Categories > Other Services

credit-card

5 Best Credit Cards in Hong Kong with the Most Insane Perks  

  • Rewards Program: We analyzed how generous and flexible the rewards programs were, including cashback, points, and miles. We compared the earn rates, redemption options, and any caps or restrictions.
  • Annual Fees: We evaluated the cost of maintaining each card, considering whether the benefits justified the annual fee. We also checked if there were any fee waivers, either through spending requirements or promotions.
  • Interest Rates: We examined the standard interest rates on purchases and cash advances, considering only those with competitive interest rates and reasonable fees.
  • Travel and Lifestyle Perks: We looked into foreign transaction fees, overseas spending rewards, and complementary travel perks for each card. We also reviewed exclusive access to discounts and priority access to dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
  • Customer Service: We assessed each card’s customer support, including ease of dispute resolution and mobile app. We also looked into how easy it was to manage the card with autopay features and installment plans.
  • Ease of Approval: We evaluated how accessible each card was by looking at income requirements, credit score requirements, and average application timeline.

Want to know what the best credit card is to fully enjoy Hong Kong? Easy – it’s the one that works for your lifestyle and needs! 

But hey, that could literally be anything, right? And when it comes to credit, you can’t just settle for anything! After all, your trips to Mong Kok alone will surely skyrocket your point game.

Whether you’re a heavy shopper at Tsim Sha Tsui or a frequent flyer at Cathay, this list offers a deep dive into options that will match your preferences. We reviewed high-tier, premium cards, but we also reviewed options that are ideal for the casual spender.

Want to find the right one for you? Check it out!

1. Citi Prestige Card

citi-prestige-card

Annual Fees: $3,800

Interest Rate: 34.28%

Reward Type: Air miles and points
Website

Rewards Program5/5
Annual Fees3/5
Interest Rates4/5
Travel and Lifestyle Perks5/5
Customer Service4/5
Ease of Approval4/5

After evaluating the Citi Prestige Card, we found that it offers some of the best luxury travel and dining perks in Hong Kong. It offers Michelin-starred dining privileges and access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, making it ideal for high-spending travelers.

One of the card’s most attractive features is its generous rewards program. As a welcome offer, Existing Citibank customers can enjoy up to 60,000 miles (720,000 points).

New cardholders also receive substantial perks, including 30,000 miles (360,000 points) upon getting the card. There’s even an annual gift of 20,000 miles, which we find valuable for long-term cardholders.

We liked that the interest-free period extends up to 58 days, longer than many competing cards of the same tier. They also make payments easier with features such as installment plans and quick cash options.

However, one downside is the high annual fee of $3,800, which makes it a steeper option than other travel cards. The minimum income is also $600,000, which makes it inaccessible to many customers.

Still, considering their target clientele, every offering and requirement is aligned.

Pros

  • High welcome miles 
  • $4 = 1 mile for overseas spending
  • Annual 20,000 miles every year
  • Luxury dining perks
  • Over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
  • Complimentary golf access 
  • Up to 58 days interest-free period
  • Premium concierge services
  • Flexible installment plans

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • High-income requirement 

2. Hang Seng HKD Commercial World Mastercard

hang-seng-hkd-commercial-world-mastercard

Annual Fees: $980

Interest Rates: 35.72%

Reward Type: Cashback
Website

Rewards Program5/5
Annual Fees5/5
Interest Rates4/5
Travel and Lifestyle Perks4/5
Customer Service4/5
Ease of Approval4/5

Looking into this credit card, we can see that it’s a highly beneficial option for individuals who frequently engage in international transitions. It offers an unlimited 2.8% cash rebate with major global merchants like Google, Amazon, and Shopify.

We also liked that this card prioritizes security and convenience by offering virtual card options. Those who rely heavily on digital payments can use this feature to minimize fraud risks.

Beyond this, Hang Send also has impressive travel perks, which we find helpful for cardholders with big families. Clients receive free travel insurance coverage of up to $100,000, with protection extended to the spouse and children.

The opportunities to save with this card also stood out to us. Aside from its relatively low annual fee of $980, it also offers a 2-year annual fee waiver as part of its welcome promotion (just note, though, that this may change depending on upcoming promos). 

We find it valuable that the card offers exclusive discounts on workspace services such as Microsoft and Google Workspaces. Not a lot of providers offer this, making this a unique perk.

Of course, there is a limitation: this card is only available for those who have an existing business account with Hang Seng Bank. It’s definitely not the best card for first-timers or new account holders. 

Pros

  • Unlimited 2.8% rebate on online foreign currency transactions
  • Virtual card options
  • Up to $100,000 free travel insurance
  • Access to 1,300 airport lounges 
  • $980 annual fee
  • Exclusive business discounts on business software
  • Strong security features
  • No cap on cashback rewards

Cons

  • Only available to Hang Seng business account holders
  • Limited rewards for local spending 

3. American Express Platinum Card

Annual Fees: $9,500

Reward Type: Points
Website

Rewards Program4/5
Annual Fees3/5
Interest Rates4/5
Travel and Lifestyle Perks5/5
Customer Service5/5
Ease of Approval4/5

This card is one of the most premium cards in Hong Kong, so it’s no surprise that it offers an impressive lineup of travel, dining, and lifestyle benefits. 

The rewards system alone is a major draw. It allows new cardholders to earn up to 1,000,000 membership rewards points. This can be redeemed for airline miles, hotel stays, or applicable luxury experiences.

We also love the various benefits related to the AmEx network that they offer. For instance, hotel and car rental bookings done through AmEx Travel Online allow cardholders to receive $2,000 in annual statement credits.

There are also year-round exclusive deals at various Hong Kong hotels. And with up to 2 free supplementary cards, the cardholder really gets to maximize the value of the perks. 

Beyond those benefits, it’s the security and customer service that secured this card’s spot on this list. The response times for dispute resolution and claims are fast, getting through in just a few hours – sometimes less during weekdays.

With all this said, though, we found the annual fee of $9,500 too steep. It’s definitely not for casual spends who don’t frequently travel or dine. The foreign currency transaction fee is also at 2%, making it higher than other premium cards.

Pros

  • Up to 1,000,000 membership rewards
  • 1,400 airport lounges access
  • $2,000 annual statement credits
  • $2,000 global diner credits
  • 2 free supplementary cards
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Elite concierge service
  • Fast and responsive customer service 

Cons

  • High annual rate
  • High foreign currency transaction fee 
  • Limited merchant acceptance 

4. HSBC Red Credit Card

hsbc-red-credit-card

Annual Fees: No annual fee

Interest Rates: 35.42%

Reward Type: Cashback
Website

Rewards Program4/5
Annual Fees4/5
Interest Rates4/5
Travel and Lifestyle Perks3/5
Customer Service4/5
Ease of Approval5/5

For individuals seeking a rewards-focused credit card, we find the Red Credit Card from HSBC to be a compelling option. In particular, we loved the 4% reward cash rebate on online spending, which applies to the first $10,000 spent online on each calendar month.

We also found it valuable that they offer a 1% reward cash rebate on designated spending categories. This allows individuals who love leisure activities to really maximize their savings.

Speaking of savings, this card comes with a permanent annual fee waiver, which is rare for a card in more accessible categories. 

In addition, the card has some pretty interesting and unique features. It’s compatible with mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, which makes touchless purchases much easier.

We also love that there’s a 0% card installment plan for high-ticket items. This varies per product and scenario, though, so it’s best to call their customer service to clarify this.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the card charges a 1.95% fee for foreign currency transactions. While it’s not the highest on this list, it can still be substantial to cardholders who travel frequently. 

Pros

  • Permanent annual fee waiver
  • 4% reward cash on online spending (1st $10,000)
  • Unlimited 1% reward cash on additional spending  
  • Compatible with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay
  • Can earn HSBC Reward stamps
  • Access to 0% interest installment plans
  • Up to 56 days interest-free period
  • Minimum income requirement 
  • Easy online application

Cons

  • Relatively high foreign currency transaction fee
  • Little travel perks
  • No premium lifestyle benefits 

5. Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard

standard-chartered-cathay-mastercard

Annual Fees: Waived for 1st year. $2,000 thereafter 

Interest Rates: 35.70%

Reward Type:  Air miles
Website

Rewards Program4/5
Annual Fees4/5
Interest Rates4/5
Travel and Lifestyle Perks5/5
Customer Service4/5
Ease of Approval4/5

After checking the benefits of this card, we found that it offers one of the most competitive mileage reward programs in Hong Kong. New cardholders can earn up to 60,000 Asia miles through welcome offers alone.

One of the features we liked was its tiered reward system, which enables cardholders to earn miles at different rates. For example, they can spend $4 per 2 Asia miles at Cathay partner restaurants or $4 per 1 Asia mile on overseas spending.

In addition to this, there are extra perks that are truly aligned to flyers. Benefits include priority check-in, boarding privileges, and complimentary airport lounge access. 

Savings can also be maximized through benefits like 10% discounts when redeeming hotel stays, car rentals, and travel experiences. Existing cardholders can even earn up to 120,000 bonus miles by referring friends. 

Accessibility is another reason we love this card. The minimum income requirement is only $96,000 per year. The annual fee is also waived for the first year, though the second year onward will cost cardholders $2,000 per year.

Foreign transaction fees at 1.95% can be a little too much for travelers, though. But Cathay members will definitely find value in these offerings as these suit their lifestyles.

Pros

  • Earn miles on everyday spending
  • Priority checking and boarding for Cathay Pacific flights
  • First-year annual fee waived
  • 10% discounts on travel redemptions
  • Up to 120,000 bonus miles referral program
  • Up to 56 days interest-free period 
  • Compatible with digital wallets
  • Lower-income requirement

Cons

  • Relatively high foreign transaction fee
  • Rewards heavily tied to Cathay Pacific
  • Requires Cathay membership 
Related topics