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Comparison · हिन्दी

YES Bank SELECT vs YES Essence

Both cards compared on real rupee returns for YES SELECT vs YES Essence which better credit card India. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.

Last updated: September 2026 · Based on current card terms
YES
SELECT
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
YES
ESSENCE
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
YES Bank SELECT Credit Card wins for most people
Card A wins with ₹2,881 annual benefit versus Card B's ₹2,201. Despite a higher fee, its superior online rewards rate (3% vs 1.5%) on your ₹6,000 monthly shopping spend delivers better value.
Side-by-side comparison
YES Bank SELECT Credit Card ✓ YES Essence Credit Card
Annual benefit ₹2,881 ₹2,201
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → ₹1,199 + taxes (waived on ₹7,50,000/year spend or ₹15,000 spend in first 90 days for Y1) ₹799 + taxes (reversed on ₹20,000 spend in first month; renewal waived on ₹1,00,000 spend in preceding 12 months)
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition → 24 reward points per ₹200 on online spends (3%); 12 RP per ₹200 on offline and select categories (1.5%); 1 RP = ₹0.25 12 reward points per ₹200 on online dining, grocery, shopping, beauty and travel (effective 1.5%); 8 RP per ₹200 on other online spends (effective 1%); 4 RP per ₹200 on offline spends (effective 0.5%); 1 RP = ₹0.25
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → 1 domestic visit/quarter (primary cardholder); Priority Pass/LoungeKey membership 1 domestic visit/quarter, conditional on ₹25,000+ spend in the previous quarter
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 3.5% 2.75%
Best for Online-heavy spenders wanting strong rewards with lounge access at mid-range fee Salaried women wanting lifestyle rewards on dining, shopping, beauty and travel with lounge access
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹4L+/year ₹30,000/month net salary (salaried women only; not eligible if you already hold a YES Bank credit card)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 700+ 700+
When each card wins
YES Bank SELECT Credit Card
Choose Card A if you make significant online purchases regularly. The 3% online rewards rate compensates for the higher ₹1,199 fee, especially since you can waive it with ₹15,000 first-quarter spend.
YES Essence Credit Card
Choose Card B if you prefer lower fees and primarily shop offline. The ₹799 fee reverses easily on ₹20,000 first-month spend, making it ideal for budget-conscious spenders with modest online activity.
Who should get which card
Get YES Bank SELECT if you…
· Online shoppers seeking maximum reward points (3% on online spends)
· Those comfortable with ₹1,199 annual fee for superior benefits
· Users targeting fee waiver via ₹15,000 first-90-day spend milestone
· Lounge access seekers wanting better overall value
Get YES Essence if you…
· Women prioritizing lower annual fee (₹799, easily waived)
· Offline-first spenders with minimal online shopping
· Budget-conscious users wanting lifestyle rewards on specific categories
· Those seeking quick fee reversal (₹20,000 first-month requirement)
Partner offer
Axis Bank Select Credit Card
Higher spenders (₹6L+ income) who will spend ₹3L+ a year, want international lounge access through Priority Pass with 12 visits, and want a 2% earn rate on everyday retail spends
Apply now →
AXIS
ASHOK KUMAR

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Related guides
HDFC MoneyBack+ vs YES Essence →YES Bank SELECT vs HDFC Millennia →Best Dining Credit Cards →Best Shopping Credit Cards →Best Credit Cards for Swiggy and Zomato →
Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, YES Bank SELECT Credit Card offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
YES Bank SELECT Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹1,199 + taxes (waived on ₹7,50,000/year spend or ₹15,000 spend in first 90 days for Y1). YES Essence Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹799 + taxes (reversed on ₹20,000 spend in first month; renewal waived on ₹1,00,000 spend in preceding 12 months).
YES Bank SELECT Credit Card offers 24 reward points per ₹200 on online spends (3%); 12 RP per ₹200 on offline and select categories (1.5%); 1 RP = ₹0.25. YES Essence Credit Card offers 12 reward points per ₹200 on online dining, grocery, shopping, beauty and travel (effective 1.5%); 8 RP per ₹200 on other online spends (effective 1%); 4 RP per ₹200 on offline spends (effective 0.5%); 1 RP = ₹0.25.
YES Bank SELECT Credit Card lounge access: 1 domestic visit/quarter (primary cardholder); Priority Pass/LoungeKey membership. YES Essence Credit Card lounge access: 1 domestic visit/quarter, conditional on ₹25,000+ spend in the previous quarter.
YES Bank SELECT Credit Card charges 3.5% forex markup. YES Essence Credit Card charges 2.75% forex markup.