New HSBC RuPay Platinum Credit Card Review: A Smart Choice for UPI Enthusiasts in 2025

HSBC's latest addition to their credit card portfolio is making waves in the Indian market. The HSBC RuPay Platinum Credit Card isn't just another plastic in your wallet—it's a clever play that combines the power of UPI with traditional credit card benefits. And honestly? It's about time someone thought of this.

What Makes This Card Special

The HSBC RuPay Platinum Credit Card stands out because it's built for the way Indians actually pay for things. You know how everyone's using UPI these days? Well, this card lets you link it directly to UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe. That means you can earn reward points even when you're splitting that dinner bill or paying the local vendor.

But here's the kicker—it comes with zero joining and annual fees. In a world where most decent cards charge you just to own them, HSBC is saying "take it, it's free." And they mean it.

The Welcome Package That Actually Welcomes You

When you sign up, HSBC doesn't just hand you a card and wave goodbye. They've put together a welcome package that's actually useful:

• INR 100 Amazon eGift Voucher when you apply online and complete Video KYC

• INR 500 cashback when you download their mobile app and spend INR 5,000 in the first 30 days

• 2-month EazyDiner Prime membership for restaurant discounts

The EazyDiner membership alone gives you 25% to 50% discounts at premium restaurants. Not bad for a "free" card.

Rewards That Make Sense

The reward structure is straightforward—you earn 2 reward points for every INR 150 spent. That translates to roughly 0.67% return rate on your spending. While that might not sound earth-shattering, remember this is a lifetime free card.

You can convert these points to air miles with major airlines including Air India, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines. The conversion happens instantly through their mobile app, which is refreshingly simple.

The UPI Integration Game-Changer

Here's where things get interesting. This card works with UPI payments, which means you can earn rewards on:

• Bill payments through apps like Paytm

• QR code payments at local stores

• Money transfers to friends and family

• Online purchases through UPI

You're essentially earning rewards on transactions that typically wouldn't qualify for credit card benefits. That's smart thinking.

Travel Benefits and International Access

The card works in over 160 countries through the JCB network. While it's not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, JCB has decent coverage in most places you'd actually want to visit.

You also get fuel surcharge waivers that can save you up to INR 3,000 annually. For someone spending INR 100,000 per year, this benefit alone boosts your effective return rate to 3.67%.

Partner Offers Worth Noting

HSBC has tied up with several platforms for additional discounts:

• Swiggy Instamart: 10% off orders above INR 500 (max discount INR 200)

• Tira: 10% off orders above INR 2,499 every Wednesday (max discount INR 1,000)

• Paytm: 5% off bill payments above INR 299 (max discount INR 150)

• Cleartrip: Discounts up to INR 6,000 on flights and hotels

Eligibility and Application Process

To get this card, you need to:

• Be between 18-65 years old

• Have a minimum annual income of INR 400,000 for salaried individuals

• Be an Indian resident

• Live in one of the 15 eligible cities

Link: https://www.hsbc.co.in/credit-cards/products/rupay-platinum-credit-card/

The Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect)

Let's be realistic here. This card isn't perfect:

• No lounge access: Unlike some other lifetime free cards, you won't get airport lounge benefits

• Limited travel benefits: No travel insurance or other premium travel perks

• JCB network: While functional, it's not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard

• Basic reward rate: 0.67% isn't spectacular, though it's decent for a free card

Who Should Get This Card?

This card makes sense if you:

• Use UPI frequently and want to earn rewards on those transactions

• Want a backup card with no annual fees

• Are new to credit cards and want to build credit history

• Live in one of the eligible cities and meet the income criteria

The Final Verdict

The HSBC RuPay Platinum Credit Card isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It's a solid, no-frills card that does what it promises. The UPI integration is genuinely useful, and the lifetime free status removes the pressure to "get your money's worth."

With an effective return rate of 3.67% when you factor in fuel savings and partner offers, it's actually quite competitive. Plus, HSBC's push to expand their card portfolio shows they're serious about the Indian market.

Is it the best card out there? No. But is it a smart addition to your wallet? Absolutely. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.