HSBC Credit Cards in India: Smart Value, Cashback, TravelOne & Premier Explained

HSBC offers some of India's best-kept secrets in credit cards. Their cards are less hyped than HDFC/Axis but offer excellent value—especially the Cashback card with 1.5% unlimited cashback and the TravelOne with stellar forex rates. Here's everything you need to know.

Why HSBC Gets Overlooked: Limited branch network and less aggressive marketing. But for the right user, HSBC cards beat mainstream options.

HSBC Card Portfolio Overview

Card	Annual Fee	Best Feature	Ideal For
Smart Value	₹0	No fee ever	Building HSBC relationship
Cashback	₹750	1.5% unlimited cashback	Cashback maximizers
Live+	₹999	Entertainment rewards	Young professionals
Visa Platinum	₹1,500	All-rounder	General use
TravelOne	₹2,999	Low forex + travel rewards	Frequent travelers
Premier	By invite	Highest tier	HSBC Premier banking customers

HSBC Smart Value Card

Fee: Zero (lifetime free)

Best For: Anyone wanting to start an HSBC relationship

Feature	Details
Reward rate	2 points/₹150 (not great)
Fuel surcharge waiver	Yes (1% waived, max ₹250/month)
Lounge	None
Forex markup	3.5%

Why Get It: As a stepping stone to better HSBC cards. Zero cost to hold.

Eligibility:

• ₹4 Lakh annual income
• 700+ CIBIL score
• Easy approval

HSBC Cashback Card

Fee: ₹750/year (often waived on ₹1L spend)

Best For: Cashback enthusiasts who want simplicity

Feature	Details
Cashback rate	1.5% unlimited on all spends
Redemption	Automatic statement credit
Max cashback	No cap
Fuel waiver	Yes

Why It's Special:

• Unlike most "cashback" cards with categories and caps, this gives flat 1.5% on everything
• No points to track, no redemption hassle
• Cashback auto-credits to statement

Eligibility:

• ₹6 Lakh annual income
• Good credit history
• Easier if you have HSBC savings account

Best Use Case: Route all non-bonus spending here. ₹10L annual spend = ₹15,000 automatic cashback.

HSBC Live+ Card

Fee: ₹999/year

Best For: Young professionals who spend on entertainment

Feature	Details
Reward rate	6X on entertainment (BookMyShow, Netflix, Spotify)
Base rate	2 points/₹150
Lounge	2 domestic visits/year
Special	25% off on BookMyShow

Why Get It: If entertainment is a major spend category and you want movie/concert discounts.

Eligibility:

• ₹4.5 Lakh annual income
• 700+ CIBIL

HSBC Visa Platinum

Fee: ₹1,500/year (waived on ₹2.5L spend)

Best For: General-purpose premium card

Feature	Details
Reward rate	2 points/₹150
Lounge	4 visits/year
Travel insurance	Yes
Golf	2 games/quarter

Eligibility:

• ₹7.5 Lakh annual income
• Good credit history

HSBC TravelOne Card ⭐

Fee: ₹2,999/year (waived on ₹3L spend)

Best For: Frequent international travelers

Feature	Details
Forex markup	1.75% (one of India's lowest)
Reward rate	4 points/₹150 on travel
Lounge	4 international + 4 domestic/year
Travel insurance	₹25L coverage
Points value	~₹0.30-0.40 per point

Why TravelOne Is Excellent:

• 1.75% forex is better than most cards (3.5-4% standard)
• On ₹5L international spend, you save ₹8,750-11,250 vs typical cards
• Solid lounge access for a sub-₹3k card

Eligibility:

• ₹12 Lakh annual income
• 750+ CIBIL
• Easier with HSBC banking relationship

HSBC Premier Card

Fee: Waived for Premier Banking customers

Best For: HSBC Premier Banking members

Feature	Details
Forex markup	0% (yes, zero)
Lounge	Unlimited Priority Pass
Concierge	24/7 global concierge
Travel insurance	Comprehensive
Hotel benefits	Premier hotel rates

How to Qualify:

HSBC Premier requires ONE of these:

• ₹40 Lakh+ total relationship value (savings + investments + mortgage)
• ₹4 Lakh+ monthly salary credited to HSBC
• Global Premier status from another country

The Premier Card Advantage:

• Zero forex markup is unmatched in India
• Unlimited lounge access
• Premium concierge actually works well
• Card is "invitation only" for Premier members

Reality Check: You need significant banking relationship with HSBC, not just high income. This makes Premier less accessible than HDFC Infinia.

How to Build HSBC Relationship for Better Cards

The Pathway

No HSBC relationship
        ↓
Open HSBC Savings Account (₹10k minimum)
        ↓
Get Smart Value card (instant, free)
        ↓
Use for 6-12 months, apply for Cashback/TravelOne
        ↓
Grow relationship (FD, MF, salary credit)
        ↓
Qualify for Premier Banking
        ↓
Get Premier card

Accelerators

• Moving salary to HSBC (biggest factor)
• Opening FDs (counts toward relationship value)
• Starting SIP via HSBC (counts toward AUM)
• Having home loan with HSBC

Comparing HSBC to Mainstream Options

HSBC Cashback vs SBI Cashback vs Amazon Pay ICICI

Feature	HSBC Cashback	SBI Cashback	Amazon Pay ICICI
Annual Fee	₹750	₹999	₹0
Cashback Rate	1.5% everywhere	5% online, 1% offline	5% Amazon, 2% others
Cap	None	₹5k/month online	None on Amazon
Best For	Simplicity	Online shoppers	Amazon loyalists

Verdict: HSBC Cashback wins for simplicity and offline spend. SBI/Amazon better for specific online categories.

HSBC TravelOne vs IDFC First Wealth vs Axis Atlas

Feature	HSBC TravelOne	IDFC First Wealth	Axis Atlas
Annual Fee	₹2,999	₹0 (for Wealth holders)	₹5,000
Forex Markup	1.75%	0% (debit)	2%
Lounge	8/year	4/year	Limited PP
Travel Rewards	Good	Basic	Excellent
Best For	Balanced	Forex savings	Miles accumulation

Verdict: TravelOne is excellent middle ground. Atlas better for miles hunters.

Common Questions

Is HSBC worth it if I don't have an HSBC account?

Yes, but having a savings account speeds up approval and unlocks better cards. Open one before applying.

Can I get TravelOne directly without lower cards?

Yes, if you meet income requirements (₹12L+). No need to climb a ladder like HDFC.

How does HSBC compare for lounges?

Mid-tier. Not unlimited like Infinia, but TravelOne's 8 visits/year beats many similarly priced cards.

Is Premier achievable without crazy wealth?

₹4L/month salary credited is the easiest path. Many MNC employees qualify this way.

Application Process

Online Application

1. Visit HSBC India website
2. Select card and click Apply
3. Fill details and upload documents
4. Wait for verification call (2-3 days)
5. If approved, card arrives in 7-10 days

Through HSBC Branch

1. Visit nearest HSBC branch
2. Speak with relationship manager
3. In-person document verification
4. Faster processing for existing customers

Required Documents

• PAN card
• Aadhaar/Passport for address
• Latest ITR or 3 months salary slips
• Bank statement (if not HSBC customer)

Next Steps

If You Want Low-Cost Entry

1. Open HSBC Savings Account (₹10k minimum)
2. Apply for Smart Value card (free)
3. Use regularly for 6 months
4. Upgrade to Cashback or TravelOne

If You Want Immediate Value

1. Check if you meet TravelOne requirements (₹12L income)
2. Apply directly with income proof
3. Start using for international travel savings

If You Qualify for Premier

1. Calculate your HSBC relationship value
2. Speak with branch about Premier Banking
3. Once Premier member, card follows automatically
4. Enjoy zero forex and unlimited lounges

HSBC might not have the brand recognition of HDFC/Axis in credit cards, but for specific use cases—especially international travel and straightforward cashback—they offer some of India's best value.