Kotak Mahindra Bank Add On Credit Card: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

An Add On Card serves as a secondary card issued under your main credit account for the use of your close relatives. While the secondary user carries their own physical card with a unique number, the account remains tethered to your primary credit profile.

Shared Credit Infrastructure

The Add On Card operates using the same credit pool as your main card, meaning every purchase reduces the total limit available. You act as the guarantor for the account, ensuring that all transactions comply with your established budget.

Independent Usage

Despite being linked to your account, the secondary holder can use their Add On Card at any merchant outlet or online store independently. This allows them to manage their personal requirements without needing your physical card or constant intervention for OTPs during offline spends.

You can initiate the application for an Add On Card through various digital and offline channels provided by the bank. Ensure you have the KYC details of the secondary applicant ready before starting the process.

1. Net Banking portal: Log in to your account, navigate to the credit card section, and select the option for a supplementary card to submit details

2. Mobile application: Open the Kotak mobile app, tap on the 'Credit Card' tab, and follow the prompts to request an additional card for family

3. SMS service: Send a text message with the keyword <ADDON> to 5676788/9971056767 using your registered mobile number to receive an immediate callback

4. Customer care helpline: Dial 1860 266 2666 to speak with a representative who will verify your identity and process the request manually

5. Branch visit: Walk into any Kotak Mahindra Bank branch with the applicant’s photographs and identity proof to fill out a physical application form

The bank maintains specific eligibility standards to ensure that the Add On Card facility is used responsibly within family units. You must verify these requirements to avoid any rejection during the verification stage.

• Relationship status: You can only apply for your spouse, including parents and siblings(in some cases)

• Age requirement: The secondary applicant must be at least 18 years old to legally hold and operate a credit instrument in India

• Primary account standing: You must maintain a healthy credit score and an active primary card status to qualify for this facility

• KYC compliance: The applicant must provide valid government-issued documents for identity and address verification as per central banking norms

Integrating the Add On Card into your financial plan offers several advantages beyond just convenience. It streamlines your family's finances while rewarding you for every rupee spent by your dependents.

• Unified reward system: All points earned on the secondary card accrue in your primary account, allowing you to reach redemption goals much faster

• Spending oversight: You receive instant alerts for every transaction made on the Add On Card, providing you with real-time monitoring of family expenses

• Financial empowerment: You provide your children or elderly parents with a safe and reliable way to handle digital payments without carrying cash

• No income proof: The secondary user does not need to show any personal income or employment history because the card relies on your financial credibility3

• Lounge and fuel perks: Add On Cards may inherit lifestyle benefits of the primary card, such as fuel surcharge waivers and airport lounge access, subject to the terms of the specific card variant

Managing the Add On Card effectively requires an understanding of how the bank allocates funds across multiple users. You possess the ultimate authority to dictate how much of your total limit each family member can access.

Customised Spending Caps

You can set sub-limits on each Kotak Credit Card Add On Card to prevent any single user from exhausting the entire credit line. This feature is particularly useful when providing cards to students or siblings who are learning to manage credit responsibly.

Liability and Tracking

As the primary cardholder, you hold the legal responsibility for the repayment of all dues accumulated by Add On Card users. The bank provides a detailed breakdown of spending in your monthly statement, showing exactly where and when each card was utilised.

While many variants of the Kotak Add On Card are issued with no joining fees, certain premium cards may carry specific costs. You should review the fee schedule of your specific card variant before applying.

• Joining fee: Most basic variants offer the first few Add On Cards for free to enhance the user experience

• Annual maintenance: Some high-end cards might charge a nominal annual fee for secondary cards if they offer exclusive lounge or concierge services

• Replacement charges: The bank typically levies a standard fee if you request a new card due to loss, theft, or physical damage

• Foreign markup: Transactions made in foreign currency on the Add On Card attract the same markup fees as your primary card

Disclaimer: Fees and charges are subject to change at the discretion of the bank. Please refer to the most recent schedule of charges on the official website for updated pricing.

Once you receive the Add On Card, you must follow the security protocols to make it ready for use. You can manage all settings through your primary banking login.

Activation and PIN Generation

The secondary user cannot use the card until you or they generate a secure Personal Identification Number. You can do this through the 'Service Request' section of your net banking or via an ATM.

1. Log in to Net Banking: Navigate to the 'Credit Card' menu and select 'PIN Generation'

2. Verify details: Enter the Add On Card number and the expiry date mentioned on the physical plastic

3. Set PIN: Choose a four-digit code and confirm it using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number

4. Enable transactions: Use the 'Manage Card' settings to toggle on domestic, international, or contactless transaction types for the new card