United Kingdom card comparison
The Platinum Card® vs HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
The Amex Platinum UK and the HSBC Premier World Elite are the most-asked-about premium UK comparisons. The Platinum UK has Priority Pass, Centurion at London Heathrow, and Membership Rewards. The HSBC Premier World Elite has LoungeKey and is gated to HSBC Premier banking customers, which makes it effectively free for those who already meet the Premier threshold.
Last reviewed: . Card information is summarized from issuer benefit pages and is reviewed periodically. Always verify current terms with the issuer before applying.
American Express
The Platinum Card®
HSBC
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | The Platinum Card® | HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | American Express | HSBC |
| Issuing country | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Annual fee | £650 | £290 |
| Lounge networks |
|
|
| Lounges this card opens (tracked) | 384 lounges across 180 airports | 339 lounges across 172 airports |
| Guest policy | 1 guest complimentary | Unlimited (Primary & Supps). No free guests. |
| Credit score | Excellent (£35k+ Income) | Excellent (HSBC Premier) |
| Purchase APR | Purchase Rate: 29.4% Variable | Representative 100.2% APR (variable) |
Who should pick which
Pick the The if
Best for travelers who want the broadest UK premium-card lounge coverage, including Centurion access at London Heathrow, and can absorb the £650 annual fee.
See full The Platinum Card® detailsPick the HSBC if
Best for HSBC Premier banking customers who already meet the Premier qualification (the card has no separate annual fee for them) and want LoungeKey coverage at UK and EU airports.
See full HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard detailsStrengths and trade-offs
The Platinum Card®
Strengths
- £400 Global Dining Credit (£200 UK / £200 Abroad)
- Unlimited Lounge Access (1,550+ lounges)
- Comprehensive Worldwide Travel Insurance
- Marriott & Hilton Gold Status
Trade-offs
- High Annual Fee (£650)
- High Representative APR (688.5% Variable)
- FX fees apply (2.99%)
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
Strengths
- 60,000 Points Welcome Bonus (Spend £3k in 90 days)
- Unlimited Priority Pass (Primary + Supps)
- Airport Fast Track (Selected UK Airports)
- High Earn Rate: 1.5 miles per £1
Trade-offs
- High Annual Fee £290
- No Free Guest Access for Lounges
- Foreign Exchange Fee 2.99%
- Strict Eligibility (HSBC Premier)
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