Recently, Kotak Mahindra Bank launched two new credit cards in association with India’s largest airline, IndiGo. This is not the first time the two have collaborated; previously, they had introduced the 6E Rewards and 6E Rewards XL Credit Cards, which have since been discontinued for new applications. This move coincides with the launch of Kotak’s new loyalty program, BluChip. Unlike the earlier cards that earned 6E Rewards, the new Kotak IndiGo Credit Cards earn BluChips on all eligible spends.
Even though both new cards (IndiGo Kotak and IndiGo Kotak XL Credit Card) were launched with applications open to all, there was no update regarding upgrades for existing Kotak 6E Rewards Credit Card holders. Now, Kotak Mahindra Bank has started offering upgrades to the new Kotak IndiGo Credit Cards for existing cardholders.
6E Rewards Program Migration
Although the migration from the 6E Rewards program to the BluChip program has begun, not much is currently known about the transition. It can only be speculated that these changes will be fully implemented by the end of 2025, even though IndiGo has mentioned on its website:
“Starting mid-2025, IndiGo will be transitioning from 6E Rewards to the IndiGo BluChip Program. Your existing bookings, accruals, and account balance will not be affected.”
It further states: “Yes, you can continue to use your existing co-branded credit card during the migration, which is expected to happen in mid-2025. It will continue to accrue 6E Rewards, which will be converted to IndiGo BluChips.”
This clearly suggests that sooner or later, all old 6E credit cards will come under the new umbrella of IndiGo BluChip co-branded credit cards.
While this update pertains to Kotak credit cards, no such update has been received so far regarding HDFC IndiGo credit cards.
Bottom Line
Those who hold the previously issued Kotak 6E Rewards Credit Cards should keep an eye out for any communication from the bank regarding an upgrade to the new Kotak IndiGo co-branded credit cards. It appears that Kotak is offering these upgrades with the standard joining and annual fees. This means that cardholders with lifetime free Kotak 6E Rewards Credit Cards may be moved to a paid variant if they choose to upgrade.