American Express Preferred Rewards Gold vs HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
It's a true tie, neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Preferred Rewards Gold | HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | £195 | · £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 | = 20,000 Membership Rewards points after £3,000 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 | = £20,000 | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | = N/A | = N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
- 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent
- Annual fee £195, £0 in the first year
- Points transfer to airline and hotel partners
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 Preferred Rewards Gold vs HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard: which is better?
It's a true tie, pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. American Express Preferred Rewards Gold wins on 2 criteria, HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Preferred Rewards Gold 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 Preferred Rewards Gold: 20,000 Membership Rewards points after £3,000 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).