Kotak Cashback Plus Credit Card Review: Best for Groceries?
Jaspal Singh
Author
Kotak Cashback Plus at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹750 + GST (waived on ₹2L annual spend) |
| Grocery/Food/Entertainment | 5% (combined cap ₹500/month) |
| Fuel Cashback | 3% (combined cap ₹500/month) |
| All Other Spends | 0.5% (no cap) |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% (up to ₹3,500/year) |
| Add-on Cards | Up to 3 free |
What We Like
- 5% on everyday essentials. BigBasket, Blinkit, Swiggy, Zomato, Netflix, Hotstar — the categories most families spend on daily.
- 3% on fuel is rare. Most cards only waive the surcharge. This one gives actual cashback on top.
- Uncapped base cashback. The 0.5% on non-category spends has no monthly limit.
- 3 free add-on cards. Share with family and pool cashback on one account.
What Could Be Better
- ₹500/month combined cap on accelerated cashback. You max out at ₹10,000/month in grocery+food spend. Beyond that, it’s 0.5%.
- No lounge access. Purely a cashback card with no travel perks.
- Cash withdrawal disabled. You can’t withdraw cash using this card.
How to Get the Most From the Kotak Cashback Plus
- Channel grocery, food and entertainment spends (BigBasket, Blinkit, Swiggy, Zomato, Netflix, Hotstar) to earn 5% (combined ₹500/month cap).
- Use it at the pump for an actual 3% fuel cashback — most cards only waive the surcharge.
- Add family members with the free add-on cards to pool cashback on a single account.
Fees, Charges & Eligibility
The Kotak Cashback Plus charges ₹750 + GST, waived on ₹2 lakh of annual spend, and lets you add up to three free add-on cards for family.
Beyond the annual fee, keep in mind the costs common to every credit card: interest of roughly 3.5% a month (about 42% a year) on any unpaid balance, a late-payment fee, and GST on charges. The golden rule never changes — pay your statement in full each month and the card costs you little or nothing.
Eligibility is straightforward: you generally need to be 18 or older with a steady income and a credit score around 750+. You can apply online in minutes with your PAN, Aadhaar and income proof. New to credit? Read our credit cards guide and compare options in our best credit cards roundup.
Our Verdict
If your biggest monthly expenses are groceries and food delivery (and for most Indian families, they are), this card puts money back in your pocket every month. The 3% fuel cashback is a cherry on top. Simple, effective, and family-friendly.
Rating: 4.1/5 — Best everyday cashback card for families.
Apply for Kotak Cashback PlusDisclaimer: This review is for educational purposes only. We may earn a commission if you apply through our link, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Kotak Cashback Plus reward?
5% on everyday essentials (groceries, food delivery, entertainment), 3% on fuel, and an uncapped 0.5% on everything else.
Is the annual fee waivable?
Yes — spend ₹2 lakh a year to waive the ₹750 + GST fee.
Is the cashback capped?
The 5% and 3% categories share monthly caps of ₹500 each; the 0.5% base cashback has no cap.
Who is this card best for?
Families and households whose spending is concentrated in groceries, food delivery, streaming and fuel.
