About HSBC Live+ Credit Card
The HSBC Live+ Credit Card is a reliable cashback credit card designed for everyday spending, particularly on dining, food delivery, and groceries. It's ideal for those who prefer simple rewards over complex point systems. Here's a comprehensive overview to help you decide whether it's right for you.
Fees and Charges
- Joining Fee: ₹999 + applicable taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹999 + applicable taxes
- Annual Fee Waiver Spends: Waived on annual spends of ₹2,00,000 or more in the preceding year
- Forex Markup Fee: 3.5% (plus GST) on foreign currency transactions
Welcome and Milestone Benefits
- Welcome Benefits: ₹1,000 cashback when you download and log into the HSBC India Mobile Banking app and spend ₹20,000 within the first 30 days of card issuance. Plus, an ₹250 Amazon eGift Voucher on the online application with video self-verification.
- Milestone Benefits: Annual fee waiver on ₹2 lakh annual spends (no other major milestones noted).
Cashback and Rewards
- Card Type: Cashback Credit Card
- Card Network: Visa (primarily; accepted widely)
- Best For: Dining out, food delivery (Swiggy/Zomato), groceries, and general retail/online spends
- Cashback/Rewards on Online Purchases: 1.5% unlimited cashback on most eligible spends (including online)
- Cashback/Rewards on Offline Purchases: 10% accelerated cashback on dining, food delivery, and groceries (capped); 1.5% unlimited on other retail
- Maximum Cashback per Statement Cycle: Up to ₹1,000 on 10% accelerated categories (dining/food delivery/groceries); unlimited on 1.5% base
- Rewards Redemption Options: Cashback is credited directly to your statement (typically within 45 days); no points system—straight cash value
Lounge Access
- Domestic Lounge Access: 4 complimentary visits per year (1 per calendar quarter)
- International Lounge Access: NA (none)
Category Spend Benefits
- Online Shopping: 1.5% unlimited cashback
- Food and Grocery: 10% cashback (up to ₹1,000/month cap across dining/food delivery/groceries)
- Travel Booking: 1.5% unlimited
Excluded Categories
- All Excluded Categories: Fuel, rent, wallet loads, government-related payments (in some cases), and certain other non-retail spends where 1.5% may not apply. Standard exclusions for accelerated 10% (e.g., non-dining/grocery).
Why Choose HSBC Live+ Credit Card?
The HSBC Live+ offers a high 10% cashback on everyday essentials such as dining, food delivery, and groceries, with a monthly cap of ₹1,000. This reward is easily redeemed with regular spending (e.g., ₹10,000 in these categories). When combined with unlimited 1.5% cashback on everything else, it's a no-brainer card for urban lifestyles focused on food and shopping. Enjoy 4 domestic lounge visits, dining discounts (up to 15% at partner restaurants via Live+ Dining Programme), and a low-effort fee waiver at ₹2 lakh annual spend. Cashback is simple—no points conversion hassles—and ideal for those who avoid complex reward structures.
Who is eligible for the HSBC Live+ Credit Card?
To apply, you must:
- Be aged 18–65 years
- Be an Indian resident
- Have a minimum annual income of ₹6,00,000 (for salaried individuals; self-employed may vary)
- Reside in select cities (e.g., major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, etc.)
Eligibility is subject to HSBC's approval, credit score, and documents.
Is the HSBC Live+ Credit Card worth applying for?
If you spend more than ₹10,000 per month on dining out, Swiggy/Zomato orders, and groceries, you can save up to ₹12,000 per year. The 1.5% unlimited on other purchases adds significant value for general use, and the fee waiver is possible for moderate-to-high spenders. The four domestic lounges are a nice bonus for those who fly occasionally.It's less ideal if you prioritize fuel, international travel (with a 3.5% forex markup), rent/utility expenses (potential exclusions), or no-fee cards. It outperforms competitors in terms of cashback on food and groceries with no brand restrictions.