Points · Mastercard · $95 annual fee
Last verified 2026-10-26. Review issuer source
HSBC Premier is a $95-a-year points card from HSBC. Its best everyday rates are 3x on gas stations, 3x on grocery stores, and 2x on travel; everything else earns 1x.
On our reference budget of $24,600 a year it earns $444, which clears the $95 fee with $349 to spare before any credits or perks. The welcome bonus, 50,000 points after $4,000 in 3 months, is the strongest reason to open it in a given year.
Pay the fee if you will redeem for travel. For cash back, a no-fee flat-rate card earns nearly as much with less to think about.
Earn 3x Points on your day-to-day purchases like gas.
Earn 3x Points on your day-to-day purchases groceries.
Earn 2× Points on new travel purchases including flights, hotels and car rentals.
Earn 50,000 Welcome Bonus Points, worth up to $625 in travel when booked through HSBC Travel, after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of opening your card.
Cellular Wireless Telephone Protection provides reimbursements up to $600 per claim if your cellphone is stolen or damaged.
Get up to $140 annually with Instacart+. When you sign up as a new member, receive 2 free months of Instacart+ and $10 off your second order each month.
Take 3 rides, and get a $5 Lyft App credit every month with your Premier credit card.
Purchase Assurance covers most purchases from damage or theft within 90 days of purchase up to $1,000.
Speed up airport screening with up to $85 towards Global Entry, TSA Precheck, TSA Precheck by Clear, or NEXUS application fees, once every 4.5 years.
Receive up to $60 in statement credits annually when you pay for your TV streaming subscription.
These come from Mastercard, not from HSBC. Every card on the World Mastercard tier carries them, so they should not decide between two cards.
A smooth departure starts with Fast Track access. Use your World 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. And if you take just three rides with Lyft in a month, you’ll get a $5 credit once per month to put towards your next ride. Offer expires 1/31/2026.
Get exclusive PGA TOUR® experiences and access amazing golf benefits with our Golf Concierge Service.
Mastercard gives you exclusive access to 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.
Browse exclusive Mastercard benefits, book travel, get hotel upgrades and more.
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.
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards earned | Net after fee | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSBC PremierThis card · 3x on gas stations | $95 | $444 | +$349 | 516th of 1,284 |
| HSBC EliteHSBC's most-held other card · 5x on travel | $495 | $402 | −$93 | 1250th 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.
