American Express Platinum (UK) vs HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard wins 3-1. HSBC Premier customers who want unlimited lounge access. American Express Platinum (UK) is still the right call if frequent flyers in the uk who will use the lounges and dining credits..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Platinum (UK) | HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · £650 | £290 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 1% (general) | 1.5% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 1.5% |
| Forex markup | = N/A | = 2.99% |
| Welcome bonus | = 50,000 Membership Rewards points after £6,000 spend in three months | = 70,000 reward points after £2,000 spend in the first 90 days (offer ends 1 December 2026) |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = £35,000 | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | = N/A | = N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.3/5 | · 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Platinum (UK)
- 1 point per £1, plus 1 more per £1 at American Express Travel Online
- Complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
- From 1 January 2028, Priority Pass is limited to 20 visits a year (10 per supplementary cardmember) unless eligible spend reached £30,000 in the previous calendar year; other Global Lounge Collection lounges stay unlimited
- Up to £200 a year in dining statement credits in the UK and £200 abroad, enrolment required
- Wellness credits worth up to £350 a year across lululemon, Oura and Calm, enrolment required
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
- 3 reward points per £1 in sterling, 4 per £1 in other currencies
- Points convert to airline miles: £1 in sterling equals 1.5 miles, £1 in other currencies equals 2
- Unlimited Priority Pass access to more than 1,700 airport lounges, for additional cardholders too
- Only for HSBC Premier customers
FAQ
›American Express Platinum (UK) vs HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard: which is better?
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard wins on more dimensions (3 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Platinum (UK) for its best categories, HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Platinum (UK): 50,000 Membership Rewards points after £6,000 spend in three months. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard: 70,000 reward points after £2,000 spend in the first 90 days (offer ends 1 December 2026).