Understand co-branded credit cards, their features, benefits, reward structures, and how they work through partnerships.
A co-branded credit card is issued through a partnership between a bank/issuer and another provider. This brand may be an airline, retailer, hotel chain, fuel company, or digital platform. The card combines the issuer’s credit services with benefits linked to the partner brand.
The card functions like a standard credit card. Purchases made using the card are added to the monthly statement, and the cardholder repays the billed amount within the payment period.
The main difference lies in the rewards and privileges linked to the partner brand.
These may include:
These cards are often used by customers who regularly purchase from a particular brand and want to earn rewards linked to that brand’s products or services.
Co‑branded cards combine the bank’s financial services with the partner brand’s reward program.
In a co-branded arrangement, the bank/NBFC issues and manages the credit card, handling approvals, billing, credit limits, and customer servicing. The partner brand contributes to the rewards ecosystem, offering customised benefits such as accelerated earn rates, loyalty points, and brand-linked perks that encourage spending within its network.
Rewards are usually credited automatically after each eligible transaction. Depending on the card program, these rewards may be issued as:
Points
Miles
Cashback
Co‑branded cards may offer higher rewards on:
Purchases made with the partner brand (such as retail, travel, fuel, or hospitality)
Online shopping through the brand’s website or app
Dining and food delivery
Grocery and supermarket spending
Digital subscriptions and online services
Health, fitness, and wellness services
Entertainment and event bookings
Here are some co-branded credit cards available on Bajaj Markets that offer brand-linked rewards, digital payment features, and lifestyle benefits:
| Credit Card | Joining Fee | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
SBM ZET Credit Card |
Nil (FD of Minimum ₹5,000 required) |
Earn up to 7% interest on the linked fixed deposit while building credit |
Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card |
Nil |
Earn up to 7% back as NeuCoins on eligible purchases. |
YES Bank Klick Credit Card |
Nil |
1% cashback on UPI spends with instant virtual card issuance |
Co‑branded cards suit customers whose spending aligns with a specific category or brand.
Ideal users include the following:
The main characteristics and advantages of these cards might include:
Accelerated reward points or miles on purchases made with the partner brand.
Exclusive offers and promotions for frequent users of the partner brand’s products or services.
Early access to sales, product launches, or priority ticket bookings.
May include lounge access, travel upgrades, discounted stays, or lifestyle privileges depending on the brand partnership.
Higher earn rates in brand-aligned spending categories.
Select cards may offer 0% interest or flexible EMI options on purchases made with the partner brand.
Savings on select services such as fuel, groceries, or entertainment through partner networks.
Rewards tailored to specific interests such as technology, dining, fitness, or wellness.
Features such as fraud protection, extended warranty, and purchase protection on eligible transactions.
Access to dedicated support channels for card and partner-related services.
Review these factors to ensure the card aligns with your spending habits and reward preferences:
Review the annual fee, foreign currency mark-up fee, and applicable interest rates to understand the overall cost of using the card.
In many cases, the points or miles earned can only be redeemed with the partner brand or within its reward network.
Card issuers may require a stable income and a good credit score, often around 700 or higher, for approval.
Check whether reward points or miles have a validity period and how long you have to redeem them.
Higher rewards may apply to specific spending categories, so review whether they align with your spending habits.
Some cards provide extra benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, or insurance coverage.
Credit limits vary depending on the card type and the applicant’s income and credit profile.
Applicants generally need to meet the following criteria:
Disclaimer: Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the card issuer. Please refer to the issuer’s terms and conditions before applying.
Following are the key documents you may need to submit when applying for a co-branded credit card in India:
| Document Type | Examples Commonly Required |
|---|---|
Identity Proof |
PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport |
Address Proof |
Aadhaar Card, Passport, or other valid address documents accepted by the bank |
Income Proof |
Salary slips, bank statements, or other income verification documents (if required) |
Photographs |
Recent passport-size photographs, where applicable |
KYC Verification |
Completion of digital KYC or video KYC during the application process |
Disclaimer: Documents required may vary depending on the card issuer. Please refer to the issuer’s terms and conditions before applying.
You can apply for a co-branded credit card online through Bajaj Markets by following these simple steps:
Click on the ‘Check Eligibility’ or ‘Check Card Offer’ button on this page
Enter basic details such as your mobile number, date of birth, and occupation
Verify your mobile number by entering the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your phone
Review the pre-filled details, including your PAN number, email ID, PIN code, and income information
Choose the suitable co-branded credit card from the available options
Complete the remaining application steps as directed, which may include KYC verification or redirection to the issuer’s website
Cardholders may find the following practices useful:
Using the card for purchases with the partner brand may offer higher rewards
Spending in bonus categories can help accumulate rewards faster
Tracking bank and partner promotions may provide additional benefits
Meeting spending thresholds may unlock welcome or milestone rewards
Paying the full bill on time helps avoid interest charges
A co-branded credit card is issued in partnership with a specific brand and offers rewards linked to that brand’s products or services. A regular credit card typically provides broader rewards such as cashback or points that can be redeemed across multiple categories.
Co-branded credit cards generally provide the most value when spending frequently occurs with the partner brand. If usage within that ecosystem is limited, a cashback or general rewards credit card may offer more consistent benefits across everyday spending categories.
Co-branded credit cards may offer higher rewards on purchases made with the partner brand or within its ecosystem. However, fuel cards and cashback cards often provide more consistent rewards across broader spending categories, which may be more suitable for users whose spending is not concentrated on a specific brand.
Reward points or miles are usually credited automatically after eligible transactions. Cardholders can typically redeem them through the partner brand’s loyalty program, website, or rewards portal, depending on the card’s terms and redemption options provided by the issuer.
Since co‑branded cards are integrated with a brand’s loyalty program, they generally allow faster accumulation of points or miles on eligible purchases. In some cases, this can support quicker reward redemptions or progress toward higher loyalty tiers.
A co-branded credit card is a partnership between a brand and a financial institution. The bank manages the credit line, billing, and account security, while the partner brand provides specific rewards and incentives tied to card usage.
Co-branded credit cards in India, issued on Visa, Mastercard, or RuPay networks, are widely accepted wherever these networks operate. This may include most POS terminals, online merchants, ATMs, and mobile apps across the country, as well as internationally.
These cards generally offer accelerated reward points, discounts, or loyalty tiers for purchases made directly with the partner brand. They often include brand-specific perks, such as free shipping, airline miles, priority boarding, or exclusive access to sales.
Co-branded credit cards can support credit scores when used responsibly. Consistent on-time payments and maintaining low credit utilisation contribute to a stronger repayment history and a healthier overall credit profile over time.
Academy by Bajaj Markets