I'll be honest, I've been a client of this bank for a long time, and I've never had any complaints about its service. In fact, over time, the other cards have taken a backseat, and I've been using my Black card almost exclusively.

I decided to try out Tinkoff Premium after seeing plenty of positive reviews online. I wanted to see just how much Tinkoff Premium differed from everything the bank had already offered me.

I've been using the Pro subscription for a while now, so I was curious to compare the standard format with the enhanced functionality. This review is based on several months of active use of Tinkoff Premium in my travels and daily purchases.

Why I decided to add the premium level

So, I'd read up on Tinkoff Premium reviews and signed up when I started traveling more frequently. Now I'm averaging 2-3 flights per month. Long layovers at airports, moving between cities, and needing to work on the go – all of this made me want to test the premium service. The second reason was online purchases. I make them almost daily, and I was curious to see just how much the premium cashback from the bank differed from the standard.

The sign-up process was quick, and my premium status appeared right away in the app.

Here's a rundown of the main benefits:

I like that I didn't have to order a separate bank card to take advantage of all the perks – I just got a new 'wrapper' online with all the plus features for my old card. It was important to me to see how the service worked as a whole, with easy access to features and time-saving.

First thing I noticed was the thoughtfulness of the interface. My card status changed to Premium right away, and I got access to all the new level's perks. Everything's in the phone – you can check what you need and start using it right away.

How Premium works in travel

One of the main benefits I signed up for premium for was access to the business lounge. Depending on your Premium level, you get a certain number of visits.

I've got the Bronze version, so I'm limited to two airport visits per month. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice perk. My first experience was super telling. The transplant took almost six hours, and I decided to take advantage of it. The difference with regular waiting areas is huge: it's quiet, there are comfortable seats, food, stable Wi-Fi, and the ability to work peacefully.

I've started to feel more relaxed about flights because I know I have a comfortable space. If I used to get annoyed by delays, now I take them in stride. The Premium really gives you the feeling that you're traveling in more comfortable conditions.

The insurance also showed itself well: you can get a policy for up to five people with a $100,000 limit per person.

One time I reached out for help because I had a severe allergic reaction to food (don't try new foods on the road, don't make my mistake). The issue was resolved super quickly and without any extra steps, even though I was really scared at first and didn't know what was happening. I liked that nothing extra was required: you just go on your trip, and the insurance is already active. This saves time and nerves.

How Premium helps with daily operations

The cashback with my bank became one of the most noticeable features of the Premium level. I compared the earnings with the standard tariff and saw that the premium cashback gives significant advantages. Especially in the categories I use frequently. With regular purchases, cashback turns into real savings.

By the way, I mentioned earlier that my Tinkoff bank card became my main card among others, and it's mainly because of the cashback. Even with Pro, where the percentage is lower, I liked getting a refund for my purchases. And the fact that it's real money, not mythical points, bonuses, etc. that I can't spend as I see fit.

You can also get additional interest on your savings account:

The limits for transfers and withdrawals are higher than the standard bank limits. This is convenient when you need to make a large transaction or prepare for a trip. Premium saves time because it allows you to not get distracted by minor restrictions.

What really stood out to me

After a few months, I've narrowed down the features that I actually use regularly and that bring real value. For convenience, I'll list them out separately:

The increased cashback in the right categories (I've noticed that the more time passes, the more the bank's offers match my spending habits)Access to the business lounge at airports (for me, this is the main perk that 'pays' for the whole thing)Automatic insurance that kicks in on every tripHigher limits on financial transactionsThese benefits work together seamlessly. They don't require any extra effort. I loved how the premium level enhanced my usual banking experience.

Things to consider

To help you decide whether or not to pay for this service (which costs 2990 rubles a month), it's worth mentioning some nuances. The premium level is best suited for those who actively use Tinkoff Bank and its services, especially those that come with the premium package. If you're a client who doesn't travel much and rarely makes purchases on your card, doesn't invest, then the benefits of the premium level won't be as noticeable. In the end, you'll just be paying a sensitive amount and not getting any positive vibes.

Occasionally, I wished for more detailed answers from customer support. Although most questions are resolved well, there are moments that require clarification. Luckily, the operator doesn't hang up until they've fully closed the issue. Another thing to note is that some features work better in major cities. For example, partner offers. I mean, the partners that give bonuses are mostly found in big cities, but not in smaller towns.

It's essential to understand that the premium level is best utilized with regular use. This isn't a service you can turn on every six months. It's designed for active bank clients who need comfort and functionality every month.

Does it pay off in practice

In my case, the entire amount I paid was easily recouped thanks to the benefits: cashback, business lounge access, insurance. An additional plus on the horizon was that the bank allows you to make the premium level free if you meet the conditions. If you keep a certain balance or make the required purchases, using it doesn't require payment.

Before signing up, I researched the Tinkoff Premium card (reviews) and noticed that opinions often vary. This is understandable: the premium product brings maximum value only with active use. If your lifestyle involves traveling, making purchases, or working on the go, the premium level really does give you tangible benefits.

Wrapping up

Tinkoff Premium has been a total game-changer for me, and I've found plenty of reviews online to back it up. It's made traveling so much more comfortable, simplified payments, and even thrown in some extra perks when I'm buying stuff or services. The service level is noticeably better than standard. I'm sticking with this premium service from Tinkoff Bank.

I'm adding my real-life experience to the mix of Tinkoff Premium reviews. If anything changes with the service, I'll update this review, but for now, I'm giving it a solid thumbs up and recommending the premium level to everyone.