 6-12 months.

Comparison Table: AU Altura Plus vs. Competitors

To understand where the AU Altura Plus stands, we have compared it with other popular entry-level cards in the Indian market.

The AU Altura Plus is a superior choice for those who do not want to be tied to specific partner brands like Amazon or Flipkart. Its fee waiver spend requirement of ₹80,000 is more attainable for many than the ₹1 lakh requirement often found with SBI or Axis. If your spending is diversified across local shops and various online portals, the AU Altura Plus offers a more balanced reward structure.

Documents Required for AU Altura Plus Credit Card Application

To speed up your application, keep these documents ready. Having them clear and self-attested will prevent delays.

For Salaried Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Utility Bills (not older than 2 months), or a valid Rent Agreement.
• Income Proof: Last 3 months' salary slips and 6 months' bank statements showing salary credits.
• Employment Proof: Your official employee ID card.

For Self-Employed Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory) and Aadhaar Card.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card or Property Documents.
• Income Proof: Latest 2 years' ITR (Income Tax Returns) with computation of income.
• Business Proof: GST registration certificate or Shop Act License.

Note: All documents must be self-attested. The bank may request additional documents during the verification phase to confirm your financial stability.

Who Should Get This Card?

The AU Altura Plus isn't for everyone, but it is a perfect match for specific types of spenders. Here is who benefits most:

The Practical First-Time Holder: If you are a young professional earning ₹35,000 a month and have never owned a credit card, this is a great starter tool. You can use it for your ₹5,000 monthly grocery run and ₹2,000 utility bills. By doing this, you hit the ₹80,000 annual spend easily, meaning the card stays free forever while you earn roughly ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 worth of rewards every year.

The Local & Online Hybrid Spender: If you don't stick to just one app and shop at local boutiques as much as you do on Zomato, this card's rewards work well for you. Since it doesn't heavily lean on just one brand, you earn consistently regardless of where the swipe happens.

You might want to skip this card if... you are looking for luxury travel perks like complimentary airport lounge access or if your monthly spending exceeds ₹50,000. In those cases, you might want to look at premium cards that offer higher reward tiers and travel-specific benefits.

BankKaro Expert Review

In my experience reviewing financial products, the AU Altura Plus stands out because it doesn't try to be something it's not. It is an honest, entry-level credit card that provides genuine value to the middle-class Indian consumer.

The biggest strength here is the fee waiver structure. Most banks set the bar at ₹1 lakh or more, which can lead people to overspend just to save on a ₹500 fee. AU Bank setting the second-year waiver at ₹80,000 is a very consumer-friendly move. It makes the card accessible and stress-free for those who spend modestly.

However, the biggest limitation is the extensive list of exclusions. Categories like insurance and rent are major monthly expenses for most of us, and not earning rewards on these is a missed opportunity. Also, the reward redemption rate of ₹0.25 per point is standard but not industry-leading.

Our verdict: Choose the AU Altura Plus if you want a reliable, easy-to-manage card that rewards your everyday lifestyle without requiring you to jump through hoops. It is a solid choice for building your credit score and getting some "free" shopping in the form of reward points.

Terms and Conditions

When using your AU Altura Plus Credit Card, please keep the following terms in mind:

• A minimum transaction of ₹100 must be made within the first 30 days of card issuance to be eligible for the rewards program.
• Reward points are not applicable on transactions converted into EMIs.
• The bank reserves the right to offer a different card variant based on your final eligibility and document verification.
• Exclusions for reward earnings include cash withdrawals, rent, education, government services, fuel, and wallet loads.
• Fees and charges are subject to GST as per government norms.

The complete list of terms and conditions is available in the MITC document provided during issuance. Policy updates are communicated directly to cardholders via registered email and SMS.