Unpacking the TVS Credit RBL Gold MasterCard: Who Should Get It?

The TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard is a credit card offering a range of features and benefits. The card is designed to appeal to a broad audience, with features such as welcome offers and a rewards program. However, it is important to consider the associated fees and potential drawbacks when evaluating the card. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard.

Welcome Benefits

When you first get the TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard, you will encounter a series of exciting welcome benefits that improve your early experience with the card.

Upon activation, cardholders can expect to receive a bonus benefit, which may vary from cashback to reward points, depending on current promotions. For now, users earn 6,000 reward points by making a payment of the annual fee and making the first purchase within 30 days of card issuance.

Reward System

The reward system of the TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard stands out as one of its key features. Every transaction you make earns you reward points, which accumulate for future redemption.

Cardholders will earn 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on their favourite purchases. The value of 1 reward point is Rs. 0.25, so the effective cashback rate is 0.50%. For international spending, cardholders will get 10 reward points that translates to a cashback rate of 2.50%.

Milestone Benefits

Another attractive feature of the TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard is its milestone benefits. These incentives are awarded when you hit specific spending levels within a year. Cardholders will get a shopping or dinner voucher worth INR 500 on achieving quarterly milestone spending of INR 50,000. Cardholders can earn 6,000 bonus reward points on crossing the yearly milestone of Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

These milestone rewards can motivate cardholders to choose the TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard over other cards, as it provides tangible benefits for spending patterns that many individuals already follow.

Other Benefits

Apart from the welcome, rewards, and milestone incentives, the TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard boasts several additional advantages.

For instance, cardholders will get 1 complimentary access per quarter to the international airport lounge on spending  Rs. 1,00,000 and 1 complimentary access to the domestic airport lounge on spending Rs. 50,000 every quarter or 2 complimentary access to the domestic airport lounge on spending Rs. 75000 every quarter. Apart from lounge access, cardholders can avail 5% cashback on Eazydiner up to Rs. 250 every month.

Drawbacks of the TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard:

• High Joining and Annual Fees: ₹1,500 each, which is steep for a card with modest rewards. Many competing cards offer lower or waived fees for similar benefits.

• Reward Redemption Fee: ₹99 per redemption request, reducing the net value of accumulated points.

• Low Reward Rates: Domestic spends: 0.5% cashback equivalent (2 points/₹100), which is below market standards for rewards-focused cards. International spends: 2.5% (10 points/₹100) is better; the 3.5% foreign currency markup fee negates much of this benefit.

• Expensive Interest Rate: The 47.88% annual interest rate (3.99% monthly) makes carrying a balance costly, easily outweighing rewards earned.

• Limited Lounge Access: Complimentary lounge access requires quarterly spends of ₹50,000 (domestic) or ₹1,00,000 (international). Most premium cards offer unconditional lounge visits.

• Capped Cashback on Eazydiner: The 5% cashback on Eazydiner is capped at ₹250/month, limiting utility for frequent diners.

Fees and Charges

Understanding the fees associated with the TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard is vital for prospective users.

• Joining fee: INR 1500.

• Annual fee: INR 1500.

• Foreign currency markup: 3.50%.

• Cash advance fee: 2.5% or INR 500, whichever is higher.

• Late payment charges: INR 100 to 1300.

• Reward redemption fee: INR 99 per redemption request.

• Interest rate: 3.99% monthly, 47.88% annually.

Final Thoughts

The TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold Mastercard offers some attractive perks, including welcome rewards, milestone benefits, and lounge access, making it appealing to certain spenders. However, its high annual fee (₹1,500), low reward rates (0.5% on domestic spends), and steep interest charges (47.88% annually) significantly diminish its value. The card’s benefits, such as lounge access and Eazydiner cashback, come with spending conditions that may be hard to meet for average users, while the foreign currency markup (3.5%) erodes rewards on international transactions.

While the card may suit high spenders who can consistently hit milestones, most users will find better value in alternatives with lower fees, higher rewards, and unconditional lounge access. If you’re considering this card, weigh its costs against your spending habits—otherwise, you might end up paying more in fees than you earn in rewards. Always pay your bill in full to avoid the punishing interest rates.

If you want to read a more detailed review of this card and find out its AI-powered unbiased rating, click here.