In the world of travel credit cards, there is usually a trade-off: if you want a solid “Welcome Bonus” (like free flight vouchers or points), you almost always have to pay a Joining Fee.
Lifetime Free (LTF) cards rarely offer joining perks because the “free” tag itself is the selling point.
That is why the current situation with Scapia is exciting. For a short window, this usual trade-off doesn’t apply.
If you have been on the fence about getting this card, this is the time where the math makes the most sense.
Reason 1: The “Welcome” Bonus
Right now, Scapia has broken its usual pattern for Christmas. Instead of just offering the card for free, they are attaching actual monetary value to the signup.
If you apply during this period, you can get:
- A ₹1,000 Flight Voucher
- 1,000 Scapia Coins
For a product that requires zero investment to own, getting ₹1,000+ in travel value just for signing up (with a referral link) is rare. It effectively pays you to add it to your wallet.
You can ask your friends for a Scapia referral link or use this referral link to apply.
Reason 2: Referral Offer
There is a secondary reason to jump in now. Scapia is currently running a referral program where the referral rewards are significantly upgraded.
If you are the person your friends usually ask for travel advice, you can use this time to not just get the card, but potentially earn gadgets like an Apple Watch SE or a GoPro Hero 11 or ₹30,000 flight or hotel vouchers by referring 7 people.
It’s a high bar, but if you have a family group or a circle of friends who travel, it’s doable. You can see the full details of how that offer works here: Scapia Christmas Referral Offer Explained
Why Scapia Is Actually Useful (Beyond the Offer)
Offers aside, a credit card only deserves space in your pocket if it solves a problem. Scapia has become a default recommendation for domestic travelers because it simplifies things that are usually complicated or expensive on other cards.
Free ₹1,000 Airport Dining & Shopping
This is a specific feature that many users overlook. Scapia offers an “Airport Privilege” feature that goes beyond the lounge. If you meet the monthly spend criteria (currently ₹10,000 in the previous billing cycle), you can unlock a credit to spend at various airport restaurants and retail outlets. This is fantastic when lounges are full or if you just want to grab a quick meal at a specific restaurant without waiting in a queue.
Unlimited Lounge Access
Most cards in the “free” category cap you at 1 or 2 lounge visits per quarter. Scapia offers unlimited domestic lounge access. It is linked to a spending requirement (currently ₹10,000 in the previous billing cycle), but for a frequent traveler, this is one of the lowest barriers to entry for unlimited access in the market.
Lifetime Free
This is the baseline requirement for a hassle-free card. There are no joining fees and no annual renewal fees. You don’t have to call customer care every year to beg for a fee waiver, and you don’t have to calculate if you “recovered” your cost. It’s free to hold forever.
Zero Forex Markup
If you travel abroad, this is a massive saver. Most banks charge a 3.5% + GST markup on international spends. Scapia charges zero. On a standard international trip, this saves you thousands of rupees that would otherwise disappear into bank fees.
Add-on Cards
Scapia has an interesting take on add-on cards as well. Each add-on card kind of works as an independent card.
They can spend 10,000 per month on their card and avail unlimited lounge access or free shopping at the airport. They get access to the app as well. All while you still control their spend limits and get one bill.
Summary
If you travel domestically even a few times a year, Scapia is a utility card that pulls its weight. The fact that you can currently get paid ~₹1200 in value to sign up just makes the decision much easier.
