In India’s crowded premium credit card market, most cards promise the world but deliver incremental value. The YES Bank Marquee Credit Card breaks that pattern. Launched as YES Bank’s flagship super-premium offering, the Marquee card delivers an industry-leading 4.5% reward rate on all online spends - the highest flat-rate return on online transactions of any premium card in India. Pair that with unlimited international airport lounge access, a rock-bottom 1% forex markup, and a welcome bonus worth ₹10,000+, and you have a card that genuinely competes with the ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card and the SBI Aurum Credit Card at a significantly lower annual fee.
At ₹9,999 + GST joining fee and ₹4,999 + GST annual fee (waived on ₹10 lakh annual spend), the Marquee is not an entry-level product. But for high-net-worth individuals who shop online, travel internationally, and want a straightforward rewards structure without category restrictions, the math is compelling. You can also pay your YES Bank credit card bill instantly via the MobiKwik App to ensure you never miss a due date and maintain your reward-earning streak.
This complete guide covers every aspect of the card - fees, reward structure, lounge access, golf and movie benefits, eligibility, competitor comparison, and an honest verdict - based on the latest official information from YES Bank as of May 2026.
1. What Is the YES Bank Marquee Credit Card?
The YES Bank Marquee Credit Card is a Visa Infinite super-premium credit card designed for high-income individuals who prioritise online spending and international travel. Unlike many premium cards that focus on travel multipliers or dining partnerships, the Marquee’s core value proposition is refreshingly simple: earn the highest reward rate in India on every online transaction, regardless of merchant category.
Where competitors like the ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card require booking through specific portals for accelerated rewards, the Marquee gives you 36 YES Rewardz Points per ₹200 on all online spends - whether you are shopping on Amazon, booking flights on MakeMyTrip, or paying for SaaS subscriptions. This universality is its greatest strength.
The card also addresses a major pain point for international travellers: forex fees. At 1% foreign currency markup (versus the industry-standard 3.5%), the Marquee saves frequent flyers significant money on overseas transactions. Combined with unlimited international lounge access via Priority Pass, it positions itself as a dual-threat card for the digital-native, globally mobile Indian consumer.
2. Eligibility Criteria
The YES Bank Marquee Credit Card eligibility is straightforward compared to invite-only competitors. YES Bank accepts both salaried and self-employed applicants with clear income thresholds.
How to Apply
Apply online at yesbank.in by submitting your PAN and OTP. The application auto-fills residential and office addresses based on your credit profile. Approval typically takes 5–7 working days. Existing YES Bank credit card holders may be eligible for an upgrade from cards like YES First Preferred by contacting their relationship manager or calling customer care at 1800-1200.
3. Fees & Charges
| Fee Head | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹9,999 + GST (one-time, non-waivable) |
| Annual Fee (Year 2 onwards) | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Annual Fee Waiver | Waived on annual retail spends of ₹10 lakh or above |
| Welcome Benefit | 40,000 YES Rewardz Points (value up to ₹10,000) + ETPrime subscription worth ₹3,199 |
| Renewal Benefit | 20,000 YES Rewardz Points on renewal fee payment |
| Foreign Currency Markup | 1% (among the lowest in premium segment) |
| Interest Rate | 2.99% per month (35.88% annually) |
| Late Payment Charges | 10% of total outstanding or ₹1,350, whichever is lower (for outstanding above ₹500) |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% of transaction amount or ₹500, whichever is higher |
| Rental Transaction Fee | 1% or ₹199, whichever is higher (max 3 transactions per 30 days) |
| Wallet Load Fee | 1% of transaction value or ₹1, whichever is higher |
| Utility Fee (above ₹15,000/month) | 1% + GST on cumulative utility spends above ₹15,000 per calendar month |
| Education Fee (via platforms) | 1% + GST on transactions through CRED, PhonePe, NoBroker, etc., capped at ₹5,000/month |
Year 1 Value vs. Fee
4. YES Rewardz Programme
How You Earn Points
The YES Bank Marquee reward points structure is designed to reward digital-first spending. Unlike cards that restrict accelerated earnings to specific merchant categories, the Marquee applies its highest rate universally to all online transactions.
| Spend Category | Reward Points | Reward Rate | Monthly Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Shopping (all merchants) | 36 RP per ₹200 | 4.5% | 1,00,000 points (~₹5.5L spend) |
| Offline Shopping | 18 RP per ₹200 | 2.25% | No cap |
| Select Categories (utilities, insurance, education, rent, wallet) | 10 RP per ₹200 | 1.25% | No cap |
| Fuel transactions | No reward points | ||
| EMI conversions (instant & post-purchase) | No reward points | ||
| Cash withdrawals & cash advance fees | No reward points | ||
Redemption Options
The flexibility of YES Rewardz points redemption has improved, though it remains narrower than HDFC or Axis ecosystems. Key options include:
Flights & Hotels
Redeem points for flight and hotel bookings via YES Rewardz portal at 25 paise per point. Up to 70% of invoice value or 3,00,000 points per month, whichever is lower.
Gift Vouchers
Redeem for Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, and brand vouchers. Value ranges from 10 paise to 25 paise per point. Swiggy vouchers typically offer the highest value.
Statement Credit
Offset your card bill using points. Capped at 50% of available points per statement cycle, with maximum 3 redemptions per cycle.
Air Miles Transfer
Convert points to Club Vistara Points or InterMiles at a ratio of 10 YES Rewardz Points = 1 Air Mile. Best for frequent flyers loyal to these programmes.
5. Airport Lounge Access
The YES Bank Marquee lounge access is a hybrid model: unlimited internationally, capped domestically with spend conditions. This structure keeps costs sustainable while delivering genuine value for international travellers.
| Lounge Benefit | Primary Cardholder | Add-on Cardholder | Guest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Lounge Access | 6 visits per quarter (24/year) | 6 visits per quarter (24/year) | 2 visits per quarter |
| International Lounge Access | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4 visits per year |
| Lounge Network | Priority Pass (international) + Domestic partner lounges via Visa/Mastercard network | ||
| Spend Condition | ₹1 lakh retail spend in preceding quarter required for domestic lounge eligibility. Fee payments, reversals, rental and wallet transactions excluded. | ||
6. Lifestyle, Dining & Entertainment Benefits
BookMyShow BOGO
Buy 1 Get 1 Free on movie tickets up to 3 times per month. Maximum discount ₹800 per ticket. Potential annual value: ₹28,800 (assuming 3 tickets/month at full cap).
Golf Privileges
1 complimentary golf lesson every calendar month + 4 green fee waivers per year at select golf courses across India. Primary and add-on cardholders both eligible.
ETPrime Subscription
Complimentary Economic Times Prime membership worth ₹3,199 upon joining. Access premium financial news, market analysis, and exclusive ET stories.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 across all fuel stations in India. Capped at ₹1,000 per statement cycle.
Purchase Protection
6-month accidental damage insurance for mobile phones and electronic devices purchased online, up to ₹50,000 per claim.
Card Control
Instant block/unblock, set domestic/international limits, and manage contactless payments via YES Bank mobile app and SMS commands.
7. Insurance & Protection Coverage
| Cover Type | Coverage Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Shield | ₹15 lakh | Covers outstanding card balance in case of accidental death of primary cardholder |
| Lost Card Liability | ₹15 lakh | Protection against fraudulent transactions after reporting loss |
| Purchase Protection | ₹50,000 | 6-month coverage for accidental damage/theft of online purchases (electronics & mobiles) |
| Air Accident Cover | As per Visa Infinite programme | Complimentary air accident insurance when ticket purchased on Marquee card |
8. How Does YES Bank Marquee Compare to Rivals?
The YES Bank Marquee competes in the super-premium segment. For deep-dives on competing cards, read our ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card review and SBI Aurum Credit Card review.
| Feature | YES Bank Marquee | ICICI Emeralde Private Metal | SBI Aurum | HDFC Infinia Metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹9,999 | ₹12,499 | ₹9,999 | ₹12,500 |
| Annual Fee | ₹4,999 (waived on ₹10L spend) | ₹12,499 (waived on ₹10L spend) | ₹9,999 (waived on ₹12L spend) | ₹12,500 (waived on ₹10L spend) |
| Online Reward Rate | 4.5% | 3% (base) | 3.3% (base) | 3.33% (base) |
| Offline Reward Rate | 2.25% | 3% (base) | 3.3% (base) | 3.33% (base) |
| Forex Markup | 1% | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| Domestic Lounge | 24/year (6/quarter, spend condition) | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International Lounge | Unlimited (Primary + Add-on) | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Guest Lounge Visits | 8/year (2 domestic/quarter + 4 intl.) | Not available | Limited | Limited |
| Reward Redemption Value | Up to ₹0.25/point | Up to ₹1/point | Up to ₹0.25/point | Up to ₹1/point |
| Airline Transfer Partners | Club Vistara, InterMiles | Multiple partners | Multiple partners | 15+ partners |
| Movie Benefits | BOGO up to ₹800 x 3/month | BOGO up to ₹750 x 2/month | Limited | BOGO via Infinia programme |
| Golf Benefits | 12 lessons + 4 green fees/year | Unlimited games | 4 rounds/year | Unlimited |
| Card Platform | Visa Infinite | Metal (Visa/Mastercard) | Metal (Visa) | Metal (Mastercard) |
Takeaway: The YES Bank Marquee wins decisively on online reward rate (4.5%), forex markup (1%), and guest lounge access. It loses on reward redemption value (₹0.25 vs ₹1 per point for ICICI/HDFC) and domestic lounge conditions. For pure online shoppers and international travellers, Marquee is the mathematical winner. For those prioritising reward redemption flexibility and luxury hotel partnerships, the ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card or SBI Aurum Credit Card may be better fits.
9. Pros & Cons
✓ Advantages
- Highest online reward rate in India - 4.5% on all online spends without merchant restrictions
- Lowest forex markup - 1% vs industry-standard 3.5%, saving thousands for international travellers
- Unlimited international lounge access for primary + add-on cardholders
- Complimentary guest lounge visits (8/year) - rare at this fee point
- Rewards on typically excluded categories: utilities, insurance, education, rent, wallet loads
- Welcome benefits (₹13,199 value) exceed the ₹9,999 joining fee
- Annual fee waiver at ₹10 lakh spend - achievable for target users
- 20,000 renewal bonus points on fee payment
- BookMyShow BOGO: up to ₹28,800 annual movie savings
- 12 complimentary golf lessons + 4 green fee waivers per year
- Purchase protection up to ₹50,000 for online electronics
- Visa Infinite platform - wide global acceptance
- Add-on cards enjoy full lounge and golf benefits
✗ Disadvantages
- High joining fee of ₹9,999 + GST with no joining fee waiver
- Domestic lounge access capped at 6/quarter with ₹1 lakh quarterly spend condition
- Low reward redemption value: max ₹0.25/point vs ₹1/point for ICICI/HDFC
- Limited airline transfer partners: only Club Vistara and InterMiles
- 1 lakh points monthly cap on online spends (~₹5.5L equivalent)
- 70% cap on flight/hotel redemptions; 50% cap on statement credit
- No premium hotel memberships (Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold) unlike Amex Platinum
- 1% fee on rental, wallet, utility (above ₹15K), and education payments
- Reward points expire in 36 months from earning date
- No concierge service or Fine Hotels & Resorts programme
- YES Bank has lower brand trust vs HDFC/ICICI in premium segment
- Customer service quality can be inconsistent based on user reports
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the joining fee of the YES Bank Marquee Credit Card?
The joining fee is ₹9,999 + GST. There is no waiver on the joining fee. The annual fee from Year 2 onwards is ₹4,999 + GST, which is waived if you achieve ₹10 lakh in annual retail spends.
What is the reward rate on YES Bank Marquee Credit Card for online spends?
You earn 36 YES Rewardz Points per ₹200 spent online, which equals approximately 4.5% value back. Offline spends earn 18 points per ₹200 (2.25%), and select categories like utilities, insurance, and education earn 10 points per ₹200 (1.25%).
Does YES Bank Marquee Credit Card have unlimited lounge access?
Yes, for international lounges - both primary and add-on cardholders get unlimited complimentary access via Priority Pass. For domestic lounges, you get 6 visits per quarter (24/year), subject to spending ₹1 lakh in the preceding quarter. The card also includes 8 complimentary guest visits annually.
What is the forex markup fee on YES Bank Marquee Credit Card?
The forex markup is 1% (plus GST), making it one of the lowest in India’s premium credit card segment. For comparison, most premium cards charge 2%–3.5%. Combined with 3X reward points on international online spends, your net gain is approximately 3.3%.
What is the welcome benefit on YES Bank Marquee Credit Card?
The welcome benefit includes 40,000 YES Rewardz Points (value up to ₹10,000) upon joining fee payment, plus a complimentary ETPrime subscription worth ₹3,199. On renewal fee payment, you receive an additional 20,000 YES Rewardz Points.
Is there a cap on reward points for YES Bank Marquee Credit Card?
Yes. Online spend rewards are capped at 1 lakh YES Rewardz Points per statement cycle (~₹5.5 lakh spend). For redemptions, flights and hotels are capped at 70% of invoice value or 3,00,000 points per month, whichever is lower. Statement credit redemptions are capped at 50% of available points.
What are the eligibility criteria for YES Bank Marquee Credit Card?
You must be an Indian resident aged 21–60 years. Salaried applicants need a minimum net monthly income of ₹3 lakh; self-employed applicants need an annual ITR of ₹24 lakh+. A good credit score (750+) is recommended. Existing YES Bank customers may receive pre-approved upgrade offers.
How does YES Bank Marquee compare to ICICI Emeralde Private Metal?
Marquee offers a higher online reward rate (4.5% vs 3%), lower forex markup (1% vs 2%), and guest lounge visits. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal offers higher redemption value (₹1/point vs ₹0.25), unlimited domestic lounges without spend conditions, and premium dining via EazyDiner Prime. Read our full ICICI Emeralde Private Metal review for details.
Is YES Bank Marquee Credit Card worth it in 2025–26?
The Marquee is worth it if you spend significantly online and travel internationally. The 4.5% online reward rate and 1% forex markup create genuine savings that compound quickly. The welcome benefits exceed the joining fee, making Year 1 effectively free. From Year 2, the ₹4,999 fee is waived on ₹10 lakh spend. If your spending is primarily offline, consider the SBI Aurum Credit Card or ICICI Emeralde Private Metal instead. Use the MobiKwik App for instant credit card bill payment to manage your YES Bank card efficiently.
11. Final Verdict
India’s Best Premium Card for Online Spenders & International Travellers
The YES Bank Marquee Credit Card is a mathematical winner for a specific profile: the high-income, digitally native consumer who shops online extensively and travels abroad. Its 4.5% reward rate on online spends is not just marketing - it is a genuine, uncapped (for most users) return that beats every competitor in the premium segment. When you layer the 1% forex markup, unlimited international lounges, and guest visit privileges, the value proposition becomes undeniable.
The ₹9,999 joining fee is effectively neutralised by welcome benefits worth ₹13,199+. From Year 2, the ₹4,999 annual fee is waived at ₹10 lakh spend - a threshold that active users will cross organically. The BookMyShow BOGO alone can recover ₹28,800 annually for moviegoers, while the golf lessons and purchase protection add lifestyle value beyond raw numbers.
The weaknesses are real but contextual: the ₹0.25/point redemption value is lower than ICICI/HDFC, domestic lounges require quarterly spend discipline, and the airline transfer ecosystem is limited to two partners. But these are trade-offs, not dealbreakers, for the target audience. If you want the highest online reward rate in India with the lowest forex markup, the Marquee delivers precisely that. For those seeking luxury hotel status and higher redemption values, pairing it with the ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card creates a powerful two-card strategy.
