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Ultimate guide to cashback credit cards

With a cashback credit card, you can earn back a percentage of what you spend in stores or online with your card.

You'll be rewarded every time you use your card. Spend on what you love, earn on what you spend.

What is cashback?

Cashback is a credit card perk. It's money that will be credited back to your credit card for making purchases with your card. So if your card offers 1.5% cashback, and you spend INR15,000, you'll earn INR225 as a cashback.

How does credit card cashback work?

Cashback credit cards are very simple – you'll earn money back for every rupee you spend. 

Not only that, your cashback will be deposited directly to your credit card. 

6 ways to maximise your cashback benefits

Dining out with friends? Why not settle the tab with your credit card first before splitting the bill? Making larger purchases is a great way to multiply your cashback. 

Explore other strategies for making the most of your cashback credit card: 

  1. Select a card that suits your spending habits
    Do you spend more on dining out, or travel or shopping? By choosing the right credit card, you can earn the most cashback.
  2. Pay attention to bonus categories
    You'll earn faster cashback for eligible purchases, such as 10% cashback[@accelerated-cashback-cap] on dining, groceries and food delivery spends with the HSBC Live+ Credit Card.
  3. Understand which categories won't earn you cashback
    Paying your rent and utilities, buying insurance, or splurging on jewellery won't earn you any cashback.
  4. Watch your monthly rebate limits
    Some credit cards come with monthly cashback caps in certain categories. Know what those are to earn the most when you spend.
  5. Look for welcome benefits, promotions or bonus offers
    You might get extra cashback for meeting the minimum spend requirement when you first receive your card.
  6. Pay your credit card bill in full
    While charging everything to your card will earn you cashback quickly, don't spend more than you have and remember to pay off your balance every month.
When applying for a cashback credit card, make sure you know what the final cashback rate will be. Introductory cashback rates will often be higher.

How much money can you earn?

Cashback rates vary by credit card. You won't always get a flat rate. The cashback you get will depend on what you spend your money on or how much you spend.

With an HSBC Live+ Credit Card, you can get 1.5% unlimited cashback[@unlimited-cashback-exclusions] for most spends and 10% accelerated cashback, up to INR1,000 a month, on all dining, food delivery and grocery spends. So by spending INR10,000 monthly on food spends with a 10% cashback rate, you'll get INR1,000 back.

When it comes to picking the right cashback credit card, it pays to read the fine print. That's because cashback cards often have an introductory offer with a higher rate of cashback.

What are the drawbacks of a cashback card?

Some cashback cards may come with joining and annual fees, or high interest rates. They may also come with monthly or yearly caps on how much cashback you can earn.

If you travel a lot, you may find that you'll get more value for money with a rewards or points card, and more redemption choices, too.

You need to decide whether the card benefits are worth it. If you carry your balance forward, or the fees are too high, it may cost you more than the cashback you earn. 

In addition: 

  • You may not be able to combine introductory or welcome offers with cashback offers
  • Some offers may require you to complete transactions within a certain number of days of receiving a new credit card
  • Offers may not be eligible if you don't repay your minimum payment due within 30 days of your credit card payment due date

The HSBC Live+ Credit Card annual fee is waived if you spend more than INR200,000 per year. There's also no joining fee for supplementary cards.

Apply for an HSBC Live+ Credit Card

Dine, shop and have fun with extra cashback.

Apply for a credit card online and complete your application & Video KYC (VKYC) to get an Amazon e-gift voucher worth INR250. T&Cs apply.

How can I redeem my cashback?

Your cashback earned will be automatically credited to your credit card within 45 days of your card statement date. Cashback received for any cancelled transactions – or if you don't make your minimum payment by the due date – will be revoked. 

Which transactions qualify for cashback?

With the HSBC Live+ Credit Card, you can earn cashback in the following categories:

  • Dining and food delivery
  • Groceries
  • Hotels
  • Medicine
  • Shopping

Cashback cannot be earned for fuel-related purchases, rental or property payments, insurance, cash withdrawals, credit repayments, toll fees and other categories at the Bank's discretion.

The bottom line

Ultimately, you'll want to consider your spending habits and budget when choosing a credit card. When used responsibly, a cashback credit card can be a great way to earn money on every rupee you spend.

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Important information

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