Managing Your Axis Atlas Credit Card Rewards: Few Tips to Prevent Blockage

Axis Atlas Credit Cards: Things You Should Be Aware.

Axis Atlas credit cards have been ranked very high for being preferred by most of air travelers and travelers in general. But currently, different reports have shown that some of the cardholders are having problems using Atlas cards for business-related purchases. Business Standard delves into why this seemingly convenient option might lead to complications. Business Standard delves into why this seemingly convenient option might lead to complications.

The Incident

Recently, many Axis Atlas credit card holders have realised that the usage of their rewards have been disabled.

The reason?

Thus, Axis Bank assumes that these cardholders engage in business charges using their cards and Atlas card usage policy is violated. The bank through its emails sent on March 11 asked several cardholders to forward to it information concerning their travel transaction in the period from November 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024.

Unlike the identification of personal characteristics associated with card usage, the email from Axis Bank contained articulations about observing. ‘Non-personal usage of your credit cards has been observed for transactions done on the following merchants in the travel category. The email also went on the state that based on the regulations of the bank, they are advised that the credit cards should not be used for business/persons/commercial purposes as per the Axis Bank card member agreement.

To pay its vendors or suppliers, the bank included a web link in the email that allows the users to make online invoices before the 30th of the month. Or, the users can contact the bank using phone banking facilities as well.

Atlas Rewards is an example of an appealing major rewards program with noteworthy features with a remarkable customer intimacy and high pervasive customer’s engagement level.

They then hold many travel perks such as earning reward miles every time an Axis Atlas card is used, free airport lounge passes, priority check-ins and free travel insurance. Such privileges are quite appealing to those who often have to travel for business and spend time in airports.

In other words, these cards allow you to get such tempting privileges as earning reward miles each time you use the card, using airport lounges for free, boarding first on the plane, and being insured against travel risks. Such incentives are very attractive for young workers, especially the employees who need to travel for business meetings quite often.

Terms and Conditions: The Catch That is Out of Sight

Essentially, the guide to handling any credit card is to be keen on its policy and guidelines. It is in this case that the Atlas card becomes slightly confusing. Clauses that might not obviously prohibit business expenses are implicated here because the agreements do contain reservations regarding merchant category codes (MCCs). In other words, if you charge ANYTHING on your Atlas card, which comes under a business MCC like, office supplies or travel agencies, it may be seen by Axis as an indicator of possible fraud.

Why Axis Bank is worried

Following are some reasons why Axis Bank has few grounds to monitor the business transactions on Atlas cards. First, it is important to note that such cards are equipped with the reward programs that are basically created for personal travel expenditures and not business expenses. Secondly, there are usually other charges payable on business cards which are not applicable on Atlas cards. From the case, if one uses his/her Atlas card to incur business expenses, then such a practice may by stretch be perceived as abusive of this product.

Many people are complaining that Axis Bank is now stringent on them regarding what they term as improper use of the Atlas card. Quoting the official response from Axis Bank, it is necessary to notice that the bank constantly supervises the appropriation of cardholders as to the features and benefits performed on every credit card. When the observe a string of business related transactions, they get in touch with the customer and demand a proof to substantiate that the spending was personal. They acknowledge that this communication is made as a way of suppressing misuse of personal credit cards for business by the card holders.

The Implications for Atlas Cardholders

If you are an Axis Atlas card holder, you should know the requirements of the bank as to business expenses. Thus, if you are a person who mainly spends a card for personal tourism and entertainment, there is nothing you should be concerned with. Nevertheless, if you often utilize Atlas card for business related transactions, then your rewards will be frozen or your account may be closed.

The Potential Consequences

If Axis flags your account for business spending, here are some possible scenarios:

• Clawback of Rewards: This way, Axis could possibly reverse all the benefits earned as a result of business transactions.

• Card Suspension: In some of the worst scenarios, your card can be blocked and you have to explain the transactions yourself.

• Account Closure: It also warned against the legal use of its services repeatedly which could lead to the account being canceled.

How to Avoid Issues

One thing to ensure is that you never incur difficulties with Axis Bank. This eliminates issues such as mixing of the business account with the personal account. Here are a few tips:

• Employ a different credit card for business related expenditure.

• Though it is advisable to avoid using Atlas card for business supplies; if there is a probable scenario that you have to make few business purchases using Atlas card be ready to present documents to Axis Bank on request.
• Such documentation can consist of invoices or receipts that indicate the business nature of such a transaction.

It is when you try to bend or break the rules that the issuers may try to cancel your Axis Atlas credit card to ensure that such incidents do not repeat themselves in the future.