Which credit card is the best in Hong Kong?

There is no single card that suits everyone. Card applicant should pick credit cards with different spending categories to earn the most rewards. For reward point credit cards, cardholders can exchange for cash rebates, air miles, coupons, and other gifts flexibly. Air miles credit cards are suitable for frequent flyers who don’t mind the complicated redemption procedure. Cashback credit cards are suitable for low spenders to get rebates directly.

Which credit card has no foreign exchange fee?

Most UnionPay Cards do not charge a foreign exchange fee. But it doesn’t mean that it’s best to use UnionPay Cards for foreign transactions. To make your hard-earned money go further, other factors like transaction fees, earning ratio, etc. should also be taken into consideration.

What is the difference between a credit card and a debit card?

A credit card lets you borrow from the bank up to a limit, repay later, and possibly earn rewards like cashback or air miles. A debit card deducts money directly from your bank account, so there’s no borrowing or interest. Credit cards help build credit history and offer perks, but you must repay on time to avoid charges. Debit cards are simpler for budgeting since you only spend what you have.

How is finance charge / interest calculated if I don’t pay the full balance?

If you don’t clear your full statement balance, the bank charges interest daily from the transaction date until payment is made. This is based on your annual percentage rate (APR), converted into a daily rate. Once you carry a balance, new purchases may also lose their interest-free period. To avoid high charges, always try to pay in full or at least more than the minimum.

Can I use my Hong Kong credit card overseas, and what are the fees?

Yes, most Hong Kong credit cards work overseas wherever Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, or American Express are accepted. You’ll likely pay a foreign transaction fee, typically 1.5–3% of the amount, plus any currency conversion differences. Some cards waive these fees, making them better for frequent travellers. Always notify your bank before long trips to avoid unexpected declines.

How do I get the annual fee waived or reduced?

Many banks in Hong Kong waive the first year’s annual fee automatically. After that, you may qualify for a waiver if you reach a certain spending amount or maintain good payment history. A simple phone call to customer service often works, especially if you’re a loyal customer. Some cards are permanently “ no annual fee ” options if you want to avoid this hassle.

What should I do if my credit card is lost or stolen?

Report the loss to your bank immediately so they can block the card and prevent unauthorised use. Most issuers provide a 24-hour hotline. You’ll usually get a replacement card quickly, and in many cases your liability for fraudulent charges is limited once reported. Keep your bank’s emergency contact handy when travelling.

How is my credit limit determined, and can I request an increase?

Your credit limit depends on your income, credit history, and the bank’s assessment of your repayment ability. Over time, if you consistently repay on time, you may request an increase. Banks often review your spending pattern and salary proof before approving. If you want a higher limit, call customer service or apply through online banking.

What exclusive offers can I enjoy if I apply for credit cards through MoneySmart?

MoneySmart partners with various banks in Hong Kong, such as Citibank, HSBC and SCB to give exclusive offers. Click now to find the latest offers!

Best Credit Cards Hong Kong 2025 – Compare & Apply

Compare Best Credit Cards in Hong Kong

Credit Card	Minimum Salary	Annual Fee
Credit CardStandard Chartered Smart Card	Minimum SalaryHK$96,000	Annual FeeHK$0
Credit CardStandard Chartered Asia Miles Mastercard	Minimum SalaryHK$96,000	Annual FeeHK$1,800
Credit CardHang Seng MMPOWER Card	Minimum SalaryHK$150,000	Annual FeeHK$0
Credit CardDBS Black World Mastercard	Minimum SalaryHK$240,000	Annual FeeHK$2,000
Credit CardAmerican Express Platinum Credit Card	Minimum SalaryHK$300,000	Annual FeeHK$2,200
Credit CardWeWa UnionPay Card	Minimum SalaryHK$0	Annual FeeHK$800
Credit CardEarnMORE UnionPay Card	Minimum SalaryHK$0	Annual FeeHK$800
Credit Card HSBC Red Card	Minimum SalaryHK$120,000	Annual FeeHK$0

Credit Cards in Hong Kong: An Overview

Credit cards are an essential part of daily life in Hong Kong. From online shopping to dining out, they offer convenience, rewards, and exclusive privileges. The right card can help you save on everyday purchases, earn cashback or air miles, and access perks like travel insurance or concert tickets.

Why Credit Cards Matter

With Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle and wide use of digital payments, credit cards simplify money management. They provide instant access to funds, protect against fraud, and often come with rewards or loyalty programs tailored to local spending habits. Whether you are a student, working professional, or frequent traveller, there are options designed to suit your needs.

Annual fees and waivers

Some hk credit cards waive annual fees permanently, while others charge annual fees unless you meet a spending threshold. However, some credit cards that charge high annual fees may offer prestigious benefits that could potentially outweigh the annual fees you pay.

Interest rates

Credit cards often charge much higher APRs than personal loan if you carry a balance. Aim to repay in full instead of paying the minimum payment only.

Rewards structure

Different credit cards have their own cashback, points, and air miles mechanisms. If you prefer the flexibility of the rewards or convenience of offsetting your credit card bills, you may opt for cashback. If you enjoy redeeming free flights, you may choose air miles credit cards instead. Reward points can usually be converted into vouchers at major retailers, discounts on travel bookings, or air miles with partner airlines. This makes them versatile for both everyday and occasional spending.

Don’t forget to check out their caps and exclusions as well.

Promotions

Limited-time welcome offers can boost value with rebates, gadgets, or vouchers. Applying through aggregators like MoneySmart often offers extra gifts than applying for the credit cards at banks directly.

Choosing wisely ensures you pick a card that fits your lifestyle and maximises value.

Dining and Entertainment

A dining-focused card like the Citi Cash Back Card offers rebates on restaurant bills and hotel dining.

With HSBC Visa Signature, you can also choose Dining as your designated category at Red Hot Rewards of Your Choice programme, allowing you to earn an extra 5X RewardCash at a wide range of merchants. Besides, you can also set menus at selected restaurants at Hong Kong Restaurant Week with HSBC credit cards.

Travel and Miles

Air miles cards let you turn everyday spending into flight rewards. For example, DBS Black World Mastercard is designed around miles. It offers up to 32,000 welcome miles and lets you redeem points across Asia Miles, Avios, KrisFlyer, and PhoenixMiles. Hotel discounts include up to 12% at Expedia and 10% at Agoda which helps you save some travel expenses.

Earning miles from as low as HK$1 = 1 mile, Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard is another popular card for those who aim for earning miles. There are 3 tiers of Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard that recognise different banking relationships with Standard Chartered, each offering its own travel and lifestyle offers.

Online Shopping and Digital Wallets

HSBC Red Card is a strong option for digital shoppers. It offers up to 4% RewardCash rebate on online transactions and up to 8% at selected merchants like Sushiro, Decathlon, GU, and lululemon. Since there is no annual fee, you can enjoy these rewards without worrying about recurring costs.

Cards that integrate with PayMe, AlipayHK, and Octopus offer cashback or bonus miles for e-wallet top-ups. DBS Black World Mastercard also counts digital wallet reloads as eligible for bonus miles, suitable for people who often make retail transactions paid through e-Wallets.

Everyday Essentials

Supermarket and transport spending can also be optimised through cashback cards such as Mox or Standard Chartered Smart Card, which pair well with daily living expenses. Using different cards for separate categories ensures you maximise returns without effort.

From January 1 to December 31, 2026, American Express Platinum Credit Card offers double points at supermarkets, petrol stations, and convenience stores.

Entertainment and Mobile Payments

PrimeCredit’s WeWa Visa Signature Card focuses on entertainment spending. From now till June 30, 2026, It offers cash rebate of up to 4% for spending in specific Fun Categories, namely Mobile Payment, Travel, Overseas Spending and Online Entertainment. For Online Entertainment category, it encompasses eligible spending on popular video and audio streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Spotify and gaming platforms such as Nintendo and Playstation.

5 Types of Hong Kong Credit Cards

Hong Kong credit cards are issued by 5 major card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, and JCB.

Visa and Mastercard: These two networks take up most of the market share with a long history. They are accepted almost everywhere in the world and are essential for any traveler.
American Express: The Hong Kong Amex card can be used in over 130 countries and is highly regarded for its premium travel benefits and concierge services.
UnionPay: These cards are excellent for spending in Mainland China. Many Hong Kong banks have launched dual-currency options, such as the HSBC UnionPay Dual Currency Credit Card and Standard Chartered UnionPay Dual Currency Platinum Credit Card, to benefit frequent cross-border travelers.
JCB: Perfect for those who travel often to Japan, as they offer exclusive discounts and access to JCB Plaza lounges. Currently, only BEA (Bank of East Asia) and AEON issue JCB credit cards in Hong Kong.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review by Y Becca

Customer service is good, timely response, helpful. Great experience with MoneySmart. Will continue to apply credit card through MoneySmart in the future.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review by Hok Ching Cheng

"Successfully applied for a credit card and received an application gift."

As seen on Google

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review by Mk Alan

"They were very responsible; after I applied for a gift but didn't receive the e-coupon, they quickly sent me the gift after I inquired via email."

As seen on Google

Credit Card Welcome Offers - MoneySmart Exclusive

Credit Card	Card highlights	Promotion	Valid until
Standard Chartered Smart Card	HK$0.00 Foreign currency transaction fee 5% Cash back at Designated Merchants Up to HK$3,600 MoneySmart Exclusive Offer	Apply by 30 June 2026 as a new Standard Chartered Smart Card applicant via MoneySmart to receive one of the following gifts: • Plus Minus Zero XQH-X020 Air Purifier (Value: HK$2,398) • Medicube Age-R Duo Beauty Set (Age-R Booster Cleanser + Booster Pro mini + PDRN Hydrating Gel Cleanser 200ml) (Value: HK$1,970) • PHILIPS ADD4902BK Soda Maker 1200W (Value: HK$1,288) • HK$800 Apple Store Gift Card / HKTVmall e-Vouchers / ParknShop e-Vouchers (Value: HK$800)	4 Jun 2026 till 30 Jun 2026
sim Credit Card	Up to 8% Cashback on Online Retail Transactions and Local Transportation Transactions First Year Free Fee Waiver N/A Minimum Income Requirements	From 1 June until 7 June 2026, apply for the sim Credit Card or sim World Mastercard via MoneySmart and spend HK$100 in eligible retail transactions within 30 days after card issuance; or select the Up to HK$100,000 6-month interest-free and monthly handling fee waived Cash Instalment Plan as the Welcome offer, activate the card and be approved for the Cash Instalment Plan. By meeting these requirements, you can receive HK$1,000 cash or up to HK$2,600 in rewards. In addition, enjoy the Trip.com promotions: Trip.com 8% hotel bookings promo code and Trip.com HK$100 flights promo code (claim submission required). You will be entitled to choose one of five gifts (one option only): • 4 x Plaza Premium Lounge APAC 3 hrs Access Pass (Total value: HK$2,600) • LOJEL Alto 29-inch Ultra-Lightweight Suitcase (Black) (Value: HK$2,100) • QUICO Q-Travel Set (Ionic Highspeed Hair Dryer + Cordless Straightener) (Value: HK$1,458) • BRUNO BOE115 Compact Multi Grill Pot (Value: HK$1,098) • HK$1,000 Cash via FPS (converted by 10,000 SmartPoints and deposited into FPS account) ( Fulfilled by MoneySmart ) Complete the digital ID verification on the sim Credit Card App within 3 hours after application to receive an additional HK$50 cash rebate	1 Jun 2026 till 8 Jun 2026
Citi Cash Back Card	First Year Annual Fee Waiver Annual Fee Unlimited 2% Rebate on Overseas Spending & Local Dining Unlimited 1% Rebate on Local Spending	Limited-time Citi card offer via MoneySmart: Trip.com promo codes with HK$2,000 vouchers or gifts valued up to HK$5,200 From 1 June to 8 June 2026, new customers applying for a designated Citi credit card via MoneySmart and spending HK$4,000 within 30 days after card issuance (approved by 31 July 2026) can receive one of the following rewards: • 8× Plaza Premium Lounge APAC 3-hour Access Pass (Total value: HK$5,200) • 4× Plaza Premium First with Infinity Room 3-hour Access Pass (Total value: HK$4,600) • Philips RO Water Dispenser ADD6910DG - Grey (Value: HK$3,388) • Philips NA547/07 Multifunction Airfryer with Steam (7.2L) (Value: HK$2,398) • HK$2,000 Apple Store Gift Card / ParknShop e-Vouchers ＋ Trip.com 8% hotel booking promo code and HK$100 flights promo code (claims submission required).	1 Jun 2026 till 8 Jun 2026
HSBC EveryMile Credit Card	As low as HK$2 = 1 Mile Local and oversea spending HK$240,000 Minimum Annual Income Up to $1,450 RewardCash Welcome Offer	Apply via MoneySmart for a designated HSBC credit card and submit the redemption form by 15 July 2026 to receive a Trip.com 8% Hotel Booking Promo Code plus HK$100 Flights Promo Code. You can earn one of the following gifts at zero cost: • Doshisha Gorilla Calf Massager (Value: HK$398, random color) • Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumbler 880ml / 30oz (Value: HK$380, random color) • Branden Safe Plus Wallet Bag (Value: HK$305, random color) Additionally, the bank welcome offer is also available.	1 Jun 2026 till 30 Jun 2026

Content on this page is generated or assisted by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can make mistakes. We recommend independently verifying critical information before taking action.

Which is better: Visa or Mastercard credit card?

Visa and Mastercard credit cards are both globally accepted and offer different perks for members in different tiers, the most common types of Visa and Mastercard credit cards include Visa Platinum, Visa Signature, Visa Infinite, Titanium and Platinum Mastercard, World Mastercard and World Elite Mastercard.

Both Visa and Mastercard offer its own network benefits including travel, luxury hotel, dining and more when it comes to foreign spending, Mastercard often offers slightly better exchange rate, but for everyday card users, there is not much difference between Visa and Mastercard. It is suggested to find the right credit card by focusing on each card offer and perks of your choice, and be aware of annual fee, cash back, air miles or rewards that you are looking for.

Air Miles

Miles Credit Cards

Standard Chartered Asia Miles Mastercard: HK$4/ mile for dining and online spending
Citi PremierMiles Card: HK$3/ mile for foreign currency transactions
American Express Cathay Pacific Elite Credit Card: HK6/ 1.5 mile for foreign currency spending

Cashback

Cashback Credit Cards

Standard Chartered Simply Cash Visa Card: 2% rebates on foreign currency transactions
Citi Cash Back Visa Card: 2% rebates on global dining and hotel spending
EarnMORE UnionPay Card: 2% rebates on all spending

Reward Points

Reward Points Credit Cards

Citi Rewards Card: 5x points all-year-round at supermarkets, department stores, and telecom providers
HSBC Visa Signature Card: Up to 14x “RewardCash” for selected categories

What Are the Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved for in Hong Kong?

Low Income Requirement Credit Cards

Many credit cards specify a low minimum income and some cards such as EarnMORE UnionPay Card and WeWa UnionPay Card do not specify a minimum income, which is ideal for housewives/ freelancers or tertiary school students to apply. Submitting your proof of asset increases your chances of getting approved, but you may still get approved without it.

No Annual Fee Credit Cards

A credit card with no annual fee helps cardholders save on card costs and maximise the rewards cardholders earn. Cardholders can enjoy no fees for life or within the promotional period depending on the type of cards you apply.

How many credit cards can I apply for?

There is no absolute limit on the number of credit cards you can have. Having more than one credit card can allow you to get different credit card offers and benefits for different cards, you can also earn various rewards like air miles or cashback on your daily spending.

However, applying for too many credit cards at a time can hurt your credit score and the chances of credit card approval. Even though the damage on credit scores are only temporary, if you are hoping to get a mortgage or personal loan in the coming months, it is best to keep your credit report nice and clean.

Common Credit Card Fees

Annual fees aren’t the only type of credit card charges you might be paying. Many of these other common fees will impact the benefits you earn, so be mindful of them and actively monitor your spend.

Balance transfer fees

Charged when you move a balance from one card to another, usually 3-4% of the amount.

Late payment fees

If you don’t pay at least the minimum payment on your credit card payment due date, you may incur a late payment fee, usually $80-350 HKD.

Foreign transaction fees

If you love to travel, be cautious of this fee whenever a purchase is made outside of Hong Kong, as it is typically between 3-4% of the purchase amount.

Instant Alerts and Security

Spending alerts and push notifications are standard across leading banking apps. Every time you swipe or tap, an instant message shows the transaction details. This makes it easier to catch fraud early and manage daily budgets. Many apps also offer biometric login and one-tap card freezing for extra security.

Rewards Tracking and Redemption

Instead of waiting for paper statements, users can track rewards in real time. Cashback balances, air miles, and merchant rebates are displayed in app dashboards. Some issuers also let cardholders redeem rewards instantly — for example, converting points into spending credits or discounts at partner merchants without leaving the app.

Lifestyle Integration

Beyond payments, apps increasingly tie into lifestyle platforms. Cardholders can link accounts to e-wallets like PayMe or AlipayHK, pay bills directly, or split expenses with friends. Limited-time offers, such as dining or shopping discounts, often appear first in mobile apps, rewarding those who check regularly.

Most Popular Hong Kong Credit Card Types

The most popular credit cards in Hong Kong fall into three main categories: Air Miles Credit Cards, Cashback Credit Cards, and Shopping Credit Cards.

Card Type	Credit Card	Features
Air Miles Credit Card	Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard	Miles conversion (eligible spending on Cathay and HK Express) as low as HK$2=1 mile.
Cashback Credit Card	Citi Cash Back Credit Card	Unlimited 2% cashback on overseas spending and local dining, unlimited 1% on local transactions; First-year annual fee waiver.
Shopping Credit Card	sim Credit Card	Up to 8% cashback on online retail and local public transport; First-year annual fee waiver; No income requirement.

Why Compare Hong Kong Credit Cards with MoneySmart?

Comparing Hong Kong credit cards with MoneySmart takes the guesswork out of finding the right card for your needs. MoneySmart updates the latest offers, features, and promotions from multiple banks in one place, making it easy to compare perks, rewards, and fees side by side. Plus, you’ll often get access to exclusive welcome gifts or rebates unavailable when applying directly through the banks. With expert tips and transparent information, MoneySmart helps you make smarter financial decisions and get more value from your credit card choices.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Successfully applied for a credit card and successfully received the application gift.
As seen on Google

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Customer service is good, timely response, helpful. Great experience with MoneySmart. Will continue to apply credit card through MoneySmart in the future.
As seen on Google

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Speedy turnaround time, problem promptly resolved.
As seen on Google

Frequently Asked Questions

Which credit card is the best in Hong Kong?: There is no single card that suits everyone. Card applicant should pick credit cards with different spending categories to earn the most rewards. For reward point credit cards, cardholders can exchange for cash rebates, air miles, coupons, and other gifts flexibly. Air miles credit cards are suitable for frequent flyers who don’t mind the complicated redemption procedure. Cashback credit cards are suitable for low spenders to get rebates directly.
Which credit card has no foreign exchange fee?: Most UnionPay Cards do not charge a foreign exchange fee. But it doesn’t mean that it’s best to use UnionPay Cards for foreign transactions. To make your hard-earned money go further, other factors like transaction fees, earning ratio, etc. should also be taken into consideration.
What is the difference between a credit card and a debit card?: A credit card lets you borrow from the bank up to a limit, repay later, and possibly earn rewards like cashback or air miles. A debit card deducts money directly from your bank account, so there’s no borrowing or interest. Credit cards help build credit history and offer perks, but you must repay on time to avoid charges. Debit cards are simpler for budgeting since you only spend what you have.
How is finance charge / interest calculated if I don’t pay the full balance?: If you don’t clear your full statement balance, the bank charges interest daily from the transaction date until payment is made. This is based on your annual percentage rate (APR), converted into a daily rate. Once you carry a balance, new purchases may also lose their interest-free period. To avoid high charges, always try to pay in full or at least more than the minimum.
Can I use my Hong Kong credit card overseas, and what are the fees?: Yes, most Hong Kong credit cards work overseas wherever Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, or American Express are accepted. You’ll likely pay a foreign transaction fee, typically 1.5–3% of the amount, plus any currency conversion differences. Some cards waive these fees, making them better for frequent travellers. Always notify your bank before long trips to avoid unexpected declines.
How do I get the annual fee waived or reduced?: Many banks in Hong Kong waive the first year’s annual fee automatically. After that, you may qualify for a waiver if you reach a certain spending amount or maintain good payment history. A simple phone call to customer service often works, especially if you’re a loyal customer. Some cards are permanently “no annual fee” options if you want to avoid this hassle.
What should I do if my credit card is lost or stolen?: Report the loss to your bank immediately so they can block the card and prevent unauthorised use. Most issuers provide a 24-hour hotline. You’ll usually get a replacement card quickly, and in many cases your liability for fraudulent charges is limited once reported. Keep your bank’s emergency contact handy when travelling.
How is my credit limit determined, and can I request an increase?: Your credit limit depends on your income, credit history, and the bank’s assessment of your repayment ability. Over time, if you consistently repay on time, you may request an increase. Banks often review your spending pattern and salary proof before approving. If you want a higher limit, call customer service or apply through online banking.
What exclusive offers can I enjoy if I apply for credit cards through MoneySmart?: MoneySmart partners with various banks in Hong Kong, such as Citibank, HSBC and SCB to give exclusive offers. Click now to find the latest offers!

Best Credit Cards in Hong Kong

Refine Your Results

We found 69 credit cards for you!

Product Carousel

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

Reward Details

Card Details

More Details

Product Carousel

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

Mox Welcome Offer

MoneySmart Exclusive

Reward Details

Card Details

More Details

Product Carousel

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

Reward Details

Card Details

More Details

Product Carousel

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

Reward Details

Card Details

More Details

Product Carousel

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

Reward Details

Card Details

More Details

Product Carousel

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

Reward Details

Card Details

More Details

Product Carousel

MoneySmart Exclusive

Reward Details

Card Details

More Details

Product Carousel

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

Reward Details

Card Details

More Details

Product Carousel

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

MoneySmart Exclusive

Reward Details

Card Details

More Details

Product Carousel