Credit cards

If you need help or support with your credit card, please visit our card support page.

Manage your cash flow and make purchases you’ll pay off later. Find out more about our credit cards and the guidance we offer

Find the right card for you

Take a look at our range of credit cards, consider their benefits and find the one that will suit you best.

Compare cards

Credit card eligibility checker

See which cards you’re likely to be accepted for, and your estimated credit limit, without it affecting your credit score.

What kind of credit card are you looking for?

Balance transfer credit cards

Give yourself some breathing room with our balance transfer options.

Purchase credit cards

Buy now and spread the cost of all your purchases - large or small.

Credit-builder credit cards

Help build your credit score when you spend and make on-time repayments.

Rewards credit cards

Discover our range of rewards cards.

Making the most of a credit card

What is an issue number and CVV?

By understanding the different numbers on your credit card, you can feel more secure and confident using it.

Using your credit card overseas

Discover tips for using your credit card while travelling so you can stay safe and reduce any fees and charges.

What are air miles?

Understand what air miles are, how they work, and how to claim air miles when you’re ready to use them.

What is a credit reference agency?

See how lenders and other companies use credit reference agencies (CRAs) when you apply for finance.

What is a 0% credit card for?

Understand the different kinds of 0% credit card offers and work out which cards could suit you.

Our most popular cards

Balance Transfer Credit Card

Enjoy up to 36 months interest-free for balance transfers (3.09% fee, min £5).

Representative example

Purchase rate: 25.9% p.a. (variable)

Representative: 25.9% APR (variable)

Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200

Purchase Plus Credit Card

Discover the all-rounder that has up to 24 months of interest-free purchases and up to 17 months of interest-free balance transfers (3.49% fee, minimum £5).

Representative example

Purchase rate: 24.9% p.a. (variable)

Representative: 24.9% APR (variable)

Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200

Rewards Credit Card

Earn reward points on eligible purchases you make.

Representative example

Purchase rate: 26.9% p.a. (variable)

Representative: 26.9% APR (variable)

Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200

Classic Credit Card

Improve or start building your credit rating.

Representative example

Purchase rate: 29.9% p.a. (variable)

Representative: 29.9% APR (variable)

Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,000

View all cards

More card information

Second credit cards

Find out how having a second HSBC card could help you manage your different spending needs.

Get the most from your credit card

Manage all your card needs online or via the app.

Credit card fees and rates

Understand more about fees and the interest rates for your HSBC credit card.

Frequently asked questions

What is a credit card?

A credit card is a payment method that allows you to borrow money up to a certain amount (your credit limit).

You can use your credit card to withdraw cash from ATMs (although you'll usually be charged for withdrawing cash) or to buy items and pay for them later - either in full or in monthly instalments.
How do credit cards work?

A credit card gives you access to credit - a pre-agreed amount of money you can borrow from your bank. Each time you use your credit card, you'll need to repay what you borrowed.

Some credit cards come with extra benefits, including rewards, offers, and purchase protection.
How do I apply for a credit card?
To apply for a credit card, you'll usually need:

Your address details for the last 3 years

Your income and employment history

Your bank account details

Credit card issuers will take other thing into account too, such as your age, credit score, and whether you're a UK resident.

Please check out our credit cards page to see our range of products and guidance to find one that suits you.
Can I transfer money from a credit card?

It’s possible to transfer money from your credit card to your bank account. Using your credit card to transfer funds into your current account can help you pay off short-term debt, such as a small overdraft or an unexpected expense.

However, there may be charges for transferring money, and you’ll need to make sure you can afford to repay your credit card.
What is a credit card balance transfer?

A balance transfer is when you move your existing credit card balance to another credit card. This may be to take advantage of a lower interest rate or an interest-free period.

This can help you to pay off your credit card balances in a more manageable way, as you’ll have a lower rate and one monthly payment.

Balance transfers are subject to approval and balance transfer fees may apply.
How are my credit card payments allocated to my balance?
When you make a payment, it’s used to pay off balances in this set order:

Interest, charges and fees – like a late payment fee or cash advance fee

Cash advances – such as cash machine withdrawals or Travel Money foreign currency exchange

Instalment plans

Purchases

Balance transfers

Here are some more rules that affect your payments:

When you have multiple items in the categories above, items with the highest interest rates are paid off first – to pay off your most expensive debt first

If two categories have the same interest rate, we pay off the oldest transactions first

Interest on cash withdrawals is added daily until you pay the balance off

There’s no interest on any balance you clear by the payment due date

Interest will be charged on any balance left unpaid after the due date, and will show on a later statement

If an introductory rate ends, your balance will move to the standard interest rate
How many credit cards should I have?

There’s no limit on how many credit cards you can have – the important thing is that you manage them responsibly.
What is APR on a credit card?

APR means Annual Percentage Rate. It’s the cost of borrowing money over a year on a credit card or loan. It takes into account interest, as well as other charges you may have to pay, such as an annual fee.
Can you withdraw cash from a credit card?

Just like debit cards, you can withdraw cash at ATMs using your credit card. However, you’ll usually be charged for withdrawing cash, so try to find other options first.