HSBC credit cards

Use an HSBC balance transfer to save money and get your finances in order or start earning points as you spend towards free flights and upgrades.

Yvonne Taylor avatar
Written by   |  
David Boyd avatar
Verified by
Updated 11 Mar 2025   |   Rates updated regularly

Comparing of 5 HSBC credit cards

HSBC Platinum Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Highlights

  • 0% p.a. balance transfer offer for 12 months, with a 2% transfer fee.
  • No annual fee for the first year, then $199 p.a. after that.
  • Earn 1.5 Reward Plus points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
  • Redeem your points into cashback or various e-gift cards from Bunnings, Coles, Woolworths, Amazon, JB Hi-Fi, Uber, and more.

Pros

  • The complimentary LoungeKey membership gives you access to 2 airport lounge passes every year.
  • Check out the exclusive dining and shopping discounts from time to time.
  • Includes complimentary travel insurance with Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance in Australia and Transit Accident Insurance.
  • Plus Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection insurance.
  • Additional cardholders at no extra cost.
  • Offers points transfer options with partners like Asia Miles, KrisFlyer, and Velocity Frequent Flyer.
  • Get a minimum credit limit of $6,000.
  • This card accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Cons

  • High overseas transaction fee at 3%.
  • The balance transfer rate reverts to 21.99% p.a. after 12 months.
  • A cap of 10,000 points per statement period, or 120,000 points annually.
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Highlights

  • Earn 1.5 Qantas Points per $1 on eligible purchases in your first 12 months, then 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent after that.
  • 0% p.a. balance transfer offer for 12 months, with a 2% transfer fee.
  • Save $299 in the first year with no annual fee, then $399 p.a. after that.

Pros

  • Includes complimentary travel insurance with Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance in Australia and Transit Accident Insurance.
  • Plus Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection insurance.
  • Save $99.50 with the Qantas Frequent Flyer program complimentary membership.
  • Get a free Frequent Values™ membership, which gives you access to 4,500 promos at select stores, restaurants, hotels, and family attractions.
  • Enrol family members as additional cardholders at no extra cost.
  • Up to 55 interest-free days.
  • This card is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Take control of your card with the HSBC Australia app.

Cons

  • The balance transfer rate reverts to the cash advance rate of 21.99% p.a. after the introductory period.
  • There is a 2% BT fee.
  • After the first year, the annual fee increases to $399 p.a.
  • Qantas Points are capped at 120,000 per year.
  • Does not include complimentary lounge access.
  • A 3% foreign transaction fee applies to purchases made overseas.
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Highlights

  • Earn 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 on eligible purchases (capped at $3,000 per statement period), then 0.5 points per $1 thereafter.
  • Pay no annual fee in the first year ($499 p.a. thereafter).
  • Reach Star Alliance Gold Status by spending $4,000 or more on eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Gold Status grants you benefits like Priority Airport Check-in, Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Boarding, Airport Lounge Access, Extra Baggage Allowance, and more.

Pros

  • 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% balance transfer fee.
  • Offers 0% interest for 6 months on flight bookings.
  • Use or convert your Star Alliance points with major frequent flyer programs from participating airlines.
  • Includes complimentary travel insurance with Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance in Australia and Transit Accident Insurance.
  • Plus Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection insurance.
  • Get a free Frequent Values™ membership, which gives you access to 4,500 promos at select stores, restaurants, hotels, and family attractions.
  • Enrol family members as additional cardholders at no extra cost.
  • Up to 55 interest-free days.
  • This card is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Take control of your card with the HSBC Australia app.

Cons

  • The $3,000 monthly spend threshold can feel restrictive, even though there’s no cap on earning potential.
  • The annual fee reverts to $499 after the initial year.
  • To maintain Gold member status after the first year, you’ll need to spend at least $60,000 annually. This can be ideal for frequent travelers and high spenders.
  • A 3% foreign transaction fee applies to purchases made overseas.
HSBC Premier World Mastercard (Reward Plus)

Not available for application via this website

Highlights

  • Choose between the HSBC Rewards Plus or HSBC Qantas Rewards programs, offering the flexibility to suit your needs.
  • No annual fee on the first year, $199 p.a. afterwards.
  • 0% p.a. balance transfer offer for 12 months, with a 2% transfer fee.

Pros

  • With Rewards Plus, earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases, which you can redeem for cashback, gift cards, or travel.
  • With Qantas Rewards, earn 1.5 Qantas Points per $1 on eligible purchases in your first year, then 1 Qantas Point per $1 after that. Plus, enjoy offers from 27,000 local and global retail partners through HSBC’s home&Away Privilege Program.
  • The complimentary insurance coverage includes Domestic and International Travel Insurance, Transport Accident Insurance, Extended Warranty Insurance, and Price Protection Insurance, offering peace of mind for your travels and purchases.
  • With a starting credit limit of $10,000, you’ll have added flexibility for larger purchases.
  • Offers 10% off when you book with Agoda or Expedia.
  • Get access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide for a relaxing travel experience.
  • There are no fees when you get additional cards for your family members.
  • This card is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Take control of your card with the HSBC Australia app.

Cons

  • No sign-up bonus offer at the moment.
  • There's a 3% foreign transaction fee.
  • Rewards Points are capped at 10,000 per statement or 120,000 per year.
HSBC Low Rate Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Highlights

  • The low ongoing purchase rate of 12.99% p.a. helps you save on interest costs.
  • 0% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers with a 2% fee.
  • With no foreign transaction fees, this card is a great choice for online and international purchases.
  • Includes complimentary domestic travel insurance.

Pros

  • Get a free Frequent Values™ membership, which gives you access to 4,500 promos at select stores, restaurants, hotels, and family attractions.
  • Gives you access to offers from 27,000 local and global retail partners through HSBC’s home&Away Privilege Program.
  • The credit limit starts at $1,000.
  • Get up to Up to 55 interest-free days.
  • This card is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Take control of your card with the HSBC Australia app

Cons

  • As a low-rate card, this option doesn’t include a rewards program.
  • There’s no first-year waiver on the $99 annual fee.
  • Complimentary international travel insurance is not included, which is typical for a low-rate card.
  • There is a 2% balance transfer fee.
  • Plus, balance transfers revert to the high cash advance rate of 25.99% p.a.

More about HSBC credit cards

Get the lowdown on HSBC credit card features and benefits from our experts.

  • FAQs

Can I keep using my bank account and get an HSBC card?

Yes. You can keep using your existing bank account as usual and run your credit card with HSBC completely separately.

Will I be able to manage my account online?

Yes. In fact, HSBC have had an online banking solution since 2001.

Do HSBC offer telephone banking?

Yes. You can use their automated telephone banking or speak to a real person if you need to.

Can I transfer balances from one HSBC credit card to another?

No. You can only transfer balances from credit cards and store cards from other financial institutions. You can, however, make as many balance transfers as you like from third party credit cards and store cards.

How do I apply for a balance transfer to HSBC?

New customers can apply for a balance transfer when they apply for a new HSBC credit card by completing the balance transfer section of the online application.

Can I have an HSBC credit card in joint names?

No, HSBC cards are only issued to one name. You can, however, request an additional card to be provided for an authorised friend or relative aged 16 years or over. You should be aware that the primary named cardholder is responsible for all expenses on any additional card.

Do HSBC have any local branches in Australia?

The bank operates 36 offices and branches in Australia with HSBC Bank Australia headquarters located in Sydney.

    As seen on

    Media - The Sydney Morning Herald
    Media - Yahoo Finance
    Media - News.com.au
    Media - Daily Mail Australia
    Media - Australian Fintech
    Media - Dynamic Business