Equitas Small Finance Bank has just given its credit card lineup a makeover with three new options: TIGA, SELFE, and their top-tier offering, PowerMiles.
If you love to travel or if you call yourself a “miles chaser” – the Equitas PowerMiles Credit Card is the one that will catch your eye. It’s a premium metal card that feels fancy and is packed with perks for dining and international trips.
The real highlight here is the Privilege Program. If you are a high spender, this feature offers incredible value, potentially bringing your forex markup fees down to 0%. That is a huge money-saver for trips abroad.
However, there is a catch you should know about. While the card looks great, the core “Miles” feature currently has a waiting period. This leaves us asking: without the instant miles, does it still hold up against the best travel credit cards in India?
Here is our honest, deep-dive review of the Equitas PowerMiles Credit Card.
Key Highlights (At a Glance)
Fees and Charges
Kiwi RuPay Card
Lifetime FreeReward Rate & Valuation
Equitas has kept the reward structure simple yet effective, especially for international travelers. Here is how the math works for the default Blue Tier:
Domestic Spends
Earn 3 Reward Points
for every ₹100 spent
International Spends
Earn 9 Reward Points
for every ₹100 spent
BoB Eterna
Lifetime FreeEquitas Privilege Program: Detailed Tier Breakdown
You cannot unlock a tier by spending a lump sum in one month. You must meet the monthly spend requirement for 3 consecutive months within a calendar quarter.
| Tier & Spend | Redemption Value (Flight/Hotel) | Forex Markup | Vouchers & Bonus | Travel & Golf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BLUE < ₹20,000 / month Default | ₹0.50 Cashback: ₹0.25 | 2.0% | — | — |
SILVER > ₹20,000 / month | ₹0.50 Cashback: ₹0.25 | 2.0% | • 500 Bonus Reward Points | — |
GOLD > ₹40,000 / month | ₹0.50 Cashback: ₹0.25 | 2.0% | • 1 Movie Voucher (₹250) • 1 Amazon Voucher (₹500) | — |
PLATINUM > ₹60,000 / month | ₹0.75 Cashback: ₹0.35 | 2.0% | • 2 Movie Vouchers • 2 Amazon Vouchers | — |
DIAMOND > ₹100,000 / month Top Tier | ₹1.00 (1:1) 3% Domestic Return 9% Intl Return ✈️ | 0% Forex | • 3 Movie Vouchers • 3 Amazon Vouchers | ⛳ Unlimited Golf* ✈️ ₹3,000 Flight Voucher# 🏨 ₹3,500 Hotel Voucher# |
*Golf bookings capped at 20 per quarter (includes learn and play).
# Flight and Hotel vouchers are annual benefits (redeemable once per Financial Year).
Most cards punish you for being in the “Blue” (Base) tier. However, PowerMiles starts you at ₹0.50 value immediately.
The Real Deal: If you unlock Diamond Tier, you get a 3% return on domestic spends and a massive 9% return on international spends (due to 3X points + ₹1 value). Combined with 0% Forex markup, this makes the PowerMiles Diamond Tier arguably the best credit card for international travel available today.
Travel & Lifestyle Benefits
Beyond points, the PowerMiles card offers tangible travel luxuries.
Airport Lounge Access
- Domestic: 2 complimentary visits per calendar quarter.
- International: 1 complimentary visit per calendar quarter.
Luxury Memberships
Upon activation, cardholders can claim complimentary memberships to:
- Club Marriott: Up to 25% off on F&B, Hotel & Spa services. Includes a complimentary membership for the spouse.
- EazyDiner: 25-50% savings, complimentary beverages, and a welcome bonus of 2000 EazyPoints.
Important: These memberships must be claimed within 90 days of card issuance, or they will expire.
Other Perks
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000 (Max ₹450 per cycle).
- Insurance: Complimentary air accident coverage, credit shield, and lost card liability.
Pros and Cons
The Good (Pros)
The Bad (Cons)
Final Verdict: Should you apply?
If you are a low spender (spending under ₹20,000 a month), skip this card. Seriously. You will be stuck in the “Blue Tier” earning a confusing 3.5% return. You are much better off getting the SBI Cashback Card (flat 5% online) or HDFC Millennia. They are simpler, cheaper, and give you better value without the headache of tracking tiers.
But…
If you are a high spender (spending over ₹1 Lakh a month), this card is an absolute monster. At the Diamond Tier, the math is ridiculous. You are getting a flat 10% return on your two favorite categories and Zero Forex fees. That is better than almost every Super Premium card in India right now.
Bottom Line: Don’t buy it for the metal body or the cool designs. Buy it if you can hit that ₹1 Lakh monthly target. If you can, this is the most rewarding card in your wallet, period.
Is it worth ₹5,900?
If you are a high spender (>₹1L/month), the PowerMiles card is exceptional. Unlocking the Diamond Tier gets you 0% Forex and a lucrative ₹1 point value, making it perfect for international travelers.
However, the current waiting period for 1:1 transfers (July 2026) is a significant drawback for immediate gratification. Until then, it is a great “earn and burn” card for vouchers, but not yet a true “miles” powerhouse.
*Terms and conditions apply. Visit official site for details.