Axis Bank has temporarily halted reward redemptions on the Axis Atlas credit card for some of its customers. This decision comes as numerous cardholders, who had utilised their Atlas credit cards for travel expenses, are now required to furnish invoices proving that their trips were for leisure rather than business purposes.
Several cardholders received emails from the private lender, urging them to furnish details of their travel transactions from November 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024.
In the emails,
Axis Bank emphasised that their cards are intended for personal spending.
Customers who have used their cards for commercial expenses or manufactured spending to accrue points are now subject to scrutiny.
Axis Bank has provided a 30-day notice period for affected customers to gather evidence proving the personal nature of their spending.
Upon submission of valid documents, their points redemption will be unblocked, the lender said.
An Axis Bank spokesperson, speaking to CNBC-TV18.com, stated, "Evaluating usage of the features and benefits offered on various
credit cards is a periodic and ongoing exercise. As part of this exercise, whenever the bank observes a pattern of transactions that is non-personal, customers are requested to furnish evidence to establish the nature of such transactions. Communication to customers is part of a regular process to discourage inappropriate usage for business or commercial purposes, which are prohibited for personal credit cards."
On the other hand, customers whose reward points have not been suspended can continue to earn reward points on ‘eligible transactions’ as per the card holder agreement signed with the bank.
Regarding the Axis Bank Atlas credit card, it is one of the air miles credit cards in India.
Unlike most co-branded air mile
credit cards associated with specific airlines, this card provides general EDGE Miles instead of reward points.
These EDGE Miles can be redeemed across 10+ airlines and 3 hotel loyalty programs. The card also features unique tier-based advantages, enhancing its travel benefits.
With an annual fee of ₹5,000, the card is suited for travel enthusiasts, requiring a minimum annual income of ₹9 lakh for salaried individuals and ₹12 lakh for self-employed individuals.
Upon successful completion of three transactions within 30 days from card activation, cardholders can receive a welcome benefit of 5,000 EDGE Miles.
(Edited by : Amrita)
First Published: Mar 13, 2024 1:15 PM IST
