Kotak Air+ Credit Card
Financial Expert Advice
Choose Your First (or Next) Credit Card Wisely
"Limit yourself to holding two credit cards A/C—one for daily expenses and auto-debits, and another reserved for emergencies.
Avoid chasing cashback, miles, rewards or Investments, as this can distract from sound financial management;
and lead to unnecessary debt. Focus on stability & discipline."
Kotak Air+ Credit Card Review
Introduction
The Kotak Air+ Credit Card is Kotak's dedicated travel rewards card, designed for frequent flyers and travelers who want to earn Air Miles on every purchase. With accelerated rewards on travel bookings through Kotak Unbox, transfer partnerships with major airlines and hotels, and complimentary lounge access, this card aims to make travel more rewarding and comfortable for those who prioritize experiences over material rewards.
Key Features and Benefits
Welcome Benefit
Earn 2,500 Air Miles as a welcome bonus, credited within 120 days of card issuance upon payment of joining fee.
Milestone Benefit
No specific annual milestone bonuses; instead, the card offers consistent accelerated earning on travel spends and renewal benefits.
Reward Structure
5 Air Miles per ₹100 spent on flight & hotel bookings via Kotak Unbox platform
2 Air Miles per ₹100 spent on all other eligible purchases
Monthly Cap: Accelerated earning (5 Air Miles) is capped at 15,000 Air Miles per statement cycle
Validity: Air Miles are valid for 3 years from accrual date
Value: 1 Air Mile = ₹1 when redeemed via Kotak Unbox for travel bookings
Transfer Partners
- Airlines:Transfer 1,000 Air Miles to partner airlines (Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, United Airlines) at a 2:1 ratio—meaning 1,000 Air Miles = 500 partner miles.
Hotels:
Accor: 2:1 ratio (1,000 Air Miles = 500 Accor points)
Marriott: 3:1 ratio (1,000 Air Miles = 333 Marriott points)
Minimum transfer requirement: 1,000 Air Miles per transaction.
Forex Savings
- Enjoy low foreign currency mark-up of 2% on International transactions.
Lounge Access
International: 2 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year (primary cardholder only)
Domestic: 4 complimentary DreamFolks lounge visits per year (primary cardholder only)
Note: Lounge access benefit applies only to primary cardholder; add-on cardholders are not eligible
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
- 1% waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400–₹7,500.
- Maximum waiver: ₹4,500 per anniversary year.
Fees and Charges
| Fee Type | Amount / Remarks |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Annual Fee Waiver | Not applicable |
| Add-on Card Fee | Waived |
| Interest Charges | 3.5% per month (42% per annum) |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% of advance amount (min. ₹500) |
| Foreign Currency Markup | 2% |
| Late Payment Charges | Standard Kotak schedule |
Struggling to keep up with mounting credit card bills?
Card Essential
| Type | Reward Miles |
| Welcome Benefits | 2,500 Air Miles on joining *. |
| Annual Fee | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Reward Structure | Rewards Miles On SPENDS |
| Renewal Benefit | Not applicable |
Rewards and Benefits Analysis
The Kotak Air+ Credit Card is best suited for travelers who frequently book through Kotak Unbox and value Air Miles over cashback. Its competitive 2% forex markup and partnership with major airlines make it attractive for international travelers. However, the lack of rewards on international transactions and no lounge access for add-on cardholders may limit its appeal for families or couples traveling together.
Practical Considerations
Best for:
Frequent travelers who book via Kotak Unbox platform
Solo travelers who value lounge access and Air Miles
Users comfortable with transfer partners and redemption ratios
Redemption Options
Direct redemption via Kotak Unbox (1:1 ratio)
Transfer to airline/hotel partners (2:1 or 3:1 ratios)
Ideal User Profile
- Travelers who prioritize Air Miles over cashback
- Users who book travel frequently through digital platforms
- Solo travelers (since add-on cards don't get lounge benefits)
Final Thoughts
Additional Tips for Applicants
- Maximize value by booking all travel through Kotak Unbox for 1:1 redemption
- Use for international spends to benefit from low 2% forex markup (despite no Air Miles on foreign transactions)
- Track Air Miles expiry—valid for 3 years from earning
- Consider transfer ratios carefully; direct redemption often offers better value
- Plan lounge visits strategically as benefits reset annually
This review provides a comprehensive, practical analysis to help readers evaluate whether the Kotak Air+ Credit Card aligns with their
travel habits and financial goals.
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