If you want a lifetime-free credit card that works seamlessly with UPI and helps build your credit score through everyday transactions, the Rio Money Credit Card is an interesting option. Powered by YES Bank, Rio focuses on UPI + credit card usage — but with a more regulated reward structure compared to other fintech cards like Kiwi.
Rio Money Credit Card: At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Virtual YES Bank RuPay Credit Card linked to UPI via Rio app |
| Fees | Lifetime-free (₹0 joining fee, ₹0 annual fee) |
| UPI Rewards | 3 Rio Coins per ₹100 spent via the Rio Card on UPI |
| Conversion Rate | 4 Rio Coins = ₹1 (i.e., effective ~0.75% reward) |
| Non-UPI Rewards | Minimal / limited based on category (many excluded) |
| Reward Caps | Max rewards per billing cycle = 1.5% of your credit limit |
| Excluded Categories | No rewards on: rent, fuel, utilities, insurance, wallet loads, EMI, wallet top-ups, Bharat QR, transactions < ₹50 |
| Lounge Access | Quarterly lounge access (if YES Bank quarterly spend criteria met) |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% waiver on fuel transactions ₹400–₹5,000 (max ₹250 per cycle) |
| Redemption | Rio Coins redeemable as statement credit (no minimum redemption) |
| Eligibility | Indian residents meeting YES Bank KYC & credit criteria |
Kiwi vs Rio — What’s the Core Difference?
| Feature | Rio Money (Application Link) | Kiwi (Application Link) |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards | 0.75% UPI reward (3 coins per ₹100) | ~1–1.5% UPI Scan & Pay cashback |
| Reward Caps | Strict cap: 1.5% of credit limit | More flexible caps (varies by tier) |
| Exclusions | High (many categories don’t earn) | Moderate exclusions |
| Lounge Access | Yes (conditional via YES Bank criteria) | Yes (direct through partner banks) |
| Positioning | “Safe, controlled, lifetime-free UPI credit card” | “Everyday high-value cashback UPI card” |
| Best For | Beginners, low-risk users, credit-builders | Daily UPI shoppers wanting higher cashback |
In simple words:
- Rio is conservative, capped, and fee-free.
- Kiwi is reward-heavy, more generous, but designed for frequent spenders.
While Kiwi pushes higher daily-use cashback (1–1.5% via Scan-and-Pay), Rio takes a more conservative, cap-based, safety-first approach with Rio Coins and a strict earning cap linked to your credit limit.
Who Should Choose the Rio Money Card?
Rio is best for:
- Users who want a zero-cost, lifetime-free credit card
- People who prefer stable, predictable rewards
- Light to medium UPI spenders
- Beginners building a credit score
- Users who can’t commit to high spends but want the convenience of UPI-based credit
- Gig workers, freelancers, and students who transact mostly via UPI but want discipline
Rio is not ideal if:
- You want premium rewards
- You spend heavily on food delivery, travel, shopping
- You want high cashback on UPI (Kiwi or branded bank UPI cards may be better)
How Rio Coins Actually Work (Explained Simply)
- Spend ₹100 via UPI → earn 3 Rio Coins
- 4 Rio Coins = ₹1
- So you get ₹0.75 per ₹100 spent → 0.75% rewards
- Rewards stop once you hit 1.5% of your credit limit
Example: If your credit limit is ₹50,000 → Max coins worth ₹750 per cycle
- Redeemable anytime as statement credit
- No minimum redemption
Apply via PickMyWork & Earn Too
You can directly apply online via the Rio Credit Card Website
Or at PickMyWork, you don’t just help others discover good credit-cards — you earn by referring them.
Steps:
- Download the PickMyWork app
- Sign-Up with Mobile Number (no investment)
- Promote the Rio Credit Card – You will find it in the Credit Card Section or Click on this Link
- Earn incentives for each successful activation
Ready to apply or start earning? Download the PickMyWork app now!
Great for gig workers in Tier 2/3 cities: everyday payment tools + referral income = win-win.
If your spend profile is consistent but moderate, with frequent UPI payments, small retail spends, and you want a credit-card without the burden of fees — Kiwi is a solid pick. It aligns with the digital payment habits of today’s India: fast, mobile-first, reward-enabled.
And with PickMyWork, you can turn that usage into income by referring others — making Kiwi not just a smart card for you, but a smart product to share.
FAQs About Rio Money Credit Card
Q1. Is Rio Money really lifetime-free?
Yes — ₹0 joining and ₹0 annual fees.
Q2. What is the Rio Coin conversion rate?
4 Rio Coins = ₹1.
Q3. Do all transactions earn Rio Coins?
No. Many categories — including fuel, rent, utility bills, wallet loads, EMI, insurance, Bharat QR — do not earn coins.
Q4. What is the maximum rewards I can earn in a month?
You can earn diamonds worth up to 1.5% of your credit limit per billing cycle.
Q5. Is there lounge access?
Yes. Complimentary domestic lounge access is available for users who meet YES Bank’s quarterly spend requirement.
Q6. Does Rio offer a fuel surcharge waiver?
Yes — 1% waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400–₹5,000 (max ₹250 per cycle).
Q7. How quickly can I redeem rewards?
Rio Coins can be redeemed instantly as statement credit.
Q8.What are the other Credit Cards options for me?
Check out all the credit cards here – Choose your credit card & fill your digital credit card application right away
