Best HSBC credit cards

Information about the HSBC cards in this post has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

HSBC might not be the first issuer that comes to mind when you begin your credit card search – but the bank has plenty of great products to offer. From cash back to balance transfer cards, HSBC has a card for every kind of user.

Plus, the bank offers special offers and annual fee discounts on some of its most lucrative cards if you keep a qualifying checking account open. Read on to learn more about the card offers currently available from HSBC.

What is HSBC?

HSBC has its roots in Hong Kong and Shanghai, but it has since grown to be one of the largest bank institutions in the world. Its U.S. headquarters are in New York, with more than 200 branch locations across the country.

Though HSBC might not have quite the notoriety of giants like Chase and Bank of America, the bank still manages to offer a suite of competitive credit cards. Whether you are in the market for a cash back credit card, travel credit card or balance transfer card, odds are HSBC has a good option for you.

Comparing HSBC credit cards

HSBC rewards cards

Most HSBC credit cards offer rewards points, which can be redeemed for a wide variety of purchases – including statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and travel purchases. Here’s a deeper look at HSBC cards that offer points:

HSBC Advance Mastercard

The HSBC Advance Mastercard offers a fair rewards rate, but it still can’t compete with other rewards cards that charge an annual fee. Luckily, any cardholder who maintains a qualifying HSBC Advance checking account can have the fee waived each year – boosting the card’s potential value.

HSBC Premier World Credit Card

Like the Advance card, the HSBC Premier World card doesn’t seem to stack up against the competition at first glance. With a $95 annual fee (waived the first year), it seems logical to compare this card to the likes of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – both of which offer more lucrative rewards rates.

However, HSBC Premier World cardholders who have a qualifying HSBC Premier checking account can have their annual fee waived, boosting the overall value of the card.

HSBC Elite Credit Card

In addition to a rewards rate tailored for foodies and frequent travelers, the HSBC Elite card boasts several additional perks that add to its value. For example, cardholders can receive up to $400 in statement credits each year ($100 per $2,000 spent) to cover travel booked through the HSBC portal.

Elite cardholders can also enjoy access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide via LoungeKey, discounts on Expedia, Agoda or onefinestay bookings and up to $100 every 54 months to cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application. For those who travel frequently, it is easy to see how these benefits can more than cover the cost of the card’s fee.

HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard

For those who prefer cash back, HSBC also has a card that offers cash rewards. With the HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard, you’ll earn a pretty standard flat rate cash back (1.5%) on all your purchases. Plus, the introductory cash back rate in the first year can be incredibly lucrative, despite the spend threshold. If you meet the full cap, you can earn $300 in the first year.

See related: Americans’ favorite credit card feature is 3% cash back on all purchases

HSBC Gold Mastercard

Though it doesn’t offer a rewards program, the HSBC Gold Mastercard can be a top choice for transferring a balance or paying off a large purchase. The card offers a lengthy 18 months with a 0% APR on both new purchases and balance transfers (13.99% to 23.99% variable APR thereafter).

Who is eligible for an HSBC card?

HSBC places some restrictions on their credit cards, so it is important to ensure you are eligible before you apply.

For the HSBC Premier World card or Elite card, you must already have a U.S. HSBC Premier checking account. For the HSBC Advance card, you must have either a Premier checking account or Advance checking account.

Fortunately, the HSBC Gold Mastercard, Cash Rewards Mastercard and Platinum Mastercard do not place such restrictions on applications. Just keep in mind that all of these cards are designed for users with good to excellent credit (above 670), so you should check your score before submitting an application.

Final thoughts

HSBC offers a wide range of credit card products for all kinds of spenders, but its most valuable offerings are reserved for HSBC checking account holders. If you want to unlock top-notch rewards and benefits with the bank, you might consider opening a qualifying account.