The HSBC Live+ Credit Card, previously known as the HSBC Cashback Credit Card, is an entry-level cashback credit card offered by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) in India. Launched to cater to urban spenders in select cities, it focuses on delivering straightforward cashback rewards, particularly on groceries, dining, and food delivery, with a competitive 10% cashback rate. Issued on the Visa platform, it’s designed for salaried individuals with a minimum annual income of ₹4 lakh, offering perks like complimentary lounge access and dining discounts. With a joining fee of ₹999, it’s an affordable option for those seeking hassle-free cashback without complex reward point redemptions. Below is a detailed overview of its features, rewards, benefits, fees, charges, pros, and cons, based on information from HSBC India, CardInsider, Paisabazaar, LiveMint, and user sentiments on X as of May 2025.
Overview
The HSBC Live+ Credit Card is tailored for everyday spenders who prioritize dining, groceries, and food delivery, offering a 10% cashback on these categories (capped at ₹1,000/month) and 1.5% unlimited cashback on most other spends. It supports contactless payments (Visa Paywave, up to ₹5,000 without a PIN), EMI conversion for transactions via listed merchants, and international transactions with a 3.5% forex markup fee. The card is available only to residents of select Indian cities (e.g., Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune) and requires a stable income and good credit history. Applications can be submitted online via the HSBC website (www.hsbc.co.in) or Paisabazaar, with video KYC for quick processing. Both primary and supplementary cards are activated via the HSBC India app, and cashback is credited automatically within 45 days of the statement date, simplifying the reward process. The card’s focus on food-related spends and lounge access makes it a strong contender for urban professionals, but its city restrictions and category exclusions require careful consideration.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18–65 years (primary cardholder).
- Nationality: Indian resident.
- Income: Minimum annual income of ₹4,00,000 for salaried individuals (specific criteria for self-employed not disclosed).
- Residency: Must reside in Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Noida, Pune, Kochi, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, or Kolkata.
- Credit Score: A CIBIL score of 750+ is recommended.
- Documents:
- Note: HSBC conducts thorough credit checks; credit limits are based on credit score, repayment history, and debt-to-income ratio.
- Joining Fees: Rs 999 + GST
- Annual Fees: Rs 999 + GST
- 10% accelerated cashback on all dining.
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits.
- 5% discount on Amazon spending of Rs. 1000.
Application Process
- Visit the HSBC India website (www.hsbc.co.in).
- Navigate to “Credit Cards” and select “HSBC Live+ Credit Card.”
- Click “Apply Now,” fill out the form with personal, financial, and contact details, and upload KYC documents.
- Complete video self-verification (VKYC) for online applications or visit a branch for in-person verification.
- Track status via the HSBC India app, website, or customer care (1800-266-3456). Processing takes up to 3 weeks; card delivery occurs within 7 working days post-approval. An Amazon eGift Voucher worth ₹250 is awarded on completing VKYC online.
Rewards and Benefits
The card offers cashback credited directly to the card account within 45 days of the statement date, with no redemption process required. The 10% cashback is capped at ₹1,000/month for accelerated categories, and 1.5% cashback is unlimited for eligible spends (exclusions apply). Key rewards and benefits include:
- Cashback Structure:
- 10% Cashback on Groceries, Dining, and Food Delivery: Applies to grocery shopping (online/offline, excluding Amazon Fresh or department stores), dining (restaurants, cafes), and food delivery (e.g., Swiggy, Zomato), capped at ₹1,000/month (₹12,000/year). Yields 10% return on up to ₹10,000 monthly spends in these categories.
- 1.5% Unlimited Cashback on Other Spends: Covers most retail purchases (online/offline, including entertainment, shopping, and international spends), yielding 1.5% return. Exclusions include fuel, rent, utilities, insurance, wallet loads (e.g., Paytm, PhonePe), government services, education, jewelry, antiques, gambling, tolls, cash withdrawals, credit repayments, and select business-to-business transactions (full list at www.hsbc.co.in).
- Cashback via EMI: Available on Instant EMI transactions at listed merchants, credited within 45 days.
- Welcome Benefits:
- ₹1,000 Cashback: On spending ₹20,000 within 30 days of card issuance and logging into the HSBC India Mobile Banking app. Cardholders must have updated KYC and no overdue payments.
- ₹250 Amazon eGift Voucher: On completing online application with video KYC.
- Airport Lounge Access:
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (1 per quarter) at major Indian airports (e.g., Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai) for primary and supplementary cardholders. Access via Visa card swipe; no minimum spend required.
- Dining Discounts:
- Up to 15% off at over 1,000 participating restaurants across India and select Asian countries via the HSBC Live+ Dining Programme, combinable with 10% cashback for up to 25% total savings on dining. Access curated offers via the Visa Digital Concierge app.
- Entertainment Offers:
- Buy Two, Get One Free movie tickets on Saturdays via BookMyShow, enhancing entertainment savings.
- Forex Cashback:
- 1% cashback on all foreign currency transactions, with an additional 1% if spends exceed ₹10 lakh during the offer period (valid until June 30, 2025; register by SMS “HSBCFX” to 575750).
- Insurance Cover:
- Up to ₹3,00,000 against unauthorized transactions up to 24 hours prior to reporting card loss, ensuring security.
- Contactless Payments:
- Visa Paywave-enabled for secure tap-to-pay transactions up to ₹5,000 without a PIN.
- Supplementary Cards:
- Free add-on cards for family members (aged 18+), earning cashback at the same rates and sharing lounge access.
- Emergency Card Replacement:
- Global emergency card replacement within 3 days if lost, ensuring uninterrupted use.
Fees and Charges
The card has a moderate fee structure with a spend-based annual fee waiver, making it cost-effective for active users. Key fees and charges include:
- Joining Fee: ₹999 + GST (≈₹1,178.82).
- Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹999 + GST, waived on spending ₹2,00,000 in the previous anniversary year (rent, wallet loads, and excluded categories don’t count).
- Finance Charges: 3.6% per month (43.2% APR).
- Cash Advance Fee: 2.5% of the withdrawn amount (minimum ₹500 + GST).
- Foreign Currency Markup Fee: 3.5% + GST (≈4.13%), with 1%–2% cashback via the forex offer.
- Late Payment Charges:
- ₹0 for dues up to ₹100.
- ₹100 for ₹101–₹500.
- ₹400 for ₹501–₹1,000.
- ₹500 for ₹1,001–₹10,000.
- ₹600 for ₹10,001–₹25,000.
- ₹800 for ₹25,001–₹50,000.
- ₹1,200 for dues above ₹50,000.
- Overlimit Fee: 2.5% of the over-limit amount (minimum ₹500).
- Reward Redemption Fee: ₹0 (cashback credited automatically).
- Card Replacement Fee: ₹100–₹250 + GST.
- Cheque Return/Auto-Debit Reversal Fee: ₹300–₹500.
- Other Charges: GST (18%) applies to all fees and charges as per government regulations.
Comparison of the HSBC Live+ Credit Card with Its Peers
Below is a comparison table of the HSBC Live+ Credit Card with its peers in the entry-level, cashback-oriented credit card segment in India, tailored for dining, grocery, and online shopping enthusiasts. The peers selected are Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card, Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card, and Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card, as they are popular cards competing in the same category with similar reward structures and benefits. It compares key features such as fees, rewards, benefits, and eligibility to help you choose the best card.
|
Feature |
HSBC Live+ Credit Card |
Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card |
Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card |
Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card |
|
₹999 + GST (waivable on ₹2 lakh annual spend) |
₹1,499 + GST (waivable on ₹3 lakh annual spend; LTF for applications Oct 1–Dec 31, 2024) |
Lifetime Free (No joining or annual fee) |
₹500 + GST (waivable on ₹2 lakh annual spend) |
|
|
Welcome Benefits |
₹1,000 cashback on ₹20,000 spend within 30 days; ₹100 Amazon eGift Voucher on online application with video KYC |
1,499 NeuCoins (₹1,499 value) on first transaction within 30 days |
3-month Amazon Prime membership; Up to ₹2,000 cashback on select categories (e.g., recharges, bills) |
₹500 Swiggy money on ₹5,000 spend within 30 days; 3-month Swiggy One membership |
|
Reward Points/Cashback |
10% cashback on dining, food delivery, groceries (₹1,000/month cap); 1.5% on other eligible spends (exclusions apply); Credited within 45 days |
5% NeuCoins on Tata Neu/partner brands (non-EMI); +5% via NeuPass (total 10%, select categories); 1.5% on non-Tata/EMI; 1.5% on UPI (500 NeuCoins/month cap); Grocery capped at 2,000 NeuCoins/month; No rewards on fuel, rent, EMI, wallet |
5% cashback on Amazon.in (Prime members); 3% (non-Prime); 2% on Amazon Pay partners; 1% on others; No cap |
10% cashback on Swiggy (food, Instamart, Dineout, Genie; ₹1,500/month cap); 5% on online spends (₹1,500/month cap); 1% on others |
|
Reward Redemption |
Cashback credited to statement; No redemption fee |
1 NeuCoin = ₹1; Redeem on Tata Neu app (AirAsia, BigBasket, Croma, etc.); 1-year expiry |
Cashback as Amazon Pay balance (1 point = ₹1); Auto-credited within 2 days; 3-year expiry |
Cashback credited to statement; No redemption fee |
|
4 domestic lounge visits/year (1/quarter) |
8 domestic lounge visits/year (2/quarter, ₹50,000 quarterly spend for voucher from Jun 10, 2025); 4 international visits/year (1/quarter, Priority Pass for Visa) |
None |
None |
|
|
Fuel Surcharge Waiver |
Up to ₹3,000/year on ₹400–₹4,000 transactions |
1% waiver (up to ₹500/month) on ₹400–₹5,000 transactions |
1% waiver (up to ₹400/month) on ₹400–₹4,000 transactions |
1% waiver (up to ₹250/month) on ₹400–₹5,000 transactions |
|
Movie/Dining Discounts |
15% off at 200+ partner restaurants via Live+ Dining Programme |
None |
15% off at 2,500+ restaurants via ICICI Culinary Treats (min ₹1,500 bill) |
10% cashback on Swiggy Dineout; 3-month Swiggy One membership |
|
Interest Rate (APR) |
42% p.a. (3.5% per month) |
43.2% p.a. (3.6% per month) |
42% p.a. (3.5% per month) |
43.2% p.a. (3.6% per month) |
|
Cash Withdrawal |
2.5% fee (min ₹500) + 3.5% monthly interest from transaction date |
2.5% fee (min ₹500) + 3.6% monthly interest from transaction date |
2.5% fee (min ₹300) + 3.5% monthly interest from transaction date |
2.5% fee (min ₹500) + 3.6% monthly interest from transaction date |
|
Other Benefits |
₹3 lakh lost card liability cover; Contactless payments; Add-on card cashback (₹1,000 on ₹20,000 spend within 30 days) |
₹1 crore air accident cover; ₹15 lakh emergency hospitalization; ₹9 lakh lost card liability; Contactless payments |
1-month EazyDiner membership; Contactless payments; No rewards on fuel, EMI, select digital purchases |
Complimentary golf lessons; Mastercard World Tier benefits; Contactless payments |
|
Eligibility |
Salaried, resident of Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Noida, Pune, Kochi, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Kolkata; Min. income: ₹50,000/month; Good credit score (750+) |
Salaried: ₹1 lakh/month; Self-employed: ₹12 lakh p.a. ITR; Age: 21–65; Good credit score |
Salaried: ₹25,000/month (ICICI customers), ₹35,000 (others); Age: 21–60; Good credit score |
Salaried: ₹25,000/month; Age: 21–60; Good credit score |
|
Foreign Currency Markup Fee |
3.5% + GST |
2% + GST |
3.5% + GST |
2% + GST |
Pros
- High Cashback on Groceries/Dining: 10% cashback (up to ₹1,000/month) on groceries, dining, and food delivery is ideal for food-related spends, covering online/offline grocery stores and platforms like Swiggy/Zomato.
- Automatic Cashback: Credited within 45 days without redemption hassle, unlike reward point-based cards like YES Prosperity Rewards Plus.
- Unlimited 1.5% Cashback: Applies to most retail spends (excluding specific categories), offering consistent savings.
- Complimentary Lounge Access: 4 domestic lounge visits/year (1/quarter) for primary and add-on cardholders is rare for a ₹999-fee card, enhancing travel value.
- Welcome Benefits: ₹1,000 cashback (₹20,000 spend in 30 days) and ₹250 Amazon voucher (online VKYC) offset the ₹1,178 joining fee.
- Dining Savings: Up to 15% off via the Live+ Dining Programme, combinable with 10% cashback for 25% total savings, is a standout feature.
- Low Annual Fee with Waiver: ₹999 + GST is affordable, and the ₹2,00,000 spend-based waiver is achievable for moderate spenders.
- Entertainment Perks: BOGO movie tickets on Saturdays via BookMyShow add leisure value.
- Contactless and Secure: Visa Paywave and ₹3,00,000 insurance cover for unauthorized transactions ensure convenience and safety.
- Positive User Sentiment: X posts praise its cashback on groceries/dining and ease of use, calling it a “no-brainer” for urban spenders.
Cons
- Cashback Cap: ₹1,000/month cap on 10% cashback (groceries, dining, food delivery) limits savings for high spenders (max ₹12,000/year).
- Category Exclusions: No cashback on fuel, rent, utilities, insurance, wallet loads, government services, education, jewelry, or gambling reduces versatility.
- City Restrictions: Available only in select cities (e.g., Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi NCR), excluding many potential applicants.
- High Forex Markup Fee: 3.5% + GST (net ~2.5%–3.5% after cashback) is steep compared to MakeMyTrip ICICI (0.99%) or HDFC INFINIA (~1.36%).
- No Accelerated Category Variety: Unlike Swiggy HDFC (5% online spends), it lacks accelerated cashback beyond food-related categories, limiting appeal for diverse spenders.
- Customer Service Issues: Users report delays in cashback crediting and unresponsive support, requiring follow-ups.
- Moderate Welcome Offer: ₹1,000 cashback requires ₹20,000 spend in 30 days, less attractive than Amex Platinum Travel (10,000 points) or BOBCARD Tiara (₹31,000 memberships).
- No International Lounge Access: Domestic-only lounge visits limit value for global travelers, unlike Tata Neu Infinity (4 international visits).
- High Interest Rate: 43.2% APR discourages carrying balances, emphasizing full monthly payments.
- Unclear MCC Eligibility: Cashback on groceries/food delivery depends on Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), and stores like Patanjali or Amazon Fresh may not qualify, requiring trial and error.
Final Thought
The HSBC Live+ Credit Card is a compelling choice for urban professionals in select cities who spend significantly on groceries, dining, and food delivery, offering 10% cashback (up to ₹1,000/month) and 1.5% unlimited cashback on other spends. Its 4 domestic lounge visits, up to 25% dining savings (10% cashback + 15% discount), and ₹1,250 welcome benefits (₹1,000 cashback + ₹250 voucher) make it a strong entry-level card for a ₹999 fee. However, the ₹1,000 cashback cap, exclusions (fuel, rent, utilities), city restrictions, and lack of international lounge access limit its appeal for high spenders or global travelers compared to cards like MakeMyTrip ICICI (6% on hotels, 0.99% forex) or Swiggy HDFC (5% online, ₹1,500 cap). To maximize value, spend ₹10,000/month on groceries/dining, hit ₹2,00,000 annually for fee waivers, and use at participating restaurants for dining discounts. Verify MCC eligibility for grocery stores and terms on the HSBC India website (www.hsbc.co.in) or contact customer care (1800-266-3456) before applying, as exclusions and benefits may change.
With over 15 years of experience in Banking, investment banking, personal finance, or financial planning, Dkush has a knack for breaking down complex financial concepts into actionable, easy-to-understand advice. A MBA finance and a lifelong learner, Dkush is committed to helping readers achieve financial independence through smart budgeting, investing, and wealth-building strategies, Follow Dailyfinancial.in for practical tips and a roadmap to financial success!
