TravelOne
Base Rate
2%
Forex Markup
3.5%
Joining Fee
₹4,999
Milestones
2
💳 Fee Structure
🧮 Reward Calculator
Monthly Spending Breakdown
Net Annual Value
+₹5,801
After ₹4,999 annual fee deduction
Base Rewards
₹10,800
Forex Net
+₹0
Milestones
₹0
Milestone Progress
Annual fee of ₹4,999 waived on ₹8L annual spend
Spend ₹8L annually
Get 10,000 bonus reward points (worth ₹10,000 in miles) on reaching ₹12L annual spend
Spend ₹12L annually
📝 Detailed Review
The CardVault Verdict
The HSBC TravelOne Credit Card is a solid mid-premium travel card that bridges the gap between basic travel cards and super-premium offerings. Its standout feature is the 1:1 transfer ratio to key partners like Marriott Bonvoy and Singapore Airlines with instant transfer processing. The 4% reward rate on travel and international spends is very strong. However, the high 3.5% forex markup fee acts as a double-edged sword for international transactions, and the lack of points on daily categories like utilities and fuel limits its use as a primary everyday driver.
Who Should Apply?
This card is highly recommended for moderate-to-high spenders who spend heavily on travel and want a flexible points pool that transfers instantly to airline and hotel loyalty programs. If you want a zero forex card or simple cash return, there are better options.
Lounge Access
Unconditional Access
No minimum spend required to unlock lounge visits.
Visits / Year
10visits
Supported Networks
Additional Notes
6 complimentary domestic and 4 complimentary international lounge visits per year via LoungeKey.
🔄 Transfer Partners
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer) [1:1]
airline
Air India (Maharaja Club) [1:1]
airline
British Airways Executive Club [1:1]
airline
Qatar Airways (Avios) [1:1]
airline
Air France/KLM (Flying Blue) [1:1]
airline
Etihad Guest [1:1]
airline
Marriott Bonvoy [1:1]
hotel
Accor Live Limitless [1:1]
hotel
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✓Pros
- •Excellent 4.0% reward rate on travel, airline, and international transactions
- •Broad list of airline and hotel partners with a clean 1:1 transfer ratio
- •Instant point transfers via the HSBC India mobile banking app
- •4 complimentary premium SUV airport transfers per calendar year
- •Solid welcome and activation benefits including cashback and hotel vouchers
- •10,000 bonus points milestone reward on ₹12L annual spend
✗Cons
- •High 3.5% foreign currency markup fee eats significantly into international returns
- •No reward points earned on fuel, rent, utilities, insurance, gold, and UPI transactions
- •Relatively high annual fee waiver threshold (₹8 Lakhs)
- •Lounge visits capped at 6 domestic and 4 international per year
Historical Changes
Track record of card modifications
Clean Track Record
No devaluations recorded — this card has maintained its value proposition consistently.