The HSBC Premier Credit Card is HSBC India’s premium travel credit card for HSBC Premier Banking customers. It offers unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access, a low 0.99% forex markup, flexible airline and hotel point transfers, and a rewards programme that works well for both everyday spending and travel.
Despite its strong feature set, the card does not get as much attention as some of its competitors. That is surprising because the HSBC Premier Credit Card combines unlimited lounge access, non-expiring reward points, 1:1 transfers to several airline and hotel loyalty programmes, and rewards on categories that many other cards exclude.
In this HSBC Premier Credit Card review, we take a closer look at its rewards programme, airport lounge access, travel benefits, fees, eligibility requirements, and overall value proposition to help you decide whether it deserves a place in your wallet.
HSBC Premier Credit Card Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Super Premium Travel Credit Card |
| Card Network | Mastercard |
| Joining Fee | ₹12,000 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹20,000 + GST |
| Annual Fee Waiver | Available for eligible HSBC Premier customers |
| Welcome Benefit | 20,000 Reward Points |
| Reward Rate | 3 Reward Points per ₹100 spent |
| Reward Point Expiry | Never Expires |
| Travel Portal Rewards | Up to 12X Reward Points |
| Forex Markup | 0.99% |
| Domestic Lounge Access | Unlimited |
| International Lounge Access | Unlimited |
| Guest Lounge Access | 8 International Guest Visits per Year |
| Airport Lounge Program | Mastercard Airport Experiences & LoungeKey |
| Dining Benefits | EazyDiner Discounts |
| Movie Benefits | Buy One Get One on BookMyShow |
| Travel Insurance | Available |
| Best For | Frequent Travellers & International Spends |
| Eligibility | HSBC Premier Banking Customers Only |
| Apply Mode | Via HSBC Premier Banking Relationship |
HSBC Premier Credit Card Eligibility
The HSBC Premier Credit Card is available only to HSBC Premier Banking customers. Unlike most credit cards, you cannot apply for this card directly unless you first qualify for HSBC Premier.
To be eligible for HSBC Premier Banking, you must meet any one of the following criteria:
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Relationship Balance (TRB) | Maintain a quarterly TRB of at least ₹50 Lakhs |
| Salary Account | Net monthly salary credit of at least ₹3 Lakhs |
| HSBC Home Loan | Mortgage of at least ₹1.15 Crore and meet the applicable TRB requirement within 12 months |
| International Premier Status | Existing HSBC Premier customer in another country or region |
For most cardholders, the salary route is likely to be the easiest way to qualify. However, the ₹50 lakh relationship balance requirement means the HSBC Premier Credit Card is clearly targeted at affluent customers.
The eligibility requirements may seem demanding, but they also unlock additional benefits such as Premier Banking privileges, global banking services, annual fee waiver eligibility, and access to HSBC’s premium product ecosystem.
HSBC Premier Credit Card Fees and Charges
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹12,000 + GST |
| Welcome Benefit | 20,000 Reward Points |
| Annual Fee | ₹20,000 + GST |
| Renewal Benefit | None |
| Annual Fee Waiver | Waived for qualified HSBC Premier customers |
The HSBC Premier Credit Card comes with a joining fee of ₹12,000 + GST and an annual fee of ₹20,000 + GST, placing it firmly in the premium travel credit card segment. The annual fee is waived for customers who continue to meet HSBC Premier eligibility requirements.
At the current Accor redemption rate, 20,000 HSBC Reward Points can be converted into 20,000 Accor ALL points, which can be redeemed for approximately €400 in hotel credits. Depending on exchange rates, this translates to roughly ₹35,000-₹40,000 in value.
That makes the welcome bonus one of the most rewarding among premium credit cards in India for travellers who regularly stay at Accor properties. Even if you prefer airline transfers, HSBC’s strong list of airline and hotel partners ensures that the 20,000-point welcome bonus can deliver significantly more value than a typical cashback-based welcome offer.
The annual fee is on the higher side, especially since the card does not offer any renewal benefits or spend-based fee waiver. Many competing premium credit cards provide renewal rewards, milestone benefits, or annual fee waivers linked to spending.
That said, the fee structure is far easier to justify for qualified HSBC Premier customers, who can have the annual fee waived while continuing to enjoy the card’s travel-focused benefits, including unlimited lounge access, low forex markup, and airline transfer partners.
HSBC Premier Credit Card Reward Structure
| Category | Reward Rate | Cap / Exclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Retail Spends | 3 Reward Points per ₹100 | No Cap |
| Insurance, Utilities, Education, Government Payments, Tax Payments, Wallet Loads, Jewellery & Real Estate | 3 Reward Points per ₹100 | Rewards applicable up to ₹1 Lakh cumulative spend per month |
| Fuel | No Rewards | Excluded |
The HSBC Premier Credit Card keeps things simple. You earn 3 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on eligible transactions, without having to track spending categories or activate bonus rewards.
What we like most is that HSBC continues to award Reward Points on categories such as insurance, utilities, education, government payments, wallet loads, and real estate transactions. Most premium credit cards either exclude these categories completely or place strict restrictions on them. HSBC does impose a cumulative monthly cap of ₹1 lakh on these spends, but that should be sufficient for most cardholders.
The real value of the rewards programme comes from its transfer partners. HSBC Reward Points can be transferred to several airline and hotel loyalty programmes, including Accor Live Limitless (ALL), Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Frequent Accor guests will particularly appreciate the 1:1 transfer ratio to Accor ALL.
Another feature we appreciate is that Reward Points never expire. This gives cardholders the flexibility to accumulate points over time and redeem them when a valuable travel opportunity comes along.
Overall, the HSBC Premier Credit Card rewards programme is designed for customers who prefer simplicity over complexity. If a large portion of your spending goes towards insurance premiums, utility bills, education fees, or government payments, the card can be surprisingly rewarding compared to many competing premium credit cards.
HSBC Premier Credit Card on International Spends
The HSBC Premier Credit Card is one of the better premium credit cards for international spending. It combines a low forex markup of just 0.99% with a rewards programme that continues to earn points on overseas transactions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reward Rate | 3 Reward Points per ₹100 spent |
| Forex Markup | 0.99% + GST (~1.17%) |
Most premium credit cards in India charge a forex markup of around 3.5% plus GST, making international transactions expensive. The HSBC Premier Credit Card reduces this cost significantly with a forex markup of just 0.99%.
Cardholders also continue to earn 3 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on eligible international transactions. When combined with HSBC’s airline and hotel transfer partners, this can help offset a large portion of the forex charges.
Overall, if you are an HSBC Premier customer who spends regularly overseas, the combination of low forex charges, reward earning, and flexible travel redemptions makes this card one of the more compelling options in the premium segment.
HSBC Travel With Points: Earn Up to 12X Rewards on Travel Bookings
One of the lesser-known benefits of the HSBC Premier Credit Card is HSBC’s Travel With Points platform. Cardholders can earn up to 12X rewards on hotel bookings, 6X rewards on flight bookings, and 2X rewards on car rentals booked through the portal.
| Booking Type | Reward Rate |
|---|---|
| Flights | 6X (18 Reward Points per ₹100) |
| Hotels | 12X (36 Reward Points per ₹100) |
| Car Rentals | 2X (6 Reward Points per ₹100) |
Travel With Points is HSBC’s travel booking portal where cardholders can use their Reward Points to book flights, hotels, and car rentals. The biggest advantage of booking through the platform is the accelerated rewards.
How to Access HSBC Travel With Points
- Open the HSBC India Mobile Banking App.
- Select your HSBC Premier Credit Card.
- Tap View More.
- Click on Reward Points.
- Select Redeem Points Now.
- Open the Travel With Points section.
- Search and book flights, hotels, or car rentals.
While the rewards are attractive, we would still recommend comparing prices with airline websites, hotel websites, and other travel portals before booking. A slightly lower price elsewhere can often outweigh the additional Reward Points earned through the platform.
HSBC Premier Credit Card Rewards Redemption
The HSBC Premier Credit Card offers plenty of redemption options, but the best value usually comes from airline miles and hotel loyalty point transfers. HSBC has built a strong list of travel partners, giving cardholders the flexibility to redeem points based on their travel plans.
Transfer ratios and partner availability are subject to change. Please check HSBC Rewards Marketplace before transferring points.
HSBC Premier Credit Card Redemption Options
| Redemption Option | Value |
|---|---|
| Airline Miles Transfers | Up to 1:1 Transfer Ratio |
| Hotel Loyalty Points Transfers | Up to 1:1 Transfer Ratio |
| Apple Online Store | ₹1 per Reward Point |
| Gift Vouchers | Up to ₹0.50 per Reward Point |
Airline Transfer Partners
| Airline Loyalty Programme | Transfer Ratio |
|---|---|
| Air India Maharaja Club | 1:1 |
| AirAsia Rewards | 1:3 |
| Flying Blue | 1:1 |
| British Airways Club | 1:1 |
| Etihad Guest | 1:1 |
| EVA Air Infinity MileageLands | 1:1 |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | 1:1 |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 1:1 |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 1:1 |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 1:1 |
| Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus | 1:1 |
| Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles | 1:1 |
Hotel Transfer Partners
| Hotel Loyalty Programme | Transfer Ratio |
|---|---|
| Accor Live Limitless (ALL) | 1:1 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 1:1 |
| IHG One Rewards | 1:1 |
| Wyndham Rewards | 1:1 |
HSBC Premier Credit Card Review: Rewards Redemption
This is where the HSBC Premier Credit Card starts to shine. While gift vouchers are available, they are rarely the best use of your Reward Points. Amazon Pay and Flipkart vouchers typically offer a redemption value of around 50 paise per point, which is far lower than what you can get through travel redemptions.
We prefer transferring points to airline and hotel loyalty programmes. HSBC has one of the better transfer partner lists among Indian credit cards, covering popular programmes such as KrisFlyer, Qatar Privilege Club, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, and Accor Live Limitless.
Accor ALL deserves a special mention. HSBC offers a 1:1 transfer ratio to Accor, something very few Indian credit cards can match. If you frequently stay at Accor properties, Reward Points can be worth substantially more than voucher redemptions.
Another good redemption option is the Apple Online Store, where HSBC Premier cardholders get a value of ₹1 per Reward Point. For those planning to purchase Apple products, this can be an attractive alternative to travel transfers.
Overall, HSBC has built a rewards programme that works best for travellers. If you regularly redeem points for flights and hotel stays, the HSBC Premier Credit Card can deliver significantly more value than a straightforward cashback card.
BookMyShow Offer on HSBC Premier Credit Card
The HSBC Premier Credit Card comes with a Buy 1 Get 1 movie ticket offer on BookMyShow. The complimentary ticket is capped at ₹750, which is good enough to cover most premium cinema formats and multiplexes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Offer Type | Buy 1 Get 1 Free |
| Platform | BookMyShow |
| Maximum Discount | ₹750 per ticket |
| Monthly Limit | 2 times per month |
HSBC Premier Credit Card Airport Lounge Access
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Domestic Lounge Access | Unlimited |
| International Lounge Access | Unlimited |
| International Guest Visits | 8 per year |
| Domestic Lounge Program | Mastercard |
| International Lounge Program | LoungeKey |
The HSBC Premier Credit Card offers unlimited airport lounge access within India and overseas. There are no spend-based conditions or quarterly spending requirements to unlock this benefit.
Domestic lounge access is available through Mastercard Airport Experiences, while international lounge access is provided through the LoungeKey network.
HSBC also includes 8 complimentary international guest visits every year, which can be useful for those who frequently travel with family members or colleagues.
We like the simplicity of the benefit. There is no need to track spending milestones or worry about lounge access being restricted because of a missed spend target. Simply present your eligible card at participating lounges and enjoy the benefit.
Unlimited domestic and international lounge access remains one of the HSBC Premier Credit Card’s biggest strengths and a key reason to consider the card if you travel frequently.
Additional HSBC Premier Banking Benefits
The HSBC Premier Credit Card is designed to work alongside HSBC Premier Banking. As a Premier customer, we also receive a few travel and lifestyle benefits that are separate from the credit card itself.
| Benefit | Premier Customers (TRB Route) | Premier Customers (Salary/Mortgage Route) |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Meet & Greet | 6 Visits per Year (4 Domestic + 2 International) | 4 Visits per Year (2 Domestic + 2 International) |
| Airport Transfers | 2 Domestic Transfers per Year | Not Available |
| Golf Benefits | 24 Games + 12 Lessons per Year | 6 Games + 2 Lessons per Year |
| EazyDiner Dining Privileges | Available | Not Available |
We particularly like the airport meet and greet service. It is a benefit that is rarely seen outside ultra-premium banking and credit card programmes. The golf privileges are also generous, especially for customers who qualify through the Total Relationship Balance route.
If you already meet HSBC Premier’s eligibility criteria, these benefits are a nice addition to the unlimited lounge access, low forex markup, and travel rewards offered by the HSBC Premier Credit Card.
HSBC Premier Credit Card Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access
- Low 0.99% forex markup
- 1:1 transfers to Accor ALL, Marriott Bonvoy, KrisFlyer, and other partners
- Reward Points never expire
- Rewards on insurance, utilities, education, and government payments
- Up to 12X rewards through HSBC Travel With Points
- Annual fee waiver for eligible HSBC Premier customers
Cons
- Available only to HSBC Premier Banking customers
- High annual fee for non-Premier customers
- No renewal benefits
- No rewards on fuel spends
- Monthly reward caps apply to select categories
- Better suited for travellers than cashback users
Who Should Get HSBC Premier Credit Card?
The HSBC Premier Credit Card is not a card for everyone. Its value depends heavily on whether you qualify for HSBC Premier Banking and how you plan to use its travel-focused benefits.
You Should Consider This Card If:
- You already qualify for HSBC Premier Banking
- You travel internationally a few times a year
- You value unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access
- You regularly stay at Accor, Marriott, IHG, or other partner hotel brands
- You prefer earning transferable reward points instead of cashback
- A significant portion of your spending goes towards insurance, utilities, education, or government payments
- You want a premium credit card with a low 0.99% forex markup
You Can Skip This Card If:
- You do not qualify for HSBC Premier Banking
- You are looking for the highest reward rate on everyday spending
- You prefer cashback over airline miles and hotel points
- You want milestone rewards or annual renewal benefits
- You are unwilling to pay the annual fee and do not qualify for a fee waiver
For existing HSBC Premier customers, the card is easy to justify. The combination of unlimited lounge access, low forex charges, strong transfer partners, and rewards on categories that many other cards exclude makes it a well-rounded travel credit card. However, if you do not qualify for HSBC Premier Banking, there are several other premium credit cards that offer a stronger value proposition for a similar annual fee.
Final Thoughts
The HSBC Premier Credit Card is designed for HSBC Premier customers first and credit card enthusiasts second. If you already qualify for HSBC Premier, the card offers a well-rounded mix of travel and lifestyle benefits with unlimited airport lounge access, a low 0.99% forex markup, non-expiring Reward Points, and access to a strong list of airline and hotel transfer partners.
We particularly like the card’s straightforward rewards structure. Earning 3 Reward Points per ₹100 spent, including on categories such as insurance and utilities, is a welcome change in a market where many issuers continue to add exclusions and spending caps. The 1:1 transfers to partners such as Accor ALL, Marriott Bonvoy, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and Air India Maharaja Club further strengthen its appeal for frequent travellers.
That said, the card makes the most sense for HSBC Premier customers who can get the annual fee waived. If you need to pay the full ₹20,000 annual fee every year, there are other premium credit cards that may offer better overall value depending on your spending patterns and travel goals.
Overall, the HSBC Premier Credit Card is easy to recommend for existing HSBC Premier customers. For everyone else, the first question should not be whether the card is worth getting, but whether HSBC Premier Banking itself makes sense for your needs.
HSBC Premier Credit Card
