← Part of Kotak Credit Cards in India
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card is a premium rewards card in India, offering benefits primarily on travel, dining, and international spending. As of 2026, IT provides up to 8 complimentary airport lounge visits annually and a railway surcharge waiver of up to ₹500 per year.
This card targets high-net-worth individuals, with a minimum monthly income requirement of ₹2,00,000 for salaried applicants. Its features are designed to lifestyle privileges for residents of major Indian cities.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Premium Rewards Credit Card |
| Primary Target Segment | High-net-worth individuals in India seeking lifestyle and travel benefits |
| Applicant Age Range | 21 to 60 years |
| Supplementary Cardholder Age | At least 18 years |
| Residency Status | Resident of India (NRIs cannot apply for this variant) |
| Eligible Residence Locations | Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai |
| Minimum Salaried Income | ₹2,00,000 per month |
| Minimum Self-Employed ITR | > ₹24 Lakhs per annum |
| Joining Fee | ₹1,499 (some variants may offer zero joining fee) |
| Annual Fee | ₹999 |
| Annual Fee Waiver Condition | Waived if yearly spending exceeds ₹1 lakh |
| Interest on Carrying Balance | Up to 42% annually |
| Forex Markup Fee | 3.5% on international transactions |
| Reward Points (Special Categories) | 4 points per ₹150 spent on travel, dining, air tickets, international spending |
| Reward Points (Other Categories) | 2X rewards on all other spending categories |
| Reward Point Value | 1 Reward Point = ₹0.25 (when redeemed via Pay with Reward Points or catalogue) |
| Airport Lounge Access | 2 complimentary visits per quarter (up to 8 annually) to select Dream Folks Lounges in India |
| Railway Surcharge Waiver (IRCTC online) | 1.8% waiver for transactions on www.irctc.co.in |
| Railway Surcharge Waiver (Booking Counters) | 2.5% waiver for transactions at Indian Railways Booking Counters |
| Maximum Annual Railway Surcharge Waiver | ₹500 per anniversary year |
| Required Documents (Identity) | PAN Card, Aadhaar card, Driver’s License, Passport, Voter’s ID, OCI Card, PIO Card, NREGA Job card, UIDAI letters, other government-approved photo ID |
| Required Documents (Income) | Salary Slips, Income Tax Returns, Form 16, Bank Account Statement |
| Required Documents (Address) | Utility Bills (not older than 3 months), Property Registration Document |
| Minimum CIBIL Score | Typically 750+ for optimal approval and rates (as of 2026) |
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card is positioned as a full lifestyle tool, offering significant value through its reward structure and travel benefits for eligible Indian residents.
Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card in India: Types, Categories & Key Components Explained
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card offers distinct benefits for resident Indians, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and rewards. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card provides tailored features, including accelerated international reward points and secured options against fixed deposits.
| Type/Category | Details | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card (Resident Indian) | Rewards Card, Lifestyle & Travel Benefits | Earn 4 reward points per ₹150 spent on special categories like travel, dining, airlines, and international transactions. Each reward point is valued at ₹0.25. |
| Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card (Resident Indian) | Airport Lounge Access | Receive 2 complimentary visits per quarter to select Dream Folks Lounges in India. Up to 8 complimentary visits annually are available on spending ₹75,000 in the previous quarter. |
| Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card (Resident Indian) | Railway Surcharge Waiver | Save 1.8% on transactions at www.irctc.co.in and 2.5% at Indian Railways Booking Counters. A maximum waiver of ₹500 is allowed in a calendar year. |
| Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card (Resident Indian) | Annual Fee & Waiver | The annual fee is ₹999, which is waived if your yearly spending exceeds ₹1 lakh. The joining fee is ₹1,499. |
| Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card (Resident Indian) | Forex Markup Fee | A forex markup fee of 3.5% applies to international transactions, making IT less ideal for frequent overseas spending. |
| Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card (Resident Indian) | Eligibility Criteria | Applicants must be resident Indians aged 21-60 years, residing in specific cities (e.g., Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Mumbai). Salaried individuals need ₹2,00,000 p.m. Income; self-employed require ITR > ₹24 Lakhs p.a. |
| Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card | Designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRI) | This card offers customized features for NRIs, including accelerated reward points on international spending and lounge access. |
| Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card | Reward Points (NRI Card) | Earn 2 Reward Points for every ₹200 spent overseas and 1 reward point for transactions made in India. |
| Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card | Airport Lounge Access (NRI Card) | Cardholders receive 2 complimentary visits every quarter to select lounges within India. |
| Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card | Secured Credit Card Option | This card can be issued against an NRE/NRO Term Deposit account with a minimum investment of ₹1 lac. The credit limit may exceed 80% of the FD value. |
| Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card | Eligibility Criteria (NRI Card) | Applicants must be Non-Resident Indians aged 18-70 years with a valid Indian address. Add-on cardholders must be at least 18 years old. |
| Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card | Railway Surcharge Waiver (NRI Card) | A 1% surcharge waiver applies to online rail tickets on www.irctc.co.in and at Indian Railways Booking Counters, with a maximum waiver of ₹500 annually. |
Both Kotak Royale Signature Credit Cards cater to distinct customer segments, with the resident Indian version focusing on domestic lifestyle benefits and the NRI version providing specialized advantages for international spending and secured options.
Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card in India: Key Statistics & Data Points for 2026
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card offers 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits quarterly and a 3.5% forex markup fee. Its annual fee of ₹999 is waived on yearly spending exceeding ₹1 lakh, making IT suitable for high-spenders.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Applicant Age Range | 21 to 60 years | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Supplementary Cardholder Minimum Age | 18 years | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Resident Status | Resident of India | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Eligible Residence Locations | Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Minimum Monthly Income (Salaried) | ₹2,00,000 p.m. | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Minimum Annual ITR (Self-Employed) | > ₹24 Lakhs p.a. | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Joining Fee | ₹1,499 | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Annual Fee | ₹999 | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Annual Fee Waiver Condition | Yearly spending exceeds ₹1 lakh | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Forex Markup Fee | 3.5% | Paisabazaar (as of June 2026) |
| Interest on Carrying Balance | Up to 42% annually | LoansJagat (as of June 2026) |
| Reward Points on Special Categories (Travel, Dining, Air Ticket, International) | 4 points for every ₹150 spent | BankBazaar (as of April 2026) |
| Reward Points on All Other Categories | 2X rewards (2 points for every ₹150 spent) | BankBazaar (as of April 2026) |
| Reward Point Value | ₹0.25 per Reward Point | Paisabazaar (as of June 2026) |
| Complimentary Domestic Lounge Access | 2 visits per quarter to select Dream Folks Lounges in India | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Railway Surcharge (IRCTC Website) | 1.8% | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Railway Surcharge (Indian Railways Booking Counters) | 2.5% | Kotak Bank Official Website |
| Maximum Annual Railway Surcharge Waiver | ₹500 | Paisabazaar (as of June 2026) |
| Spending to Maximize Milestone Benefits | ₹8 Lakh in a year | Paisabazaar (as of June 2026) |
| Maximum Value for Contactless Transactions (without PIN) | ₹5,000 per transaction (per RBI notification, Dec 2020) | RBI |
| Minimum CIBIL Score for Kotak Credit Card | 750 | MyMoneyMantra (as of June 2026) |
The card’s reward structure provides higher benefits on specific spending categories, while its eligibility criteria target high-income resident Indians in major cities.
How Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card in India Works: Process, Steps & Key Details
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card is available to Indian residents aged 21 to 60 years, with a minimum monthly income of ₹2,00,000 for salaried individuals or an ITR exceeding ₹24 Lakhs p.a. For self-employed applicants. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible for this specific card, but Kotak offers a dedicated NRI Royale Signature Credit Card.
Applying for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card involves an online process, requiring specific documents and meeting residency criteria in major Indian cities.
- Eligibility Criteria: Primary applicants must be Indian residents between 21 and 60 years old. Supplementary cardholders must be at least 18 years of age.
- Income Requirements: Salaried applicants need a minimum monthly income of ₹2,00,000, while self-employed individuals require an Income Tax Return (ITR) exceeding ₹24 Lakhs per annum.
- Residency Locations: Applicants must reside in specific cities, including Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Mumbai.
- Required Documents (Identity): Valid identity proofs include PAN Card, Aadhaar card, Driver’s License, Passport, Voter’s ID, or a Job card issued by NREGA.
- Required Documents (Income/Address): Applicants must provide Salary Slips, Income Tax Returns, Form 16, utility bills (not older than 3 months), or bank account statements.
- Application Process: The application typically involves clicking “Apply Now” on the Kotak Bank website, filling in personal and financial details, and uploading the necessary documents.
- Forex Markup Fee: The card carries a 3.5% forex markup fee, making IT less ideal for frequent international transactions.
- Railway Surcharge Waiver: Cardholders receive a railway surcharge waiver of 1.8% for IRCTC website transactions and 2.5% for Indian Railways Booking Counters, capped at ₹500 annually.
Understanding these specific criteria and the application process helps potential cardholders determine their eligibility and prepare for a smooth application.
Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card in India: Benefits, Advantages & Why Students Choose IT
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card offers significant benefits for high-spending resident Indians, particularly for travel and dining. As of 2026, IT provides accelerated reward points on specific categories and complimentary airport lounge access within India.
This card is designed for individuals with a high income, making IT suitable for professionals rather than students. Key advantages include:
- Accelerated Rewards: Cardholders earn up to 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent on special categories like travel, dining, air tickets, and international spending.
- Airport Lounge Access: The card provides 2 complimentary visits per quarter to select Dream Folks Lounges across India, offering amenities like gourmet meals and free Wi-Fi.
- Railway Surcharge Waiver: Users receive a waiver on railway surcharges, up to ₹500 annually, for transactions on www.irctc.co.in (1.8% waiver) and at Indian Railways Booking Counters (2.5% waiver).
- Annual Fee Waiver: The annual fee of ₹999 is waived if yearly spending exceeds ₹1 lakh, making IT cost-effective for regular users.
- Milestone Benefits: Cardholders can maximize additional benefits by spending ₹8 lakh in a year, rewarding high usage.
- Forex Markup Fee: The card has a 3.5% forex markup fee, making IT less ideal for frequent international transactions compared to cards with lower or zero forex fees.
- High Income Eligibility: Eligibility requires a monthly income of ₹2,00,000 for salaried individuals or an ITR exceeding ₹24 lakh per annum for self-employed applicants, which is typically beyond a student’s income.
While offering premium benefits, the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card’s high income eligibility and focus on lifestyle privileges mean IT is not typically chosen by students in India.
Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card in India: Vs Alternatives: Which Option is Best?
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card targets high-net-worth individuals with lifestyle and travel benefits. For NRIs, the Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card offers tailored features against a fixed deposit, while the Kotak White Credit Card focuses on milestone-based rewards.
| Feature | Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card | Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card | Kotak White Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card Type | Lifestyle & Travel Rewards Card | Secured Credit Card (against NRE/NRO FD) | Milestone Rewards Card |
| Target Audience | High-net-worth individuals, focused on lifestyle, travel, and leisure experiences | Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with valid Indian address | Individuals seeking milestone-based rewards |
| Joining Fee | ₹1,499 | Not specified (linked to FD) | Not specified |
| Annual Fee | ₹999 (waived on spending ₹1 Lakh in a year) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Reward Points | 4 points per ₹150 on travel, dining, airlines, international spends; 2X rewards on other categories (0.6% to 1.5% reward rate) | 2 Reward Points for every ₹200 spent overseas; 1 reward point on transactions in India | Milestone-based ‘White Pass’ system (up to ₹27,000 with annual spending of ₹12 lakhs) |
| Forex Markup Fee | 3.5% | Not specified | Not specified |
| Lounge Access | 2 complimentary visits per quarter to Dream Folks Lounges in India (up to 8 annually on spending ₹75,000 in previous quarter) | 2 complimentary visits every quarter to select lounges in India | 8 domestic and 4 international lounge visits, plus a free Priority Pass membership worth $99 |
| Minimum Income (Salaried) | ₹2,00,000 p.m. | NRE/NRO Term Deposit of minimum ₹1 lakh | Not specified |
| Minimum Income (Self-Employed) | ITR > ₹24 Lakhs p.a. | NRE/NRO Term Deposit of minimum ₹1 lakh | Not specified |
| Railway Surcharge Waiver | Up to ₹500 annually (1.8% on IRCTC website, 2.5% at counters) | Up to ₹500 annually (1% on IRCTC website, 1% at counters) | Not specified |
| Cash Limit | Not specified (interest-free period not applicable for cash withdrawals) | 90% of credit limit upon registration | Not specified (typically 40% for most cards) |
| Eligibility Age | 21 to 60 years (primary); 18+ (supplementary) | 18 to 70 years (primary); 18+ (add-on) | Not specified |
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card offers strong rewards for specific spending categories, while the NRI version provides benefits for non-residents. The Kotak White Credit Card stands out for its high milestone-based reward potential.
Common Misconceptions About Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card in India
Many applicants misunderstand key aspects of the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card, particularly regarding eligibility and international usage. For instance, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) cannot apply for this specific card, requiring the Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card instead.
- Misconception 1: NRIs can apply for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card. This card is exclusively for Resident Indians aged 21 to 60 years. NRIs must apply for the Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card, which is secured against an NRE/NRO Term Deposit of at least ₹1 lakh.
- Misconception 2: The card offers low forex markup for international spending. The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card has a 3.5% forex markup fee. This makes IT less ideal for frequent international transactions compared to cards with lower or zero forex charges.
- Misconception 3: Eligibility is solely based on income. While a monthly income of ₹2,00,000 for salaried individuals or an ITR exceeding ₹24 lakhs p.a. For self-employed is required, applicants must also reside in specific cities like Bangalore, Delhi NCR, or Mumbai.
- Misconception 4: All railway surcharges are fully waived. The card offers a railway surcharge waiver of 1.8% for IRCTC website transactions and 2.5% for counter bookings. However, this waiver is capped at ₹500 per anniversary year.
- Misconception 5: Reward points have a high redemption value across all options. While the card offers up to 4 reward points per ₹150 spent on special categories, the value of each reward point is ₹0.25 when redeemed via the ‘Pay with Reward Points’ option or the Kotak rewards catalogue.
Understanding these specific details helps applicants choose the correct Kotak credit card for their financial needs and spending habits in 2026.
What to Do Next: Actionable Steps
Applying for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and submitting required documents. For resident Indians, a minimum monthly income of ₹2,00,000 is generally required, or an ITR exceeding ₹24 Lakhs p.a. For self-employed individuals.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) cannot apply for the standard Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card; instead, they can consider the Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card, which is secured against an NRE/NRO Term Deposit account of at least ₹1 lakh.
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you are a resident of India, aged 21 to 60 years, and reside in one of the eligible cities (e.g., Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi NCR). Supplementary cardholders must be at least 18 years old.
- Meet Income Criteria: Salaried applicants need a minimum monthly income of ₹2,00,000. Self-employed individuals must have an Income Tax Return (ITR) exceeding ₹24 Lakhs per annum.
- Gather Documents: Prepare necessary identity proofs like PAN Card, Aadhaar card, or Passport. Income proofs such as salary slips, Form 16, or ITRs are also required, along with utility bills for address verification.
- Apply Online: Visit the official Kotak Mahindra Bank website, to the “Credit Cards” section, and select the “Royale Signature Credit Card.” Click “Apply Now” and complete the online application form.
- Consider NRI Alternative: If you are a Non-Resident Indian, apply for the Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card. This card requires an NRE/NRO Term Deposit account with a minimum investment of ₹1 lakh.
- Review Fees: Be aware of the ₹1,499 joining fee and ₹999 annual fee for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card. The annual fee is waived if yearly spending exceeds ₹1 lakh.
Key Takeaways
- The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card is primarily for resident Indians with high income, requiring ₹2,00,000 p.m. For salaried individuals.
- NRIs are ineligible for this card and should explore the Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card, which is secured by a minimum ₹1 lakh NRE/NRO Fixed Deposit.
- The card carries a joining fee of ₹1,499 and an annual fee of ₹999, with the annual fee waived upon ₹1 lakh yearly spending.
To begin your application, visit the official Kotak Mahindra Bank website and check the detailed eligibility criteria for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the key benefits of the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card in India?
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card offers up to 8 complimentary visits annually to select Dream Folks Lounges in India upon spending ₹75,000 in the previous quarter. You also get a railway surcharge waiver of up to ₹500 per year on IRCTC transactions. The card focuses on travel and lifestyle rewards.
What are the reward points for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card?
You earn 1 reward point for every ₹200 spent on transactions within India using the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card. For international spends, the NRI variant offers 2 reward points for every ₹200 spent overseas. Each reward point is valued at ₹0.25 when redeemed via the ‘Pay with Reward Points’ option or the Kotak rewards catalogue.
What is the annual fee for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card?
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card typically has an annual fee, which can be waived if you spend ₹1 lakh or more in a year. Specific fee details should be confirmed directly with Kotak Mahindra Bank as of 2026. The NRI Royale Signature Credit Card also carries an annual fee.
Does the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card offer airport lounge access?
Yes, the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card provides complimentary access to select Dream Folks Lounges within India. You receive 2 complimentary visits every quarter by simply swiping your credit card. This benefit is tied to your spending in the previous quarter.
What is the foreign currency markup fee for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card?
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card charges a foreign currency markup fee of 3.5% on international transactions. This makes IT less ideal for frequent overseas spending compared to cards with lower or no forex markup. For NRIs, the specific NRI variant might offer different benefits.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card?
Applicants for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card must typically be Indian residents between 21 and 65 years of age with a stable income. For the NRI variant, Non-Resident Indians aged 18 to 70 with a valid Indian address can apply. A strong CIBIL score, generally above 750, is usually required.
How can I get the annual fee waived for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card?
You can get the annual fee for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card waived by spending ₹1 lakh or more within a year. This spending threshold helps you avoid the recurring annual charge. Always verify the current waiver criteria with Kotak Mahindra Bank for 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not financial advice. Interest rates, fees, and eligibility change frequently. Verify current details with the lender or regulator (RBI / SEBI / IRDAI) before deciding.