American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card vs HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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In short: HSBC has the lower annual fee (none vs ₹5,000); both charge a 3.5% forex markup.
| Key facts | Amex Platinum Travel | HSBC |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹5,000 | None |
| Joining fee | Not listed | None |
| Lounge access | 8 airport lounge visits a year + Priority Pass | Not listed |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
From issuer benefit data, checked 22 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card cater to different user needs with distinct reward structures and travel benefits. The Amex card emphasizes premium travel perks and accelerated rewards on select shopping brands, while the HSBC card offers simpler rewards with multipliers on travel categories like flights and hotels. Both cards have similar forex markup fees but differ significantly in lounge access and fee structures.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
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| Feature | American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card | HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | American Express | HSBC |
| Network | American Express | Visa |
| Joining fee | — | Joining Fee - Nil |
| Annual / renewal fee | Renewal Fee of Rs. 5000 | Renewal Fees - Nil |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point For Every Rs.50 | Earn 2 Reward Points per Rs.150 |
| Lounge — domestic | 8 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year | — |
| Lounge — international | Complimentary Priority Pass Membership Worth US $99 | — |
| Welcome benefit | Welcome Gift of 10000 Membership Rewards Points | Earn 2000 Bonus Reward Points |
| Milestone benefit | Earn 15000 Membership Rewards points on Spend of Rs.1.90 Lakhs; Earn 25000 Membership Rewards points on Spend of Rs.4 Lakhs | — |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card provides a richer rewards program with 1 Membership Rewards Point per Rs. 50 spent and accelerated 3X points on select shopping brands such as Acer, Ajio, and Flipkart. It also offers milestone rewards that add significant value for high spenders. In contrast, the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card offers a simpler earning rate of 2 reward points per Rs. 150 spent, with higher multipliers on flights, hotels, and car rentals but no milestone benefits. Overall, the Amex card is better suited for those seeking diverse and high-value rewards, especially on shopping, while HSBC focuses more on travel-related spending.
Which is better for travel?
For travel benefits, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card stands out by offering 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per year and a Priority Pass membership for international lounges, which is valued at US $99. The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card does not provide any lounge access benefits. Additionally, Amex offers milestone vouchers such as a Taj Stay voucher on high annual spends, enhancing its travel appeal. Therefore, the Amex card is more travel-centric, while HSBC’s travel rewards are limited to accelerated points without added perks.
Which has lower effective cost?
The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card has a clear advantage in fees with no joining or renewal fees, making it a cost-effective choice for users seeking a no-fee card. On the other hand, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card has a renewal fee of Rs. 5000 and no explicit joining fee mentioned, which could be higher depending on the issuer's terms. Both cards charge a forex markup of 3.5%, but the Amex card includes fuel convenience fee waivers up to Rs. 5000 at HPCL with a small convenience fee above that, whereas HSBC offers a fuel surcharge waiver up to Rs. 250. Overall, HSBC is more beginner-friendly and low-cost, while Amex suits premium users willing to pay for enhanced benefits.
Reward Redemption Flexibility
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card offers specific redemption options such as converting reward points into Accor Loyalty Program points and Air Asia airmiles, which can be valuable for frequent travelers looking to maximize their points with partner programs. The American Express card does not specify such partner redemption options in the provided data.
Fuel Benefits Comparison
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card provides a 0% convenience fee on fuel purchases up to Rs. 5000 at HPCL and a 1% fee above that, whereas HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card offers a fuel surcharge waiver up to Rs. 250. This makes the Amex card potentially more beneficial for regular fuel spenders who transact below the Rs. 5000 threshold.
Who should pick American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card?
Consider American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card if you prioritize premium travel benefits such as airport lounge access, accelerated rewards on popular shopping brands, and milestone bonuses that reward higher spending. This card is ideal for frequent travelers and shoppers looking for a comprehensive rewards program and exclusive travel perks, even if it comes with a higher renewal fee.
Who should pick HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card?
Consider HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card if you prefer a no-fee credit card with straightforward rewards and accelerated points on travel categories like flights, hotels, and car rentals. This card suits beginners or those who want to avoid annual fees while still earning decent rewards, especially if you value fuel surcharge waivers and simple redemption options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card charge a forex markup fee of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.
Yes, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per year and a complimentary Priority Pass membership for international lounges. The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card does not offer any lounge access benefits.
The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card has no joining or renewal fees. The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card has a renewal fee of Rs. 5000; the joining fee is not explicitly stated and should be confirmed on the issuer's site.
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers a welcome gift of 10,000 Membership Rewards Points, while the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card provides 2,000 bonus reward points and a complimentary 3-month Swiggy One membership.
Only the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers milestone rewards, including 15,000 Membership Rewards points on spending Rs. 1.9 lakhs and 25,000 points on Rs. 4 lakhs, plus a Taj Stay voucher worth Rs. 10,000 on Rs. 4 lakhs annual spend. The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card does not offer milestone benefits.
The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card offers a fuel surcharge waiver up to Rs. 250, whereas the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card provides 0% convenience fee on fuel purchases up to Rs. 5000 at HPCL and a 1% convenience fee above that, making Amex potentially better for smaller fuel transactions.