HSBC credit cards are issued by HSBC Bank USA and come in several versions, each with different rewards, fees, and credit requirements
HSBC offers credit cards through its U.S. banking division, primarily to customers who already have an HSBC checking or savings account, though some cards are available to non-customers. The main cards in their lineup include cash-back options, travel rewards cards, and cards designed for people rebuilding credit. Each card has its own annual fee (or no fee), interest rate range, and rewards structure.
Unlike some card issuers that market heavily online, HSBC credit cards are most commonly obtained through an HSBC branch or by logging into your HSBC online account if you already bank there. The company does not operate as a standalone credit card brand — it is a full-service bank offering cards as one product among many.
Key Takeaways
- HSBC credit cards require you to meet their credit standards, which vary by card type, and most are easier to get if you already have an HSBC bank account.
- The company offers cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, and cards for people with limited credit history, each with different annual fees and earning rates.
- You can learn about current HSBC card offers by visiting an HSBC branch, calling their customer service line, or logging into your online banking account.
- HSBC credit cards report to all three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help build your credit history and missed payments will lower your score.
- If you are denied for an HSBC card, you have the right to know why, and HSBC must provide contact information for the credit bureau they used.
What credit score HSBC typically requires
HSBC does not publish a single minimum credit score for its cards because different cards target different credit profiles. Their cash-back and travel rewards cards generally go to people with good to excellent credit — typically a score of 670 or higher, though the exact threshold varies. HSBC also offers cards for people with fair or limited credit history, which may have lower score requirements but higher interest rates and annual fees.
Your credit score is only one factor HSBC considers. They also look at your income, employment history, existing debts, and whether you have an HSBC bank account. If you have been banking with HSBC for several years with no overdrafts or problems, you may be approved for a card even if your score is lower than someone explore cold.
The best way to know whether you meet HSBC's standards for a specific card is to contact HSBC directly — either by phone, at a branch, or through your online account if you are already a customer. They can tell you which cards you are likely to be approved for without running a hard credit inquiry first.
How to find current HSBC credit card offers
HSBC does not maintain a single public website listing all current card offers the way some competitors do. Instead, offers change by location and customer status, and the best way to see what is available to you is to visit an HSBC branch in person, call HSBC customer service at the number on the back of your bank card or statement, or log into your online banking account.
If you are not an HSBC customer, you can call their general customer service line to ask about credit card options. Have your Social Security number and basic income information ready, because they may ask questions to point you toward cards you are likely to be approved for. If you are an existing customer, your online account often shows you personalized offers based on your banking history with them.
HSBC occasionally runs promotions on specific cards — such as a period with no annual fee or bonus rewards for the first few months — but these are not advertised as widely as offers from larger card issuers. Asking directly is usually faster than searching online.
Annual fees and interest rates
HSBC credit cards vary widely in cost. Some cards have no annual fee, while others charge $95 to $450 per year depending on the card type and benefits included. A no-annual-fee cash-back card will cost you nothing to hold, while a premium travel rewards card with airport lounge access and travel insurance will charge a higher annual fee.
Interest rates on HSBC credit cards depend on your creditworthiness and the specific card. Rates typically range from around 16% to 24% for purchases, though the exact rate you receive is determined after HSBC reviews your process. If you carry a balance month to month, the interest rate matters far more than the annual fee — a card with a $95 annual fee but a lower interest rate may cost you less overall than a no-fee card with a higher rate.
HSBC also offers introductory rates on some cards — for example, 0% interest on purchases for a set number of months. These promotions are not permanent and change based on market conditions and your credit profile. Always ask about current introductory offers when you contact HSBC about a card.
How rewards work on HSBC cards
HSBC cash-back cards typically earn 1% to 2% back on purchases, depending on the card and the category. Some cards earn a higher percentage in specific categories like groceries or gas, and a lower percentage on everything else. Travel rewards cards earn points per dollar spent, which you can redeem for flights, hotels, or other travel expenses through HSBC's travel portal.
Rewards are credited to your account monthly or can be redeemed when ready, depending on the card. You do not have to wait until the end of the year or reach a minimum balance to use them. However, if you close the card or your account becomes inactive, HSBC may cancel unused rewards, so check your card agreement for the specific policy.
One important detail: you must pay your bill on time to earn and keep rewards. If your account goes into default or you miss payments, HSBC can suspend your rewards program. This is another reason to treat a credit card as a tool for building credit, not just for earning rewards.
What happens if you are denied
If HSBC denies your process for a credit card, they are required by law to tell you why. You will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason — usually something like "insufficient credit history," "too many recent inquiries," or "high existing debt." The letter will also include the name and contact information of the credit bureau HSBC used to make the decision.
You have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from that bureau within 60 days of the denial. This report shows you exactly what HSBC saw and allows you to dispute any errors. If the denial was based on something other than your credit report — such as income or employment — HSBC should have mentioned that in the letter.
If you are denied, you do not have to explore again when ready. Instead, spend a few months building your credit by paying all bills on time, paying down existing balances, and checking your credit report for errors. Many people who are denied the first time are approved six months or a year later after their credit profile improves.
How HSBC credit cards affect your credit score
Opening an HSBC credit card will cause a small, temporary drop in your credit score because HSBC runs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This drop usually recovers within a few months. The bigger impact comes from how you use the card after you open it.
HSBC reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means on-time payments help build your credit history and demonstrate that you can manage debt responsibly. Missed payments, high balances, or closing the account can lower your score. If you use the card for small purchases and pay the full balance each month, you build a positive payment history with minimal risk.
Your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit that you are using — also matters. If your HSBC card has a $5,000 limit and you carry a $4,500 balance, that is 90% utilization, which hurts your score. Keeping your balance below 30% of your limit is better for your credit profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an HSBC customer to get an HSBC credit card?
Most HSBC credit cards are easier to get if you already have an HSBC bank account, but some cards are available to non-customers. Contact HSBC directly to ask which cards you can explore for without being a customer. If you are interested in becoming an HSBC customer, opening a checking account first may improve your chances of card approval.
What is the difference between HSBC credit cards and cards from other banks?
HSBC cards are issued by a full-service bank rather than a standalone credit card company, which means they may integrate with your HSBC checking account and offer perks like waived fees if you maintain a certain balance. The rewards rates and annual fees are comparable to competitors, so the main difference is usually convenience if you already bank with HSBC.
Can I increase my credit limit after I open an HSBC card?
Yes. After you have had the card for several months and made on-time payments, you can contact HSBC to request a credit limit increase. HSBC may do this automatically if your account is in good standing. A higher limit can improve your credit utilization ratio and help your credit score, as long as you do not increase your spending.
What should I do if I think there is an error on my HSBC credit card statement?
Contact HSBC customer service when ready with the details of the transaction you believe is wrong. HSBC has a dispute process and will investigate unauthorized or incorrect charges. You are protected by federal law and do not have to pay for fraudulent transactions while the dispute is being reviewed.
How do I cancel an HSBC credit card?
Call HSBC customer service or visit a branch to close the card. Ask them to confirm the card is closed and request written confirmation by mail. Closing a card can affect your credit score slightly because it reduces your available credit, so only close cards you no longer need or cannot afford to keep.