The AU Zenith Credit Card, previously AU Bank’s flagship premium offering, has undergone major changes. With the launch of the AU Zenith+ Credit Card, AU Bank has shifted the premium focus to the newer variant, reducing the benefits of the older Zenith card.
These updates take effect from 1 January 2026 and include slashed reward rates and removal of existing milestone benefits, clearly encouraging cardholders to upgrade.
Reward Rate Reductions
The most significant change is in the reward points system, which has been substantially reduced across categories:
As you can see, the high rewards on dining, international spends, and groceries have been drastically reduced, making the card less attractive for premium users.
Milestone Benefits Overhauled
Previously, AU Zenith cardholders enjoyed valuable milestone rewards:
- Spend ₹2 lakh in a quarter → ₹1,000 brand voucher
- Spend ₹8 lakh in a card anniversary year → Taj Epicure Membership
From January 2026, these perks are discontinued.
New Milestone Benefit:
- Spend ₹50,000 or more in a statement cycle → 1,000 bonus reward points
While simpler, the new milestone structure is far less rewarding compared to the earlier system.
What This Means for Cardholders
- The Zenith card no longer holds its top-tier premium status.
- With lower reward rates and fewer perks, it struggles to compete with other premium credit cards in India.
- AU Bank’s clear strategy is to nudge existing Zenith users toward the Zenith+ card, which now carries the premium experience and rewards.
Bottom Line
The AU Zenith Credit Card devaluation is a major change for existing cardholders. Reduced rewards and simplified milestone benefits make it less appealing for premium users. If you value high reward rates and exclusive perks, it may be worth considering an upgrade to AU Zenith+ or exploring other premium cards in the market.