The HSBC Premier Credit Card is a compelling choice for customers looking for premium benefits without the burden of annual fees. Tailored specifically for HSBC Premier account holders, it blends travel rewards, shopping perks, and financial flexibility into one elegant package.
With access to travel lounges, reward points on every purchase, and even extended warranty insurance, this card is designed to make everyday spending feel more rewarding. And since it’s exclusively for Premier customers, you know you’re getting a product built around a high level of service and expectation.
Key information about the credit card
How does the annual fee work?
One of the biggest attractions of the HSBC Premier Credit Card is its lack of an annual fee. While many premium cards offer similar features at a high cost, HSBC manages to deliver competitive perks—such as travel lounge access and reward points—without charging cardholders for the privilege. This aspect is especially relevant for users who want to take advantage of high-end features without adding another recurring cost to their financial life.
How is the credit limit determined?
The credit limit for the HSBC Premier Credit Card isn’t arbitrary; it’s based on your personal financial profile, specifically your credit score, income level, and overall affordability assessment. Since this card is only available to HSBC Premier customers, applicants are already expected to meet a certain standard of financial health. The assumed credit limit example provided by HSBC is £1,200, but this can vary significantly depending on the individual’s circumstances.
Advantages of the credit card
- Reward points system: Cardholders earn 1 reward point for every £1 spent in sterling, and 2 points per £1 when spending in foreign currencies. These points can later be redeemed for retail vouchers, hotel stays, flights, or even fine wines.
- Interest-free periods: Enjoy 0% interest on purchases for the first 9 months and 0% interest on balance transfers for 18 months, provided the transfer is made within 60 days of opening the account.
- Airport lounge access: Thanks to a partnership with Priority Pass, cardholders gain entry to over 1,600 airport lounges globally. Each visit costs £24, and access is subject to availability.
- Digital wallet compatibility: HSBC supports modern financial tools, allowing the card to be added to Apple Pay and Google Pay directly from the mobile app, ensuring quick digital activation.
- Travel-related discounts: Customers can enjoy up to 14% off bookings with Agoda and 10% off Expedia hotel reservations—an ideal benefit for frequent travelers.
Standout advantage
One of the most impressive features is the extensive reward points ecosystem. Unlike other cards that restrict redemptions, HSBC gives you the freedom to swap points for a wide array of rewards—from popular retail vouchers to airline miles with British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and others. Even fine wine and hotel stays are within reach. The program adds tangible value for users who spend regularly, especially abroad, where they earn double the points.
Disadvantages
- Foreign transaction fees: Although you earn double points on non-sterling purchases, there’s a 2.99% foreign transaction fee for those payments.
- No cash advance perks: Cash advances, like ATM withdrawals, don’t earn points and come with extra fees, which limits the card’s flexibility in emergency cash situations.
- Lounge visit fees: While lounge access is a nice perk, it’s not free—each entry costs £24 per person, which adds up quickly for frequent travelers or families.
- Not available for all customers: Only HSBC Premier customers are eligible, which excludes many people who might be interested in its benefits.
A standout disadvantage
The main downside is the 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee. Even though cardholders earn double points abroad, this fee slightly cancels out the benefit, especially for high spenders traveling internationally. It makes the card less competitive for those seeking a truly travel-optimized credit product with fee-free global usage.
Who can apply for this card?
To apply for the HSBC Premier Credit Card, you must be a current holder of an HSBC Premier Account. This means you must meet Premier eligibility criteria, such as maintaining a high-value relationship with HSBC—typically through income, savings, or mortgage commitments.
Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and a UK resident. Approval is not guaranteed and is subject to a credit check and affordability review. Moreover, if you’ve opened another HSBC credit card or received a credit limit increase in the last six months, you may not be eligible. Those with existing Premier or Student cards may also be excluded from applying.
How to apply for the HSBC Premier Credit Card
For the website
Applying for the HSBC Premier Credit Card through the official website is a streamlined experience. Start by visiting HSBC UK’s credit card section, where you’ll find the Premier Credit Card among the offerings. After clicking on the card, you’ll be prompted to log in to your Premier account. Once submitted, HSBC will conduct a credit check and assess your eligibility.
The process typically concludes with an instant decision or a message that your application is under review. If approved, the card will be mailed to your registered address, and you’ll receive instructions on how to activate it. HSBC ensures that customers have access to all the important terms and policy documents before confirming their application, promoting transparency.
Through the app
For those who prefer a more mobile-friendly route, the HSBC Mobile Banking app offers a seamless way to apply. After logging into your account, simply navigate to the ‘Products’ or ‘Credit Cards’ section and select the Premier Credit Card. The app will use some of your pre-saved data to auto-fill parts of the form, making the process even faster.
You’ll still need to confirm key details such as your income and current liabilities, and give consent for a credit search. Once submitted, your application will go through the standard verification and approval process. If successful, you can even add your new card to Apple Pay or Google Pay immediately—no need to wait for the physical card.
At the branch
If you’re more comfortable with face-to-face interactions, HSBC branches across the UK are equipped to help you apply for the Premier Credit Card. Walk into any branch and ask to speak with a Premier specialist or banking advisor. You’ll need to bring identification, proof of income, and confirmation of your Premier Account status. The advisor will walk you through the application, explain the card’s benefits in detail, and help you complete the required forms.
They may also answer any questions about reward points, interest rates, or card usage abroad. In some cases, they can offer pre-approval feedback or insights based on your account history. Applying in person ensures you understand every aspect of the card, and you leave the branch knowing your next steps—whether waiting for approval or preparing to activate your new card.
