Synopsis: This article will compare SBM ZET and Kiwi UPI cards to assist you in determining which one is superior to use in 2026. The SBM ZET card is an FD-backed secure card that emphasizes cashback and building credit, whereas the Kiwi UPI is a lifetime free digital card.
The UPI credit cards are revolutionizing the digital payment landscape in India through a combination of credit features along with QR-enabled transactions. For instance, the SBM ZET Credit Card is an FD-backed and secured card that is specifically designed to build credit and earn cashbacks. On the other hand, the Kiwi Credit Card is a virtual card that is free of cost throughout its life.
SBM ZET Credit Card
FD Requirement: The minimum FD starts from around ₹2,000 and is a FD-backed secured credit card
- Flat 2% cashback on ZET UPI payments
- Flat 5% cashback on Amazon & Flipkart vouchers
- Up to 15% cashback on 80+ brand vouchers (Nykaa, Domino’s, etc.)
- Up to 20% off on partner platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Instamart, BookMyShow, etc. (max discount ₹100, once per month per partner)
- Cashback can be converted to cash and transferred to bank account
- FD earns up to 7% annual interest
- 90% of FD amount as credit limit
- Up to 45 days interest-free credit period
Kiwi Credit Card
- Joining Fee/Annual Fee: ₹0 (lifetime free)
- 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
Head-to-head Comparison
Total Monthly Savings on ₹10,000 Monthly Spend
Note: Illustrative calculation; actual savings may vary based on offers, caps, and usage patterns.
Which Card is Best for You?
- If you are looking for a secured FD-backed credit card that offers high cashback, then SBM ZET Credit Card is the one for you as long as you are willing to lock funds in FD.
- The Kiwi Credit Card can be a good option for you, as it offers a zero lifetime fee on the credit card without any FD requirement, and you enjoy a completely digitized UPI-first approach with lifestyle rewards.
Final Thought
Neither of the two cards is a clear winner. The decision of which one is better comes down to your preference for either a secured cashback option or free digital convenience (Kiwi).
Written By Ameet S
