Federal Bank
Scapia
The Scapia remains the "backpackers' favorite" for its consistent zero forex markup and lifetime-free status. While the 2026 update doubled the monthly spend requirement to ₹20,000 for unlimited domestic lounge access, its high 20% reward rate on travel and the new RuPay variant for UPI make it an essential tool for digital nomads.
Direct link to the issuer's website. Terms apply — verify current offer with the bank.
Data last updated 27 May 2026.
At a Glance
Annual Fee
Nil
Joining Fee
Nil
Fee Waiver
N/A
Lounge Access
Unlimited Domestic Lounge Access
Forex Markup
0%
Effective Yield
2% – 4%
Our Take
The Scapia remains the "backpackers' favorite" for its consistent zero forex markup and lifetime-free status. While the 2026 update doubled the monthly spend requirement to ₹20,000 for unlimited domestic lounge access, its high 20% reward rate on travel and the new RuPay variant for UPI make it an essential tool for digital nomads.In 2026, Scapia transitioned from a "set-and-forget" card to one requiring active management. Effective February 27, 2026, the threshold for unlimited domestic lounge access rose to ₹20,000 monthly, and rewards were removed for insurance and utilities. However, it remains a standout for international use, as it is one of the few zero-forex cards that also offers 100% rewards back (up to ₹2,000) on international airport spends if you book flights via the Scapia app. While the 2% base reward rate (10% Scapia Coins at 5:1 value) is decent, the strictly in-app redemption model remains its primary limitation for pro-travelers.
Pros
Cons
Earning & Redemption
How You Earn
| Category | Reward rate | Yield % | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scapia App Travel Bookings | 20% Scapia Coins | 4.00% | No Upper Cap |
| Eligible Domestic Spends | 10% Scapia Coins | 2.00% | No Upper Cap |
| UPI Spends (RuPay Variant) | 5% Scapia Coins | 1.00% | ₹500 value per month |
| Excluded Categories | No Coins Earned | 0.0% | — |
Milestone Rewards
| Spend | Benefit | Value | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹0.2 Lakh | Airport Privileges Unlock0 pts | Unlimited Lounge or ₹1,000 Credit | Spend ₹20k in a cycle to unlock unlimited domestic lounge OR airport shopping/spa credits. |
Redemption Value
| Channel | Value per point | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Scapia App (Travel) | ₹0.20 per Coin5:1 Ratio | Best Value (100% redemption allowed for any flight/hotel booking with no fees) |
What You Need to Know
The 'Zero Forex' Catch
While forex markup is 0%, international transactions earn ZERO reward points.
Impact: You save the 3.5% fee but lose the 2% reward, making the net gain ~1.5% vs. other cards.
New 2026 Lounge Gate
Lounge access now requires a combined monthly spend of ₹20,000 across Visa and RuPay cards.
Impact: Low-volume spenders who held the card purely for lounge access will now find it useless.
Account Inactivity
Scapia Coins are nullified if the card is not used for a period of 365 days.
Impact: Requires users to maintain at least one transaction a year to protect their point balance.
Utility Cap (2026)
No coins earned on monthly utility bills exceeding ₹20,000.
Impact: Limits the card's use as a primary bill-payment tool for large households.
Essential Fine Print
Reward Exclusions
Excluded Categories: Fuel, Rent, Education, Utilities, Insurance, Wallet loading, Government services, and EMI transactions do not earn Scapia Coins.
Lounge Access
Unlimited Domestic Lounge Access
Complimentary unlimited domestic airport lounge access across India, subject to a minimum spend of ₹20,000 in the previous month.
Travel Benefits
Zero Forex Markup
0% markup on all international transactions.
Travel Rewards
Earn 10% Scapia Coins on every hotel and flight booking made through the Scapia app.
Additional Features
Instant Digital Onboarding
Fully digital, paperless application and instant card issuance via the Scapia app.
No Reward Capping
Unlimited 20% Scapia Coins (4% value) on all eligible online and offline spends.
Redemption
Coins can be redeemed instantly for flight and hotel bookings within the Scapia app at a value of 5 coins = ₹1.
Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Nil |
| Annual / Renewal Fee | Nil |
| Fee Waiver Threshold | N/A |
| Forex Markup | 0% |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% surcharge |
Eligibility Criteria
Age
23 to 60 years.
Employment Status
Salaried or self-employed individuals.
Residency
Indian resident.
Ready to apply for Scapia?
Annual fee: Nil
Annual fee
Nil
2% – 4% yield