HSBC RuPay Platinum Credit Card Review
At a Glance
| Joining Fee | Nil |
| Annual Fee | Nil, every year |
| Best Suited For | Salaried users in HSBC’s listed cities who want a free card for UPI spends and airline miles |
| Reward Type | HSBC Reward Points, convertible to air miles and hotel points |
The HSBC RuPay Platinum Credit Card is a lifetime free card from HSBC India. There is no joining fee and no annual fee, and the MITC lists both as nil.
Because it runs on RuPay, you can link it to UPI apps and pay at any merchant QR code. Those UPI payments earn the same 2 reward points per ₹150 as a card swipe.
The points can be moved into 15 airline and 5 hotel loyalty programmes from the HSBC India app. This review covers the earn rate, what a point is really worth, the fees and who should skip it.
Rewards & Benefits
Reward rate and earn structure
| Spend type | Reward rate |
|---|---|
| All eligible spends, including UPI | 2 reward points per ₹150, no monthly cap stated by HSBC |
| Hotels, flights and car rentals booked on Travel with Points | Up to 6X reward points |
| Apple purchases on the HSBC Unicorn portal | 5X reward points |
| Instant EMI transactions | No points |
The base rate is flat. Groceries, dining, online shopping and UPI at a kirana store all earn the same 2 points per ₹150.
UPI on this card works only for payments to merchants. You cannot send money to a person, and NPCI blocks categories such as cash withdrawal, IPOs and mutual funds. The UPI limit is ₹1 lakh per card per day, and only ₹5,000 in the first 24 hours after linking.
Redemption and point value
Most partners take 2 HSBC points for 1 mile or loyalty point. That covers Air India Maharaja Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG and Accor. United needs 3 points, Turkish and Hainan need 4, and Shangri-La needs 10.
At the base rate, ₹150 of spending earns 2 points, which is 1 airline mile on a 2:1 partner. Most airline transfers complete instantly or within 1 working day.
Accor gives the clearest rupee value. HSBC states that 2,000 Accor points are worth EUR 40, roughly ₹3,560. So 1 Accor point is about ₹1.78, and 2 HSBC points buy one.
That works out to about ₹1.78 back on every ₹150, or roughly 1.2%. Gift cards are also available, but HSBC does not publish their rupee value per point for this card.
Welcome benefits
| Benefit | Condition |
|---|---|
| ₹500 cashback | Download and log in to the HSBC India app, then spend ₹5,000 within 30 days of card issuance. For applications from 15 July 2025 to 31 December 2026 |
| ₹250 Amazon voucher | Apply online, finish video verification and receive the card. Offer runs 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2027 |
| EazyDiner membership | 2 months, on card activation |
The cashback lands within 60 days after your first 30 days end. Add-on cardholders and corporate cardholders are not eligible, and it cannot be combined with another welcome offer.
Fuel, dining and international use
You get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel bills between ₹400 and ₹4,000, with savings of up to ₹3,000 a year. The District by Zomato offer gives 10% off dining and activities, plus buy-one-get-one cinema tickets.
Abroad, the card works on the JCB network in around 160 countries and regions. HSBC’s product page lists no airport lounge access and no insurance cover for this card.
Fees & Charges
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining fee | Nil |
| Annual fee | Nil |
| Add-on card | Nil |
| Interest on revolving credit and cash | 3.75% a month (45% a year) |
| Interest-free period | Up to 48 days |
| Foreign currency transactions | 3.5% of the amount |
| Cash advance fee | 2.5% of the amount, minimum ₹500 |
| Late payment fee | 100% of the minimum due, minimum ₹250, maximum ₹1,200 a month |
| Rent payments | 1% processing fee |
| Over-limit fee | 2.5% of the over-limit amount or ₹500, whichever is higher |
| Bounced payment or failed NACH | ₹500 |
| Cash payment at HSBC branch | ₹100 |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | 1% on ₹400 to ₹4,000, up to ₹3,000 a year |
All fees attract 18% GST on top. There is no fee to waive, so you never have to chase a spend target to keep this card free.
The charge that catches people out is the late fee. It equals your whole minimum due, from ₹250 up to ₹1,200 a month, if payment misses the due date by more than 3 days.
The 3.5% forex fee is also steep. Keep this card for spending in rupees.
Eligibility & Documents Required
| Criteria | Salaried | Self-employed |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 65 years | 25 to 65 years |
| Minimum income | ₹6,00,000 a year | ₹12,00,000 a year |
| Residency | Indian resident | Indian resident |
You must also live in one of HSBC’s 21 sourcing cities. These include Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kochi and Indore.
Keep PAN, Aadhaar or another address proof, and recent salary slips or ITR ready. The online route uses video KYC.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No joining or annual fee, ever | Base return is low if you redeem for gift cards |
| Reward points on UPI payments | No lounge access listed |
| Transfers to 15 airlines and 5 hotel chains | 3.5% forex fee |
| Up to 48 days interest-free | ₹6 lakh income bar and only 21 cities |
HSBC RuPay Platinum vs Competitors
| Feature | HSBC RuPay Platinum | HSBC RuPay Cashback | HSBC Visa Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | Nil | ₹499, reversed on ₹2,00,000 a year | Nil |
| Earn | 2 points per ₹150 | 10% on selected categories, 1% elsewhere, ₹400 total cap | 2 points per ₹150 |
| UPI linking | Yes | Yes | No |
The RuPay Cashback card pays more on its chosen categories but costs ₹499 unless you spend ₹2 lakh. The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card earns the same points but cannot be used on UPI.
How to Apply
Open the HSBC RuPay Platinum page on HSBC India’s website and select Apply now. Fill in your personal, income and city details.
Finish the video verification to qualify for the ₹250 Amazon voucher. Once the card arrives, download the HSBC India app, log in, and add the card to your UPI app with a 6-digit UPI PIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HSBC RuPay Platinum Credit Card lifetime free?
Yes. HSBC’s MITC lists the joining fee and annual fee as nil for the primary card, and add-on cards are free too.
Do I earn reward points on UPI with this card?
Yes, UPI payments to merchants earn 2 points per ₹150, like any card spend. Payments to individuals are not allowed on credit card UPI.
What is the minimum salary for HSBC RuPay Platinum?
Salaried applicants need ₹6 lakh a year and must be 18 to 65. Self-employed applicants need ₹12 lakh a year and must be 25 to 65.
Does the card give airport lounge access?
No lounge access is listed on HSBC’s page for this card. Pick a fee-paying travel card if lounges matter to you.
Can I use the card abroad?
Yes, through the JCB network in around 160 countries and regions. Every foreign currency spend carries a 3.5% fee plus GST.
What is the interest-free period?
Up to 48 days, if you clear the full statement by the due date. Cash withdrawals get no interest-free period.
Bottom Line
The HSBC RuPay Platinum Credit Card is a solid free card for everyday UPI spends. You pay nothing to hold it, and every ₹150 earns points that turn into 1 airline mile or about ₹1.78 of Accor value.
Get it if you live in an HSBC city, earn ₹6 lakh or more, and want a no-fee card that rewards QR payments. It also pairs well with a premium card you already hold.
Skip it if you want lounge access, spend abroad often, or only ever redeem for vouchers. Look at a cashback card or a travel card with a lower forex fee instead.
Fees and features are as of October 2026. Check HSBC’s site before applying.
