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▾Earlier versions of this review listed wrong fees and lounge counts. Verified facts (issuer page Apr 2026): Annual/Joining fee is ₹7,999 + GST (not ₹2,999); 1st-year waiver at ₹1,25,000 retail spend in 90 days; renewal waiver at ₹5,00,000 annual retail spend. Lounge access is 2 dom + 2 intl per QUARTER (= 8 + 8 per year). Forex mark-up is 1.99% (not 2.5%). Up to 5x reward points on accelerated categories (dining/groceries). Birthday bonus up to 2,500 RP; ₹50,000 purchase protection.
AU Bank Zenith Credit Card Review
Best for: AU Bank customers wanting the AU premium experience without stepping up to ₹4,999 Zenith Plus.
- 8 domestic + 2 international lounges
- 2.5% forex
- 4 RP per ₹100 on retail
- Welcome voucher worth ₹2,500
- BOGO movies (BookMyShow partner)
- Fewer premium features than Zenith Plus
- AU ecosystem narrower than HDFC/ICICI
- Forex still above 2%
- Smaller redemption catalogue
Fees & charges
| Item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Joining fee | ₹7,999 + GST — waivable on ₹1,25,000 retail spend within 90 days of card set-up |
| Renewal fee | ₹7,999 + GST — waivable on ₹5,00,000 retail spend in previous card anniversary year |
| Finance charge | 3.5% p.m. |
| Cash advance fee | 2.5% (min ₹500) |
| Forex markup | 1.99% |
| Late payment fee | Up to ₹1,300 |
Rewards structure
Base 4 RP per ₹100 (2% on ₹0.50/point). International spends 6 RP per ₹100 (3%). Milestones: ₹3L unlocks ₹2K voucher; ₹5L unlocks renewal waiver.
Key benefits
- 8 domestic + 2 international lounges/year
- 2.5% forex
- Welcome voucher worth ₹2,500
- BOGO movies (cap 2/month)
- Golf — 2 rounds/year at partner courses
- Air accident ₹50 lakh
Who the AU Bank Zenith is for
AU Bank customers doing ₹3-5L annual spend. Zenith Plus (₹4,999) pays for itself above ₹5L spend; Zenith is the value pick below that.
Final verdict
AU's mid-premium workhorse. Positioned between Vetta (₹999) and Zenith Plus (₹4,999). Good for mid-earners wanting premium features without the top-tier cost.
FAQ
How is Zenith different from Zenith Plus?
Plus has unlimited domestic lounges (vs 8), golf 4 rounds/quarter (vs 2/year), and higher welcome voucher. Zenith is the less-expensive sibling.
Can Zenith upgrade to Plus later?
Yes — AU allows horizontal upgrade with tenure history carried over.
What is the spend waiver?
Typically ₹5L annual spend waives the renewal fee.
Fees and features verified against the issuer's public website. Benefits may vary; always confirm current terms with the issuer before applying.
Eligibility (per AU Bank issuer page, Apr 2026)
- Salaried Indian: age 21-60 years
- Self-employed Indian: age 25-65 years
- Add-on cardholder: minimum age 18
- Resident Indian only
- Final approval at AU Bank discretion