Do you think the ₹1,499 + GST annual fee for the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card is actually worth it? On paper, they offer a fee waiver if you spend ₹1 lakh annually, but that’s not too hard to achieve if you use the card regularly. My concern is whether the benefits actually justify the fee in case I don’t hit the waiver threshold.
Honestly, I don’t think the annual fee is justified unless you’re able to get it waived. ₹1,499 + GST isn’t a huge amount, but when you compare the benefits to what other cards offer in the same range, it feels underwhelming.
The biggest letdown for me is the rewards system—2 points per ₹150 spent translates to a measly 0.3% return, which is nowhere near what other cards provide. Even if you hit the milestone benefits (₹4 lakh or ₹8 lakh annual spend), the extra points you get still don’t make up for the lack of higher base rewards. The airport lounge access is another weak spot—just 2 domestic visits per quarter and no international lounges, which makes this a poor option for frequent travelers.
The only way I’d say the fee makes sense is if you can consistently spend ₹1 lakh a year and get it waived. Otherwise, cards like HDFC Millennia, Axis Flipkart, or even IDFC First Wealth offer better perks at a similar or lower cost. If you’re looking for travel benefits, something like the SBI Prime or Axis Vistara cards might make more sense. Personally, if I didn’t qualify for the waiver, I wouldn’t keep this card.