Points · Mastercard · $495 annual fee
Last verified 2026-10-26. Review issuer source
HSBC Elite is a $495-a-year points card from HSBC. Its best everyday rates are 5x on travel, and 2x on dining; everything else earns 1x.
On our reference budget of $24,600 a year its rewards come to $402, $93 short of the annual fee. That is normal at this price; the card only works if the perks replace spending you already do, or your bonus-category spending is far above a typical household's. The welcome bonus, 60,000 points after $4,000 in 3 months, is the strongest reason to open it in a given year.
Premium cards are a bet that you will use the credits. Count only the ones that replace spending you already do, then see whether the lounge access and what is left justifies the fee.
Earn 2× Points at restaurants and dining out.
Earn 5× Points on new travel purchases - including flights, hotels and car rentals.
Earn 60,000 Welcome Bonus Points, worth up to $900 in travel, when booked through HSBC Travel, after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of opening the card.
Earn up to $400 of travel credits per year for all airfares, hotels and car rentals booked through HSBC Travel.
Take 3 rides, and get a $5 Lyft App credit every month with your Elite credit card.
Claim up to $800 if your cellphone is stolen or damaged using Cellular Wireless Telephone Protection.
Enjoy complimentary ShopRunner membership, worth $79 annually.
Get up to $140 annually with Instacart+.
Elevate your airport experience with complimentary and unlimited lounge access for the cardholder and up to 2 guests worth more than $469 annually with Priority Pass.
Mastercard ID Theft Protection™ and Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement provide support and expense reimbursement if your identity is compromised through identity fraud.
Purchase Assurance covers most purchases from damage or theft within 90 days of purchase up to $1,000.
Earn up to $120 in statement credits annually on taxis, cabs and rideshare. Use your Elite credit card to pay for your rideshare and automatically receive $10 each month.
Speed up airport screening with up to $120 towards Global Entry, TSA Precheck, TSA Precheck by Clear, or NEXUS once every 4.5 years.
These come from Mastercard, not from HSBC. Every card on the World Elite Mastercard tier carries them, so they should not decide between two cards.
A smooth departure starts with Fast Track access. Use your World Elite Mastercard to purchase* discounted access to a dedicated security lane for you and your guests at select airports in 30+ countries outside the U.S. Enjoy this benefit as part of The Mastercard Collection.
Call 1-800-MASTERCARD (1-800-627-8372) for 24/7 assistance to report a lost or stolen card.
More rides means more adventure. Take three rides in a month with Lyft to earn a $5 credit.3* Plus, save 10% on all scheduled rides to or from U.S. airports when you pay with your World Elite or World Legend Mastercard. Offer expires 1/31/2027.
Complimentary 24/7 concierge agent for lifestyle needs, travel bookings and event access.
Get exclusive PGA TOUR® experiences and access amazing golf benefits with our Golf Concierge Service.
Mastercard gives you exclusive access to premium preferred seats and ticket presales at top venues and festivals across the U.S. Eligibility restrictions, exclusions and terms apply. Offer expires 3/31/2027.
Save when you tap and go with your eligible Mastercard and receive a $2.50 statement credit when you spend $10 or more each month at participating transit systems.
Enhance travel with cash back rewards when traveling internationally and shopping from your home.
Get $3 off Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus each month when you use your World Elite or World Legend Mastercard to subscribe. Watch new movies from theaters, buzzworthy original series, hit TV shows, live sports and so much more. Eligibility restrictions, exclusions and terms apply. Offer expires 12/31/2027.
Enjoy experiences in culture, dining, sports, entertainment and more in over 45 exciting destinations around the globe.
With Mastercard Zero Liability protection you’re protected against unauthorized transactions in stores, online and in app.
Chef-curated menus, signature drinks, and a space designed for travelers. Taste by Priceless is a dining club that reimagines culinary experiences at the airport — now open at Hong Kong International Airport. Use your World Mastercard to purchase access for yourself and your guests, as a benefit of The Mastercard Collection.
Benefit descriptions are the issuer’s and network’s own wording, trimmed for length. Limits and exclusions are in the guide to benefits.
Elevate your airport experience with complimentary and unlimited lounge access for the cardholder and up to 2 guests worth more than $469 annually with Priority Pass.
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards earned | Net after fee | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSBC EliteThis card · 5x on travel | $495 | $402 | −$93 | 1250th of 1,284 |
| HSBC PremierHSBC's most-held other card · 3x on gas stations | $95 | $444 | +$349 | 516th of 1,284 |
| Chase Freedom Flex® Credit CardThe strongest no-fee card on this budget · 7% on dining | None | $822 | +$822 | 1st of 1,284 |
| Robinhood Gold CardHighest net return on this budget · 3% on everything | $50 | $798 | +$748 | 2nd of 1,284 |
Reference budget: groceries $6,000, dining and restaurants $3,600, gas and ev charging $2,400, travel and transit $3,000, online shopping $2,400, entertainment and streaming $1,200, everything else $6,000. Points are valued at 1¢ unless the program is worth less; statement credits, welcome bonuses, and perks are left out. Run it with your own spending.
