Most credit cards offer you fixed benefits which may or may not be a fit you. You get travel points but you never fly. You get dining rewards when you mostly cook at home.The Equitas Selfe Credit Card is different. It is built on a simple idea: You choose where you want better rewards.
With this card, you call the shots.
- Want rewards on clothes instead of groceries? You pick the categories.
- Want your bill to come after payday? You choose the date.
- Want a metal card or an eco-friendly one? You decide the look.
But here is the best part: If you use it enough, this simple card transforms into a powerhouse. It can earn you up to 10% back on your favorite spending and cut your international fees to zero.
Let’s see if this “build-your-own” credit card is the right fit for your wallet.
Key Highlights (At a Glance)
Fees and Charges
Kiwi RuPay Card
Lifetime FreeRewards: How to Earn 5X Points
This is the main engine of the card. Unlike other cards where the bank decides your bonus categories, the Equitas Selfe card lets you pick your own.
- The Base Rate: You earn 2 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on regular things (like electronics, travel, or medical bills).
- Real Value: This works out to a low 0.7% return if you are on the Blue Tier, but jumps to a solid 2% return if you reach the Diamond Tier.
- The Power Rate: You earn 10 Reward Points (5X) for every ₹100 spent on your two chosen categories.
- Real Value: This works out to 3.5% return if you are on the Blue Tier, but jumps to a solid 10% return if you reach the Diamond Tier.
How Customization Works – When you get the card, you log into the Equitas Mobile App and select any 2 of the following 5 categories. You can change these categories periodically if your spending habits change.
Regular Spends
Earn 2 Points per ₹100 on everything else (Electronics, Travel, Medical, etc.)
Your 2 Picks
Earn 10 Points per ₹100 on your two selected categories.
Select 2 from these options (check MCCs):
Important Caps & Rules There are a few “gotchas” to keep in mind:
- Grocery Cap: You can only earn a maximum of 2,000 Points on groceries per month. After that, you earn nothing on grocery spends until the next month.
- Insurance Cap: You can earn points on insurance premiums, but it is capped at 2,000 Points per day. So, if you have a massive LIC premium, split the payment over two days if possible.
- Excluded: You do not earn any points on Fuel, Wallet Loads (like Paytm), or Rent payments.
BoB Eterna
Lifetime FreeEquitas Privilege Program: Detailed Tier Breakdown
You cannot unlock a tier by spending a lump sum in one month. You must meet the monthly spend requirement for 3 consecutive months within a calendar quarter.
| Tier & Spend | Redemption (1 Point Value) | Return Rate (On 5X Cats) | Forex Fee | Quarterly Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BLUE < ₹20k / mth | ₹0.35 | 3.5% | 3.5% | — |
SILVER > ₹20k / mth | ₹0.35 | 3.5% | 3.0% | 500 Bonus Points |
GOLD > ₹40k / mth | ₹0.50 | 5.0% | 2.5% | 1 Movie Voucher (₹250) 1 Amazon Voucher (₹500) |
PLATINUM > ₹60k / mth | ₹0.75 | 7.5% | 2.0% | 2 Movie Vouchers 2 Amazon Vouchers |
DIAMOND > ₹1 Lakh / mth | ₹1.00 | 10.0% | 0% | 3 Movie + 3 Amazon Unlimited Golf Lessons Flight & Hotel Vouchers |
*Golf capped at 20 bookings/quarter. Flight/Hotel vouchers (worth ₹6,500 total) are annual benefits.
The 10% Blueprint (Maven Strategy)
Most users make the mistake of picking Grocery as a 5X category. Don’t do this. Grocery rewards are capped at just 2,000 points/month (meaning you stop earning rewards after spending ₹20,000).
Unlike Grocery, these two categories currently have no published monthly cap in the key fact statement.
Maintaining Diamond Tier isn’t just about points. You unlock these tangible annual benefits:
Travel & Lifestyle Benefits
Airport Lounges
Domestic Terminals 1 Visit per quarter (4 per year).
Valid on Visa/RuPay lounges across India.
Fuel Waiver
1% Surcharge Off Valid on transactions between ₹500 – ₹3,000.
Max waiver: ₹250 per month.
Free Insurance
Safety Cover • Air Accident: ₹50 Lakhs
• Lost Card Liability: ₹4 Lakhs
• Credit Shield: ₹3 Lakhs
Pros & Cons
The Good (Pros)
The Bad (Cons)
Final Verdict
If you are a casual user spending under ₹20,000 a month, do not get this card. You will be stuck in the “Blue Tier” earning a basic 3.5% return. Honestly, you are better off with a simple SBI Cashback Card (flat 5% online) or HDFC Millennia. They are easier to use and give you better value without the effort.
But here is the strategy. You don’t need to be a high roller every month. You just need to consolidate your spending.
The card is designed for people who have specific high-spend quarters – like during a home renovation, wedding shopping, or booking an international trip. If you route all that spending through this card for one quarter, you rightfully earn the Diamond Tier status for the next one.
Once you are there, the value is undeniable: 10% Return on your chosen categories and Zero Forex fees.
Bottom Line: Don’t get this card if you want to use it for ₹500 grocery runs. Get it if you are ready to make it your primary card for a few months. If you use the tier system the way it was designed, this card effectively gives you “Super Premium” benefits for a mid-range price.
Is it worth ₹1,180?
If you are a casual user (<₹20k/month), this card is a pass. You will be stuck in the “Blue Tier” with mediocre returns.
However, if you can consolidate your spending to hit the Diamond Tier (₹1L/month), this card transforms into a powerhouse. You unlock a massive 10% Return on your chosen categories and 0% Forex, benefits usually reserved for super-premium cards.
*Terms and conditions apply. Visit official site for details.