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AU Ananta Credit Card Review
The short version. Ananta is the flagship of AU Small Finance Bank’s new card family and its most travel-and-lifestyle-focused. A standout 1.99% foreign-currency markup, four domestic lounge visits a quarter, complimentary flight seats and a large anniversary bonus make it a serious mid-premium contender for someone who spends ₹2–3 lakh a year and travels.
Fees & charges
| Charge | Detail |
|---|---|
| Joining / annual fee | ₹2,000 + GST |
| Fee waiver | On annual spends of ₹3,00,000 |
| Forex markup | 1.99% (notably low) |
| Welcome benefit | 8,000 bonus reward points on activation |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | 1% on transactions of ₹400–₹5,000 |
| Airport lounge | 4 complimentary domestic visits per quarter |
Rewards & benefits
Ananta leans into travel and lifestyle value:
- 8,000 bonus reward points as a welcome benefit on card activation.
- 15% instant discount on Amazon Fashion (up to ₹500/month).
- 15% instant discount on hotel bookings via the rewards portal.
- 2 complimentary domestic flight seats (value up to ₹350 per seat).
- 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter.
- Up to 50,000 bonus reward points across your card anniversary year, based on spends.
- Complimentary Times Prime membership.
Eligibility & documents
AU Small Finance Bank typically requires applicants to be resident Indians (salaried or self-employed) within the bank’s age and income norms, with standard KYC (PAN and Aadhaar/address proof). Existing AU customers can often see pre-approved offers in the AU 0101 app. Exact income eligibility varies by variant — the premium cards need a higher income than the entry cards.
Who it’s for
Where it shines
- Very low 1.99% forex markup for international spends
- Generous 4 lounge visits/quarter
- Big potential anniversary bonus (up to 50,000 points)
- Complimentary flight seats and Times Prime add real value
Where it falls short
- ₹2,000 fee needs ₹3 lakh/yr spend to waive
- Best perks assume you actually travel and use the portal
- From a smaller issuer than the big-four banks
How it compares
Within AU’s own ladder, Ananta sits above Lakshya and Tejas as the premium travel option, and well above the existing AU LIT card in benefits. Its 1.99% forex rate is its sharpest weapon — better than most cards at this fee level. If travel is your priority, also weigh our best travel credit cards guide.
Verdict
Ananta is a genuinely competitive mid-premium card, and the 1.99% forex markup plus four quarterly lounge visits punch above its ₹2,000 fee. If you spend ₹2–3 lakh a year and travel a few times, it is easy to justify. Our score: 8.0/10.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AU Ananta annual fee?
₹2,000 + GST, waived on annual spends of ₹3,00,000.
Is the forex markup really 1.99%?
Yes — per launch disclosures Ananta carries a 1.99% foreign-currency markup, which is low for its fee tier. Confirm in the current MITC.
How many lounge visits does Ananta offer?
Four complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter.
What is the welcome benefit?
8,000 bonus reward points on activation, plus up to 50,000 bonus points across the anniversary year based on spends.