Synopsis: This article compares the Kiwi Card and the IndusInd Tiger Card and explains how using them together can help maximize cashback on daily UPI spends and unlock premium travel benefits.
Credit cards give the best kind of value when you use each one for the spending category it really rewards most. The Kiwi Credit Card stands apart because it gives UPI-based cashback on those daily expenses, while the IndusInd Tiger Credit Card brings more punch for travel and lifestyle perks. Combining both cards in a smart way, it can lead to a more well-rounded rewards setup with cashback, lounge entry, and travel benefits all, even without an annual charge.
1. Kiwi Credit Card (issued in partnership with YES BANK)
- Joining Fee/Annual Fee: ₹0 (lifetime free)
- Benefits:
- 1.5% cashback on UPI Scan & Pay transactions
- 0.5% cashback on online spends
- Up to 5% cashback through milestone-based rewards and Kiwi Neon membership benefits.
- Complimentary airport lounge access for eligible Kiwi Neon members (subject to terms and spending conditions).
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500 and
₹3,000 only. - Maximum surcharge waiver ₹125 per statement cycle
- 2 reward points per ₹200 on non-UPI spends
- 100% virtual credit card (no physical card issued)
- Forex charges: 2.75% on foreign transactions
- UPI transactions are allowed only for merchant payments (not peer-to-peer transfers)
- Works via UPI Scan & Pay using RuPay credit card
- Enables credit card payments on UPI (Scan & Pay / merchant payments)
- Requires Kiwi app for usage and rewards tracking
- Existing YES BANK credit card holders may not be eligible for this card
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
2. IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card
- Joining Fee/Annual Fee: ₹0 (lifetime free)
- Benefits
- Earn up to 6 reward points per ₹100 spent (tiered based on annual spending).
- Reward points redeemable at ₹0.40 per point for cash, vouchers, or travel
- Domestic Airport Lounge Access: 8 visits/year
- International Lounge Access: 2 visits/year via Priority Pass
- Complimentary Golf: 4 rounds or lessons annually
- Complimentary movie ticket benefit via BookMyShow every 6 months (up to ₹500).
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and
₹4,000 only. - Concierge & roadside assistance (varies by offer)
- Discounted forex fee: 1.5% on international transactions
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
Head-to-Head comparison
₹50,000 Spending Example (Kiwi + IndusInd Tiger Card)
Note: Actual returns may vary depending on reward redemption method, merchant eligibility, and spending patterns.
Who Should Use This Combo?
- Users who spend heavily via UPI and want consistent cashback on daily transactions
- Frequent travellers looking for lounge access and premium travel benefits
- People who want to optimise rewards without paying any annual fee
- Beginners building a simple yet effective credit card strategy for maximum value
Best Way to Use Both Cards
Use the Kiwi Card for daily UPI payments like groceries, food, and shopping to keep earning cashback that stays reliable on usual spending. Along with that, take the IndusInd Tiger Card for flights, hotels, travel bookings, and those premium lifestyle costs to really maximise reward points, lounge access, and overall travel perks.
Final verdict
The Kiwi Credit Card is best for day-to-day UPI cashback and routine expenses, while the IndusInd Tiger Credit Card brings solid travel and lifestyle benefits via lounge entry, reward points, and premium perks. Used side by side, these two lifetime free cards can help people optimise their rewards across both daily expenses and trips, so you don’t really need to pay annual fees.
Written by Ameet S
