HSBC Quietly Bumps Up Its Credit Card Bonuses — Here's What You Need to Know

HSBC hasn't exactly been shouting from the rooftops about its credit cards lately, which is why these increased offers caught my eye. The bank is now dangling 75,000 points on its premium Elite card and 60,000 points on the no-frills Premier card — both after a relatively modest $4,000 spend in the first three months. If you've been on the fence about giving HSBC a shot, this might be the nudge you needed.

Why These Offers Are Worth a Second Look

HSBC has been pretty quiet on the credit card front for a while — so quiet that I figured they'd pretty much abandoned the US market. But here we are with a fresh round of increased bonuses. The Elite card is offering 75,000 points, and the Premier is offering 60,000 points. Both require $4,000 in spending within the first three months, which is a pretty reasonable bar to clear.

These bonuses are available through January 15, 2027, so you've got some time to decide. But if you're thinking about applying, don't sit on it forever — banks have a habit of pulling offers without much warning.

• Elite: 75,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
• Premier: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
• Both offers good through 01/15/2027

The Elite Card: Premium Perks, Premium Price Tag

The Elite card is HSBC's top-tier travel card, and it comes with a $495 annual fee. That's not small change, but the card packs a lot of value if you travel frequently. You earn 5x points on travel purchases — flights, hotels, car rentals, and reportedly almost anything that codes as travel. Dining earns 2x, and everything else gets 1x.

One of the standout features is the travel credit: you get $100 back for every $2,000 you spend on travel booked through HSBC Travel (powered by Priceline), up to $400 per calendar year. There's also a $10 monthly statement credit for Uber and Lyft rides, which adds up to $120 annually. And if you need Global Entry or TSA Precheck, the card covers up to $120 once every 4.5 years.

Lounge access is another big draw — unlimited Priority Pass for you and up to two guests. The card itself is metal, and there are no foreign transaction fees. Authorized users can be added at no extra cost, which is a nice touch.

• 5x points on travel, 2x on dining, 1x on everything else
• $400 annual travel credit through HSBC Travel
• $120 annual rideshare credit ($10/month)
• Up to $120 for Global Entry/TSA Precheck every 4.5 years
• Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access for you + 2 guests
• No foreign transaction fees
• Metal card
• $0 authorized user fee

The Premier Card: A Solid Mid-Tier Option

If the Elite's $495 fee feels steep, the Premier card might be more your speed. It carries a $95 annual fee and earns 3x points on gas and groceries, 2x on travel, and 1x on everything else. That's a pretty useful earning structure for everyday spending.

The Premier also throws in some practical travel perks: no foreign transaction fees, a TSA Precheck statement credit of $85 every five years, and access to Boingo's premium Wi-Fi network — you can connect up to four devices at once. It's not the flashiest card, but it covers the basics well.

• 3x points on gas and groceries
• 2x points on travel
• 1x points on all other purchases
• $95 annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• $85 TSA Precheck credit every 5 years
• Boingo Wi-Fi for up to four devices

Things to Keep in Mind Before You Apply

First, the Elite card requires you to have an existing U.S. HSBC Premier checking account. That's not a trivial requirement — you'll need to meet HSBC's Premier eligibility criteria, which typically involves maintaining a certain balance or direct deposits. If you don't already have that relationship, you'll need to open one first.

Second, HSBC isn't known for being the most generous or flexible issuer when it comes to approvals. They can be picky about credit history and existing relationships. If you've had issues with them in the past or have a thin credit file, you might want to think twice.

Third, the Elite card's $495 annual fee is a real commitment. Make sure you can realistically use the travel credits, rideshare credits, and lounge access to offset that cost. If you're not a frequent traveler, the math might not work in your favor.

Finally, there's a separate checking account bonus worth $1,500 to $5,000 that you might want to look into if you're considering a broader relationship with HSBC. Just be aware that those bonuses often come with their own set of requirements.

• Elite requires an existing U.S. HSBC Premier checking account
• HSBC can be stringent about approvals
• Weigh the $495 annual fee against your actual travel habits
• Separate checking bonus of $1,500–$5,000 available

Bottom Line

• HSBC has increased its credit card welcome offers: 75,000 points on Elite, 60,000 on Premier, both after $4,000 spend in 3 months.
• The Elite card has a $495 annual fee but offers up to $400 in travel credits, $120 in rideshare credits, and unlimited Priority Pass lounge access.
• The Premier card has a $95 annual fee and earns 3x on gas and groceries, 2x on travel.
• Offers are valid through 01/15/2027.
• Elite applicants must have an existing U.S. HSBC Premier checking account.

Common Questions