Love CSK or SRH? Now, you can cheer with cards that reward cricket fans

Mastercard has collaborated with City Union Bank (CUB) to launch its first passion cards in India

India’s deep-rooted love for cricket just found its way into the world of personal finance. In a first-of-its-kind move, Mastercard has teamed up with City Union Bank (CUB) to launch India’s first “passion cards”—credit cards tailored for cricket fans, frequent travellers, and lifestyle seekers.

 

Whether you're a die-hard Chennai Super Kings (CSK) supporter or cheer every six hit by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), these new co-branded credit cards offer a unique blend of emotional engagement and financial benefits.  

"As part of this collaboration, CUB has onboarded Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to enable fans to make the most of their cricketing experience. Cardholders can unlock priceless experiences by gaining access to their favourite teams through meet-and-greet opportunities and practice sessions. They can also avail exclusive team merchandise," Mastercard said in a release.

 

 

But are they just flashy fan tokens, or can they really earn a spot in your wallet?

 

What Are CUB Mastercard Passion Cards?

There are four versions of these co-branded credit cards:

• CUB CSK Mastercard Platinum Credit Card
• CUB CSK World Mastercard Credit Card
• CUB SRH Mastercard Platinum Credit Card
• CUB SRH World Mastercard Credit Card

 

What Do You Get?

1. Cricket-Fan Exclusives:

• Meet-and-greet sessions with your favourite players
• Access to team practice sessions
• Exclusive CSK/SRH merchandise

 

2. Lifestyle & Travel Perks:

• Free airport lounge access (domestic + international terminals)
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver
• Comprehensive travel & personal accident insurance
• Keychain debit card for convenient tap-and-go payments

 

3. Dining Benefits:

• Up to 30% off at top restaurants in India via Mastercard Culinary Club
• A complimentary main course at select Asia-Pacific restaurants under the Mastercard "One Dines Free" program

 

4. Travel Rewards:  Complimentary night stay at select partner hotels in the Asia-Pacific region via Mastercard’s “One Night Free” initiative

 

5. Welcome and Ongoing Offers:

Reward points, curated gift packs, discount vouchers

Access to exclusive offers on loans and financial products from CUB

 

 Should You Get One?

This card could be a fit if:

• You’re a cricket enthusiast who wants more than just match tickets
• You travel frequently and can benefit from lounge access, insurance, and hotel perks
• You dine out regularly and want to save on bills or enjoy free meals
• You want a card with low entry barriers and meaningful lifestyle benefits

 

However, if you're not an active follower of cricket or you don’t travel or dine often, many of these benefits might go unused. It’s important to assess your lifestyle and spending patterns before applying. 

"“Around the world, Mastercard engages with cardholders through their passion points, including sports. India’s love for cricket transcends mere entertainment and acts as a unifying force. Mastercard is delighted to collaborate with City Union Bank to unveil its first passion cards in India. This launch is perfectly aligned with the company’s collaborative approach and efforts to create and deliver a unique value proposition to its cardholders," said Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia, Mastercard.

 

Cardholders can also avail welcome benefits, attractive reward points, gift packs, and discount vouchers, along with CUB keychain debit cards for tap and go payments, curated offers on CUB website, and exclusive benefits on its loan products.

 

Additionally, they can enjoy special perks around dining and travel by accessing the Mastercard Culinary Club program, which offers up to 30% discount at some of the best restaurants in India, and the Mastercard One Dines Free program, which offers cardholders a complimentary main course when they dine at top restaurants in major cities across the Asia Pacific region.

 

For travel buffs, these passion cards can unlock a complimentary night's stay at some of the leading hotels and resorts in the Asia Pacific region through the One Night Free with Mastercard program.  These offers will be available at Mastercard’s partner hotels and restaurants.

 

" We are confident that these exclusive cards, also backed with personal and air accident insurance and secure wallet coverage, will offer unparalleled benefits and peace of mind to our customers. This launch will also strengthening our long-standing association with the passion and spirit of Indian cricket," said Dr N Kamakodi, Managing Director & CEO, City Union Bank.