CheQ AU Credit Card Review: 12% Rewards, LED Glow, & UPI Benefits

The CheQ AU Credit Card is a co-branded credit card launched through a partnership between AU Small Finance Bank and the credit management platform CheQ. It is marketed as India’s first "LED-enabled" credit card.

The application will be open on 28th April 2026

Here is a detailed analysis of the card’s features, rewards, fees, and benefits:

1. Key Highlights & Innovation

• LED Tap-to-Pay: The most unique feature is an embedded LED that glows green every time you make a contactless (tap-to-pay) transaction. It is powered by the NFC field of the POS machine, so it doesn't require a battery.

  Dual Network Benefit: Upon application, you typically receive two cards—a Visa card (for global and high-value spending) and a RuPay card (specifically for UPI transactions).

2. Reward System (CheQ Points)

The card uses a unified reward currency called "CheQ Points" which are earned based on spending categories:

• 12% Rewards (24 points per ₹200): On "Power Brands" including Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, BigBasket, Apple (via Unicorn), and utility bills paid specifically through the CheQ app.

• 5% Rewards (10 points per ₹200): On everyday online categories like food delivery, grocery, and travel across 10,000+ brands.

• 2.5% Rewards (5 points per ₹200): On all UPI transactions made via the CheQ app using the RuPay variant.

• 1% Rewards (2 points per ₹200): On all other eligible spends.

• Reward Capping: Accelerated rewards (12% and 5%) are usually capped at 12,000 CheQ Points per month.

3. Redemption Value

You can redeem your points within the CheQ app ecosystem:

• Travel (Flights/Hotels): 2 Points = ₹1 (Best value).

• Brand Vouchers: 2 Points = ₹1.

Bill Payments: 4 Points = ₹1 (Redeem points to pay off credit card or utility bills).

4. Fees and Charges

• Joining/Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST.

• Fee Waiver: The annual fee is waived if you spend ₹3 Lakh or more in a card membership year.

• LED Experience Fee: There is a one-time charge of ₹999 for the LED variant, though this is often waived for early applicants (e.g., promotional offers until May 31, 2026).

• RuPay Variant: Usually offered as Lifetime Free (LTF) when taken alongside the primary Visa card.

5. Additional Benefits

• Welcome Gift: Complimentary EazyDiner membership for 3 months (worth ₹695) upon card activation.

• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000.

• Insurance Cover: Includes Air Accident Cover (up to ₹50 Lakhs), Credit Shield (up to ₹5 Lakhs), and Purchase Protection.

• CheQ Travel: Exclusive access to the CheQ Travel platform for potentially zero-cost bookings using points.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 21–60 years (Salaried); 25–65 years (Self-employed).

• Income: Generally requires a minimum monthly income of ₹25,000.

• Credit Score: A score of 750 or above is typically preferred for instant approval.

Summary Verdict

Best for: Heavy users of the CheQ app, frequent shoppers on Amazon/Flipkart/Zomato, and those who want to earn rewards on UPI transactions. Not for: Users who spend heavily on excluded categories like fuel, jewelry, insurance, or rent, as these do not earn reward points.