Travel today is no longer just about choosing beautiful destinations—it’s also about spending smart. Flight tickets, hotel stays, airport lounges, foreign currency transactions, and dining abroad can quickly increase your travel budget. This is where the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card becomes a valuable companion for travelers who want premium comfort while earning rewards on every journey.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore how this travel-focused card works, its benefits, fees, rewards structure, eligibility, and real-world value. We’ll also answer the most important question for frequent flyers: is this HSBC travel card really worth it for travelers in India and abroad?
What Is the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card?
The HSBC TravelOne Credit Card is a premium travel rewards card offered by HSBC. It is designed for frequent travelers who prefer earning airline miles and hotel loyalty points instead of basic cashback.
Unlike entry-level cards, this premium offering focuses on long-term travel value. It rewards spending on flights, hotels, international transactions, and travel portals while providing lifestyle privileges such as airport lounge access and milestone rewards.
Key Benefits of This HSBC Travel Credit Card
High Reward Points on Travel and International Spending
One of the biggest advantages of this HSBC travel-focused card is its accelerated rewards program.
You earn:
- 4 reward points per ₹100 on flight bookings, hotel reservations, travel portals, and international transactions
- 2 reward points per ₹100 on other spending such as shopping, dining, and utilities
This reward structure makes it a strong option for people searching for the best travel credit card in India for frequent usage.
Flexible Airline Miles and Hotel Point Transfers
Unlike many cards that limit rewards to a single airline or portal, the TravelOne rewards system offers flexibility.
Points can be redeemed for:
- Airline miles with select domestic and international airlines
- Hotel loyalty points with major global hotel chains
- Lifestyle vouchers and curated experiences
In many cases, airline mile transfers are available at a 1:1 ratio, offering significantly higher value than cashback redemptions.
Airport Lounge Access for Comfortable Travel
Comfort plays a major role in frequent travel, and this card performs well here.
The lounge access benefits include:
- 6 domestic airport lounge visits per year
- 4 international airport lounge visits per year
For regular travelers, this alone can save several thousand rupees annually.
Welcome Benefits for New Users
New cardholders receive welcome benefits after completing a minimum spend within a specified period.
These usually include:
- Cashback credited to the card
- Hotel or lifestyle vouchers
- Dining or membership privileges
These offers help balance the joining cost during the first year.
Annual Spend Milestone Benefits
High spenders enjoy extra value through milestone-based rewards.
Benefits include:
- Bonus reward points on annual spend targets
- Annual fee waiver on spending ₹8,00,000 or more in a year
This makes the card especially attractive for business travelers and frequent flyers.
Fees and Charges Explained
Joining and Annual Fees
- Joining Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
While the fee may appear high, it aligns with other premium travel credit cards. When lounge access, rewards, and fee-waiver benefits are considered, the value can outweigh the cost for frequent travelers.
Foreign Currency Markup Charges
- Approximately 3.5% + GST on international transactions
Though not the lowest in the market, the higher reward rate on forex spending helps offset this cost.
Eligibility Criteria in India
To apply for this premium HSBC travel card, applicants generally need:
- A stable income source
- A good credit score
- Compliance with age and income requirements set by the bank
Eligibility may vary based on city and applicant profile.
Who Should Consider This Card?
Ideal For
- Frequent domestic and international travelers
- Business professionals with regular travel expenses
- Users who value airline miles and hotel loyalty programs
- High spenders who can meet the annual fee waiver threshold
Not Ideal For
- Occasional travelers
- Low spenders
- Users looking only for simple cashback cards
Real-World Reward Value Example
Annual Spending Scenario
- Flights & hotels: ₹2,50,000
- International transactions: ₹1,00,000
- Other expenses: ₹200,000
Reward Points Earned
- Travel & forex spends: ₹3,50,000 × 4 = 14,000 points
- Other spends: ₹2,00,000 × 2 = 4,000 points
Total: 18,000 reward points
These points can be converted into airline miles or hotel stays, significantly reducing future travel costs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High rewards on travel and international spending
- Flexible airline and hotel point transfers
- Complimentary airport lounge access
- Attractive welcome and milestone benefits
- Annual fee waiver option
Cons
- High joining and annual fee
- Forex markup higher than some competitors
- Limited value for infrequent travelers
Is This Travel Credit Card Worth It?
For travelers who frequently book flights, stay in hotels, and spend overseas, this card delivers strong long-term value. Its flexible rewards structure and premium benefits make it one of the better HSBC options for international travel.
However, travelers who take only one or two trips a year may find more value in low-fee or cashback-based cards.
Final Verdict
The HSBC TravelOne Credit Card is built for serious travelers who prioritize comfort, rewards, and long-term savings. It rewards consistent spending and delivers meaningful value through airline miles, hotel points, and lounge access.
For frequent travelers in India and abroad, this premium card is definitely worth considering.
FAQs
1. Is this card suitable for international travel?
Yes, it offers strong rewards on forex spending and international lounge access.
2. Can reward points be converted into airline miles?
Yes, points can be transferred to select airline loyalty programs.
3. What is the annual fee?
₹4,999 + GST, with a waiver on ₹800,000 annual spend.
4. Is it better than cashback cards?
For frequent travelers, airline miles and hotel rewards usually provide higher value.
5. Who should avoid this card?
Occasional travelers and low spenders may not benefit fully.
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