CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Card vs LIC Select Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Card ⓘ wins for everyday UPI spend with an exceptional 7.5% reward rate.
• The LIC Select Credit Card ⓘ offers international lounge access and lifetime free fees, making it better for international travel and cost-conscious users.
• The CUB card costs Rs 500 annually plus Rs 500 joining fee, while LIC Select has no fees at all.
• Choose CUB SalarySe Level UP ⓘ if you prioritize high rewards on UPI and domestic lounges and can spend enough to offset the fees. Opt for LIC Select ⓘ if you want a no-fee card with international lounge access and moderate rewards.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

On a spend of Rs 10,000, the CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Card ⓘ delivers Rs 100 back at its base reward rate of 1%. However, the card shines on UPI transactions, where it offers a massive 7.5% return, equivalent to Rs 750 on Rs 10,000 spent. Other categories such as rent, insurance, education, utilities, and travel yield a modest 0.2% or Rs 20 per Rs 10,000. This makes the CUB card highly attractive for UPI payments but less rewarding for general spends outside that.

The LIC Select Credit Card ⓘ offers a steady 0.75% base reward rate, translating to Rs 75 on Rs 10,000 spent. It does not have any elevated category rates, so it is a straightforward rewards card with a lifetime free fee structure. While the nominal reward rate is lower than CUB’s base rate, LIC Select’s value lies in its zero fees and international lounge access. For users not focused on UPI or category bonuses, the LIC card’s consistent rewards and benefits can be compelling.

Fees Compared

The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Card ⓘ charges a joining fee of Rs 500 plus an annual fee of Rs 500. The card’s derived break-even spend to cover the Rs 500 annual fee at its base reward rate is Rs 50,000. However, to justify the higher base reward rate versus LIC Select and offset the extra Rs 500 annual fee, a spend of Rs 2,00,000 is required. No explicit fee waiver on spend is mentioned for either card.

The LIC Select Credit Card ⓘ stands out with no joining fee and no annual fee, making it a zero-cost card to hold for life. This fee structure favors users who are fee-sensitive or have lower spends where fee recovery is difficult.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Card ⓘ if you frequently use UPI for payments and can utilize the 12 domestic lounge accesses. It suits spenders who can surpass Rs 50,000 annually to cover the annual fee and want higher rewards on specific categories like UPI. It also appeals to those who want a lower forex markup of 1% for international spends.

The LIC Select Credit Card ⓘ is ideal for users who want a truly no-fee card with some international lounge access. Its 1.5% forex markup is higher but still reasonable for occasional foreign travel. Its straightforward 0.75% rewards rate works well for those who prefer a simple lifetime free card without worrying about fee waivers or spend thresholds.

In conclusion, skip the CUB card if you cannot hit the required spends to justify fees or do not use UPI heavily. Avoid LIC Select if you want stronger rewards on domestic UPI payments or more domestic lounge visits. For most casual spenders and international travelers, LIC Select is the safer, cheaper pick. For power UPI users and domestic lounge seekers, CUB SalarySe Level UP offers more upside.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm how many UPI transactions qualify for the 7.5% rewards on CUB SalarySe Level UP ⓘ.
• Understand the redemption value and process for points on both cards to ensure you get full value.
• Check if any hidden minimum spends or monthly spend gates apply for lounge access.
• Be aware of the forex markup differences and consider your international travel frequency.
• Verify the locations of domestic and international lounges covered, as availability may vary.

FAQ