10:30 PM IST – Union Bank of India has entered the luxury card market with its new RuPay NEXTERIA metal credit card, designed for high-net-worth individuals who want elevated lifestyle experiences, travel comfort, and global recognition.
The launch was officially showcased through a YouTube post on Union Bank’s channel, where the bank said:
“Proud to unveil the Nexteria premium metal credit card, launched by our MD & CEO Shri Asheesh Pandey and Executive Directors. A new benchmark in high-value offerings for our HNI customers.”
This announcement highlights Union Bank’s shift towards serving a premium customer base that is growing rapidly in India.
What Makes NEXTERIA Special?
Unlike regular travel cards that focus mostly on reward points or cashback, NEXTERIA tries to build a luxury experience around convenience, hospitality, and lifestyle.
Here are the key features as per the information shared during the launch:
| Category | Privilege |
|---|---|
| Airport Experience | Unlimited airport lounge access for cardholder + Industry-first Family Lounge access (guests allowed) |
| Exclusive Dining | Access to signature ITC restaurants |
| Hotel Benefits | Complimentary stays at ITC properties |
| Wellness | Access to ITC spas |
| Global Lifestyle | Premium hotel membership across 15 international hotel chains |
| Support | 24×7 global concierge |
| Protection | Accidental insurance + cybercrime protection |
| Golf | Complimentary golf lessons |
| Travel | Visa assistance perks |
| Additional Perks | Exclusive RuPay elite-level privileges |
Rewards accumulate on spending, but the full reward structure and caps are yet to be publicly disclosed.
Eligibility & Pricing
Union Bank is positioning NEXTERIA as a super-premium product for HNIs, so not everyone will qualify easily.
Unofficial early indicators suggest:
- Income requirement: ₹25 lakh+ per year, or
- ₹10 lakh fixed deposit lien option for secured issuance
- Joining fee expected around the ₹12,499 range, depending on eligibility and spend patterns
More details from the bank are expected soon, including updated charges and clear terms for the fee waiver.
Why This Card Matters
India’s premium credit-card market is becoming more competitive. With affluent consumers spending more on air travel, luxury dining, and hotels, banks are building products that feel personal and premium. NEXTERIA gives Union Bank a stronger position in this high-value space dominated by private and international banks.
Where Does NEXTERIA Stand in Today’s Premium Card Market?
Recently, Nanne Parmar reviewed another major launch: RBL Bank Unveils LUMIÈRE & NOVA Cards — Are These India’s Most Rewarding Premium Cards Yet?
While RBL aims at young travellers and exclusive VIP users through NOVA and LUMIÈRE, Union Bank focuses more on hospitality comfort and family travel.
- RBL NOVA = rewards + straightforward travel value
- RBL LUMIÈRE = invitation-only ultra-premium experience
- Union Bank NEXTERIA = unlimited lounge access + hotel lifestyle + concierge for HNIs
All three are strong options, but the right choice depends on how, where, and how much the cardholder spends.
