Looking for a premium metal card with low forex markup and strong lounge access? The AU Bank Zenith Plus Credit Card is designed for high-income travellers and lifestyle spenders in India. This complete 2026 review covers fees, rewards, eligibility, travel benefits and honest drawbacks so you can decide if it matches your spending pattern.
1. Brief Introduction (Card Overview)
2. Key Takeaways
- Best for: Frequent travellers and high spenders seeking low forex + lounge access
- Top Benefit: 0.99% forex markup + 32 lounge visits (16 domestic + 16 international)
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + GST (waived on ₹8 lakh annual retail spends)
- Standout Feature: Complimentary Taj Epicure membership on ₹12 lakh annual spend + BOGO movies and golf
- Verdict: Strong value for premium travellers who hit milestones; average pure rewards rate
3. Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹4,999 + applicable GST |
| Annual / Renewal Fee | ₹4,999 + GST; waived on ₹8 lakh annual retail spends |
| Forex Markup Fee | 0.99% of transaction amount |
| Finance Charges (Interest) | 1.99% per month (23.88% per annum) |
| Reward Redemption Fee | ₹99 + GST (confirm latest on AU 0101 app) |
Late payment charges start from Nil (up to ₹100 outstanding) and go up to ₹1,300 (above ₹50,000). A 1% fuel surcharge waiver (maximum ₹1,000 per statement cycle) applies on eligible fuel transactions.
4. Cashback, Rewards & Discounts
The 1:1 redemption value makes the modest earn rate more practical than many cards that offer higher points but lower actual value.
5. Travel Benefits
6. Other Lifestyle & Special Perks
7. Eligibility Criteria
8. Drawbacks & Cons
9. Similar & Alternative Cards
10. Official Website & Essential Links
11. How to Apply
Online Steps:
- Visit the official AU Bank Zenith+ page and click “Apply Now”.
- Enter your mobile number, PAN and basic personal details.
- Provide accurate income, employment and address information.
- Upload required documents or complete e-KYC if the option is available.
- Submit the application and track status via SMS, email or the AU 0101 app. Final approval is at the bank’s discretion.
Documents Required:
12. Safety & Fraud Prevention Tips
13. Should You Get This Card? (Final Verdict)
Pros Summary: The AU Bank Zenith Plus Credit Card works best for high-income frequent travellers who value the low 0.99% forex rate, 32 lounge visits, airport meet & assist, movies, golf and Taj Epicure access. The annual fee becomes reasonable once you cross the ₹8 lakh spend mark.
Final Conclusion: If your net monthly income is ₹2.5 lakh or more, you travel often and can utilise the lifestyle perks, the AU Bank Zenith Plus Credit Card is a solid premium choice in 2026. For pure rewards maximisation or lower income brackets, explore alternatives first. Always verify the latest benefits and T&C on the official website before applying.
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the annual fee of the AU Bank Zenith Plus Credit Card?
A: The joining and annual fee is ₹4,999 + applicable GST. The renewal fee is waived if you spend ₹8 lakh or more on eligible retail transactions in the card anniversary year.
Q: How many airport lounge visits do I get with AU Zenith Plus?
A: You get 16 complimentary domestic lounge visits and 16 international lounge visits (via Priority Pass) per year, limited to a maximum of 4 visits per quarter in each category.
Q: Is the AU Bank Zenith Plus Credit Card lifetime free?
A: No. It carries a recurring annual fee of ₹4,999 + GST. However, the fee can be waived every year by meeting the ₹8 lakh annual spend condition.
Q: What is the forex markup on the AU Bank Zenith Plus Credit Card?
A: The foreign currency markup fee is only 0.99% of the transaction amount – one of the lowest among premium Indian credit cards.
Q: Can I get the AU Bank Zenith Plus Credit Card with a salary of less than ₹2.5 lakh per month?
A: Official eligibility lists a minimum net monthly income of ₹2.5 lakh. Approval below this threshold is uncommon and depends on overall credit profile and bank discretion.
Q: How do I redeem reward points on AU Zenith Plus?
A: Reward points can be redeemed via the AU 0101 mobile app, net banking, or by contacting customer care. In most cases 1 Reward Point equals ₹1.
Q: Does AU Zenith Plus offer complimentary Taj Epicure membership?
A: Yes. You receive complimentary Taj Epicure membership when you achieve ₹12 lakh in annual retail spends on the card.
Q: Why should I choose the AU Bank Zenith Plus Credit Card over other premium cards?
A: It stands out for its combination of very low 0.99% forex, generous lounge access (32 visits), lifestyle perks (movies, golf, meet & assist) and a metal card experience at a relatively competitive fee for the benefits offered.
15. Expert Help & Next Steps
Still Confused? Not sure if this credit card is the right choice for your spending habits?
₹49 Expert Consultation: Get personalised advice from our credit card experts and apply safely without falling for online fraud.
16. Disclaimer
Financial Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is strictly for educational and informational purposes. Credit card fees, interest rates, and terms & conditions (T&C) are subject to change by respective banks over time. Always check the official website of the relevant bank to review all rules thoroughly before applying for any card. We are not responsible for any financial losses or approved/rejected applications.
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