Updated on May 09, 2026
Author: MybankingTips Team
Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched two new credit cards in India — the Kotak Air+ Prime Credit Card and the Kotak Cashback+ Prime Credit Card.
While these are being introduced as new card variants, they are essentially upgraded versions of the existing Kotak Air+ and Cashback+ cards with an additional reward category focused on automobile-related spending.
The biggest update is the introduction of accelerated rewards on spends at eligible auto dealer merchants.
Kotak Air+ Prime Credit Card
The Kotak Air+ Prime Credit Card now offers:
- 5 Air Miles for every ₹100 spent at eligible auto merchants
Eligible Merchant Categories (MCCs)
The accelerated rewards apply on spends made under MCCs:
These categories generally include:
- Automobile dealerships
- Car sales
- Auto parts stores
- Vehicle servicing centers
This makes the card more rewarding for users who frequently spend on car servicing, accessories, or dealership payments.
Kotak Cashback+ Prime Credit Card
The Kotak Cashback+ Prime Credit Card also receives a similar upgrade.
New Cashback Benefit
Cardholders can now earn:
- 5% cashback on eligible auto dealer merchant spends
The eligible merchant categories include:
- Car dealerships
- Auto service centers
- Auto accessories and parts merchants
- Vehicle maintenance-related merchants
This addition expands the cashback potential beyond regular online spending categories.
What’s New Compared to Existing Variants?
The Prime variants largely retain the same structure as the older Air+ and Cashback+ cards.
The key difference is the addition of:
- Accelerated Air Miles on automobile spends
- Higher cashback on eligible auto transactions
Apart from this, there do not appear to be major changes to the overall reward structure or benefits.
Why This Update Matters
Most Indian credit cards usually exclude or provide limited rewards on automobile-related transactions.
By adding rewards on auto dealer MCCs, Kotak Mahindra Bank is targeting users who spend significantly on:
- Car servicing
- Repairs and maintenance
- Auto accessories
- Vehicle upgrades
- Dealer payments
For users with regular automobile expenses, these new benefits can improve overall reward earnings substantially.
Who Should Consider These Cards?
The new Prime variants may be useful for:
- Car owners with high servicing expenses
- Users spending frequently at dealerships
- Cashback-focused users
- Travel reward enthusiasts looking for extra Air Miles
- Existing Kotak card users wanting better reward coverage
However, users should still compare:
- Reward caps
- Redemption value
- Annual fees
- Existing spending habits
before upgrading or applying.
Bottom Line
Kotak Mahindra Bank has introduced the new Kotak Air+ Prime Credit Card and Kotak Cashback+ Prime Credit Card with added rewards on automobile-related spending.
Key Highlights
- 5 Air Miles per ₹100 on eligible auto spends with Air+ Prime
- 5% cashback on auto dealer spends with Cashback+ Prime
- Applicable across select automobile merchant categories
While these are not completely new cards, the added rewards on car-related expenses can make them more attractive for users with regular automobile spending.