American Express Basic Business Card vs HSBC Premier Credit Card

Side-by-side comparison for UK businesses

FeatureAmerican Express Basic Business CardHSBC Premier Credit Card
Annual fee£0£0
Monthly feeNoneNone
Welcome bonusNone20,000 reward points
Earn rate (default)1x1.5x
Rewards currencymembership rewardsHSBC Rewards
Card typebusinesspersonal

Data last verified March 2026. Check issuer websites for the latest terms.

American Express Basic Business Card

Free Amex card for businesses that want cashflow flexibility and basic rewards without paying an annual fee. Great starting point.

business

Annual cost

Free

Earn rate

1x

Welcome bonus

None

Best for

Low spendCashflow

Key benefits

  • No annual fee
  • 1 Membership Rewards point per £1
  • Expense management tools
  • Connect to accounting software
View on issuer site

HSBC Premier Credit Card

Free companion to the World Elite — same airline transfer partners but half the earn rate and pay-per-visit lounges. Good for HSBC Premier customers who don't want to pay £290/year but still want to collect transferable miles.

personal

Annual cost

Free

Earn rate

1.5x

Welcome bonus

20,000 reward points

Best for

No fee milesHSBC customers

Key benefits

  • No annual fee
  • 1.5 points per £1 sterling, 2 points per £1 non-sterling
  • Priority Pass lounge access (£24 per visit)
  • Transfer to BA, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India
View on issuer site