5 Best Credit Cards in Hong Kong [2026]

A credit card should work for how you actually spend, not just promise perks you’ll never use.

In Hong Kong, where online shopping, travel, and everyday expenses are part of the mix, finding the right fit means knowing which rewards, fees, and features make sense for your lifestyle.

That’s why we’ve reviewed five standout credit cards available in 2026. Each one offers something different, from cashback to Asia Miles, simple apps to premium perks, so you can pick what matters most to you.

Disclaimer: All information in this guide is accurate as of 14 June 2025 and may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to each credit card provider’s official website.

Best Credit Cards in Hong Kong at a Glance

1. HSBC Red Credit Card

The HSBC Red Credit Card caters to online shoppers seeking straightforward cashback. With elevated rates for online spending and no annual fee, it offers consistent value without requiring tier tracking or complex reward conditions.

Key Highlights of HSBC Red Credit Card

• Earn 4% cashback (RewardCash) on the first HKD 10,000 you spend online each month
• Earn 1% cashback on other categories like dining, supermarkets, overseas spending, and more
• No annual fee, with a permanent waiver in place
• Extra cashback available through Reward+ partners, including offers at McDonald’s (up to HKD 40/month) and MCL Cinemas (up to HKD 90 per promo period)
• Redeem your cashback through the Reward+ app
• Use your card instantly with Apple Pay or Samsung Pay after online approval

Fees for HSBC Red Credit Card

For full fee details, you can refer to HSBC’s official Credit Card Key Facts Statement.

Eligibility and Application for HSBC Red Credit Card

To apply, you’ll need:

• Annual income of at least HKD 120,000
• A valid HKID, or a passport with a work contract of 9 months or more

You can apply online, through HSBC Internet Banking, or by visiting a branch. 

New customers applying online will get a virtual card that can be used immediately once approved.

Pros and Cons of HSBC Red Credit Card

2. Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard®

This Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard® targets Cathay Pacific and HK Express users who want to earn Asia Miles from their daily purchases. It adds travel-related perks for certain banking customers, though it’s best suited for those who are already part of the Cathay ecosystem.

Key Highlights of Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard®

• Earn Asia Miles from everyday spending: HKD4 = 1 mile on dining, overseas, and hotel purchases; HKD6 = 1 mile on other local spending  
• Get HKD2 = 1 mile on Cathay and HK Express bookings (with promotion)  
• Welcome offer: Up to 40,000 Asia Miles for new cardholders  
• Enjoy 4 Cathay Pacific lounge passes per year (Priority Banking clients)  
• First-year annual fee waived

Note: When applying, you might see three versions of this card: Standard, Priority Banking, and Priority Private. They all offer the same rewards, fees, and features. The only difference is the card design, which depends on your account type at Standard Chartered.

Fees for Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard®

This card also offers up to 56 days of interest-free repayment if you pay off your balance in full each month.

For full details, refer to Standard Chartered Service Charges.

Eligibility and Application for Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard®

To apply, you’ll need:

• A valid HKID or passport with an employment contract of at least 9 months
• Sufficient income or asset proof based on Standard Chartered’s internal review
• Cathay membership account (you can register for free during the application)

You can apply online through the Standard Chartered website or via the SC Mobile App. New users may be asked to upload supporting documents after submitting the application.

Pros and Cons of Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard®

3. Citi Cash Back Card

The Citi Cash Back Card keeps things simple, with no reward tiers or spending categories to track, just flat rebate rates across your everyday spending. You’ll earn 2% cashback on dining, hotels, and overseas spending, and 1% on everything else. It’s a low-maintenance card that still offers solid returns, especially if you value transparency and don’t want to overthink optimising rewards.

Key Highlights of Citi Cash Back Card

• 2% unlimited cashback on local dining, hotel bookings, and foreign currency spending
• 1% cashback on all other local purchases
• No rebate cap and auto-credit to your account, no redemption or app required
• Access Citi Installment Plans like “PayLite” and “FlexiBill” to split purchases or statement balances
• Get extra discounts with Citi World Privileges across 90+ countries

Fees for Citi Cash Back Card

Refer to Citi’s Key Facts Statement for the full breakdown.

Eligibility and Application for Citi Cash Back Card

To apply, you must be a Hong Kong resident aged 18 or older, hold a valid HKID, and have a minimum annual income of HKD 120,000.

Applications can be submitted online via Citibank’s credit card application status page. You’ll be asked to upload supporting documents, including:

• A coloured copy of your HKID (with signature)
• Proof of residential address (within the past month)
• Proof of income or assets (such as recent payslips or bank statements)

Once submitted, you’ll receive a decision after Citibank reviews your documents. If approved, the physical card will be delivered to your registered address.

Pros and Cons of Citi Cash Back Card

4. American Express Platinum Card

If you’re after premium lifestyle perks and travel privileges, this card delivers, but it works differently from most. The American Express Platinum Card is a charge card, meaning you’ll need to repay the full balance each month. There’s no interest, just a high annual fee and a strong set of benefits for those who use them, like lounge access, hotel upgrades, and exclusive dining and travel credits.

Key Highlights of the American Express Platinum Card

• Welcome bonus: up to 1,000,000 Membership Rewards® points (worth ~55,000 miles) for new cardholders meeting spending thresholds in the first 3 months
• HKD 4,200 in annual statement credits (HKD 2,200 for eligible travel bookings via AmEx Travel Online, and HKD 2,000 for dining at participating restaurants)
• Unlimited global lounge access at 1,400+ locations across 140 countries
• Hotel perks via Fine Hotels + Resorts (room upgrades, breakfast, late checkout, and USD 100 credits)
• Elite status with Hilton, Marriott, Avis, and more via partner programmes
• Travel insurance (coverage up to HKD 4 million) and shopping protections (return, price match, warranty)
• 2 complimentary supplementary metal cards for family or staff

Fees for the American Express Platinum Card

For full details, refer to the American Express Platinum Card® Fee Guide.

Eligibility and Application for the American Express Platinum Card

You’re eligible to apply if you’re 18 or older and a resident of Hong Kong or Macau.

Applications can be submitted online via the American Express Hong Kong website. While no income threshold is stated, income is assessed during the application.

Pros and Cons of the American Express Platinum Card

5. Mox Credit Card

The Mox Credit Card, from Hong Kong’s virtual-only bank Mox, offers a flexible, mobile-first credit experience. With no annual fee, up to 2% cashback or Asia Miles, and transparent repayment options, it’s designed for users who want more control over their credit. Plus, the same card can also be used as a debit card, giving you more flexibility without needing multiple cards.

Key Highlights of Mox Credit Card

• 2% cashback or Asia Miles (HKD 4 = 1 mile) on eligible spending when you keep HKD 250,000+ in your Mox savings account. You can switch reward types anytime via the app.
• 3% cashback at major supermarkets and partner merchants in Hong Kong
• 0% foreign transaction fees for overseas and online spending
• Installment plans from 3–60 months with real-time APR transparency
• Mobile-first card management with spend tracking and controls

Note: The HKD 250,000 threshold refers to your Mox savings account balance, not credit card spend. If your balance falls below that, rewards drop to 1% cashback or HKD 8–10 = 1 mile.

Fees for Mox Credit Card

Refer to the Mox Credit Card Key Facts Statement for full fee details.

You can also use the repayment calculator on Mox’s Credit page to estimate charges.

Eligibility and Application for Mox Credit Card

To apply, you must first open a Mox Account. You’ll need:

• A valid HKID
• To be a Hong Kong resident
• Mox Account successfully opened (credit card approval may require supporting documents)

You can apply anytime via the Mox app and receive an instant decision in most cases. The physical Mox card will be delivered to your address.

Pros and Cons of Mox Credit Card

With so many cards offering cashback, miles, or lifestyle perks, it can be hard to tell which one is actually worth it. The key is to match each card’s features with your spending habits and what you value most.

Here’s how to narrow down your options.

Choose Rewards That Fit How You Spend

The best credit card for you isn’t the one with the most perks, it’s the one that rewards your actual lifestyle. Start by thinking about where your money goes.

Ask yourself:

• Do you spend more online or offline?
• Do you dine out regularly or travel overseas?
• Would you prefer flat cashback or rewards in specific categories?

Shop online often? The HSBC Red Credit Card offers 4% cashback on online spending, one of the highest rates available.

Travel frequently? Cards like the Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard® let you earn Asia Miles on overseas spending, dining, and Cathay bookings.

Tip: Flexibility can be useful if your lifestyle changes over time. With cards like Mox, you can switch between cashback and miles anytime via the app.

Be Aware of Reward Conditions

Top rewards often come with conditions. Some cards offer the best cashback or mile conversion rates only if you meet specific thresholds, and it’s not always based on how much you spend.

For example:

• Mox Credit Card offers 2% cashback or HKD 4 = 1 mile only when you keep HKD 250,000+ in your Mox savings account.
• Some cards limit top-tier rewards to certain categories like online, dining, or overseas spending.

Note: Prefer set-and-forget rewards? Go for flat-rate cards with no qualifiers (like Citi Cash Back), so you earn consistently without tracking thresholds.

Watch Out for Fees That Impact You

Great rewards can lose value if fees catch you off guard. Check these first:

• Annual fees: Some cards (e.g. HSBC Red) waive them permanently. Others only waive the first year.
• Foreign transaction fees: Usually around 1.95%–2%. Cards like Mox offer 0%.
• Late payment or cash advance fees: Especially important if you carry a balance or withdraw cash.

Tip: Prioritise cards with low maintenance costs if you want to keep things simple.

Know If You’re Eligible to Apply

Before applying, make sure you meet the standard requirements. Most credit cards in Hong Kong require:

• A valid HKID (or passport with a work contract)
• Minimum annual income (usually HKD 120,000+)
• Proof of address and income

Some banks, like American Express assess eligibility case-by-case without fixed income thresholds. Others like Mox require you to open a savings account first.

Note: Expats can usually apply after arriving in Hong Kong, but exact criteria may vary by provider.

Consider Mobile Features and Controls

Many credit cards now offer app-based features that make managing your card easier and safer:

• Real-time spend tracking
• Freeze/unfreeze your card instantly
• Switch rewards in-app (e.g. with Mox)
• Use your card right away via Apple Pay or Google Pay

If you prefer to manage everything from your phone, cards like Mox and HSBC Red are designed with mobile-first users in mind.

Choose Between Traditional and Virtual Banks

Both types of banks offer solid credit card options, but the experience differs.

• Virtual banks (e.g. Mox) focus on fast approvals, app-only experiences, and no-branch hassle.
• Traditional banks (e.g. HSBC, Citi, Standard Chartered) provide broader banking services and in-person support.

If you're already a customer with one of these banks, applying for a credit card there might speed up approval and reduce paperwork.

Final Note

The best credit card is the one that matches your lifestyle. Whether it’s cashback, Asia Miles, luxury perks, or mobile flexibility, choose the card that rewards how you actually spend, not just the one with the longest list of features.