← Part of Yes Bank Credit Cards in India
The YES First Preferred Credit Card, launched by YES Bank in November 2003, is a premium offering tailored for shopping, travel, and lifestyle benefits. This card provides a preferential foreign currency markup of 1.75%, which will adjust to 2.00% from June 15, 2026, per recent policy changes.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Premium Credit Card, Entry-level option |
| Best Suited For | Shopping, Travel, Lifestyle |
| Foreign Currency Markup Fee | 1.75% (preferential); 2.00% (effective June 15, 2026) |
| Domestic Lounge Access | 3 complimentary per calendar quarter (Mastercard lounge program) |
| International Lounge Access | 4 complimentary per calendar year (Priority Pass Membership) |
| Reward Points | 8 points per ₹200 on retail spends; 4 points per ₹200 on select categories |
| Accelerated Rewards | Up to 5X on travel, dining, fashion & healthcare with subscription plans |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% for transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 (max ₹250 per month) |
| Golf Benefits | Waiver of 3 Green Fees at select Indian golf courses; 1 complimentary golf lesson monthly |
| Revolving Credit Interest Rate | 3.50% per month (standard) |
| YES Bank Incorporation Year | November 2003 |
| Credit Score (Preferred) | 750 or more (as of 2026, per YES Bank) |
This card is designed for individuals seeking extensive rewards and benefits in travel and lifestyle categories, supported by a strong credit score of 750 or above.
Features & Benefits of YES First Preferred
The YES First Preferred Credit Card offers a strong rewards program and extensive travel benefits, making IT suitable for frequent shoppers and travelers. Cardholders receive up to 5X reward points on specific spending categories and complimentary access to both domestic and international airport lounges.
| Type/Category | Details | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards Program | Earn up to 5X reward points on Travel, Dining, Fashion, and Healthcare spends. Get 8 points per ₹200 spent on most other categories, and 4 points per ₹200 on specific categories. | Accelerated Reward Points |
| Lounge Access (Domestic) | Receive 3 complimentary airport lounge accesses per calendar quarter at Indian airports via the Mastercard lounge program for primary cardmembers. | Complimentary Domestic Lounge Access |
| Lounge Access (International) | Get 4 complimentary airport lounge accesses per calendar year outside India through Priority Pass Membership for primary cardmembers. | Complimentary International Lounge Access |
| Foreign Currency Markup | A preferential foreign currency markup of 1.75% applies. This will be 2.00% effective from June 15, 2026. | Low Forex Markup Fee |
| Golf Benefits | Enjoy a waiver of 3 Green Fees at select golf courses in India. Get 1 complimentary golf lesson every month at select golf courses. | Complimentary Golf Games & Lessons |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Receive a 1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 at any petrol pump across India. | Fuel Surcharge Waiver |
| Movie Discounts | Get a 25% discount on movie bookings via BookMyShow, capped at a maximum of ₹250 per month. | Movie Ticket Discounts |
| Interest Rate on Revolving Credit | An attractive interest rate of 3.50% per month applies to revolving credit. This rate is 2.75% per month for non-YES Bank salary/savings account holders. | Competitive Interest Rates |
| Insurance Benefits | Includes a life insurance cover of ₹1 crore for air accident death. Emergency hospitalization up to ₹25 lakh for overseas treatment is also covered. | full Insurance Coverage |
| EMI Option | An instant EMI conversion feature is available on this YES Bank credit card for eligible transactions. | Instant EMI Conversion |
These features position the YES First Preferred Credit Card as a strong contender for individuals seeking premium lifestyle and travel privileges in India.
Fees & Charges for YES First Preferred Card
The YES First Preferred Credit Card includes a preferential foreign currency markup of 1.75%, though this will increase to 2.00% for premium accounts from June 15, 2026. Cardholders also face a 1% surcharge on utility payments exceeding ₹15,000 monthly, effective January 2026.
| Metric | Value (₹) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Membership Fee | ₹499 + applicable taxes | On or after August 28, 2024 |
| Preferential Foreign Currency Markup | 1.75% | Ongoing |
| Foreign Currency Markup (Premium Accounts) | 2.00% | June 15, 2026 |
| Standard Foreign Conversion Fee | 2% on all foreign transactions | Ongoing |
| Standard Markup Fee (most credit cards) | 3.5% | Ongoing |
| Interest Rate on Revolving Credit | 1.99% to 3.99% per month | Ongoing |
| Priority Pass Lounge Visit (India) | $27 + GST per person per visit | Ongoing |
| Utility Payment Surcharge (above ₹15,000 monthly) | 1% + GST (max ₹5,000 per transaction) | January 15, 2026 |
| Fuel Transaction Surcharge (above ₹10,000 or ₹25,000 monthly cumulative) | 1% + GST (max ₹5,000 per transaction) | January 15, 2026 |
| EMI Processing Fees (YES Bank First Business Credit Card) | 0 | Ongoing |
These charges are for cardholders to understand, especially the revised foreign currency markup and utility payment surcharges that became effective in 2026.
How to Apply for YES First Preferred Card
Applying for the YES First Preferred Credit Card in 2026 is a straightforward process, available through both online and offline channels. Most applicants complete the process within 10-15 minutes by providing necessary documents and personal details.
The application typically involves submitting income proof, address verification, and identity documents to YES Bank.
- Online Application: Visit the official YES Bank website and to the credit cards section. Complete the digital application form with all required personal and financial details.
- Offline Application: Visit your nearest YES Bank branch. Bank representatives can assist you in filling out the physical application form and submitting documents.
- Salaried Document Requirements: Submit your latest three months’ salary slips, Form 16, and bank account statements for the last six months. These verify your stable income.
- Self-Employed Document Requirements: Provide audited financial statements for the previous two years, IT returns for the last two years, and bank account statements for the previous year.
- Address Proof: Acceptable documents include your Aadhar Card, Voter’s ID Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or recent utility bills. Ensure the address matches your current residence.
- Identity Proof: A valid Passport, PAN Card, Aadhar Card, or Driving Licence proof of identity.
- Income Proof: For salaried individuals, the latest salary slips or bank statements are required. Self-employed applicants need their latest audited ITR.
- Application Review: After submission, YES Bank reviews your application and documents. This process includes a CIBIL score check, with a score of 750+ being preferred for premium cards as of 2026.
Once approved, the YES First Preferred Credit Card is typically dispatched to your registered address within 7-10 business days.
Eligibility Criteria for YES First Preferred
Meeting specific eligibility criteria is to qualify for the YES First Preferred Credit Card in 2026. Applicants generally need a secure income, a decent CIBIL score, and must meet the bank’s age and documentation requirements.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be between 21 and 60 years old, a general requirement for most YES Bank credit cards as of 2026.
- Credit Score: A CIBIL score of 750 or higher is preferred for premium credit cards like the YES First Preferred, indicating strong creditworthiness.
- Income Proof (Salaried): Salaried individuals need to provide their latest three months’ salary slips, Form 16, and bank account statements for the last six months.
- Income Proof (Self-Employed): Self-employed applicants must submit audited financial statements for the previous two years, IT returns for the last two years, and bank account statements for the previous year.
- Identity Proof: Acceptable documents include an Aadhar Card, Voter’s ID Card, Passport, or Driving Licence.
- Address Proof: Valid address proof documents include an Aadhar Card, Voter’s ID Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or recent utility bills.
- Existing Cardholders: Individuals already holding a YES Bank Credit Card may face specific conditions for eligibility, particularly for certain premium cards like the YES Bank First Business Credit Card.
These criteria ensure that the card is offered to individuals who can manage its benefits and responsibilities effectively.
YES First Preferred Vs. Other Premium Cards
The YES First Preferred Credit Card offers a preferential foreign currency markup of 1.75%, which will adjust to 2.00% from June 15, 2026. This compares favorably to the standard 3.5% markup charged by many banks on international transactions. IT provides 4 complimentary international lounge accesses annually via Priority Pass.
For domestic travel, the card includes 3 complimentary airport lounge accesses per calendar quarter through the Mastercard lounge program. This positions IT as a strong contender for individuals seeking travel and lifestyle benefits.
| Feature | YES First Preferred | YES Bank RESERV Credit Card | YES Bank SELECT Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card Type | Premium Credit Card (Entry-level for travel & lifestyle) | Premium Credit Card | Premium Credit Card |
| International Lounge Access | 4 complimentary access per year via Priority Pass | Not specified | Not specified |
| Domestic Lounge Access | 3 complimentary access per calendar quarter via Mastercard lounge program | 2 complimentary access per calendar quarter (ELITE+ primary cardholders) | Not specified |
| Foreign Currency Markup Fee | 1.75% (preferential), 2.00% (from June 15, 2026) | 1.00% | 2.75% |
| Golf Benefits | 3 complimentary Green Fee waivers and 1 complimentary lesson per month | Not specified | Not specified |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% on spends between ₹400 and ₹5,000 | 1% on spends between ₹400 and ₹5,000 | 1% on spends between ₹400 and ₹5,000 |
| Welcome Rewards | 15,000 points on first transaction | ₹500 Amazon voucher on ₹1,000 spend within 30 days | Not specified |
| Accidental Damage Insurance | Not specified | Not specified | ₹50,000 for electronics/mobiles purchased online (6 months) |
| Lost Card Liability Cover | Not specified | ₹15 lakh to ₹30 lakh | Not specified |
The YES First Preferred card offers competitive benefits for frequent travelers, particularly with its international lounge access and lower foreign currency markup. While the RESERV card provides a slightly better forex rate and higher lost card liability, the Preferred card remains a strong entry-level option for lifestyle and travel rewards.
Common Queries on YES First Preferred
The YES First Preferred Credit Card offers a preferential foreign currency markup of 1.75%, which will increase to 2.00% from June 15, 2026. Cardholders receive 4 complimentary international lounge accesses per calendar year via Priority Pass Membership.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: The card has a 2% foreign conversion fee on all international transactions. This is lower than the usual 3.5% markup charged by most banks.
- Domestic Lounge Access: For Priority Pass lounge visits within India, a charge of $27 + GST per person per visit applies. The card also offers 3 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per calendar quarter through the Mastercard lounge program.
- Application Process: You can apply for the YES First Preferred Credit Card both online via the official YES Bank website or offline by visiting a nearest YES Bank branch.
- Eligibility Requirements: General eligibility for YES Bank credit cards includes being aged 21-60 years and having a CIBIL score of 700 or above, with 750+ preferred for premium cards as of 2026.
- Income Proof: Salaried applicants need to provide their latest three months’ salary slips, Form 16, and bank statements for the last six months. Self-employed individuals require audited financial statements for the previous two years, IT returns for the last two years, and bank statements for the previous year.
These details help clarify specific aspects of the YES First Preferred Credit Card beyond its core features and benefits.
Maximizing Rewards with YES First Preferred
The YES First Preferred Credit Card offers a strong rewards program, particularly for travel and lifestyle spending. Cardholders can earn accelerated reward points on specific categories and benefit from complimentary lounge access.
- The card provides 4 complimentary international airport lounge accesses annually through Priority Pass Membership.
- Cardholders receive 3 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per calendar quarter via the Mastercard lounge program.
- A preferential foreign currency markup of 1.75% applies to international transactions, lower than the typical 3.5% charged by many banks.
- As of June 15, 2026, the structured foreign currency markup for premium cards like YES First Preferred will be 2.00%.
- Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500 and ₹5,000 at fuel stations across India.
- The card includes an Instant EMI feature for converting large purchases into easy installments.
- Benefit from the Mastercard World Gold Programme, offering 3 green fee waivers at select Indian golf courses and 1 complimentary golf lesson monthly.
These benefits are designed to provide significant value for frequent travelers and those with a premium lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- The YES First Preferred Credit Card offers 4 complimentary international and 3 domestic lounge accesses annually.
- A preferential foreign currency markup of 1.75% (increasing to 2.00% from June 15, 2026) is a key benefit for international transactions.
- Cardholders can maximize value through accelerated reward points on travel, dining, fashion, and healthcare spends.
To explore the full range of benefits and apply, visit the official YES Bank website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the key benefits of the YES First Preferred Credit Card in 2026?
The YES First Preferred Credit Card offers accelerated reward points on travel, dining, fashion, and healthcare spending. Cardholders also receive complimentary domestic and international lounge access, a low foreign currency markup fee, and complimentary golf games and lessons. IT is designed as an entry-level premium card for lifestyle and travel benefits.
How many complimentary lounge accesses does the YES First Preferred Credit Card offer?
The YES First Preferred Credit Card provides 3 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per calendar quarter via the Mastercard lounge program. , IT offers 4 complimentary international airport lounge accesses per calendar year through Priority Pass Membership. Domestic lounge visits using Priority Pass incur a charge of $27 + GST per person per visit.
What is the foreign currency markup fee for the YES First Preferred Credit Card?
The YES First Preferred Credit Card features a preferential foreign currency markup of 1.75% on all international transactions. This is significantly lower than the typical 3.5% markup fee charged by many other card issuers in India. This benefit makes IT suitable for international travel and online purchases in foreign currencies.
What is the interest rate on revolving credit for the YES First Preferred Credit Card?
The YES First Preferred Credit Card offers an attractive interest rate on revolving credit of 3.50% per month. This rate applies to outstanding balances carried forward beyond the payment due date. Cardholders should aim to pay their bills in full to avoid these charges.
What are the eligibility criteria for the YES First Preferred Credit Card?
Eligibility for the YES First Preferred Credit Card typically requires a secure income and a decent CIBIL score. Applicants generally need to submit income proof, such as the latest audited ITR or recent salary slips/bank statements. Specific income thresholds are set by YES Bank and can vary.
How can I apply for the YES First Preferred Credit Card in 2026?
You can apply for the YES First Preferred Credit Card through both online and offline channels. To apply online, visit the official YES Bank website and complete the application form with all required details. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest YES Bank branch for assistance with the offline application process.
Have there been any recent changes to YES Bank credit card fees in 2026?
YES Bank introduced revisions to its credit card policies, effective from June 15, 2026, including higher spending thresholds for various fees. These changes impact charges like cash advance fees, auto-debit failure charges, and card re-issuance fees. Always check the latest fee schedule on the YES Bank website.
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.