HSBC Advance Credit Card Review

The HSBC Advance Credit Card is a straightforward cashback card designed for individuals who want consistent rewards on everyday spending without complicated tiers or bonus categories. It is ideal for those who value simplicity, no minimum spend thresholds, and unlimited cashback on eligible purchases.

Key highlights include:

• Unlimited cashback potential: Earn up to 2.5% cashback on all eligible local and overseas spend, with no caps or tiers.

• No minimum spend required: Enjoy cashback from the very first dollar, making it one of the simplest cashback cards on the market.

• Automatic monthly crediting: Cashback is credited directly to your account each billing cycle — no tracking, no redemption needed.

• Annual fee waiver options: The annual fee of S$194.40 is waived for HSBC Advance banking customers, or with a minimum annual spend of S$12,500.

• Free supplementary cards: Up to two supplementary cards at no extra cost, so family members can share in the benefits.

• Attractive welcome offer: New applicants can receive up to S$200 cashback or a Samsonite ZELTUS 69cm Spinner Exp (worth S$680) with qualifying spend.

• Straightforward rewards card: Designed for those who want consistent, fuss-free cashback without juggling bonus categories.

The HSBC Advance Credit Card delivers value for users seeking simplicity and consistent cashback. Its flat-rate earnings on all spend, combined with no minimum spend or reward caps, make it ideal for everyday use.

While it doesn’t offer luxury travel perks or miles conversion programs, its straightforward structure is perfect for those who want rewards without the complexity of premium travel cards.

Welcome offer: Spend S$500 to get a Samsonite ZELTUS 69cm Spinner Exp (worth S$680) or S$200 cashback, plus spend another S$500 to earn an extra S$100 cashback (up to S$300 total).

Rewards and perks

Fees

Eligibility

The HSBC Advance Credit Card was introduced to provide a simple, hassle-free cashback solution for everyday spend. Over the years, it has remained focused on its core proposition: flat-rate cashback with no minimum spend and no complicated bonus structures. It complements HSBC Advance banking services by rewarding regular account activity and everyday card usage.

• Annual fee of S$194.40 

• No minimum spend or reward caps

• Cashback is credited monthly; make sure your account is in good standing

• Supplementary cards allow family members to benefit from cashback without fees

The HSBC Advance Credit Card charges a foreign currency fee of 3.25% on overseas transactions. Cash advances incur a 6% fee (minimum S$20) plus daily interest up to 28% p.a. Late payment fees are S$100.

• CardUp fee: S$1,110 (S$60,000 × 1.85%)

• Miles earned: Approximately 84,840 miles (calculated at 1.4 miles per dollar on the total S$61,110, including fees)

• Annual fee: S$194.40 (must be paid, no waiver available)

Suppose you spend S$20,000 overseas via the card:

• FCY fee: S$650 (3.25% × S$20,000)

• Cashback earned: 2.5% × S$20,000 = S$500

This shows that overseas transactions are not cost-effective on the HSBC Advance Credit Card due to the FCY surcharge. For flat local spending, however, all eligible transactions earn 2.5% cashback without extra fees, making it far more rewarding domestically than abroad.

HSBC Advance cardholders earn cashback on all eligible spend, credited automatically to the card account. The program is simple, transparent, and rewards both local and foreign currency spending.

• Local spend: Earn up to 2.5% cashback on eligible local transactions.

• Foreign currency spend: Earn up to 2.5% cashback on eligible overseas transactions.

• Cashback crediting: Cashback is credited automatically to your card account monthly.

Cashback accrues at the transaction level, and fractional amounts are rounded down to the nearest cent for practical crediting.

Example calculation:

For a local spend of S$37.99 at 2.5% cashback:

37.99 × 2.5% = S$0.9497 → S$0.94 cashback credited

Because cashback is applied per transaction and rounded down, very small transactions may yield slightly less than the exact percentage.

This approach ensures consistent, predictable rewards without minimum blocks or complicated transfer requirements, making HSBC Advance ideal for straightforward cashback accumulation across all spend.

Earn rates at a glance

• Local: Up to 2.5% cashback per S$1 (eligible local spend)

• Foreign currency: Up to 2.5% cashback per S$1 (eligible overseas spend)

• Welcome bonus: S$200 cashback or Samsonite ZELTUS 69cm Spinner Exp (worth S$680) on qualifying spend

• Renewal bonus: None

Bonus spend categories

No specific evergreen bonus categories, but occasional promotions may boost earn rates temporarily.

Comparison to other cards

HSBC Advance is ideal for users who want straightforward, predictable cashback on all spend without worrying about point conversions or minimum blocks. Cards like Citi Prestige or SC Visa Infinite offer richer travel perks, but HSBC Advance delivers consistent value for everyday and overseas transactions.

HSBC features

• Expiry: Cashback earned on the HSBC Advance Credit Card does not expire as long as your card account is open and in good standing.

• Pooling: Cashback cannot be pooled across multiple HSBC cards; each card’s cashback balance is tracked separately.

• Cancellation impact: If you cancel your HSBC Advance Credit Card, any uncredited cashback will be forfeited. Ensure cashback is credited to your account before closing the card.

Cashback redemption

• Redemption minimum: Cashback is automatically credited to your card account on a monthly basis. There is no minimum redemption block.

• Transfer fees: No fees apply for cashback redemption.

• Partners and transfer time: Cashback is credited directly to your card statement, typically within the next billing cycle.

How cashback is credited

• Credit timeframe: Cashback is typically credited to your card account monthly.

• Points calculation: Local and overseas spend earn up to 2.5% cashback per S$1.

• Rounding: Cashback is calculated in dollars and cents, rounded down to the nearest cent for each transaction.

Cashback accumulation examples

Illustrative values; actual miles may vary with bonus rates and transaction rounding.

Other important details

• Cashback is applied automatically to the statement; no manual redemption is required.

• Only principal cardholders whose accounts are open, valid, and in good standing can earn and receive cashback.

• Cashback earned on supplementary cards is credited to the principal cardholder’s account.

Transfer partners

The HSBC Advance Credit Card does not offer points that can be converted to airline miles or hotel loyalty programmes. Cashback earned is credited directly to your card account.

Note: Unlike rewards points cards, HSBC Advance cashback cannot be transferred to partners or airline programmes.

Transfer costs

• No fees apply because cashback is automatically credited to your card account.

• There are no transfer or redemption charges for cashback.

Minimum transfer amount

• Not applicable. Cashback is credited automatically; no minimum redemption blocks.

Transfer time

• Cashback is credited monthly, usually within the next billing cycle.

Points expiry

• HSBC Advance cashback does not expire as long as your card account remains active and in good standing.

Transfer issues to watch out for

• Ensure your card account is open and in good standing to receive cashback.

• Cashback is applied to the principal cardholder’s account; supplementary card spend is credited to the principal account.

• Transactions that are reversed, refunded, or otherwise excluded do not earn cashback.

Foreign currency fees

The HSBC Advance Credit Card charges a 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee on overseas spending. While this fee reduces the effective cashback value slightly, the card’s up to 2.5% cashback on foreign currency spend ensures competitive returns for international purchases.

Cost per dollar for overseas transactions

Since HSBC Advance earns cashback rather than points, the “cost per mile” calculation does not apply. Instead, overseas spending directly earns up to 2.5% cashback, which is credited automatically to your card account monthly.

Comparison of foreign currency fees by issuer

Recommendations

Use the HSBC Advance Credit Card for overseas transactions if you value:

• Straightforward cashback with no need to manage points or transfers

• Competitive foreign currency earn rate of up to 2.5%

• Automatic monthly redemption without minimum blocks
  
  

While it does not offer luxury travel perks like airport lounges or hotel privileges, the card is ideal for travellers and everyday users who prefer simple, hassle-free cashback on both local and overseas spend.

Income tax payment facility

HSBC Advance cardholders can pay income tax via CardUp or similar platforms and earn up to 2.5% cashback on all eligible spend. There is no minimum spend required, and cashback is credited automatically to your card account monthly. Promotional processing fees (e.g., 1.85% via CardUp) may apply.

Comparison with other providers

When comparing income tax payment options across providers, HSBC Advance stands out for its straightforward cashback model and competitive overseas fee when using platforms like CardUp. With no minimum spend and automatic monthly crediting, it is ideal for those who prefer hassle-free cashback rather than managing points or miles.

For cardholders looking to maximise value from bill payments, HSBC Advance ensures both simplicity and consistent cashback without extra redemption steps.

Cashback rewards

HSBC Advance cardholders earn up to 2.5% cashback on all eligible local and overseas purchases. Cashback is credited automatically to your card account each month, providing a simple and hassle-free way to earn rewards on everyday spending.

Travel insurance

The HSBC Advance Card includes complimentary travel insurance when travel fares are charged to the card. Coverage typically includes:

• Medical emergencies overseas

• Trip cancellations or interruptions

• Baggage loss or delay

This insurance helps provide peace of mind for both short-haul and long-haul travellers.

Lifestyle and partner privileges

While HSBC Advance is primarily a cashback card, cardholders can access selected partner promotions and lifestyle offers, including dining deals, retail discounts, and seasonal travel perks. Offers vary over time and may require registration or activation.

Supplementary cards

Up to five supplementary cards are issued free of charge, allowing family members or dependents to enjoy the card’s cashback and travel benefits without additional fees.

Overseas spending promotions

HSBC Advance occasionally runs limited-time promotions on overseas spending, often during festive seasons or major travel windows. These campaigns may increase the effective cashback rate on foreign currency transactions beyond the standard 3.25%, helping cardholders earn more value when shopping or travelling abroad.

To qualify, promotions typically require card registration and a minimum spend threshold, with bonus cashback subject to caps or restricted to certain categories such as dining, retail, or travel bookings.

Recurring promotions

In addition to seasonal campaigns, HSBC also partners with merchants to provide recurring lifestyle offers across dining, shopping, and travel. Examples include limited-time cashback boosts, 1-for-1 dining deals, or discounts on selected retail partners. While these aren’t permanent benefits, cardholders can usually expect one or two bank-led campaigns each year.

Because promotion mechanics and eligibility criteria vary, it’s important to check HSBC’s promotions page or register via the HSBC Singapore app to stay updated and ensure you don’t miss out on available rewards.

The HSBC Advance Credit Card is a cashback-focused card designed for everyday spenders who want simple, reliable rewards on both local and overseas purchases. It offers up to 2.5% cashback on all eligible transactions, with no minimum spend requirement and unlimited cashback accumulation. This makes it particularly appealing for individuals who prefer straightforward rewards without having to track points or conversions.

The card comes with a low annual fee (S$80, waivable for HSBC Advance customers) and free supplementary cards, making it accessible to a wider audience compared with premium travel cards that have steep income and spend requirements.

However, if your main goal is premium travel perks, airport lounge access, or air miles accumulation, cards like Citi Prestige, HSBC Visa Infinite, or Standard Chartered Visa Infinite may be more suitable.

In summary, the HSBC Advance Credit Card is ideal for those who want easy-to-earn cashback on everyday spending, flexibility for overseas transactions, and simple rewards redemption without complicated points or tiered schemes.