If you’re a frequent traveller or someone who loves to earn rewards while exploring new destinations, the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card might just be the companion you need. Designed to offer instant travel rewards and elevated experiences, this card aims to make your journeys more rewarding. In this HSBC TravelOne credit card review, you’ll discover the key features, benefits, and fees to help you determine if this card aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card Review: Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Issuer | HSBC India |
| Annual Fee | ₹4,999 + GST (₹5,899 total) |
| Welcome Bonus | ₹1,000 cashback, ₹3,000 Postcard Hotel voucher, 3-month EazyDiner Prime membership, 3,000 bonus reward points on ₹1 lakh spend within 90 days |
| Best For | Frequent travellers, travel aggregators, foreign currency spenders |
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card Review: Key Benefits
Cashback & Rewards
- Base Rewards: Earn 2 reward points (RP) per ₹100 spent on most categories.
- Accelerated Rewards: Earn 4 RP per ₹100 on flights, travel aggregators, and foreign currency transactions. Note: A monthly cap of 50,000 RP applies to these categories.
Travel Benefits
- Lounge Access: Enjoy 6 complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges and 4 international lounge visits per year.
- Travel Discounts: Avail up to 15% off on bookings made through Yatra, EaseMyTrip, PayTM Travel, and ClearTrip. Additionally, get up to 20% off at select duty-free stores in India.
- Instant Redemption: Convert your reward points into air miles or hotel loyalty points with over 20 partners, including major airlines and hotel chains, with instant or near-instant transfer.
Shopping & Partner Offers
- Dining Discounts: Get 10% off on Zomato.
- Movie Offers: Enjoy Buy One Get One free on movie tickets via the District app from Zomato, twice a month, capped at ₹200 per ticket.
EMI & Big Spend Perks
- Milestone Rewards: Spend ₹12 lakh annually and earn 10,000 bonus reward points, effectively reducing the annual fee to ₹4,000.
- EMI Options: Convert high-value purchases into easy EMIs for better financial management.
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card Review: Fees and Charges
- Joining Fee: ₹4,999 + GST (₹5,899 total)
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + GST (₹5,899 total) — Waived if annual spending exceeds ₹8 lakh.
- Interest Rate (APR): 3.75% per month (45% per annum)
- Late Payment Fee: ₹250 to ₹1,200, depending on the amount due
- Foreign Currency Markup Fee: 3.5% + GST (approximately 4.13%)
- Cash Withdrawal Fee: ₹100 at overseas ATMs; Nil at non-HSBC ATMs
- Overlimit Fee: ₹500 + GST or 2.5% of the overlimit amount (whichever is higher)
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
- High reward rate on travel-related spends
- Instant redemption with multiple airline and hotel partners
- Attractive travel and shopping discounts
- Complimentary lounge access
- Milestone rewards for high spenders
Cons
- High foreign currency markup fee
- Limited to travel-related rewards; no cashback or fuel rewards
- Single milestone for annual spending; no tiered benefits
- Exclusions on common categories like utilities, insurance, and education
Who Should Apply for HSBC TravelOne Credit Card?
Best For:
- Frequent Travellers: Those who frequently book flights, hotels, or use travel aggregators.
- High Spenders: Individuals who can comfortably spend ₹12 lakh annually to avail of milestone rewards and fee waivers.
- International Shoppers: Shoppers who often make purchases in foreign currencies.
Not Ideal For:
- Casual Spenders: Individuals who don’t spend extensively on travel-related categories.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Those looking for a card with low fees and broad reward categories.
- Fuel Card Seekers: Individuals primarily looking for fuel-related rewards.
How to Apply for HSBC TravelOne Credit Card
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18–65 years
- Annual Income: ₹4 lakh per annum for salaried individuals
- City of Residence: Available in select cities including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and others
Documents Required
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
- Proof of address (Utility bill, Rental agreement)
- PAN card
- Latest salary slips or bank statements
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card Review: FAQs
Q1: How can I redeem my reward points?
A1: You can redeem your reward points instantly through the HSBC mobile app by converting them into air miles or hotel loyalty points with over 20 partners.
Q2: Is there a cap on reward points?
A2: Yes, you can earn a maximum of 50,000 accelerated reward points per month on travel-related spends. Beyond this, the base reward rate applies.
Q3: Are there any welcome benefits?
A3: Yes, upon spending ₹10,000 within the first 30 days, you receive ₹1,000 cashback, a ₹3,000 Postcard Hotel voucher, a 3-month EazyDiner Prime membership, and 3,000 bonus reward points on a ₹1 lakh spend within 90 days.
Q4: What is the foreign currency markup fee?
A4: The foreign currency markup fee is 3.5% + GST, totaling approximately 4.13%.
Q5: Can I get the annual fee waived?
A5: Yes, the annual fee is waived if you spend ₹8 lakh or more in a year.
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card Review: Verdict
The HSBC TravelOne credit card stands out as a solid choice for frequent travellers seeking to earn rewards on their travel-related expenses. With instant redemption options, attractive travel discounts, and lounge access, it offers a comprehensive package for those who align with its benefits.
However, the high foreign currency markup fee and limited reward categories may deter casual spenders or those seeking broader rewards. If you travel extensively and can meet the spending thresholds, this card could be a valuable addition to your wallet.
