IndusInd Avios Credit Card Review (Feb 2026): Still Worth It After the 40k Offer?

Is the IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite Credit Card still the king of travel rewards in India for 2026? With the massive 40,000 Avios signup bonus officially “paused” as of late January, many Indian travelers are wondering if the ₹10,000 joining fee still makes sense.

In this updated review, we dive into the best ways to redeem Avios for maximum value, the hidden 1.5% forex perks, and how this card stacks up against the Axis Atlas in the current market.

Quick Summary: The 2026 Verdict

• Best For: Frequent international flyers loyal to Qatar Airways or British Airways.
• Key Advantage: Lowest foreign currency markup (1.5%) for a chosen destination.
• The “Bull” Rating: 4.5/5 (High value for milestone spenders).

Current Offers & Joining Benefits (Feb 2026)

While the limited-time 40k offer has expired, the standard acquisition campaign for the Qatar Airways variant remains highly lucrative:

• Welcome Bonus: 20,000 Avios credited within 15 days of paying the joining fee.
• Spending Requirement: Simply spend ₹5,000 within the first 30 days of card setup.
• Renewal Benefit: 5,000 Avios every year upon payment of the annual fee.

Accelerated Rewards: How to Earn Avios Faster

The IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite is designed for the global Indian. Unlike generic cards, it allows you to choose a Preferred International Destination to maximize your earnings.

Earning Structure per ₹200 Spent:

• Preferred Destination (POS): 6 Avios (Best in class).
• Direct Airline Spends: 5 Avios (On QatarAirways.com or BritishAirways.com).
• Domestic & Other International: 3 Avios.
• Government, Utilities, & Insurance: 1 Avios.

Pro Tip: Using this card for international shopping in your “Preferred Destination” gives you a massive reward rate of 3% value-back, assuming 1 Avios = ₹1.

The 1.5% Forex Advantage: A Game Changer

One of the most requested features in best travel credit cards India 2026 is low foreign transaction fees.

• Standard Markup: 3.5%
• IndusInd Avios Markup: 1.5% for your selected international destination.

If you are spending heavily on a trip to the USA, UK, or UAE, this 2% difference covers your annual fee within your first few lakhs of spending.

Unlocking Milestone Benefits

To beat the “post-bonus” blues, focus on the annual milestones. High spenders can earn up to 36,000 bonus Avios annually:

1. Level 1: Earn 18,000 Avios after spending ₹8 Lakhs in a year.
2. Level 2: Earn another 18,000 Avios after spending a total of ₹16 Lakhs.

Combined with base rewards, spending ₹16 Lakhs can net you over 60,000 Avios—enough for a return trip to Europe in Economy or a one-way Business Class upgrade.

Luxury Travel Perks & Lifestyle

• International Meet & Greet: 2 complimentary services per year. An agent assists you with fast-track immigration and check-in at major airports.
• Lounge Access: 2 complimentary domestic and 2 international lounge visits per quarter (via Priority Pass).
• Travel Insurance: Coverage up to $25,000 for international medical emergencies (must book tickets via the card).
• Qatar Airways Gold Tier: Ability to retain Gold status by spending QAR 14,000 on flight tickets annually.

Use the thousands you save on Forex markup to boost your monthly SIP investments.

IndusInd Avios vs. Axis Atlas: Which is Better in 2026?

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Amit Sharma

As the Lead Analyst at Invest With Bull, Amit Sharma bridges the gap between complex banking regulations and your wallet. With a core focus on Credit Card Arbitrage and BDA Real Estate, Amit provides the data-backed analysis that salaried professionals need to maximize returns and minimize interest. He is dedicated to building financial literacy through unbiased, actionable research.

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