HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

The rewards have minimums to pay out, customer service is difficult to get ahold of and their website is clunky and difficult to use. It also takes 40 days after the end of your introductory session to get your introductory rewards. I definitely do not recommend. 

I wish there was an option for ZERO stars. If you are even considering this card, PLEASE,, for the love of God VISIT THE HSBC FACEBOOK PAGE and read for yourself the horror stories including mine.

This card is the worst mistake i have ever done. CreditKarma, you should be embarrased to have such a card in your recommendations. Do some research, please...they are a bad apple   in an otherwise great site here.

My score has always been more than 760. On applying for this card, it dropped to less than 720

I spent weeks reading all cash back card review and I could have sworn I saw that 2% back for first 6 months was a feature of the HSBC Cash Rewards, but then that feature disappeared form all sites (and isn't included here on NerdWallet). I received printed/written confirmation that the 2% for 6 months is legit. I don't know where else you'll find this feature, 1.5% cash back on-going, 10% annual cash rewards bonus, and $150 sign-up bonus. Honestly, I can't give 5 stars because the application process has been comprehensively painful.

I battled to receive confirmation as the advertisement for 2% back for first 6 months seems to have disappeared from the internet, but it is true as I finally received written confirmation from HSBC. This is a must for the PROs list. The approval process and setup process have been painful in every way compared with any other experience I've had but... I don't know where else you'll find a card with 2% back for first 6 months, 1.5% back ongoing, 10% back of rewards annual bonus and $150 sign-up bonus.

I applied for this based on the good rewards program and reviews online. I was given a credit limit 75% below that of my previous card, and actually significantly less than my monthly net salary. I haven't missed a single credit card payment since my first card almost 20 years ago. After discussing with the credit officer, I was told they couldn't change it and transferred to customer service to close the card, immediately after opening it. A disappointment and waste of time for everyone involved.

On the rewards program, you have 4 options. They are (ranked from best to worst as I think)1. Financial Rewards (Statement credit or direct deposit to HSBC only, no mailed checks): multiples of $25 (2500 points), or any amount above $50 (5000 points)2. Gift cards: usually a $10 GC (the minimum value available) will cost you 1500 points. A $100 (Avis/National/Budget/Alamo/Uber) GC = 12500 points3. Merchandise: e.g., Google Chromecast 2.0 = 5700 points, and Apple TV 4th gen = 21300 points4. Travel