11:00 AM IST — There’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in Indian banking. For years, premium credit cards were associated with private banks, international brands, and airport lounge influencers. But 2025 is ending on a different note — public sector banks are suddenly stepping into the luxury lane.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has now launched PNB LUXURA, a RuPay-powered metal credit card targeting high-earning customers who expect more than reward points — they expect recognition.
No flashy crypto-rewards. No unrealistic cashback drama. Just solid perks for people who actually travel, dine out, and live life in hotels as comfortably as they do at home.
Who Is This Card Really For?
PNB isn’t trying to be subtle. LUXURA is exclusively designed for HNIs — people with real spending power:
| Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–70 years |
| Income (Salaried) | ₹2.5 lakh+ monthly gross |
| Income (Self-employed) | ₹30 lakh+ annual |
| Minimum Limit | ₹1 lakh |
| Maximum Limit | Up to ₹15 lakh (based on internal underwriting) |
If you meet this criteria, you’re likely someone who has cabin-crew greeting you by name and hotel staff already knowing your breakfast order.
Fees — Heavy, But Smartly Structured
- Joining Fee: ₹9,000 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹7,500 + GST
But here’s the good part — both can disappear:
- Spend ₹2.5 lakh in the first 3 billing cycles → Joining fee reimbursed
- Spend ₹8 lakh in a year → Annual fee waived
So if you are the type who buys a new iPhone every year and books long weekends at ITC hotels, the card can basically pay for itself.
What Do You Get for That Price?
PNB LUXURA tries to stay grounded while offering a real lifestyle uplift:
- 40,000 welcome reward points (on ₹50,000 spend in 90 days)
- 4 reward points per ₹100 spent
- 3X rewards on travel & dining
- Hotel privileges (complimentary room night formats at premium hotels, subject to availability)
- 1+1 fine dining at select luxury restaurants
- Movie BOGO up to ₹500 monthly
- Complementary airport lounges — domestic quarterly, some international access yearly
- Concierge help, travel assistance, and reservations
- Insurance coverage suited for travellers
- Fuel surcharge relief within limits
Nothing exaggerated — benefits that actually matter to people who use premium cards regularly.
Why This Launch Matters
This isn’t just about one card. At the same time, at the end of 2025:
- Union Bank has introduced its own NEXTERIA luxury card, focused on family lounge access and hospitality-driven perks
- RBL Bank launched NOVA and LUMIÈRE, two metal cards targeting travellers and ultra-premium users
Three banks. One quarter. All premium. It’s no coincidence.
India’s spending class has changed. People aren’t just earning more — they’re exploring, travelling, celebrating, and indulging more. And banks want to ride that lifestyle wave.
For PSU banks especially, this marks a new identity: From branches filled with passbook queues = to service that follows you across airports, golf courses, spas, and five-star lobbies.
Things to Know Before Signing Up
While LUXURA promises strong lifestyle perks, some benefits depend on partner availability and may have usage limits. The high fee structure also means the card makes most sense for customers who travel often and can comfortably meet the spend thresholds for fee waivers.
As the product is newly launched, detailed terms may continue to evolve — applicants should review the latest charges and redemption rules from PNB before applying.
Easemoney Take
PNB LUXURA isn’t a mass card — and that’s the point. It’s for customers who want experiences, comfort, and recognition without switching to private-bank relationships.
Is it the best premium card? Not for everyone.
Is it the most exciting move from Indian PSUs lately? Absolutely yes.
2025 might be remembered as the year PSU banks said:
“We can serve luxury too.”
And honestly — it’s about time.
