HSBC Live+ credit card review: fees, rewards and eligibility
The HSBC Live+ has a recorded annual fee of ₹999 plus GST and a base earn of 1.5% in Cashback. CardMasters checked its issuer terms on 2026-07-23. Affiliate commission never changes ranking; confirm final terms and approval with HSBC.
HSBC Live+: short answer
The HSBC Live+ is in the entry tier of HSBC credit cards, with a joining fee of ₹999, an annual fee of ₹999 plus GST (waived on ₹2,00,000 of eligible annual spend), a base earn of 1.5% in Cashback and a 3.5% forex markup. Rewards are not earned on fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, insurance. It suits dining, grocery, food delivery spending; whether it beats a card you already hold depends on your own spend mix and redemption choices.
Source: CardMasters issuer-evidence catalogue, release 2026-07-23. Confirm final terms with the issuer.
Reward structure
1.5% base rewards in Cashback.
- 10 points per ₹100 on dining, food delivery, grocery (₹1,000 monthly cap) — 10% cashback, capped ₹1,000 per billing cycle
Eligibility and important limits
published monthly income floor ₹50,000 Approval remains solely at the issuer’s discretion.
Does not earn: fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, insurance, utilities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual fee for the HSBC Live+?
The published annual fee in our current record is ₹999 plus applicable GST. It can be waived after ₹2,00,000 of eligible annual spend, subject to issuer terms.
How do rewards work on the HSBC Live+?
1.5% base rewards in Cashback. Accelerated routes include 10 points per ₹100 on dining, food delivery, grocery (₹1,000 monthly cap). Reward value depends on the eligible transaction route and redemption method.
Which transactions do not earn rewards on the HSBC Live+?
The current issuer-sourced exclusions recorded by CardMasters include fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, insurance, utilities. Merchant category coding and issuer terms determine final eligibility.
Who should consider the HSBC Live+?
It is most relevant for people focused on dining, grocery, food delivery, cashback. Whether it improves your wallet still depends on your actual spending, existing cards, fees and redemption choices.
Is the HSBC Live+ worth it?
It is worth holding only when the rewards and benefits you will genuinely use exceed ₹999 plus GST each year. The fee is waived at ₹2,00,000 of eligible annual spend, so check whether you reach that without forcing spend. Value the rewards at a realistic redemption rate, not the issuer's best-case example.
What is the eligibility for the HSBC Live+?
The published monthly income floor is ₹50,000. Approval, credit limit and final pricing are decided solely by the issuer.
What is the forex markup on the HSBC Live+?
The recorded foreign-currency markup is 3.5% before GST. On ₹1,00,000 of international spend that is about ₹3,500 in markup, so compare it against any rewards earned on overseas transactions.
Does the HSBC Live+ offer airport lounge access?
Domestic lounge access: 4/yr (1 per quarter). International lounge access: none. Spend conditions and guest charges are set by the issuer and can change.