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Citi Cash Back Credit Card VS HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 30 July 2026

Both HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card and Citi Cash Back Credit Card suit shopping-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card costs ₹499 + GST and earns 10% cashback on dining, food delivery, groceries; 1% on others. Monthly cap of INR 400. Citi Cash Back Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase; 5% on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel. HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card also brings up to 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter, while Citi Cash Back Credit Card counters with earn 200 Cash Back after spending 1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. If dining spending matters more, go with HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card; if travel is the priority, Citi Cash Back Credit Card fits better.

Citi Cash Back Credit Card
Citi Cash Back Credit Card
HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card
HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining FeeLifetime Free
Joining Fee₹499 + GST
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Renewal Fee₹499 + GST
Spend Based Waiver
Spend Based WaiverWaived on annual spend of ₹200,000.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign Transaction Fees0% on transactions until July 31, 2026.
Interest Rate (APR)0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; variable APR 17.49% - 27.49% thereafter.
Interest Rate (APR)

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusEarn $200 Cash Back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
Welcome BonusINR 500 cashback, INR 250 Amazon eGift Voucher, 2-months EazyDiner membership, and INR 250 UPI cashback.
Rewards RateEarn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase; 5% on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel.
Rewards Rate10% cashback on dining, food delivery, groceries; 1% on others. Monthly cap of INR 400.
Reward TypeCashback
Reward TypeCashback
Reward Redemption Fee
Reward Redemption Fee

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access
Domestic Lounge AccessUp to 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter.
International Lounge Access
International Lounge AccessUp to 2 complimentary international airport lounge visits per year.
Travel BenefitsEarn a total of 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel.
Travel BenefitsDiscounts up to INR 6,000 on flights and hotels via Cleartrip.
Movie Benefits
Movie Benefits
Dining Benefits
Dining Benefits10% cashback on dining/food delivery, 2-months EazyDiner membership, and exclusive RuPay/JCB discounts.
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Fuel Surcharge Waiver

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Insurance Benefits
Cash Advance Charges
Cash Advance Charges
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Citi Cash Back Credit Card

HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card

Who is it for?

The Citi Double Cash Card is a popular cash back credit card offering an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, split between 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. It features no annual fee and an attractive 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. This card is ideal for individuals seeking straightforward rewards on everyday spending and those looking to consolidate debt.

Who is it for?

The HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card is a mid-range credit card designed for everyday spending, offering significant cashback benefits and seamless integration with the RuPay network for UPI payments. It provides a compelling value proposition with 0% foreign currency markup for a limited period, complimentary airport lounge access, and a robust cashback program across popular spending categories like dining, food delivery, and groceries. The card also leverages the JCB network for international transactions, making it versatile for global use, ideal for users seeking strong rewards on daily expenses and travel perks.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, a straightforward and rewarding structure.

Enjoy the benefits of this card without paying any annual fee whatsoever.

Benefit from a long 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for debt consolidation.

Get enhanced 5% cash back on travel bookings made via the Citi Travel portal.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Enjoy a robust 10% cashback on dining, food delivery, and grocery spends.

Benefit from 0% foreign currency markup on international transactions until July 2026.

Experience seamless and rewarding UPI payments with direct card linking.

Get complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges quarterly/annually.

Utilize global acceptance for payments and ATMs in over 160 countries via JCB.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The card lacks specific bonus categories for dining, movies, or fuel beyond general spend.

No complimentary airport lounge access or premium travel perks are offered with this card.

Interest is charged on new purchases if a balance transfer is not paid in full monthly.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Cashback earnings are capped at INR 400 per month, limiting high spenders.

Many categories like fuel, e-wallets, and utilities are excluded from cashback.

The attractive 0% foreign currency markup is only a temporary offer.

International lounge access is restricted to only two visits per year.

No explicit fuel surcharge waiver, and fuel spends don't earn cashback.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.
Apply for Citi Cash Back Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card(opens in new tab)