1. Discovering the Kiwi Credit Card

Introducing the Kiwi Credit Card — a virtual RuPay credit card seamlessly built into the Kiwi app. What sets it apart? It links directly to UPI, letting you use credit for everyday scan-and-pay transactions—something previously only possible with debit. Launched in 2023 through a partnership with Axis Bank (with Yes Bank later onboarded), Kiwi caters to digitally savvy consumers who look for fast, clear, and rewarding payment experiences.

2. Behind the Brand

Founded by fintech veterans—like Siddharth Mehta (ex-Freecharge CEO), Mohit Bedi (ex-Axis Bank & PayU), and Anup Agrawal (ex-LazyPay)—Kiwi aims to democratize credit in everyday settings. The mission: not just more accessible credit, but smarter credit—delivered via a sleek digital-first interface.

3. Instant Virtual Card & Zero Fees

Quick Setup: Complete e‑KYC in the app and receive your virtual RuPay credit card immediately. No need for a plastic card unless you really want one.
Zero Annual Fees: The Kiwi card has no joining or yearly charges—it’s entirely free for life.

4. Why UPI-Credit Integration Is a Game Changer

Kiwi revolutionizes how credit cards can be used:

Scan-and-pay via UPI: Once linked, your Kiwi card can be used for QR-enabled payments at stores, street vendors, and apps that support UPI.
Online compatibility: You can use the virtual card for e-commerce, bill payments, and any online purchase that accepts RuPay.
Instant selection: Pick and switch between UPI and virtual card options in-app with a few taps.

5. Earning Cashback — Base and Beyond

Basic Rewards (No Subscription)

1% cashback on all UPI-based purchasing (roughly 2 Kiwis per ₹100 spent).
Rewards are credited instantly into your bank account.
You’ll earn cashback until a monthly cap is reached—either ₹500 or 1% of your credit limit, whichever is less.

Boosted Rewards with “Neon” Subscription

For ₹999/year, Neon unlocks tiered cashback:
- 3% on the first ₹50,000 annual spend
- 4% next ₹50,000
- 5% beyond ₹150,000 total annual spend
Plus, earn 3 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits (one after each ₹50K milestone).
Considering the potential ₹7,500+ cashback for ₹150K spend, the subscription pays for itself.

6. Redemption & Payout Simplicity

Each reward point (Kiwi) equals ₹0.25. Earnings are instantly transferred to your bank account—no juggling points, no awkward conversions, no waiting.

7. Account Management & Control

Through the Kiwi app, you can:

Activate, freeze, or unfreeze your card instantly.
Review recent statements and check UPI-linked transactions.
Raise queries or raise issues directly—newer versions include built-in complaint mechanisms.
Create a personalized UPI ID tied to the credit card for seamless transactions.

8. Who’s Eligible & How to Get Started

Eligibility Requirements:

Indian residents aged 18+ (typically 21+, depending on internal policies).
Preferably a CIBIL score of 700 or higher.
Need to complete Aadhaar + PAN e‑KYC; stable income or good credit may be required.

Onboarding Steps:

Install the Kiwi app (Android/iOS).
Register your mobile, set up UPI.
Complete Aadhaar & PAN verification.
Get instantly approved for a virtual card.
Optionally purchase Neon within the app and enjoy its perks.

9. Drawbacks & Limitations

Only virtual: No physical swipe option—meaning small shop payments that don’t support QR may require alternatives.
Limited reward categories: Government payments, fuel, rent, insurance, utilities, and telecom bills don’t earn cashbacks.
Cashback caps can hit users with high credit limits fast.
Neon fee doesn’t benefit occasional spenders — ROI depends on crossing ₹150K yearly.
Customer care has earned mixed reviews: some users report delays via chat and email, though Kiwi is actively improving its support infrastructure.

10. Kiwi in Context: Compared to Alternatives

Axis Kwik RuPay: Also offers free UPI credit with 1–2% rewards, but benefits redeem more slowly and less flexibly.
Amazon Pay ICICI: Offers high cashback (5%) for Amazon purchases, but negligible rewards elsewhere and only redeemable as wallet credit.
Jupiter Edge RuPay: Limited to 2% cashback in selected categories (groceries, entertainment, dining), delivered as in-app Jewels.

Kiwi’s distinct advantages:

Instant cashback
UPI-powered credit usage
Transparent tier system & easy payout
Extra lounge access for modest travelers

11. Best Fits — and When to Skip Kiwi

Ideal For:

Frequent QR-based or app-based transactions using UPI.
Travelers who can benefit from complimentary lounges.
Those wanting real money back quickly—not points or vouchers.
Users comfortable with app-driven financial tools.

Not Ideal For:

Regular spenders on utilities, rent, or fuel.
People who often shop where QR isn’t accepted.
Light users not hitting Neon thresholds.
Customers who want immediate, human-supported chat or phone service.

12. Real Feedback & User Experience

Some users have shared feedback such as:

“Customer Service is pathetic… you cannot reach them on call… Kiwi Chat available is just useless…”
But Kiwi’s recent app updates, including v6.7.3, have added a formal complaint workflow, showing responsiveness to feedback.

13. What’s Next for Kiwi

Kiwi aims to scale rapidly, targeting over 1 million users as UPI-backed credit becomes mainstream.
Partnerships with lending banks and evolving regulatory support (like RBI’s guidelines) set the stage for expansion.
Continued competition in the digital credit space means Kiwi will need to enhance features, user experience, and support to stay ahead.

14. Tips to Maximize Kiwi

Activate Neon quickly and meet ₹150K spend early in the year.
Track reward-earning categories—focus on UPI-friendly payments at small merchants, food delivery apps, etc.
Use lounge visits strategically—east/west flights out of major Indian cities can add real value.
Keep app updated—new releases bring improved complaint handling, card controls, and UPI features.
Stay vigilant about monthly caps—especially if you have a high credit limit.

15. Final Takeaway

Kiwi Credit Card represents a smart, modern solution for the UPI-first generation. With its zero fees, instant cashback, and app-first mindset, it stands out among RuPay alternatives. Neon boosts make it even more compelling for high-frequency spenders—plus lounge access sweetens the deal. But it’s not universal: reward exclusions, no physical card option, and customer service hiccups may limit appeal for some.

If you’re digitally native, use UPI often, and want fast money back plus occasional travel perks—Kiwi should definitely be on your shortlist.

Read More: -

Tips and tricks for quickly paying off student loans
5 key questions Disney CEO Bob Iger will face in 2024
How to Open Money Market Account
Amex Gold Vs Amex Platinum
What is Money Market
Top 7 Effective Tips To Boost Your Willpower

B

A

Kiwi Credit Card Review & Apply Now | Raghukulholidays