1. Introduction
The IndusInd Bajaj Tiger Credit Card is a lifestyle and travel-centric credit card designed to deliver premium benefits without the burden of annual fees. A product of collaboration between IndusInd Bank and Tiger Fintech (a Bajaj Capital group company), the card was launched in 2023 with the intention of offering elite privileges—such as airport lounge access and reward point acceleration—to a broader audience at no cost.
By blending high-end features with a lifetime free model, it stands out in the Indian credit card market.
2. Card Background and Launch
The Tiger Credit Card emerged from a partnership between IndusInd Bank and Tiger Fintech, targeting aspirational customers seeking premium features without high fees. Issued in collaboration with Visa, the card is typically available under Visa Signature or Infinite variants, offering users a host of lifestyle, travel, and concierge services.
The primary goal was to create a product that is accessible, rich in benefits, and completely free to own for life.
3. Fee Structure
This card is a true lifetime-free credit card, which means:
-
Joining Fee: ₹0
-
Annual Fee: ₹0
-
Renewal Fee: ₹0
-
Spending Conditions: None
Unlike many "free" cards that require minimum annual spending to maintain zero fees, this card imposes no such requirement.
4. Rewards Program
Tiered Earning Rates
The Tiger Credit Card offers increasing reward rates as annual spending rises:
| Annual Spending Slab | Reward Rate (per ₹100 spent) |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹1 lakh | 1 reward point |
| ₹1–2.5 lakh | 2 reward points |
| ₹2.5–5 lakh | 4 reward points |
| Above ₹5 lakh | 6 reward points |
Reward Redemption
-
Cashback: 1 point = ₹0.40 as statement credit
-
Air Miles: 1 point = 1.2 miles (InterMiles & Club Vistara)
-
Merchandise & Gift Cards: Available on IndusInd’s redemption portal
-
Cap: From September 2024, only 5,000 points per month can be redeemed as cashback. Unused points can still be used for other redemption options.
Excluded categories (such as utilities, education, and insurance) earn a base rate of 1 point per ₹100.
5. Travel & Lifestyle Benefits
Complimentary Lounge Access
-
Domestic: 2 free domestic lounge visits per quarter (8 per year)
-
International: 2 free global lounge visits annually via Priority Pass
These benefits are available with no minimum spend, making it especially attractive to casual travelers.
Golf Privileges
Cardholders get 1 free golf round or lesson every quarter, at select Indian golf clubs.
Foreign Exchange Mark-Up Discount
The card features a reduced 1.5% forex markup, which is lower than the industry average of 3.5%. This makes it a great option for frequent international travelers and those who shop on global websites.
Movie Ticket Offers
Enjoy 1 complimentary BookMyShow movie ticket worth up to ₹500 every 6 months, offering savings on entertainment twice a year.
6. Additional Perks
Insurance Coverage
Cardholders receive:
-
₹25 lakh air accident cover
-
Fraud protection for unauthorized transactions
-
Travel inconvenience coverage, including baggage loss, flight delays, etc.
Concierge Services
A 24/7 concierge facility assists with:
-
Travel and hotel bookings
-
Dining reservations
-
Gift deliveries
-
Event planning
Auto Assist Services
This includes roadside assistance such as:
-
Emergency fuel delivery
-
Jump-start and battery support
-
Flat tyre repair
-
Towing services
7. Charges Beyond Annual Fees
While the card has no joining or renewal charges, users should be aware of other potential costs:
-
Interest Rate: ~3.5% monthly (~42% annually)
-
Cash Withdrawal: Around 2.5% per transaction
-
Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% on fuel spends between ₹400 and ₹4,000
-
Late Payment Fees: ₹500–₹2,500 depending on outstanding balance
-
Over-limit Fee: Applicable if credit limit is exceeded
The IndusInd Bajaj Tiger Credit Card suits:
-
Professionals or salaried individuals seeking travel perks with no annual cost
-
Moderate to high spenders who can benefit from the tiered rewards
-
Frequent travelers, both domestic and international
-
Individuals interested in entertainment, golf, and lifestyle privileges
-
Credit card users looking for forex savings
9. User Feedback and Experience
Positive Reviews
-
Users praise the unlimited lounge access, noting that no minimum spend is required.
-
The lifetime-free model with rich benefits is widely appreciated.
-
Many like the 1.5% forex markup, particularly for travel and international payments.
Negative Experiences
-
Customer support receives criticism for being slow and unresponsive, especially regarding Priority Pass activation.
-
Some customers report unwanted sales calls offering paid protection plans, which are optional but marketed aggressively.
-
Application and tracking can be confusing, with some delays in card delivery or benefit activation.
10. Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Pros
-
No annual or hidden fees—truly lifetime free
-
Up to 6x reward points based on annual spending
-
Airport lounge access both in India and internationally
-
Forex markup among the lowest in the market
-
Access to concierge, golf, and auto-assist
-
Rewards can be used as cash or air miles
❌ Cons
-
Customer service could be improved
-
Redemption caps may reduce cashback potential
-
Unsolicited sales for insurance or protection plans
-
Manual redemption process for reward points may seem cumbersome
11. Comparing with Alternatives
Compared to other no-fee or entry-level cards:
-
HDFC Millennia: Offers cashback, but has annual fees unless waived by spend.
-
SBI SimplyCLICK: Good for online shopping, but lacks travel perks.
-
Amazon Pay ICICI Card: Strong on e-commerce, but no lounge access or lifestyle features.
The Tiger Card uniquely offers travel privileges, tiered rewards, and international benefits at zero cost, giving it a niche advantage.
12. Tips to Maximize Card Benefits
-
Track your spending: Aim for over ₹5 lakh annually to unlock the 6 RP/₹100 tier.
-
Redeem wisely: Air mile conversions often offer better value than statement credit.
-
Use for travel and fuel: Take advantage of the forex markup and surcharge waivers.
-
Be cautious of upselling: Decline paid add-ons unless truly needed.
-
Use all your lounge visits: Don’t let unused quarterly quotas expire.
13. Who Should Consider This Card?
You should consider applying for the IndusInd Bajaj Tiger Credit Card if:
-
You travel domestically or internationally at least a few times a year
-
You prefer not to pay annual card fees
-
You value lifestyle perks like golf, concierge, and roadside assistance
-
You want flexible reward redemption options
-
You’re looking for a dependable LTF card to add to your portfolio
14. Final Verdict
The IndusInd Bajaj Tiger Credit Card is a standout offering in India’s credit card space. By offering rich rewards, travel benefits, and concierge services at zero cost, it appeals to a wide spectrum of users—from young professionals to seasoned travelers. While customer support and redemption processes have room for improvement, the core benefits make this card well worth having—especially considering it's free for life.
If you're seeking premium features without premium fees, this card is among the best in the market today.
Read More: -
.jpeg)
