
The HSBC Elite card is built on a foundation of premier banking, offering its most valuable clients a powerful tool to enhance their lives. With a generous welcome bonus, a suite of comprehensive travel insurances, and the freedom of no foreign transaction fees, this card empowers you to explore the globe with confidence and sophistication.
It’s time to move beyond standard rewards and embrace a card that truly understands and complements the needs of a modern, internationally-minded individual.
Benefits: A Suite of Truly Elite Perks
The HSBC Elite World Elite Mastercard is packed with a vast array of high-value features designed to deliver an exceptional experience for U.S. residents, particularly those who travel frequently.
- Generous Welcome Bonus: Begin your journey with a substantial boost to your rewards balance! New cardholders are greeted with a welcome offer of 60,000 bonus points after meeting the initial minimum spending requirement.
- Accelerated Points on Travel Purchases: Fuel your wanderlust with an incredible earn rate! You’ll receive an impressive 5 points for every $1 spent on new travel purchases, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- $400 Annual Air Travel Credit: This is a cornerstone benefit that massively offsets the annual fee. You will receive an automatic $100 travel credit for every $2,000 you spend on eligible travel purchases booked through HSBC Travel, up to a maximum of $400 in statement credits each calendar year. It’s a direct and valuable return on your travel spending.
- Unlimited Airport Lounge Access: Transform your airport experience from stressful to serene. This card provides a complimentary Priority Pass membership with unlimited visits for you and up to two guests.
- $120 Annual Rideshare Credit: Your everyday travel is also more rewarding. Use your HSBC Elite card to pay for taxis, cabs, or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and you will automatically receive a $10 statement credit each month, for up to $120 in total credits annually.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Explore the globe without the extra costs. This card has no foreign transaction fees, saving you the typical 3% surcharge on every single purchase you make while traveling internationally or shopping on foreign websites.
- Complimentary Global Wi-Fi: Stay connected wherever you go! The card includes complimentary, unlimited Wi-Fi access through Boingo, with over 1 million hotspots in airports, hotels, and public spaces around the world.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Speed through airport security and customs with ease. You will receive a statement credit of up to $120 every 54 months to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, making your travel process much smoother.
- Flexible and Valuable Points Redemption: Your HSBC Rewards points are both powerful and versatile. Get the best value when redeeming for airfare through HSBC Travel, or transfer your points to several airline partners.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
This card is an exclusive product with specific relationship requirements. To be eligible to apply for the HSBC Elite World Elite Mastercard, you must:
- Be an HSBC Premier client. To qualify for an HSBC Premier relationship in the U.S., you must open an HSBC Premier checking account and maintain one of the following:
- Balances of $100,000 or more in combined U.S. consumer and qualifying commercial deposit and investment accounts.
- Monthly recurring direct deposits totaling at least $5,000.
- An HSBC U.S. residential mortgage loan serviced by HSBC.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a U.S. residential address.
- Have a valid U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Have a good to excellent U.S. credit history.
How to Apply: The Application Process
The application process is tied to your HSBC Premier relationship.
- Establish an HSBC Premier Relationship: The first and most critical step is to become an HSBC Premier client by opening a Premier checking account and meeting the funding or direct deposit requirements listed above.
- Apply Online or In-Person: Once you are a Premier client, you can apply for the HSBC Elite card online through your personal banking portal or by visiting an HSBC branch and speaking with your Relationship Manager.
- Provide Your Information: Fill out the application form with your personal details, including your full name, U.S. address, date of birth, SSN or ITIN, and financial information.
- Consent to a Credit Check: As part of the process, you must authorize HSBC to perform a credit check.
- Await a Decision: You will be notified of the decision on your application. Given the relationship requirement, the process may involve direct communication with your HSBC Relationship Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the annual fee for this card?
The annual fee is $495. A fee of $65 applies for each authorized user. - Which airlines can I transfer my points to?
You can transfer HSBC Rewards points to several airline partners, including British Airways Executive Club (Avios), Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, typically at a 1:1 ratio. - How much are my points worth for cash back?
The redemption value for cash back is lower than for travel. While travel redemptions can yield 1.5 cents per point, cash back redemptions are typically valued at a lower rate. - Does this card have comprehensive travel insurance?
Yes, it includes a strong suite of insurance, including Travel Accident Insurance, Trip Cancellation coverage, and Cell Phone Protection.