PNB Kiwi Credit Card
The PNB Kiwi Credit Card is a lifetime free credit card launched by Kiwi in partnership with Punjab National Bank (PNB). The card is a good option for people who want to use a credit card without paying any joining or annual fee. It offers 1.5% cashback on eligible UPI Scan & Pay transactions and 0.5% cashback on online purchases. The card is available in both physical and virtual formats, so users can choose the version that suits them best.
If you regularly make UPI payments, the PNB Kiwi Credit Card can help you earn extra rewards on your daily spending. Users can also upgrade to the Kiwi Neon Membership for ₹999 + GST per year. With this membership, you can get up to 5% cashback on annual spending of ₹1.5 lakh, earn instant 2% cashback on eligible Scan & Pay transactions, and enjoy 3 free airport lounge visits every year. These benefits make the card a useful choice for users looking for cashback and travel perks along with their UPI payments.
Rewards and Benefits
Fees & Charges
What should you consider before applying for a credit card in India?
Key Considerations Before Applying for a Credit Card in India:
- Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include age, income, credit score, and employment status as defined by the issuing bank or financial institution.
- Credit Score: A strong credit score can significantly improve your chances of approval and result in more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates or higher credit limits. Verify that your credit score is healthy before applying.
- Interest Rates and Fees: Compare the annual percentage rates (APR), processing fees, late payment penalties, and foreign transaction charges associated with various cards. These costs can vary widely and impact the overall value of the card.
- Rewards and Benefits: Evaluate the rewards, cashback, discounts, or other perks offered by the card to ensure they align with your spending patterns. Some cards may provide better benefits in specific categories, such as travel, shopping, or dining.
- Credit Limit: Review the credit limit offered by the card to ensure it meets your financial needs. Avoid applying for cards with excessive limits if you are concerned about managing debt, as this can lead to higher interest charges.
- Repayment Terms: Understand the repayment structure, including the minimum payment amount, payment due dates, and any associated penalties. Being clear about these terms can help you manage payments effectively and avoid interest buildup.
- Card Type and Features: Choose a card type that matches your specific needs—whether standard, premium, or specialized cards like those offering travel rewards or dining privileges. Ensure the features of the card align with your lifestyle and spending habits.
- Bank’s Reputation: Opt for a financial institution with a proven reputation for customer service and transparency. Consider researching customer reviews and assessing their support channels to ensure reliable service.
- Hidden Charges: Be aware of any hidden fees, including annual fees, balance transfer charges, foreign transaction fees, or cash withdrawal charges. These can add up over time and affect the overall cost-effectiveness of the card.
- Credit Utilization: Maintain a balance within your credit limit to avoid high credit utilization ratios, which can negatively impact your credit score. Responsible use of credit is essential for maintaining financial health.
- Long-Term Financial Plans: Consider how the credit card fits into your overall financial strategy. Avoid accumulating unnecessary debt and choose a card that supports your long-term financial goals without adding financial strain.
PNB Kiwi Credit Card Features and Benefits: Is It Worth Getting?
The PNB Kiwi Credit Card is a lifetime free credit card launched by Punjab National Bank (PNB) in partnership with Kiwi. The card is specially designed for people who frequently use UPI for daily payments. Whether you pay for groceries, food delivery, shopping, or utility bills through UPI, this card allows you to earn cashback on your transactions.
Unlike many credit cards that charge joining or annual fees, the PNB Kiwi Credit Card comes with no such charges. This makes it a good option for first-time credit card users and those looking for a simple card that offers rewards on everyday spending.
Why is the PNB Kiwi Credit Card Popular?
UPI has become the preferred payment method for millions of Indians. Most people now use apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm for daily transactions. The PNB Kiwi Credit Card takes advantage of this growing trend by rewarding users for their UPI payments.
If you regularly make payments by scanning QR codes at local stores, restaurants, supermarkets, or medical shops, this card can help you earn cashback without changing your spending habits.
Cashback Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Reward |
|---|---|
| UPI Scan & Pay Transactions | 1.5% Cashback |
| Online Transactions | 0.5% Cashback |
| Joining Fee | Nil |
| Annual Fee | Nil |
| Neon Membership Fee | ₹999 + GST |
| Neon UPI Cashback | 2% Cashback |
| Lounge Access with Neon | 3 Visits Per Year |
Earn 1.5% Cashback on UPI Payments
The biggest attraction of the PNB Kiwi Credit Card is its 1.5% cashback on eligible UPI Scan & Pay transactions. Every time you make a payment through UPI using the card, you earn rewards in the form of Kiwi Points.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind. Rewards are calculated in multiples of ₹100. For example, if you spend ₹100, you will receive rewards on the full amount. But if you spend ₹145, rewards will still be calculated only on ₹100. The remaining ₹45 will not earn cashback.
Even with this limitation, the card remains attractive for users who make multiple UPI payments every month.
Cashback on Online Shopping
The card also rewards online spending. Whenever you shop online or make eligible digital transactions, you can earn 0.5% cashback in the form of Kiwi Points.
While the cashback rate is lower than UPI transactions, it still helps users save money on their regular online purchases.
Real-Life Example: How Much Can You Earn?
Let's assume you spend around ₹15,000 every month through UPI payments.
At a cashback rate of 1.5%, your yearly spending of ₹1.8 lakh can generate rewards worth approximately ₹2,700.
If you also make online purchases and use the card regularly, your total savings can become even higher over the course of a year.
This makes the card a practical option for users who already rely heavily on UPI payments.
Want More Rewards? Try Kiwi Neon Membership
For users looking to maximize their benefits, Kiwi offers an optional Neon Membership for ₹999 + GST per year.
The membership provides enhanced rewards and additional lifestyle benefits. One of the biggest advantages is earning up to 5% cashback on annual spending of ₹1.5 lakh. Depending on your spending habits, the membership can provide significant value.
Neon members also receive 2% cashback on eligible UPI transactions, which is higher than the standard reward rate offered by the card.
Travel Benefits for Frequent Flyers
Although the base PNB Kiwi Credit Card focuses mainly on cashback, Neon Membership adds a travel benefit that many users appreciate.
Members receive 3 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every year. If you travel occasionally for work or vacations, these lounge visits can make your airport experience more comfortable by providing access to seating, refreshments, and a quieter environment before your flight.
Things to Know Before Applying
Like most cashback credit cards, certain merchant categories are excluded from earning rewards. Transactions related to government services, utilities, professional services, transportation, and some other categories may not qualify for cashback.
Therefore, users should focus primarily on eligible UPI and online transactions to maximize rewards.
PNB Kiwi Credit Card Review
The PNB Kiwi Credit Card is a good choice for users who frequently make UPI payments and want a lifetime free credit card. With 1.5% cashback on Scan & Pay transactions and 0.5% cashback on online spending, the card provides decent rewards on everyday expenses.
Its biggest advantage is the zero joining fee and zero annual fee structure, making it suitable for beginners and budget-conscious users. Those looking for additional rewards and travel benefits can also consider upgrading to the Kiwi Neon Membership.
Overall, if UPI payments are a major part of your daily spending, the PNB Kiwi Credit Card can help you earn rewards while keeping your card costs at zero.
Is the PNB Kiwi Credit Card free for life?
Yes, this is a lifetime free credit card with no joining fee and no annual fee.
Can I use the PNB Kiwi Credit Card for UPI payments?
Yes, the card is designed for UPI payments and can be linked to supported UPI apps for Scan & Pay transactions.
How much cashback can I earn with this card?
You can earn 1.5% cashback on eligible UPI Scan & Pay transactions and 0.5% cashback on eligible online purchases.
Does the card offer airport lounge access?
The base card does not provide lounge access. However, Kiwi Neon Membership includes 3 complimentary airport lounge visits every year.
What is Kiwi Neon Membership?
Kiwi Neon is an optional membership available for ₹999 + GST per year. It offers extra benefits such as higher cashback rates and airport lounge access.
Can I earn higher rewards with Kiwi Neon Membership?
Yes, Neon members can get up to 5% cashback on annual spending milestones and 2% cashback on eligible UPI transactions.
Does the card offer any fuel benefits?
Yes, the card comes with a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on eligible fuel purchases.
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