Yes Bank Reserv Credit Card: A Comprehensive Review
Yes Bank has made significant changes to its credit card offerings with the introducYes Bank Reserv Credit Card.This revamped version of the previous Yes First Exclusive Credit Card features an updated design, enhanced rewards structure, and new benefits.
Overview
| Type | Premium Credit Card |
| Reward Rate | 1.5% – 3% |
| Annual Fee | 1,999 INR + GST |
| Best For | Online Spends |
| USP | Redemption without 70% restriction |
This card appeals to those who frequently make online purchases, offering up to a 3% reward rate on such transactions.For a detailed review on cashback cards, check out the SBI Cashback Credit Card Review.
Joining and Renewal Fees
The Yes Bank Reserv Credit Card comes with a joining fee of 1,999 INR + GST. This can be reversed by spending 40,000 INR within the first 30 days. The renewal fee is also set at 1,999 INR + GST, but a waiver is available upon spending over 3 Lakhs in a year, making it effectively a Lifetime Free (LTF) card for heavy spenders.Learn more about Lifetime Free credit cards like the IDFC First WOW Credit Card.
| Joining Fee | 1,999 INR + GST |
| Joining Fee Reversal | Spend 40,000 INR within 30 days |
| Welcome Benefit | Nil |
| Renewal Fee | 1,999 INR + GST |
| Renewal Fee Waiver | On spending > 3 Lakhs |
| Renewal Benefit | 8,000 Reward Points (if renewal fee is paid) |
Design
The card’s design is modern yet somewhat unconventional. The bold YB logo and a strikingly large “RESERV” word grab attention, but the overall aesthetic remains decent and functional.For more premium card designs, you may want to compare with cards like the ICICI Emeralde Credit Card.
Rewards and Redemption
The card offers varying reward rates based on the type of spend:
- Online Shopping Spends: 3%
- Offline Shopping Spends: 1.5%
- Select Categories: 0.75%
Select categories include rental payments, wallet loading, utility bill payments, insurance, education, and government payments. The maximum cap for online spends is 36,000 points per statement cycle, after which the rate is reduced to the offline reward rate.For comparison, see the Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card Review for similar rewards structures.
Reward Subscription Plan
Yes Bank offers a reward subscription plan, albeit with mixed reviews. It allows users to multiply their reward points by up to 5X on certain categories but comes with a price.
| Plan | Benefit | Max Points | Fee |
| 3X Rewards | 3X on all spends | 75,000 / Stmt Cycle | 3,500 INR + GST |
| 5X Rewards | 5X on Travel, Dining, Fashion, Healthcare | 75,000 / Stmt Cycle | 5,000 INR + GST |
This plan can appear lucrative but may not always deliver the perceived value, similar to some benefits seen in cards like the Axis Magnus Card.
Airport Lounge Access
Cardholders enjoy domestic and international lounge access using Visa or Mastercard. Domestic lounge access is limited to three visits per quarter, and international access is capped at six visits annually for the primary cardholder.If you’re a frequent traveler, the HDFC Bank Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card offers more expansive lounge access and travel benefits.
Other Benefits
- Forex Markup Fee: 1.75%
- Purchase protection: Insurance cover of up to INR 50,000 against accidental damage for 6 months for mobile and electronic purchases.
- Golf Benefits: Up to 4 games per year and one lesson per month.
Conclusion
For those with a penchant for online shopping, the Yes Bank Reserv Credit Card offers robust rewards and convenient redemption options. However, its benefits and features are subject to change, especially in light of past uncertainties with Yes Bank. Consider the card if it aligns with your spending habits, but stay flexible in case adjustments are needed.
If you’re interested in comparing this card to others, check out our review of the RBL Bank Icon Credit Card for a card that balances rewards and features for diverse spending patterns.
Have you used the Yes Bank Reserv Credit Card? Share your experience in the comments below.
