Kotak
Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card
This is an invite only card
Top Benefits
Earn 10 Zen Points for Every ₹150 Spent
on shopping categories including capped at 6,500 points per billing cycle
Get 3 Complimentary International Lounge
Access visits per calendar year for the primary cardholder
Best For
Shopping
Travel
The Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card targets frequent shoppers who want to turn their lifestyle and appa...
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The Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card targets frequent shoppers who want to turn their lifestyle and appa...
The Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card targets frequent shoppers who want to turn their lifestyle and apparel spending into valuable reward points. The strongest benefit of this card is its accelerated reward structure, offering 10 Zen Points for every Rs. 150 spent on shopping categories like apparel, lifestyle, departmental stores, and jewellery. If you regularly update your wardrobe or shop for lifestyle products, this card gives you a clear path to accumulating points fast.
This card works great for mid-income professionals who can easily hit the Rs. 1.5 lakh annual spending requirement to get the Rs. 1,500 renewal fee waived. It stands out from generic reward cards by combining high shopping rewards with premium travel perks, including domestic and international airport lounge access. Whether you are buying groceries at a departmental store or booking a flight for your next vacation, the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card helps you maximize your return on everyday expenses.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Is the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card lifetime free?
No, the card comes with a joining fee of Rs. 1,500 and an annual renewal fee of Rs. 1,500. However, the annual fee is waived if you spend Rs. 1.5 lakh or more in the previous year.
Who should apply for this card?
This card is ideal for shoppers who spend heavily on apparel, lifestyle products, and departmental stores. It also suits individuals who travel occasionally and want complimentary airport lounge access.
Is this a good first card for building credit?
This card requires a solid credit score of 720 and a minimum annual income of Rs. 4,80,000 for salaried applicants. It is better suited for users who already have an established credit history rather than absolute beginners.
What is the core reward currency of this card?
The card rewards you in Zen Points. Each Zen Point holds a redemption value of Rs. 0.25, and you earn them automatically on your eligible card spends.
Expert Review
In my experience analyzing dozens of lifestyle credit cards, the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card is a fantastic tool if you are a heavy shopper. Earning 10 Zen Points (a 1.66% return) on apparel and lifestyle spends is a solid baseline. Where the card truly justifies its space in your wallet is the milestone program. Securing 30,000 bonus points—worth Rs. 7,500 in pure statement credit—for spending Rs. 6 lakh annually transforms this from an average card into a highly lucrative one. Add the 3 international lounge visits, and frequent travelers get immense value.
However, my major criticism lies in the brutal late fee structure and extensive exclusions. Charging a massive Rs. 1,350 late fee on an outstanding balance of just Rs. 501 is incredibly harsh. Furthermore, completely excluding basic necessities like utility bills, rent, and education from earning any rewards forces you to rely entirely on shopping and dining to hit your milestones. This card is best suited for high-spending shoppers and travelers, but if your monthly expenses are heavily skewed toward household bills and utilities, you will find far better value in dedicated cashback cards.
Joining / Annual Fee
Joining Fees
₹1,770 ( ₹1500 + GST )
Annual Fees
₹1,770 ( ₹1500 + GST )
Premium benefits come with a cost, but the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card makes it easy to recover. Th...
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Premium benefits come with a cost, but the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card makes it easy to recover. Th...
Premium benefits come with a cost, but the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card makes it easy to recover. The card carries a one-time joining fee of Rs. 1,500. However, paying this fee triggers your welcome benefit of 1,500 Zen Points (worth Rs. 375), reducing the initial sting. From the second year onwards, an annual renewal fee of Rs. 1,500 applies.
The best part about the fee structure is the achievable waiver condition. The annual fee is entirely waived if you spend Rs. 1.5 lakh or more in the previous year. Breaking that down, you only need to spend Rs. 12,500 per month across groceries, apparel, dining, and other needs. If you make this your primary card, hitting Rs. 1.5 lakh a year is very easy, effectively making the card free for long-term users.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the joining fees for this card?
The card has a one-time joining fee of Rs. 1,500 plus applicable taxes when your application is approved.
What is the annual or renewal fee?
From the second year, the bank charges an annual renewal fee of Rs. 1,500 plus taxes.
Is there an annual fee waiver option?
Yes, the Rs. 1,500 annual fee is waived completely if you spend Rs. 1.5 lakh or more on your card in the preceding year.
What is the spending requirement for the annual fee waiver?
You must spend a total of Rs. 1.5 lakh annually. This averages out to just Rs. 12,500 per month, making the waiver highly accessible.
Does the Rs. 1,500 joining fee get waived?
No, the joining fee is standard. However, paying it unlocks 1,500 bonus Zen Points worth Rs. 375.
Do rent or fuel spends count toward the Rs. 1.5 lakh waiver target?
Excluded categories like rent and fuel transactions do not count toward the Rs. 1.5 lakh annual fee waiver target.
How can I get this card lifetime free?
This card is offered as lifetime free during specific promotional festivals or to high-net-worth individuals with existing premium banking accounts.
What happens if I spend Rs. 1.4 lakh in a year?
If you fall short of the Rs. 1.5 lakh target, the bank will charge the full Rs. 1,500 annual fee to your next statement.
If I get a free card variant, do I still get the 1,500 welcome points?
No, the welcome points are strictly granted upon payment of the Rs. 1,500 joining fee. Free variants are excluded from this benefit.
Eligibility
Age
Criteria*
21-60 years
Salary
Criteria*
3.6LPA
Credit
Rating*
720+
New to credit
allowed
No
Existing Bank
Customer Allowed
Yes
To secure approval for the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card, you must meet specific age, income, and cre...
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To secure approval for the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card, you must meet specific age, income, and cre...
To secure approval for the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card, you must meet specific age, income, and credit score requirements. The primary applicant must be at least 21 years old, with a maximum age limit of 60 years. Both salaried employees and self-employed individuals are eligible to apply.
For salaried professionals, the bank requires a minimum annual income of Rs. 4,80,000. That breaks down to a monthly salary requirement of exactly Rs. 40,000. If you run your own business or work as a freelancer, the requirement is slightly higher; self-employed applicants need a minimum annual income of Rs. 5,00,000. Finally, a healthy credit profile is essential. You need a minimum CRIF or CIBIL score of 720 to pass the credit check.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to apply for this card?
The primary applicant must be at least 21 years old to be considered for this credit card.
What is the maximum age limit for the primary cardholder?
The maximum age limit for applying is 60 years. Older applicants may not qualify based on bank policy.
What is the minimum salary required for salaried applicants?
Salaried individuals must have an annual income of at least Rs. 4,80,000. This translates to a steady monthly salary of Rs. 40,000.
What is the minimum annual income for self-employed applicants?
Self-employed professionals and business owners must show proof of an annual income of at least Rs. 5,00,000.
Can self-employed individuals apply for this card?
Yes, the bank accepts applications from both salaried employees and self-employed individuals, provided they meet the specific income thresholds.
What credit score (CIBIL/CRIF) is needed for approval?
You need a strong credit score of at least 720 to be eligible. Both salaried and self-employed applicants face this same credit score requirement.
Will my application be rejected if my credit score is below 720?
A score below 720 significantly increases your chances of rejection. Banks strictly enforce credit score minimums for premium cards like this one.
Can I get add-on cards for family members?
You can apply for up to three add-on cards for your immediate family members (spouse, parents, or children above 18 years), which share the primary card’s credit limit.
Do I need an existing Kotak Mahindra Bank account to apply?
While an existing relationship speeds up approval, you can apply for this credit card even if you bank elsewhere by providing valid income and identity proof.
All Card Benefits
- Earn 10 Zen Points for every ₹150 spent on shopping categories such as apparels, lifestyle goods, departmental stores and jewellery
- Earn 5 Zen Points for every ₹150 spent on other eligible spends
- Reward points earned on all transactions are capped at 6,500 points per billing cycle
- Earn 7,500 bonus Zen Points on annual spends of ₹3,00,000
- Earn 15,000 bonus Zen Points on annual spends of ₹6,00,000
Welcome Benefits
When you get the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card, the bank rewards you for paying y...
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Welcome Benefits When you get the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card, the bank rewards you for paying y...
Welcome Benefits
When you get the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card, the bank rewards you for paying your initial fee. You receive 1,500 bonus Zen Points upon payment of the Rs. 1,500 joining fee. Since 1 Zen Point equals Rs. 0.25, these 1,500 points give you a clear value of Rs. 375 right from the start. Note that this welcome benefit is not applicable if you somehow receive a free variant of the card through a special bank offer.
Reward Points Structure
The reward system is where this card truly shines. You earn 10 Zen Points per Rs. 150 spent on shopping, which includes apparel, lifestyle, departmental stores, and jewellery. For all other eligible spends, you earn 5 Zen Points per Rs. 150. Let us look at the math. If you spend Rs. 15,000 on clothes and groceries at a departmental store this month, you earn 1,000 Zen Points. At Rs. 0.25 per point, that is Rs. 250 back in value, giving you a strong 1.66% return on shopping.
If you spend another Rs. 15,000 on other eligible categories like dining or online bookings, you earn 500 Zen Points, giving you Rs. 125 in value (a 0.83% return). Keep in mind that there is a capping limit; you can earn a maximum of 6,500 reward points per billing cycle.
Milestone Bonus Benefits
The Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card heavily rewards big spenders. You can earn 7,500 bonus Zen Points when your annual spends cross Rs. 3 lakh. If you push your spending further and cross Rs. 6 lakh in an anniversary year, you get an incredible 15,000 bonus Zen Points. Furthermore, you receive an additional 15,000 bonus points every year on crossing that Rs. 6 lakh milestone.
For example, if you spend exactly Rs. 6,00,000 in your anniversary year, you receive 30,000 bonus points in total (15,000 from the primary milestone plus 15,000 additional bonus points). Since 1 point is Rs. 0.25, these 30,000 points give you a massive flat value of Rs. 7,500 just for using your card regularly.
Airport Lounge Access
Travel becomes far more comfortable with the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card. Cardholders get 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter. That equals 8 domestic lounge visits a year. Additionally, the card offers 3 complimentary international lounge visits per calendar year. Whether you are taking a domestic business trip or an international vacation, you can relax, eat, and use the Wi-Fi for free before your flight.
Surcharge Waiver Benefits
Driving and traveling by train are slightly cheaper with this card. You receive a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on eligible fuel transactions. However, if your fuel spends exceed Rs. 35,000 in a single statement cycle, additional transaction charges may apply. For train travelers, the card provides a railway surcharge waiver of 1.8% for online bookings and 2.5% for counter bookings, capped at a maximum waiver of Rs. 500 per anniversary year.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I qualify for the welcome bonus?
You get the 1,500 Zen Points upon the successful payment of your Rs. 1,500 joining fee. The points are credited after the fee reflects on your statement and is paid.
What is the monetary value of the welcome benefit?
Since each Zen Point is worth Rs. 0.25, the 1,500 welcome points carry a practical value of Rs. 375. You can use these towards future redemptions.
Do I get the welcome points if my card is issued as lifetime free?
No, the 1,500 Zen points are explicitly tied to the payment of the joining fee. If you receive a free card variant, you do not get this welcome bonus.
When will I receive the welcome points after card activation?
The points are credited to your reward balance within 30 to 45 days after your first statement is generated and the joining fee is cleared.
What is the standard reward rate on this card?
You earn 10 Zen Points per Rs. 150 on shopping categories, resulting in a 1.66% return. For other eligible spends, you earn 5 Zen Points per Rs. 150, which equals a 0.83% return.
What categories qualify for the higher 10 Zen Points rate?
You earn the accelerated 10 points per Rs. 150 exclusively on apparel, lifestyle, departmental stores, and jewellery purchases.
How many reward points do I earn per Rs. 100 spent?
The bank calculates rewards on every Rs. 150 spent. Spending exactly Rs. 100 will not earn points. You must cross the Rs. 150 threshold to earn either 5 or 10 points depending on the category.
What is the value of 1 reward point in rupees?
Each Zen Point is valued at Rs. 0.25. This means you need 4 Zen Points to equal Rs. 1 in redemption value.
Is there a limit to how many points I can earn?
Yes, the bank caps your reward point earnings at 6,500 points per billing cycle. Any eligible spending beyond this limit in a single month will not generate additional points.
Which transactions are excluded from earning reward points?
You do not earn points on rent, fuel, insurance, EMIs, cash withdrawals, education, government transactions, wallets, utility bills, and several other categories.
Do I earn points on fuel purchases?
No, fuel spends are strictly excluded from earning any Zen Points on this card.
Do I earn points on utility bill payments?
No, utility bill payments such as electricity, water, and gas are excluded from the reward program.
Do I earn points on rent payments?
No, rent payments do not earn any reward points and also attract a 1% transaction fee.
Do I earn points on insurance premium payments?
No, insurance payments are included in the bank's exclusion list and will not earn Zen Points.
How can I maximize my points before hitting the cap?
Focus your card usage on the 10x shopping categories. Earning 6,500 points requires spending Rs. 97,500 entirely on apparel and departmental stores in one month.
What happens when I spend Rs. 3 lakh in a year?
When your annual spends reach Rs. 3 lakh, the bank rewards you with 7,500 bonus Zen Points, which equals Rs. 1,875 in value.
What are the bonus points for spending Rs. 6 lakh?
If you reach Rs. 6 lakh in annual spends, you earn 15,000 bonus Zen Points. You also get an additional 15,000 bonus points for crossing this tier, giving you a total of 30,000 bonus points.
Do milestone spends include rent or wallet top-ups?
Transactions like rent, wallet loads, and EMIs are excluded from reward generation and do not count toward the annual milestone calculation.
Are milestone points affected by the monthly 6,500 points cap?
No, milestone bonus points are awarded separately at the end of the anniversary year and do not interfere with your regular monthly reward point capping.
How many domestic lounge visits do I get?
You get 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every quarter, adding up to 8 visits annually.
Does this card offer international lounge access?
Yes, the card provides 3 complimentary international airport lounge visits per calendar year.
Can my family use my free lounge visits?
Complimentary lounge access is strictly for the primary cardholder. Any guests traveling with you will be charged the standard lounge entry fee.
Do I need a Priority Pass for international lounges?
You can access international lounges by presenting your Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card directly at participating lounges, as this card uses its own network rather than a separate Priority Pass.
What is the fuel surcharge waiver on this card?
You get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on eligible fuel purchases. Be mindful that extra charges apply if you spend more than Rs. 35,000 on fuel in one month.
Do I earn reward points on fuel while getting the waiver?
No, fuel spends provide the 1% surcharge waiver but are completely excluded from earning any regular Zen Points.
What is the railway surcharge waiver?
You get a 1.8% waiver on online railway bookings and a 2.5% waiver at railway counters. The total railway waiver is capped at Rs. 500 per anniversary year.
Are there any hidden fees on train bookings via IRCTC?
While you get a surcharge waiver up to Rs. 500 a year, be aware that a separate 1% fee applies to transactions made for booking railway tickets via IRCTC.
Milestone Benefits
7500 reward points(Worth ~ ₹1,875)
Spend ₹3,00,000 in 365 days
15000 reward points(Worth ~ ₹3,750)
Spend ₹6,00,000 in 365 days
How to Redeem Rewards & Cashback?
Rewards Conversion Rate
1 Zen Point = ₹0.25
Redemption Options
Vouchers, statement credit, shopping, mobile recharge, travel, etc. (Min redemption: 2,000 points for cash)
To check redemption catalogue
N/A
Accumulating Zen Points is only half the journey; redeeming them correctly dictates your actual savings...
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Accumulating Zen Points is only half the journey; redeeming them correctly dictates your actual savings...
Accumulating Zen Points is only half the journey; redeeming them correctly dictates your actual savings. Each Zen Point on this card carries a redemption value of Rs. 0.25. The bank provides multiple avenues for redemption, including vouchers, statement credit, shopping, mobile recharge, and travel bookings. The most direct and valuable way to use points is converting them into statement cash.
To initiate a cash redemption, you need a minimum of 2,000 Zen Points. If you have exactly 2,000 points, they convert to Rs. 500 (2,000 x 0.25) which is directly adjusted against your outstanding credit card bill. This means you do not have to hunt for specific vouchers; you just get a smaller bill next month. Another excellent feature of this card is that there are no reward redemption fees. Every point you earn goes straight into your pocket without hidden processing charges.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I redeem the reward points I have earned?
You can redeem your points by logging into the bank's net banking portal or mobile app and navigating to the rewards section to choose your preferred option.
What can I redeem my reward points for?
You can use your points for gift vouchers, statement credit (cash), online shopping, mobile recharges, and travel bookings.
Is there a minimum points balance needed before I can redeem?
Yes, if you want to redeem your points for direct statement credit (cash), you must have a minimum of 2,000 Zen points in your account.
What is the exact value I get when I redeem points for cash?
Since 1 Zen Point is Rs. 0.25, a minimum redemption of 2,000 points gives you Rs. 500 off your credit card bill.
Is there a fee for redeeming my rewards?
No, there is absolutely no fee charged when you redeem reward points on this card, ensuring you get the full value of your points.
Do my Zen Points expire?
Zen Points carry a validity period of 2 years from the date of accumulation, after which they expire if not redeemed.
Can I transfer my reward points to someone else's account?
No, reward points are tied to your specific account and cannot be transferred to family members or other bank accounts.
What happens to my unredeemed points if I close the card?
If you decide to cancel or close your credit card, any unredeemed Zen points will be instantly forfeited. Always redeem your balance before closing the card.
Bank Exclusions
You will not earn points / cashback on spends in the following categories
For Points / Cashback Earnings
Rent Payment
Fuel Spends
Insurance Payments
EMI Spends
ATM Cash Withdrawals
Jewellery Purchases
Education Spends
Government-related Transactions
Wallet transactions
Load Money
Bank Charges & Fees
All Reversals
Gambling Transactions
Toll Payments
Security Broker Services
Charity
Railways
Utility Bill Payments
Balance Transfer
Financial Charges
For Spends Waiver
Rent Payment
Fuel Spends
Insurance Payments
EMI Spends
ATM Cash Withdrawals
Jewellery Purchases
Education Spends
Government-related Transactions
Wallet transactions
Load Money
Bank Charges & Fees
All Reversals
Gambling Transactions
Toll Payments
Security Broker Services
Charity
Railways
Utility Bill Payments
Balance Transfer
Financial Charges
To maximize this card, you must understand where it will not reward you. The bank strictly excludes a l...
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To maximize this card, you must understand where it will not reward you. The bank strictly excludes a l...
To maximize this card, you must understand where it will not reward you. The bank strictly excludes a long list of transactions from earning Zen points. These exclusions include Rent Payments, Fuel Spends, Insurance Payments, EMI Spends, ATM Cash Withdrawals, Jewellery Purchases, Education Spends, Government-related Transactions, Wallet transactions, Load Money, Bank Charges & Fees, All Reversals, Gambling Transactions, Toll Payments, Security Broker Services, Charity, Railways, Utility Bill Payments, Balance Transfers, and Financial Charges.
For example, if you pay a Rs. 20,000 school fee for your child and a Rs. 5,000 electricity bill, you will earn zero Zen Points on that Rs. 25,000 spend. Similarly, loading Rs. 10,000 into a digital wallet provides no rewards. Knowing these rules ensures you don't use this card for heavy utility or educational expenses expecting a return.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Which transactions do not earn reward points on this card?
Transactions like rent, fuel, insurance, EMIs, utilities, education, wallet loads, government payments, jewellery, and railways do not earn any Zen points.
Does paying rent with this card earn reward points?
No, rent payments are strictly excluded from earning points and also attract a separate 1% processing fee.
Are fuel transactions excluded from earning rewards?
Yes, while you get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, fuel purchases do not accumulate any reward points.
Are insurance premium payments excluded from rewards?
Yes, paying your life or health insurance premiums using this card will not yield any reward points.
Do wallet top-ups earn rewards on this card?
No, loading money into digital wallets is considered an excluded transaction and earns zero points.
Are utility bill payments such as electricity and water excluded?
Yes, paying your household utility bills will not generate any Zen points.
Are education or school fee payments excluded?
Yes, any spends categorized as education are excluded from the reward point structure.
What happens if I accidentally make a payment in an excluded category?
The transaction will process normally, and the amount will be added to your bill. You simply will not earn any Zen points for that specific spend.
Bank Fee Structure
| Structure | Details |
|---|---|
Forex Markups  3.5% forex markup is charged on transactions made in currencies other than INR. Applies to international POS payments and online purchases charged in foreign currency. | 3.50% |
APR Fees 3.75% monthly fee. Credit cards allow you for a interest free payment period of 20-55 days. However, if you fail to make payment for your statement in due time then bank starts charging interest. A simple way to avoid heavy interest rates over long time is to convert your large spends in EMIs. Normally bank charges 16% p.a interest on EMIs however if you fail to pay in time then annual interest can reach upto 45%
| 3.75% |
ATM withdrawal 2.5% of the withdrawn amount is charged on cash advances using the credit card (minimum ₹500, if applicable). | 2.50% |
Reward Redemption Fees No fee is charged when redeeming reward points on this card. | Not Applicable |
Link for all T&Cs | Click Here |
Railway Surcharge A railway booking surcharge of 1.80% for online transactions and 2.50% for other bookings is applied, with additional bank charges and taxes recovered at actuals. | 1.80% |
Rent Payment Fees 1% of the transaction amount is charged as a fee on rent payment transactions, subject to applicable GST and platform charges | 1% |
cheque Payment Fees 2% of the cheque bounce amount, subject to a minimum charge of ₹500 | 2% |
Cash Payment Fees ₹100 will be charged for all payments done via Cash | ₹100 |
| Late Payment Fees | Amount Due |
|---|---|
| ₹0 - ₹100 | ₹0 |
| ₹101 - ₹500 | ₹100 |
| ₹501 - ₹5000 | ₹500 |
| ₹5001 - ₹10000 | ₹600 |
| ₹10001 - ₹25000 | ₹800 |
| ₹25001 - ₹50000 | ₹1000 |
| ₹50000 and above | ₹1200 |
The Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card carries a fee structure typical of premium mid-tier cards. While th...
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The Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card carries a fee structure typical of premium mid-tier cards. While th...
The Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card carries a fee structure typical of premium mid-tier cards. While the annual fee is easily waived, cardholders must be extremely cautious of the heavy interest rates and distinct penalty charges applied to late payments and specific transaction types.
First, the card requires a Joining Fee of Rs. 1,500. This is a one-time charge billed to your first statement. While it cannot be waived upfront, paying it unlocks 1,500 bonus points worth Rs. 375, slightly offsetting the cost.
Second, an Annual or Renewal Fee of Rs. 1,500 applies from the second year onwards. However, this fee is completely waived if you spend Rs. 1.5 lakh or more in a year. For example, spending just Rs. 12,500 a month on regular expenses guarantees you never pay this fee.
Third, the APR or Interest Rate is intensely high at 3.99% monthly, which compounds to roughly 47.88% annually. If you spend Rs. 10,000 and fail to pay the total bill by the due date, the bank will charge you Rs. 399 in pure interest for just that one month.
Fourth, Late Payment Charges are aggressively structured. While balances between Rs. 0 and Rs. 500 attract zero late fees, any outstanding balance of Rs. 501 or above incurs a massive, flat late payment fine of Rs. 1,350. If you forget to pay a Rs. 1,000 bill, you will be penalized with Rs. 1,350 instantly.
Fifth, the Foreign Transaction or Forex Markup Fee is set at 3.5%. If you travel abroad or buy something from an international website worth Rs. 10,000, the bank will charge an extra Rs. 350 just for processing the foreign currency.
Sixth, the ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee is 2% of the amount withdrawn, subject to a minimum of Rs. 300. Withdrawing cash on a credit card is a poor financial decision as it attracts this flat fee plus immediate interest at 3.99% per month from the date of withdrawal.
Seventh, the Rent Payment Convenience Fee is 1% of the transaction amount. If you try to pay a monthly house rent of Rs. 20,000 using this card, the bank will add a Rs. 200 fee, plus GST, to your statement. Given that rent earns zero rewards, this is a net loss.
Eighth, regarding the Railway Surcharge, a 1% surcharge is applied to transactions made for booking railway tickets via IRCTC. While the card offers a surcharge waiver up to Rs. 500 a year, this base fee still applies during booking.
Ninth, the Cash Payment Fee is Rs. 100 plus applicable GST. If you walk into a YES BANK branch (as per the provided data rules) to pay your credit card bill of Rs. 1,000 or more in physical cash, you will be charged this Rs. 100 penalty. Always pay online to avoid this.
Tenth, a Cheque Payment Fee of Rs. 450 per instance applies if your cheque bounces or your auto-debit fails. If your bank account lacks funds when the auto-debit triggers, you face a 2% fee or Rs. 450 (whichever is higher), up to Rs. 1,500 per statement.
Eleventh, the Reward Redemption Fee is Not Applicable. When you finally decide to cash out your hard-earned points, the bank charges zero processing fees, ensuring you retain the exact Rs. 0.25 value per point.
| Fee Type | Amount / Rate |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 1,500 |
| Annual Fee | Rs. 1,500 (Waived on Rs. 1.5L spend) |
| Interest Rate (APR) | 3.99% monthly (47.88% annually) |
| Late Payment Fee | Rs. 0 (up to Rs. 500) | Rs. 1,350 (Above Rs. 501) |
| Forex Markup | 3.5% |
| Rent Payment Fee | 1% |
| Railway Booking Surcharge | 1% via IRCTC |
| Cash Payment Fee | Rs. 100 + GST at YES BANK branches |
| Cheque Return Fee | Rs. 450 per instance |
| Reward Redemption Fee | Nil |
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the joining fees for this card?
The one-time joining fee is Rs. 1,500 plus GST, billed to your first statement.
What is the annual or renewal fee?
The recurring annual fee is Rs. 1,500 plus GST from the second year onwards.
Is there an annual fee waiver based on spending?
Yes, spending Rs. 1.5 lakh or more in a year completely waives the Rs. 1,500 annual fee.
How can I get this card lifetime free?
The bank offers lifetime free variants to corporate employees of select organizations or during limited-time festive campaigns.
What is the interest rate (APR) if I don't pay my full balance?
The interest rate is a very steep 3.99% per month, equating to 47.88% annually on unpaid balances.
How is the interest calculated on outstanding balances?
If you fail to pay the total due by the deadline, interest is charged daily from the date of the transaction. For example, a Rs. 10,000 unpaid balance accrues Rs. 399 in a month.
What are the late payment charges?
If your outstanding balance is over Rs. 500, a flat late payment fine of Rs. 1,350 is applied immediately upon missing the due date.
Is the late payment fee different based on outstanding amount?
Yes. Balances from Rs. 0 to Rs. 500 attract zero late fees. Balances of Rs. 501 and above attract the full Rs. 1,350 penalty.
What is the forex markup for international transactions?
A 3.5% markup is applied. Spending Rs. 1,00,000 on an international website will cost you an extra Rs. 3,500 in fees.
Can I withdraw cash using my credit card?
You can withdraw cash up to your assigned cash limit, but it attracts a transaction fee of 2% (min. Rs. 300) and immediate interest of 3.99% monthly.
Are there fees for paying rent with this card?
Yes, the bank charges a 1% convenience fee on all rent payments made via the credit card.
Is there a fee for paying my bill in cash?
Yes, depositing physical cash to clear a bill of Rs. 1,000 or more at a YES BANK branch incurs a Rs. 100 fee.
What are the charges for cheque payment of bills?
If your cheque bounces or an auto-debit fails, you face a hefty Rs. 450 fee per instance.
Are there charges for railway ticket bookings?
Yes, IRCTC transactions attract a 1% surcharge. The card offsets this with a waiver up to Rs. 500 per year.
Is there a fee to redeem my reward points?
No, there is absolutely no fee charged when you decide to redeem your Zen points for cash or vouchers.
Who Should Get This Card?
If you are someone who easily spends Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 a month on your credit card, primarily on shopping, dining, and lifestyle, this card is for you. The Rs. 1.5 lakh annual fee waiver is a breeze for you, and you will effortlessly hit the Rs. 3 lakh or Rs. 6 lakh milestones to unlock up to Rs. 7,500 in bonus value. You will also love the 3 international lounge access passes for your yearly overseas trip.
However, you should NOT get this card if your primary expenses are utilities, rent, and fuel. Because the bank strictly excludes these from earning points, you will pay a Rs. 1,500 fee for a card that gives you zero return on your biggest monthly bills. Likewise, if you rarely fly, the premium lounge perks are wasted on you.
Credit Limit and What to Expect
Your credit limit is determined heavily by your income and your credit score. Since the card requires a solid 720 CRIF score and a minimum monthly salary of Rs. 40,000, successful applicants generally receive a generous starting limit. This limit allows you to comfortably hit the Rs. 1.5 lakh annual fee waiver target without maxing out your card every month.
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Commonly Asked Questions
What initial credit limit can I expect?
The starting credit limit for the Zen Signature card ranges from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 based on your income level and credit history.
Will my limit increase if I hit the milestone spends?
Consistently spending Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh annually and paying bills on time signals strong financial health, often leading the bank to offer limit upgrades.
Can I request a limit increase immediately after getting the card?
Usually, banks require you to use the card responsibly for 6 to 12 months before considering a manual limit enhancement request.
Does the 6,500 point cap change if my credit limit increases?
No, the reward cap of 6,500 Zen points per billing cycle remains exactly the same regardless of how high your credit limit goes.
What happens if I spend more than my credit limit?
Over-limit transactions are declined or, if approved, attract a penalty fee of 2.5% of the over-limit amount, subject to a minimum of Rs. 500.
Does a high credit limit affect my credit score?
A high limit lowers your credit utilization ratio if your spending remains normal. A low utilization ratio is excellent for maintaining or improving your 720+ credit score.
Can I set a maximum spend limit on my card?
Yes, through the bank's mobile app or net banking, you can easily set daily or monthly transaction limits for security purposes.
How to Apply?
Getting your hands on the Kotak Zen Signature Credit Card is a straightforward digital process. You can start the application on the bank's official website or through authorized financial portals. You will need to fill in your personal, professional, and income details. Ensure that your declared income matches the Rs. 4,80,000 (salaried) or Rs. 5,00,000 (self-employed) minimum criteria.
Once you submit the form, the most crucial step is the Video KYC (Know Your Customer). Keep your original PAN card and a blank paper with a pen handy. The bank representative will verify your identity over a quick video call. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and good lighting to prevent the application from being delayed or rejected.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Where can I apply for this credit card?
You can apply directly online through the bank's official website or by visiting a physical branch.
What is Video KYC and is it mandatory?
Video KYC is a mandatory digital verification process where a bank agent confirms your identity over a video call, eliminating the need for physical paperwork.
What do I need for a successful Video KYC call?
You need a stable internet connection, good lighting, your original physical PAN card, and a piece of paper with a pen for your live signature.
Can I apply for this card online?
Yes, the entire application process, from filling out details to completing KYC, can be done 100% online.
How long does the approval process take?
If your Video KYC is successful and your credit score is above 720, approval is processed within 7 to 10 working days.
What happens if my Video KYC fails?
If the video verification drops or fails due to bad internet, the bank will schedule a physical KYC visit at your registered address.
How can I track my application status?
You will receive an application reference number via SMS. You can use this number on the bank's tracking portal to check your live status.
That’s the full story of this credit card
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Top Benefits
Top Benefits
Earn 10 Zen Points for Every ₹150 Spent
on shopping categories including capped at 6,500 points per billing cycle
Get 3 Complimentary International Lounge
Access visits per calendar year for the primary cardholder
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