FAQ: Product features, rates & fees

How do I choose which HSBC credit card is right for me?

At HSBC, we offer a range of credit cards designed to suit your individual needs. To assist with your selection, you can refer to our Credit Card Comparison table for summaries of each card and links to more information.

Can I transfer the full balance from my other credit or store cards?

You can choose to transfer any balance from other Australian credit or store cards up to your available credit limit. We will determine your credit limit based on our credit assessment of you. The credit limit you apply for may not be the credit limit we give you. The minimum amount you can transfer is $500, and there is no limit to the number of transfers you can make.

You will need to allow up to 14 days for HSBC to complete the balance transfer once your card has been approved. Please call HSBC on 132 152 (or +61 132 152 from overseas) for more details. For HSBC Premier customers, please call the HSBC Premier Centre on 1300 301 168.

Your promotional rate will apply to the first balance you transfer during your 6-month introductory period. After this period, any balance outstanding from the Balance Transfer will accrue interest at the Interest Rate for Cash Advances, currently for the HSBC Credit Card and . for the Classic, Gold, Platinum and Premier Credit Card. All rates are current as at and are subject to change.

 Back to top

Am I eligible for an introductory balance transfer rate?

Promotional rates are applicable to new HSBC customers. The special rate is limited to the first balance transfer request per account from other store cards or non-HSBC Credit Cards.

The balance transfer request must be completed at the time of applying for your new HSBC Credit Card or within 1 month of receiving your card to be eligible for the introductory balance transfer rates.

After the stated promotional period, any balance outstanding from the Balance Transfer will accrue interest at the Interest Rate for Cash Advances. Interest accrues on balance transfers from the date the transfer is processed by HSBC.

HSBC may allocate payments we receive from you to pay the total amount owing in any order we see fit including applying any and all payments made to your HSBC credit card account to reduce the balance(s) transferred first and then to any subsequent purchases.

 Back to top

Am I entitled to an interest free period?

Depending on the HSBC credit card, you may be eligible for up to 55 days interest free on qualifying purchases. For more information please call HSBC on 132 152 (or +61 132 152 from overseas). For HSBC Premier customers, please call the HSBC Premier Centre on 1300 301 168.

Terms and conditions apply. There are no interest free days for cash advances.

 Back to top

What are interest free promotions?

At selected retailers, your HSBC credit card allows you to take advantage of a range of interest free promotions that are on offer - either as an "interest-free", or "interest-free payment deferred" transaction.

"Interest-free" means that you will not have to pay interest on the purchase amount financed during the promotional period (e.g. 6, 12, 24 months). You will be required to make minimum monthly payments through the promotional period, depending on the promotion.

If you choose the "interest-free payment deferred" option, as well as having the advantage of not being charged interest for the specified promotional period, you also do not need to make any repayments on that specific promotion for the deferred period (e.g. 6 months). Your monthly instalments would then commence at the end of the deferred period.

If any portion of the purchase remains unpaid at the end of the promotional period, the balance will revert to the standard conditions of use, and applicable interest rate to the account.

Please call HSBC on 132 152 (or +61 132 152 from overseas) for information on participating retailers. For HSBC Premier customers, please call the HSBC Premier Centre on 1300 301 168.

Other fees and charges may be payable. You should refer to your Terms and Conditions for details.

 Back to top

Can I have a credit card in joint names?

An HSBC credit card can only be issued in one name, however an additional card can be made available to a friend or relative aged over 16 years. The additional card will be issued in the name of the additional cardholder. Please note, however, the primary cardholder is liable for all expenses.

There is no fee for additional HSBC Credit Card, Classic, Gold, and Platinum and HSBC Premier credit cardholders.

Terms and conditions apply. For more information please call HSBC on 132 152 (or +61 132 152 from overseas). For HSBC Premier customers, please call the HSBC Premier Centre on 1300 301 168.

 Back to top

What are Platinum Privileges?

As an HSBC Platinum cardholder you are automatically entitled to a range of exclusive benefits and services without having to earn points or pre-qualify, including:

Theatre and Films
Home Entertainment
Music and Events
Lifestyle
Concierge

Click on the links for more details, or call HSBC on 132 152 (or +61 132 152 from overseas).

 Back to top

Do I have to pay an annual fee?

The current annual fees for each product are:

American Express Standard ($25) and Gold ($70) annual fees can be waived every year with a qualifying minimum yearly spend. Please call 1300 308 880 for more information on HSBC's American Express credit cards, which are issued by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085.

 Back to top

Are there any other fees and charges that may apply?

Your HSBC credit card may attract additional fees and charges from time to time. More information is available on our current fees and charges, or call HSBC on 132 152 (or +61 132 152 from overseas). For HSBC Premier customers, please call the HSBC Premier Centre on 1300 301 168.

 Back to top

What is the interest rate I will pay on my HSBC credit card?

Please refer to our Interest Rates table for information on rates applicable to each product, or call HSBC on 132 152 (or +61 132 152 from overseas). For HSBC Premier customers, please call the HSBC Premier Centre on 1300 301 168.

 Back to top