HSBC Travel One Credit Card Review: Detailed 2026 Update
- Quick Verdict
- Card at a Glance
- Fees & Welcome Benefits
- Reward Point System Explained
- Travel & Lounge Benefits
- Milestone Benefits & Fee Waivers
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should Get This Card?
- Final Conclusion
Quick Verdict
- Is it good? Yes, especially for frequent travelers.
- Reward rate? Up to 7.2% on travel spends.
- Best for? Travelers looking for high rewards and lounge access.
Card at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Joining Fee | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Reward Rate | 2% to 7.2% |
| Welcome Benefit | 3,000 Points (after spending ₹1L in 90 days) |
| Lounge Access | Domestic: 6/year, International: 4/year |
| Milestone Benefit | 10,000 Points on ₹12 Lakhs spend |
Fees & Welcome Benefits
The HSBC Travel One Credit Card comes with an annual fee of ₹4,999 + GST. This fee is applicable upon joining as well. However, if you spend ₹8 Lakhs in a year, you can get this fee waived off. This is a significant consideration for those who travel frequently and can easily meet this spending target.
As a welcome benefit, you receive 3,000 Reward Points after spending ₹1 Lakh within the first 90 days. This is a great way to kickstart your rewards journey with this card.
Reward Point System Explained
The reward point system of the HSBC Travel One Credit Card is designed to benefit travelers significantly. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Category | Reward Rate |
|---|---|
| Travel Spends | 7.2% |
| Dining | 5% |
| Online Shopping | 2% |
| Other Categories | 1% |
One of the standout features is the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners instantly, which can be a game-changer for frequent travelers. Additionally, there are no caps on redemptions, allowing you to maximize your rewards without restrictions.
Travel & Lounge Benefits
Travel enthusiasts will appreciate the lounge access benefits that come with the HSBC Travel One Credit Card. You get:
- Domestic Lounge Access: 6 visits per year via Mastercard.
- International Lounge Access: 4 visits per year via Lounge Key.
This means you can relax in comfort before your flights, whether traveling within India or abroad. However, it’s important to note that guest access is not included, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Milestone Benefits & Fee Waivers
In addition to the welcome benefits, the HSBC Travel One Credit Card offers milestone benefits. If you spend ₹12 Lakhs in a year, you earn an additional 10,000 Reward Points. This is a great incentive for those who travel frequently or have high spending habits.
As mentioned earlier, the annual fee can be waived off if you meet the spending requirement of ₹8 Lakhs. This makes the card more appealing for those who can easily reach this target.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uncapped redemption | High forex markup fee (3.5% + GST) |
| Instant points transfer to airline/hotel partners | No guest access for lounges |
| No spend requirement for lounge access | Exclusions on utilities, insurance, and jewellery spends |
| 15% off at Yatra, Cleartrip, EaseMyTrip & Paytm | Limited milestone benefits (only one milestone) |
| 10% off on Zomato | High annual fee |
| High reward rate on travel spends | Joining fee applicable |
| Multiple welcome benefits | Reward points exclusions on several categories |
| Complimentary golf rounds and lessons | Annual fee waiver requires high spend |
| Purchase protection up to INR 2,49,990 per claim | Prices on booking portal may be higher than competitors |
| Price match guarantee | Limited flight options and fare types on booking portal |
| Price drop protection | Cancellation only applicable for flex fares |
| No restrictions on redemption like other banks | Customer support may not be well-versed with policies |
Who Should Get This Card?
The HSBC Travel One Credit Card is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers who can take advantage of the high reward rates on travel spends.
- Individuals who often use online travel portals like Yatra, Cleartrip, and Paytm, benefiting from discounts.
- Those who appreciate lounge access and can meet the spending requirements for fee waivers.
- People looking for a card with flexible reward point transfers to various airline and hotel partners.
Final Conclusion
In our experience, the HSBC Travel One Credit Card stands out as a strong contender for anyone serious about travel rewards. With a high reward rate, excellent lounge access, and multiple benefits tailored for travelers, it’s a card worth considering. However, the high annual fee and forex markup might deter some users. If you can meet the spending requirements, this card can significantly enhance your travel experience.
For more insights on other credit cards, check out our reviews on the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card Review, HSBC Cashback Credit Card Review, and HSBC Platinum Credit Card Review.
For more details, visit the HSBC official page or check out CardExpert for comprehensive credit card comparisons.