YES Bank RESERV Credit Card Review (formerly YES First Exclusive)
The YES First Exclusive card has been renamed YES Bank RESERV. The core product is the same: a mid-premium card with high reward points on online spending, lounge access and a below-average forex markup.
Lounge access now depends on spending in the previous quarter, and the forex markup was set at 2% from 15 June 2026.
- 24 points per ₹200 on online spends
- 2% forex markup
- Joining fee waived on ₹40,000 spend in 30 days
- Renewal waived on ₹3 lakh a year
- Fuel waiver up to ₹500 a cycle
- Domestic lounges need ₹1 lakh spend in the previous quarter
- Utility points capped at 750 a cycle
- ₹100 + GST per redemption; points cover at most 70% of a booking
- Extra 1% on overseas transactions billed in rupees
- Higher income needed than entry cards
Fees and charges
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Joining fee | ₹2,499 + GST, waived on ₹40,000 spend within 30 days |
| Renewal fee | ₹2,499 + GST, waived on ₹3 lakh annual spend |
| Forex markup | 2% + GST (from 15 Jun 2026), plus 1% on overseas transactions billed in rupees |
| Redemption fee | ₹100 + GST |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | 1% on ₹500–₹4,000, up to ₹500 a cycle |
Rewards: how the card earns
| Spend | Reward points per ₹200 |
|---|---|
| Online | 24 |
| Offline | 12 |
| Select categories (utilities, insurance, education) | 6 (utilities capped at 750 a cycle) |
Points expire after 36 months and can cover up to 70% of a travel booking. Value is roughly ₹0.25 a point depending on redemption — check the YES Rewardz catalogue.
What earns nothing
Check YES Bank’s MITC for the full list of excluded categories and caps.
Other benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Domestic lounges | 3 a quarter (shared by primary and add-on), after ₹1 lakh spend in the previous quarter |
| International lounges | Available — confirm the current count with YES Bank |
| Fuel | 1% surcharge waiver, up to ₹500 a cycle |
| Rename | Card now called RESERV; existing YES First Exclusive cards continue |
Eligibility
Issuer
YES Bank
Income
Higher-income salaried or self-employed applicants — check YES Bank’s current criteria
Documents
PAN, Aadhaar, income proof
Who this card is for
- Good fit: high online spenders (₹50,000+ a month) who travel and can keep quarterly spend above ₹1 lakh.
- Skip if: you spend mainly offline or under ₹3 lakh a year.
Alternatives worth comparing
Final verdict
A strong online-rewards card with a reasonable 2% forex markup. The renamed RESERV keeps its value for heavy online spenders, but its lounge benefit now needs steady quarterly spending.
Frequently asked questions
Is YES First Exclusive the same as RESERV?
Yes. YES Bank’s documents say RESERV was earlier known as YES First Exclusive.
What is the fee?
₹2,499 + GST, with joining waived on ₹40,000 in 30 days and renewal on ₹3 lakh a year.
What is the forex markup?
2% + GST since 15 June 2026, plus 1% on overseas transactions billed in rupees.
How do domestic lounges work?
3 visits a quarter, shared with add-on cards, after ₹1 lakh spend in the previous quarter.
How many points does it earn?
24 per ₹200 online, 12 offline and 6 on select categories.
Last verified: October 2026, against YES Bank’s RESERV key fact statement and MITC (Jun 2026). Card terms change often; confirm the current fees and reward rules on the issuer’s website before you apply. All fees are plus 18% GST.