HSBC Live+ Credit Card Review
The HSBC Live+ is one of India’s strongest cashback cards after its July 2026 revamp. It pays 10% on dining, food delivery, groceries, shopping and utilities, up to ₹1,200 a month, and an unlimited 1.5% on most other spends.
It now runs on Visa Infinite and has a 1.99% forex markup, lower than most cards. It is available only in selected cities.
- 10% cashback across dining, food delivery, grocery, shopping and utilities
- Unlimited 1.5% on most other spends
- 1.99% forex markup
- Fee waived on ₹2 lakh annual spend
- Welcome cashback of ₹1,000 plus vouchers
- 10% categories share a ₹1,200 monthly cap
- No cashback on fuel; hospitals, transit and international reportedly excluded from 10%
- Only 2 domestic and 1 international lounge visit a year
- Available only in 21 cities
- Higher income needed for self-employed (₹12 lakh)
Fees and charges
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Joining fee | ₹999 + GST |
| Annual fee | ₹999 + GST, waived on spend above ₹2 lakh a year |
| Forex markup | 1.99% |
Rewards: how the card earns
| Spend | Cashback |
|---|---|
| Dining, food delivery, grocery, shopping, utilities | 10% (combined cap ₹1,200 a month) |
| Most other spends | 1.5% (no cap) |
| Fuel | 0% |
Cashback is credited within 45 days of the statement date.
What earns nothing
Fuel earns no cashback; check HSBC’s terms for other excluded merchant categories.
Other benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Welcome | ₹1,000 cashback on app login and ₹25,000 spend in 30 days; ₹750 Visa voucher on first ₹300 transaction; ₹250 Amazon voucher for online application with video KYC |
| Lounge access | 2 domestic and 1 international visit a year |
| Fuel | ₹250 cashback on contactless fuel spends with ₹10,000 quarterly spend |
| Dining | The Live+ Reserve dining programme |
Eligibility
Issuer
HSBC India
Network
Visa Infinite
Salaried
18–65, ₹6 lakh a year
Self-employed
25–65, ₹12 lakh a year
Cities
21 listed cities
Who this card is for
- Good fit: people in HSBC’s cities who spend ₹10,000–₹12,000 a month on dining, groceries and shopping.
- Skip if: you live outside HSBC’s 21 cities or mainly spend on fuel.
Alternatives worth comparing
Final verdict
One of the best cashback cards in India after the July 2026 revamp: 10% across everyday categories plus a low forex markup. The ₹1,200 monthly cap and city restriction are the only real limits.
Frequently asked questions
How much cashback does HSBC Live+ give?
10% on dining, food delivery, grocery, shopping and utilities (combined cap ₹1,200 a month) and 1.5% on most other spends.
What is the fee?
₹999 + GST, waived on spend above ₹2 lakh a year.
What is the forex markup?
1.99%.
How many lounge visits are included?
2 domestic and 1 international a year.
Who can apply?
Salaried applicants with ₹6 lakh a year or self-employed with ₹12 lakh, in HSBC’s 21 listed cities.
Last verified: October 2026, against HSBC India’s Live+ card page (revamped 26 Jul 2026). Card terms change often; confirm the current fees and reward rules on the issuer’s website before you apply. All fees are plus 18% GST.