Kiwi functions as a digital-first UPI credit card, offering a lifetime-free virtual RuPay card issued in partnership with partner banks (Yes Bank for new applicants, while earlier issuances operated on Axis Bank) and operated through the Kiwi mobile application. Built specifically to route UPI payments through a credit facility, it enables users to link the card to major UPI apps and earn rewards (termed "Kiwis") on merchant QR-code scans, covering minor daily transactions often ineligible on standard cards. Under the standard free plan, users earn 1.5% on UPI scan-and-pay transactions (6 Kiwis per ₹100, valued at ₹0.25 per Kiwi) and approximately 0.5% on standard online spending, delivering a blended return of roughly 1%. The advertised "up to 5%" reward rate (20 Kiwis per ₹100) requires purchasing the optional Kiwi Neon subscription (₹999 per year) and meeting spending milestones; thus, the card is best viewed as a 1.5% UPI earner on its free tier, with Neon serving high-volume UPI spenders. With instant digital onboarding and dedicated UPI features, it stands as an effective zero-cost option for everyday QR transactions.
