CheQ AU Credit Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The CheQ AU Credit Card, issued by AU Small Finance Bank, is positioned as India’s first LED-enabled credit card, offering a unique visual experience with every POS transaction. This mid-to-premium range card differentiates itself with a strong rewards program, providing up to 12% rewards on popular brands and categories, 2.5% on CheQ UPI transactions, and 1% on all other spends. It also offers the convenience of two cards (Visa LED and RuPay) with a single application and is marketed as lifetime free, with an optional one-time fee for the LED variant.

Welcome Benefits

• The card is marketed as Lifetime FREE, meaning no joining fee and no annual fee for the standard variant.
• An optional upgrade to the LED Credit Card incurs a one-time issuance fee of ₹999 + GST.

Fees

• Joining Fee: Lifetime free for the standard card. A one-time fee of ₹999 + GST is applicable for the LED Card only.
• Renewal Fee: Lifetime free.
• Spend-Based Waiver: The annual fee (if applicable, as per FAQ) is waived if you spend ₹3 lakh within the card membership year.
• Fuel Surcharge: 1% fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹150 on fuel spends.
• Cash Advance Charges: 2.5% of the withdrawn amount, or ₹500, whichever is higher.
• Foreign Currency Markup: 3.49% on all foreign currency transactions.
• Rewards Redemption Fee: No rewards redemption fee.
• Interest Rates: 3.75% per month (45% per annum) on revolving credit and cash advances.
• Lounge Access: No complimentary domestic or international airport lounge access.
• Processing Fee: None separate from the joining fee. The standard card is lifetime free; only the optional LED variant carries a one-time ₹999 + GST issuance charge.

Rewards

• 12% Rewards: Earn on spends across Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, BigBasket, Apple Products powered by Unicorn (Online & In-Store), CheQ Travel (flights & hotels), and Utility Bills paid via the CheQ App.
• 5% Rewards: Earn on all other spends across Online Shopping, Travel, Food Delivery, and Online Grocery, covering 10,000+ brands.
• 2.5% Rewards: Earn through CheQ UPI (5 CheQ points per INR 200) when linking your RuPay card to CheQ UPI.
• 1% Rewards: Earn on every other transaction (1 CheQ point per ₹200).
• Accelerated Rewards Cap: You can earn up to 12,000 CheQ points per month on accelerated categories.
• Base Rewards Cap: There is no monthly or annual cap on base reward points, meaning you continue earning rewards on eligible spends even after reaching the accelerated rewards limit.
• Reward Point Validity: Reward points are valid for 2 years from the date they are credited into your CheQ account.
• Reward Point Credit Time: Reward points are typically credited within 2–3 working days after the transaction is completed and settled.
• Transactions Not Eligible for Rewards: Rewards are not applicable on fuel, education, or gold purchases, gambling or insurance payments, utility payments made outside the CheQ app, rent-related spends, transactions below ₹200, EMI transactions, and UPI transactions made outside the CheQ app.

Rewards Redemption Guide

• One Currency, Endless Redemptions: CheQ points offer maximum flexibility for redemption.
• CheQ Travel: Book flights and hotels at potentially zero cost by redeeming CheQ Points (e.g., 2 CheQ points = ₹1 for CheQ Travel).
• Top Brand Gift Cards: Redeem CheQ Points for gift cards from brands like Swiggy, Myntra, Nykaa, and more (e.g., 2 CheQ points = ₹1).
• Bills on CheQ: Pay lesser for monthly credit card and utility bills by redeeming CheQ Points (e.g., 4 CheQ points = ₹1).
• Checking Balance: Easily check your reward points balance directly in the CheQ app, which allows you to view total points, track earnings over time, see rewards per transaction, and monitor rewards for both Visa and RuPay cards.

Card Eligibility Criteria

• Primary Cardholder Age:
  • Self-Employed: 25 years to 65 years
  • Salaried: 21 years to 60 years
• Add-on Cardholder Age: Should be over 18 years.
• Residency: Resident Indian.
• Monthly Income: ₹25,000+ (salaried or self-employed).
• Credit Score: 750 or above.
• Serviceable Area: Must reside in an AU Bank serviceable area.
• Bank Discretion: These criteria are indicative, and AU Small Finance Bank reserves the right to approve or decline applications.

Card Review

The CheQ AU Credit Card stands out as India’s first LED-enabled credit card, offering a unique and visually engaging payment experience. It is well-suited for individuals seeking a rewarding credit card for everyday spends, particularly across online shopping, food delivery, travel, and utility payments, where it offers high reward rates of 12% and 5%. The inclusion of 2.5% rewards on CheQ UPI and 1% on all other transactions ensures broad earning potential. The card's "Lifetime Free" status (for the standard variant) makes it an attractive option, with an optional one-time fee for the distinctive LED version. The ability to receive both a Visa (LED) and RuPay card with a single application adds versatility. While there is a monthly cap on accelerated rewards, the uncapped base rewards ensure continuous earning. The quick and seamless application process, including instant credit limit visibility and immediate virtual card issuance, is a significant advantage. This card is ideal for those with a stable income and good credit score who value high reward rates, unique features, and convenient digital banking.

Important Product Details

• India’s First LED Card: Your Visa card illuminates automatically with every POS transaction, offering a bold innovation in everyday payments.
• Dual Card Offering: You will receive two cards – one Visa (LED) and one RuPay variant – with a single application.
• Contactless Payments: Make quick, secure payments up to ₹5,000 without entering your PIN by tapping your card or mobile phone with a digitally added card on a POS machine.
• Card Management: Access features like managing your card, going to the CheQ App, reporting fraud, and making service requests via AU Bank and CheQ App platforms.
• AU 0101 Mobile App: Manage and track all your transactions, view balance, download account statements, and request cheque books on the AU 0101 App.
• Customer Support: 24x7 help is available.

Other Details

• AU Small Finance Bank and CheQ have a revenue sharing agreement as co-branded partners.
• Applications for the LED-powered CheQ AU Credit Card will open on the CheQ app from 28 April 2026.
• If you find better prices elsewhere for flights and hotels on CheQ Travel, they will match the price.
• To permanently close your credit card, contact AU Small Finance Bank customer support. Before raising the request, clear all outstanding dues. Both cards (Visa and RuPay) must be closed together, as partial closure is not supported.