An HSBC credit card can be a smart choice if you want strong rewards and no foreign transaction fees. It works well for everyday purchases or travel, depending on the card you choose.
This guide will show you how to apply step by step. You’ll also learn what to expect before and after you apply.
What You Need to Know About HSBC Credit Cards?
HSBC Bank USA issues HSBC credit cards. They let you make purchases and earn reward points.
Some cards give travel-related benefits, others are better for daily use. You’ll need to pick based on your habits.
These cards come with yearly fees and specific conditions. You can only apply if you hold a qualifying HSBC account.
Types of HSBC Credit Cards
HSBC has two main credit card options. Each has different features and reward levels.
HSBC Premier Credit Card
This card works well for daily spending. You need a U.S. Premier checking account to qualify. It has a lower fee than the Elite version.
$95 Annual Fee
You’ll pay $95 per year to use this card. Authorized users pay nothing. Other possible fees depend on usage.
50,000 Bonus Points
Spend $4,000 in the first 3 months to earn 50,000 points. That’s worth about $625 in travel through HSBC Travel. Bonus applies only once.
3x Gas/Groceries, 2x Travel, 1x Others
You earn 3x points on gas and groceries. 2x on travel like flights and hotels. All other purchases get 1x point.
HSBC Elite Credit Card
This card is built for travel and dining. It has a higher annual fee and requires a Premier account.
$495 Annual Fee
You’ll pay $495 every year to keep this card active. Authorized users are free. Other charges may apply.
60,000 Bonus Points
Spend $4,000 in the first 3 months to get 60,000 points. That equals $900 in travel through HSBC Travel. The bonus is one-time.
5x Travel, 2x Dining, 1x Others
Earn 5x points on travel-related purchases. Restaurants give you 2x points. All other purchases get 1x point.
Requirements to Apply
You need to meet some basic conditions to apply for either card. These include banking, location, and credit standards.
U.S. HSBC Premier Checking Account
You must hold a U.S. Premier checking account to apply. Other types like Basic or Advance won’t qualify. HSBC checks this automatically.
The account must be active. It’s a hard rule for both cards. No account means no application.
Credit and Income Standards
HSBC checks your credit history and income. There’s no exact list, but good credit helps. Your salary, job status, and debts are reviewed.
Cards with higher rewards often need higher income. If your score is low, you might get rejected. Clean up your report before applying.
Valid U.S. Address
You must have a real U.S. address. P.O. boxes don’t count. It must match your HSBC profile. Foreign addresses are not accepted.
This is for ID and fraud protection. Applications with invalid addresses are declined.
Step-By-Step Application Process
You can apply online in just a few minutes. Here’s how to get it done from start to finish.
Visit the HSBC Credit Card Page
Go to the official HSBC U.S. website. Pick between the Premier and Elite card. Each card has different fees and rewards. Choose what fits your spending habits.
Check Eligibility
Some HSBC cards let you do a soft credit check first. This won’t affect your credit score. It helps you see if you qualify. This step is optional but useful.
Fill Out Application Form
Enter your personal and financial details. Include income, job status, and contact info.
Double-check your information before submitting. Errors can delay your application.
Submit and Wait for Decision
Once you submit, the system will review your data. Some approvals are instant, others take a few days.
You’ll get an email with the result. Be ready to provide extra documents if needed.
Card Delivery
If approved, your card will be mailed to your address. Delivery time varies by location. You’ll also get setup instructions. Make sure your address is accurate.
APR Rates and Fees Overview
Here’s a quick look at fees and interest rates for each card.
Premier Card
- APR: 20.24% to 24.24%, variable
- Annual fee: $95
- No foreign transaction fees
Elite Card
- The APR ranges from 20.24% to 24.24%, and it’s variable based on your credit profile and market rates.
- You’ll need to pay an annual fee of $495, which is charged every year for keeping the card active.
- There are no foreign transaction fees, so you won’t be charged extra for purchases made outside the U.S.
Key Benefits
Here are the basic features that come with each card.
Premier
- You can receive 50,000 bonus points if you’re a new cardholder and spend the required amount in the first 3 months.
- You’ll earn 3x points for every dollar spent on gas stations and grocery store purchases.
- You’ll get 2x points on travel-related expenses and 1x point on all other eligible purchases.
- This card comes with a lower annual fee, making it more affordable than the Elite option.
Elite
- You can earn 60,000 bonus points when you meet the required spending within the first 3 months.
- You’ll get 5x points for spending on eligible travel purchases like flights and hotels.
- You’ll also earn 2x points when dining at restaurants and 1x point for all other purchases.
- This card is mainly designed for users who travel often and want to maximize rewards in that category.
Contact Information
If you need help, here are the numbers to call.
- General support: 800-975-4722
- Premier cardholders: 888-662-4722
- Lost or stolen cards: 800-462-1874
- Outside the U.S.: 716-841-6866
Use the right number for faster service. Save the contact info after applying.
Disclaimers: Terms and conditions can change without notice. Approval depends on creditworthiness and account status.
Final Summary
Applying for an HSBC credit card is fast if you meet the basic requirements. Pick a card based on how you spend.
Make sure your info is accurate before submitting. Follow up if you don’t hear back in a few days.
