Kotak UPI RuPay Credit Card vs InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card

• The Kotak UPI RuPay Credit Card is issued entirely in digital form. No physical card is provided
• Card details are automatically registered under the Credit Card section of Kotak Mobile Banking after issuance
• The card can be connected with supported UPI applications and used for eligible merchant payments after setting a UPI PIN
• It is designed primarily for merchant UPI transactions. Credit cards linked to UPI generally cannot be used for person-to-person transfers, cash withdrawals or other transactions restricted under RuPay and NPCI rules
• Cardholders earn 3 Kotak Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on eligible transactions
• Reward points can be earned on both qualifying UPI purchases and regular card transactions completed virtually
• Regular virtual-card spending includes eligible online, e-commerce and international transactions
• Under standard non-cash redemption options, every 1,000 reward points are worth Rs. 100. This means one reward point ordinarily provides a value of Rs. 0.10
• A minimum of 1,000 reward points is required for redemption against regular options such as products, vouchers, recharge, movies or travel
• With effect from June 1, 2025, cash redemption provides a lower value of Rs. 0.07 per reward point
• Cash redemption requires at least 2,000 reward points
• Reward points may be redeemed through Kotak Rewards for mobile recharges, products, brand vouchers, movies, travel and other options available in the rewards catalogue
• Utility payments earn points only on spending of up to Rs. 35,000 in a statement cycle. Utility spending above this limit does not earn reward points
• Reward points are not earned on rent, fuel, railway, wallet-loading, EMI, education or balance-transfer transactions
• Insurance, government payments and online skill-based gaming transactions are also excluded from earning reward points
• Spending in excluded categories does not count towards any applicable milestone benefit
• The card has no joining fee and no annual renewal fee, making it lifetime free without any minimum-spending requirement
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must already hold an eligible Kotak Bank credit card

• Renewal Benefits

A. Continue the exciting journey with 3,000 InterMiles upon spending Rs. 6,000 with in first 30 days of Anniversary date

Experience savings on Flight & Hotel bookings:

A. Get Rs. 750  Flight Discount vouchers

B. Get Rs. 1000  Hotel Discount vouchers

Do note that these Renewal benefits are only applicable on realization of membership fee

• Get 6 InterMiles on every Rs. 150 spent on retail spends
• Get 12 InterMiles on every Rs 150 spent on every flight ticket booked on https://flights.intermiles.com
• Get 12 InterMiles on every Rs. 150 spent on every Hotel booked via Interbook.intermiles.com
• Privileges on Etihad Airways

A. Obtain 5% discount on Etihad Airways Economy Class tickets booked on http://flights.intermiles.com

B. Obtain 10% discount on Etihad Airways Business Class tickets booked on http://flights.intermiles.com

C. Avail 2.5X bonus InterMiles for Etihad Airways tickets booked on http://flights.intermiles.com

• Domestic Lounge Program: Be greeted with luxury each time when traveling, with access to selected lounges at airports in India with the bank’s network partners
• VISA Lounge Program: Get 16 complimentary visits Per Year (4 per quarter)
• MasterCard Lounge Program: Get 16 complimentary visits (4 per quarter)
• Priority Pass Membership: Get Priority pass membership that provides complimentary enrollment worth $99 into the Priority Pass Program. It allows preferential access to more than 600 airport lounges around the world, and a well deserved rest, refreshment along with the use of business facilities like phones, fax, Internet access and conference rooms
• Primary Card holders can get up to 5 free visits to the International Lounges every year
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver at fuel stations in India on minimum transaction of Rs. 400
• Zero liability on lost card
• Revolving Credit is available at an interest rate of 3.6% per month
• Avail up to 50 days of free credit period from the date of purchase
• Avail up to 3 Add-on Cards
• Save up to 20% on dining bills paid via Dineout Pay via the credit card. Get 15% Dineout Discount plus Additional 5% HDFC Bank Discount

Pros

• Lifetime free with no joining or renewal fee
• Supports merchant UPI payments through compatible UPI apps
• Earns rewards on eligible UPI and regular card transactions
• Instantly accessible as a virtual card through Kotak Mobile Banking
• Reward points can be redeemed for vouchers, shopping, travel, movies and recharges

Cons

• Available only to existing Kotak credit-card holders
• No physical credit card is issued
• Low effective reward rate of approximately 0.30% on regular redemptions
• No rewards on fuel, rent, EMI, education, wallet loading and several other categories
• No complimentary lounge access or fuel-surcharge waiver

Pros

• InterMiles as welcome benefit and reward points
• Domestic and international lounge access with Priority Pass
• Save up to 20% on dining bills paid via Dineout Pay via the credit card. Get 15% Dineout Discount plus Additional 5% HDFC Bank Discount

Cons

• InterMiles can only be used for travel related bookings on the InterMiles website
• There are other travel credit cards that offer more redemption options
• No golf or movie benefits