American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card vs HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card both cater to travelers but differ in rewards focus, fees, and lounge access. American Express offers extensive lounge benefits and accelerated rewards on select shopping and travel spends, while HSBC emphasizes hotel and flight rewards with no joining or renewal fees. Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup, making them comparable for foreign transactions.
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) | Avail 3X Rewards on Shopping at IGP | Earn 6X Reward Points on Hotels |
| 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 25000 Membership Rewards points on Spend of Rs.4 Lakhs; Earn 15000 Membership Rewards points on Spend of Rs.1.90 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 stronger rewards with 3X points on shopping at specific brands like IGP, Lenovo, and Flipkart, plus 3X points on hotel bookings via MakeMyTrip. It also offers milestone bonuses and a welcome gift of 10,000 Membership Rewards points, which can add up for frequent spenders. In contrast, the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card offers 6X points on hotels and 4X on flights but lacks milestone rewards. Overall, American Express is better suited for those seeking higher and more varied rewards, especially on lifestyle and travel spends.
Which is better for travel?
American Express clearly leads in travel benefits with 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits and a Priority Pass membership for international lounges valued at US $99. HSBC does not provide any lounge access but offers fuel surcharge waivers and a complimentary Swiggy One membership. For travelers prioritizing lounge access and premium travel perks, the American Express card is more advantageous. However, HSBC’s travel rewards on hotels and flights remain attractive for those focused on point accumulation without lounge needs.
Which has lower effective cost?
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card has the edge on fees with no joining or renewal charges, making it more accessible for beginners or those wary of annual costs. The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card charges a Rs. 5000 renewal fee and has no clearly stated joining fee waiver, which could be a deterrent for some users. Both cards have the same 3.5% forex markup, so foreign transaction costs are comparable. Overall, HSBC is better for cost-conscious users, while American Express suits those willing to pay for premium benefits.
Lounge Access Comparison
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers substantial lounge benefits including 8 domestic lounge visits annually and a Priority Pass membership for international lounges, whereas HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card does not provide any lounge access. This makes the Amex card more suitable for travelers seeking comfort during airport waits.
Reward Redemption Options
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card supports reward point redemption with multiple travel partners like Marriott, Japan Airlines, and Air India, focusing on travel-related redemptions. American Express points are Membership Rewards points, which typically offer flexible redemption options, though specific partners are not detailed here.
Who should pick American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card?
Consider American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card if you value premium travel perks like extensive lounge access, accelerated rewards on select shopping and travel categories, and milestone bonuses. This card is suitable for frequent travelers and shoppers who can leverage the welcome points and annual spend benefits to maximize rewards despite the 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 decent travel rewards on hotels and flights, along with fuel surcharge waivers and a complimentary Swiggy One membership. It is ideal for beginners or those who want straightforward rewards without the burden of annual fees or complex milestone conditions.
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 visits per year and a Priority Pass membership for international lounges. The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card does not offer lounge access.
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card has a renewal fee of Rs. 5000, with joining fee details not clearly stated. The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card has no joining or renewal fees.
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers 3X rewards on hotel bookings through MakeMyTrip, while the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card offers 6X reward points on hotels.
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers milestone rewards including 25,000 Membership Rewards points on Rs. 4 Lakhs spend and a Taj stay voucher worth Rs. 10,000. The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card does not have milestone benefits.
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card offers a fuel surcharge waiver up to Rs. 250. The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers 0% convenience fee on fuel purchases below Rs. 5000 at HPCL and 1% convenience fee above Rs. 5000 but no explicit fuel surcharge waiver.