HSBC Elite

By Raquel Oliveira • 03/07/2025

HSBC Elite offers Premium rewards and exclusive luxury perks.

The HSBC Elite Credit Card is a premium credit card that offers a range of exclusive benefits for those seeking both rewards and luxurious perks. 

Designed for individuals who enjoy high-end lifestyle experiences, this card provides 3% cash back on dining, travel, and entertainment, along with 1% on all other purchases.

In addition to its competitive cash back rewards, the HSBC Elite Credit Card comes with a variety of premium benefits, including access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and concierge services.

The HSBC Elite Credit Card also boasts no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travelers who don’t want to incur additional charges.

Unique Feature of the HSBC Elite Credit Card

One of the biggest advantages of this card is the unlimited access to airport lounges. This is a valuable perk for frequent travelers who want to relax before flights and enjoy exclusive amenities.

• Get complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.
• Bring up to two guests for free to each visit.
• Enjoy Wi-Fi, snacks, and comfortable seating while waiting for flights.
• This benefit is valued at over $469 per year, making it a great feature for travelers.

For anyone who spends a lot of time in airports, this feature alone can make the card worth considering.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 3% cash back on dining, travel, and entertainment: Earn high rewards on the categories you spend most on.
• 1% on all other purchases: Continue earning rewards on everyday purchases with no restrictions.
• Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to airport lounges around the world for a more comfortable travel experience.
• No foreign transaction fees: Use the card abroad without incurring additional charges.
• Concierge services: Access to personalized concierge services to assist with your travel and lifestyle needs.
• Comprehensive travel insurance: Coverage for trip cancellation, luggage loss, and more.

Cons:

• High annual fee of $495, making it expensive for occasional travelers.
• Requires an HSBC Premier checking account, which limits eligibility.
• High interest rates if carrying a balance, making it important to pay off monthly statements.

How do I know if the HSBC Elite is the best credit card for me?

The HSBC Elite Credit Card is best suited for individuals who frequently spend on dining, travel, and entertainment. 

If you want to earn premium rewards in these categories and enjoy exclusive benefits like airport lounge access and concierge services, this card is a great choice. It’s also a good fit for those who travel internationally, thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees.

Why do we like this card?

One of the most attractive features is the rewards structure, which provides 5x points on travel, making it easy to accumulate rewards quickly, 2x points on dining, rewarding those who eat out often and 1x point on all other purchases.

The welcome bonus of 60,000 points, which can be worth up to $900 in travel, is another major selling point. This makes the card particularly valuable for new users who meet the spending requirement of $4,000 within the first three months.

Additionally, the card offers up to $400 in annual travel credits, which can be used for flights, hotels, and rental cars. Combined with complimentary airport lounge access, this card provides a truly premium experience.

For frequent travelers who want to earn top-tier rewards and enjoy VIP treatment at airports, the HSBC Elite Credit Card is a great choice.

Conclusion

The HSBC Elite Credit Card is a premium travel credit card designed for individuals who want exclusive perks, high rewards, and travel benefits.

With complimentary lounge access, travel credits, and a generous welcome bonus, this card is well-suited for frequent travelers who want luxury experiences.

However, the high annual fee and HSBC Premier checking account requirement may limit its accessibility. If you travel occasionally or prefer a lower-cost rewards card, this may not be the best option.

For those who want premium perks, top-tier rewards, and valuable travel benefits, the HSBC Elite Credit Card is a solid choice.