HSBC Unveils TravelOne Card: A Comparison with Other Travel Credit Cards

HSBC has launched the TravelOne Credit Card aimed at providing frequent travelers with a range of rewards, travel benefits, and purchase protections. The card is tailored for individuals who frequently fly or book travel services, offering them the flexibility to earn rewards that can be redeemed across various airline and hotel partners.

Key Features of HSBC TravelOne Credit Card

The HSBC TravelOne Credit Card offers several enticing features designed to enhance the travel experience. New users can enjoy ₹1,000 cashback, ₹3,000 PostCard vouchers, and three months of EazyDiner Prime Membership if they spend ₹10,000 within the first 30 days of activation. For those who spend ₹1 lakh within the first 90 days, there is an additional 3,000 bonus reward points.

The card offers a competitive rewards structure: users earn 4 reward points for every ₹100 spent on flights, travel aggregators, and foreign currency transactions, while other purchases earn 2 reward points per ₹100.

For higher spending, users who exceed ₹12 lakh annually will receive an extra 10,000 bonus reward points. Travel benefits include 6 local and 4 international airport lounge visits per year, as well as discounts on holiday bookings, car rentals, and lifestyle experiences. Additionally, users benefit from purchase protection for up to $20,000 annually.

Comparison with Other Travel Credit Cards

While the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card provides excellent benefits for travelers, several other credit cards offer additional perks that might be appealing for different user needs.

Axis Atlas Credit Card

The Axis Atlas Credit Card offers a reward rate of 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 spent on travel-related purchases and 2 EDGE Miles for all other categories. It also provides up to 12 international and 18 domestic lounge visits annually. However, the 3.5% forex markup fee on foreign transactions could be a disadvantage compared to the more favorable forex rates of the HSBC TravelOne card.

The annual fee for the Axis Atlas Credit Card is similar to the TravelOne, but Axis cardholders benefit from a higher rate of reward miles for travel-specific purchases.

Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card

The Axis Horizon Credit Card is another travel-focused option from Axis Bank, offering 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 spent on the Travel EDGE portal and 2 EDGE Miles for all other categories. This card allows for 8 international and 32 domestic lounge visits annually, surpassing the lounge access provided by the HSBC TravelOne card.

The EDGE Miles can be converted at a 1:1 ratio into travel points, giving users additional flexibility in how they redeem their rewards.

HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card

For frequent travelers, the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card is a premium offering that provides 3.33% rewards on all purchases, unlimited lounge access, and a lower 2% forex markup fee, making it ideal for those who travel internationally. This card has a higher annual fee of ₹10,000, which might be more suited for high spenders.

American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is a high-end credit card offering extensive benefits for luxury travelers. It provides access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide and premium memberships with hotel loyalty programs. However, the joining fee of ₹66,000 is significantly higher than the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card, making it a more expensive option for travelers seeking premium benefits.

Conclusion: HSBC TravelOne vs Other Travel Credit Cards

While the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card offers strong rewards and travel benefits at a competitive price point, other cards like the Axis Atlas and HDFC Diners Club Black provide additional perks such as more lounge visits and higher rewards on travel-related purchases. For those willing to pay a higher fee, the American Express Platinum card offers unparalleled luxury benefits.