The Past
It has been over two years since CRED—the app that rewards users for paying credit card bills—launched. In its early days, CRED offered eye-catching rewards and promotions. I personally saved more than Rs.25,000 in one year, and many high spenders reported saving several lakhs thanks to the generous redemption options available at the time.
The Pandemic
In recent times, especially during the pandemic, redemptions redeemable through coins have become less attractive. Over the last year many users noticed fewer high-value options. However, if you travel occasionally, CRED still releases attractive discounted hotel stays from time to time. These offers allow you to book hotels at roughly 20% off by spending CRED coins.
The Present
Not everyone is traveling frequently right now, so many users have been holding on to unused CRED coins. Fortunately, there’s a meaningful way to use them: you can now redeem CRED coins to donate oxygen cylinders and related support to hospitals and healthcare nonprofits.
To donate:
- Open the CRED app (or download it if you don’t already have it).
- Look for the donation option on the Home or Club page.
- Tap the option and choose the amount you want to donate.
This isn’t the first time CRED has run missions like this. Periodically they introduce charity or social-impact redemptions, and these opportunities tend to be worthwhile for users who want to convert coins into real-world help.
Here are some past CRED missions I’ve redeemed coins for:
Final Thoughts
While CRED coins may not offer the same direct monetary value they once did, they can be redeemed for causes that benefit the community. Donating coins to support hospitals and healthcare organizations converts virtual rewards into tangible help—something many users find rewarding in itself.
So, are CRED coins worth it in 2021? That depends on your priorities. If you evaluate them strictly as monetary rewards, the answer for most users is likely “no” at the moment. But if you value social impact and occasional practical redemptions like travel discounts or bill convenience, they still hold value.
Beyond rewards, CRED continues to offer convenient features: you can pay multiple credit card bills in one place and use services like CRED Rent Pay to pay rent online, among other functions.
Have you redeemed your CRED coins for a mission? Share your experience in the comments below.