Both the Federal Scapia and Niyo Global cards offer 0% forex markup and zero annual fees β€” so the decision comes down to rewards, lounge access, and ATM usage. Scapia wins on rewards and lounge; Niyo wins on ATM access and simplicity. Here is the full breakdown.

Quick Comparison Table

FeatureFederal ScapiaNiyo Global
Annual feeβ‚Ή0β‚Ή0
Forex markup0%0%
Rewards on spendsScapia Coins (all categories)Minimal
Domestic loungeUnlimited via DreamFolksNot included
International lounge2 per quarter (via DreamFolks)Not included
International ATM feeChargedFree
Issuing bankFederal BankSBM Bank India
Card networkVisaVisa
Min. income~β‚Ή2–3L/yearβ‚Ή1.5L/year
ApplicationOnline via Scapia appOnline via Niyo app

Rewards: Scapia Wins Clearly

The Federal Scapia card earns Scapia Coins on all spending β€” domestic and international. Coins can be redeemed through the Scapia app for flights and hotels.

For a traveller spending β‚Ή50,000/month on the card, Scapia Coins add up to a free flight or hotel stay every few months. Niyo Global, by contrast, earns minimal points that have limited redemption value.

Winner for rewards: Federal Scapia

Lounge Access: Scapia Wins

The Scapia card gives unlimited domestic airport lounge access through the DreamFolks network β€” covering most major Indian airports. This alone is worth β‚Ή3,000–₹5,000 per year in saved lounge fees for frequent travellers.

Niyo Global does not include any lounge access.

If you travel domestically even four times a year and visit the lounge each time, Scapia is already giving you β‚Ή2,000–₹4,000 in free lounge visits annually.

Winner for lounge: Federal Scapia

International ATM: Niyo Wins

This is Niyo Global’s standout feature. Niyo charges zero fees on international ATM withdrawals β€” the exact amount you withdraw is all that is debited. No ATM fee, no markup.

The Scapia card charges an ATM withdrawal fee internationally. For travellers who need regular cash access abroad β€” at local markets, smaller towns, taxi drivers β€” this makes Niyo significantly cheaper.

Winner for international ATM: Niyo Global

Eligibility: Niyo is Easier to Get

Niyo Global requires just β‚Ή1.5 lakh annual income (about β‚Ή12,500/month), which is among the lowest requirements for any Indian credit card. SBM Bank’s approval process is also generally faster and more flexible.

Federal Bank’s Scapia card requires slightly higher income proof and has been known to have stricter approval processes. However, both are fundamentally easier to get than most traditional bank cards.

Winner for accessibility: Niyo Global

App Experience: Close, but Niyo Edges Ahead

Both cards have dedicated apps that are well-designed and actively maintained. The Niyo app is slightly more mature, with a more established user base and feature set. The Scapia app is excellent and improving rapidly.

Both offer real-time alerts, card freeze/unfreeze, spend analytics, and customer support.

Winner for app: Tie / slight edge to Niyo

Which Card Should You Choose?

Choose Federal Scapia if:

  • You travel domestically frequently and want free lounge access
  • You want to earn meaningful rewards on all your spending (domestic + international)
  • You rarely need cash ATM withdrawals abroad
  • You want a card that works harder as an everyday card, not just a travel card

Apply Scapia: https://bitli.in/6Eh9XXB

Choose Niyo Global if:

  • You need free ATM cash withdrawals when travelling abroad
  • You are a student or first-time cardholder with modest income
  • You want the simplest, most straightforward zero forex card
  • You travel to countries/regions with limited card acceptance

Apply Niyo: https://bitli.in/JFMh0I5

The Best Combo: Many savvy travellers hold both. Use Scapia for domestic spends and lounge access, and carry Niyo as your dedicated travel card for zero-cost ATM withdrawals abroad.

Apply Federal Scapia β†’ https://bitli.in/6Eh9XXB

Apply Niyo Global β†’ https://bitli.in/JFMh0I5