If daily UPI QR payments with credit are your go-to, both Kiwi and SalarySe offer RuPay Credit Cards—but they serve very different needs. Let’s compare them across key dimensions.
1. UPI Credit Card Integration
Kiwi
- Offers a RuPay Credit Card that you link via the Kiwi app.
- Enables seamless credit-on-UPI at any standard merchant QR (unless credit is disabled).
SalarySe (RBL Bank RuPay UP Credit Card)
- Provides a 100% virtual RuPay Credit Card via RBL Bank + SalarySe.
- UPI linking works on select apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.).
Verdict: Kiwi is built for seamless, everyday QR usage. SalarySe works well but is limited to select UPI apps.
2. Rewards & Cashback
Kiwi
- Minimum 1.5% cashback on eligible everyday UPI spends.
- Neon plan (₹999 + GST/year) unlocks tiered rewards: 3%, 4%, to 5% based on annual milestones. Base milestone upgrades to 2%
- Cashback is real money, and can be withdrawn into bank account.
SalarySe
- Points-based rewards via their platform:
- 5 points per ₹100 on in-app UPI spends (capped at 1,000 points/month).
- 10 points per ₹100 on UPI spends >₹20k/month (capped at 8,000 points/month).
- Points convert in-app or into deals, not straight cashback.
Verdict: Kiwi offers clearer, higher and more direct cashback. SalarySe uses point schemes, which may feel less intuitive.
3. Fees & Membership Structure
Kiwi
- Lifetime-free basic card (no joining or annual fee).
- Optional Neon membership (₹999 + GST/year) adds higher rewards and lounge access.
SalarySe
Verdict: Kiwi’s structure is transparent. SalarySe requires higher spending to waive fees, making Kiwi more predictable for lower spenders.
4. Lounge & Lifestyle Perks
Kiwi (Neon)
- Includes three complimentary domestic lounge visits per year.
SalarySe
- No lounge access publicly advertised for the RuPay card.
Verdict: Kiwi delivers defined lounge perks. SalarySe remains focused on digital rewards.
5. Everyday Use & App Experience
Kiwi
- Designed for everyday UPI payments.
- Clean interface and direct cashback.
SalarySe
- Branded as a “salary-first” fintech: offers UPI payments, early salary access, FD investments, and financial planning tools.
- UPI rewards augment the utility for salaried users needing integrated finance.
Verdict: Kiwi is lean, fast, and focused on QR-led usage. SalarySe provides broader financial services for employees, tying credit to salary.
6. Who’s Talking Online?
User forums and reviews suggest Kiwi’s cashback simplicity wins over structured UPI use. SalarySe’s rewards—while high in advertising—leave some users seeking clarity in redemption conditions.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Kiwi (RuPay on UPI) | SalarySe (RBL Bank RuPay Card) |
| UPI Integration | Seamless via Kiwi app | Select UPI apps only |
| Rewards | Minimum 1.5% cashback; up to 5% with Neon membership | Points-based (5–10 pts/₹100 UPI spend) |
| Cashback vs Points | Direct cash to bank account | Redeem via app or deals |
| Fees | Lifetime Free; Neon ₹999/year | ₹499 + GST (waived at ₹2L spend) |
| Lounge Access | 3 visits/year (Neon) | Not offered |
| App Focus | QR-first, Ease of Use | Salary management + UPI + rewards |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use both cards for UPI QR on credit?
- Kiwi: Yes—seamlessly at eligible merchants (can’t be used in cases of NPCI excluded category)
- SalarySe: Yes, but only on supported UPI apps.
2. Which rewards better on UPI spends?
- Kiwi: Minimum 1.5% cashback; up to 5% with Neon membership.
- SalarySe: Points at 5–10 per ₹100 of spending.
3. Are there charges?
- Kiwi: Lifetime free card with no joining fee or annual fee; Neon plan costs ₹999/year.
- SalarySe: ₹499 + GST—waiver possible with high spend.
4. Is there lounge access?
- Kiwi : Yes, three visits annually with neon membership.
- SalarySe: Not available (on record).
5. Which user profile fits each?
- Kiwi: Great for frequent UPI users, daily shoppers, and simplicity lovers. Great for everyday spends such as grocery, cab, retail, restaurants etc.
- SalarySe: Suits salaried professionals wanting salary tools + rewards in one app.
Final Word
If you’re scanning your local shops, filling monthly bills, and want hassle-free cashback, Kiwi is airtight. If you want everything under one fintech roof—salary management, investing, early salary access, plus UPI credit—SalarySe offers a broader toolkit, though with more complexity.
