Synopsis– The premium banking program of Kotak Mahindra Bank- the Solitaire, offers you an invite only credit card, that can bring you almost all the benefits that come along with travel shopping, and even on some regular lifestyle purchases as well. The Solitaire credit card is a premium card that focuses mainly on collecting air miles and other similar travel oriented services.
Kotak Mahindra Bank has introduced the Solitaire Credit Card, an invite-only card, and is part of Kotak’s newly launched Solitaire banking programme. This lifestyle credit card is designed specifically for those who are avid travel shoppers and lifestyle rewards enthusiasts. And is loaded with benefits such as a high rewards rate, free lounge access at airports, among other fee waiver benefits, making it one of the best products in the travel and lifestyle credit card space. This article will give you an in-depth analysis of the features, advantages, and eligibility parameters of the just-launched Kotak Solitaire Credit Card.
Solitaire Banking Program
- The premium looking metal finish Solitaire Credit Card comes along with the Solitaire Banking Program offers, which include exclusive privileges, expert access to investment tools in order to grow your wealth, and other personalised services.
- This program makes sure every service and experience provided by or via the bank is tailored to your needs, so you can focus on what truly matters.
- The Solitaire Program focuses on the following-
- Wealth Management Service
- Quick Loan Solution
- Financial Flexibility
- Plus, the invite-only Kotak Solitaire Credit Card feature.
Rewarding Rewards Program
- The Solitaire card features an Air Miles program, where cardholders earn 10 Air Miles for every ₹100 spent on flights and hotel bookings through the Kotak Unbox platform and 3 Air Miles for every ₹100 spent on other purchases (with certain exclusions like fuel, rent, utility, etc.).
- Air Miles are valid for three years and can be redeemed for travel bookings on Kotak Unbox (up to 80% of booking value), converted to partner airline/hotel loyalty programs, or for gift vouchers/merchandise
- Limit: Earn up to 1,00,000 Air Miles per statement cycle for travel expenses; any amount beyond that earns at the base rate
- Free Lounge Access: The Solitaire Credit Card will offer you unlimited complimentary domestic as well as international airport lounge access for both the primary and the add-on cardholders. Additionally, it provides four complimentary guest lounge visits per year (two domestic and two international)
Premium Benefits
- Luxury Stays: 50% off the second night and complimentary third night on booking two consecutive nights at select luxury properties (ITC Hotels, Elivaas Villas, Alaya Stays).
- Fuel Surcharges Waivers: 1% fuel charge waiver, which can get you to save up to ₹10,000 annually with the fuel surcharge waiver facility:
- Eligible for transactions between ₹400 – ₹7,500
- Maximum waiver limit: ₹10,000 per year (only for the anniversary year)
- This facility is particularly useful for regular commuters or regular car users.
Smart Control through Kotak App
- Kotak Mahindra Bank provides additional control functionalities through its mobile banking application
- Set individualized spend limits on the card
- View your expenditure in real time
- Instantly block or unblock the card
- Request add cards with complete management tools
- Such facilities help cardholders retain complete control over their credit utilization, making financial planning more efficient and secure.
| Feature | Details |
| Card Type | Travel Shopping & Lifestyle |
| Target Audience | Frequent Travel and Lifestyle shoppers |
| Joining Fee | 0 |
| Annual Fee | 0 (₹25,000 will be charged if downgraded from Kotak Solitaire Program) |
| Add-on Card Fee | Free lifetime add-on card |
| Lounge Access | Unlimited longue access |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Up to Rs. 10,000 annually (on transactions between Rs. 400 – Rs. 7,500) |
| Interest-Free Period | Starts from the date of the cash withdrawal and ends at the payment due date of that particular billing cycle. |
| Add-on Benefits | Spend tracking, blocking/unblocking, and spend limit control via Kotak App |
| Interest Charges | 3.5% per month (42% annualised) |
| Replacement/Over-limit Charges | Nil |
| Late Payment Charges | ₹100–₹1,200 (amount slab dependent) |
Also read: Top 4 Credit Cards for Individuals Earning ₹50K–₹1 Lakh a Month; Do You Own One?
Fee Structure and Waivers
| Type | Fee |
| Joining Fee | 0 |
| Annual Fee | 0 (₹25,000 will be charged if downgraded from Kotak Solitaire Program) |
| Add-on Card Fee | Free for life |
Eligibility and Application
- The Solitaire Credit Card is specifically designed for frequent shoppers.
- The application requires that the applicants fulfill the income and credit score as stipulated by Kotak Mahindra Bank, to receive the invitation to join the program
Final Thoughts
The Kotak Solitaire Credit Card is designed for those individuals who travel regularly and shop for lifestyle items, with its high reward points and lounge access free of charge. It is perfect for individuals who wish to earn as they spend. The reward scheme promotes consistent usage, while the fee waiver limits are affordable for most customers. This card is a great choice for individuals who desire a lifestyle and travel card that offers maximum rewards, flexibility, and savings.
Written by Adithya Menon
