HSBC Malaysia has launched a brand new travel credit card called the HSBC TravelOne. As a key differentiator, the card offers possibly the widest range of partner redemptions in Malaysia, covering a whopping 17 airlines and four hotel chains.

The HSBC TravelOne credit card offers two major features that aims to elevate the card above other travel credit cards in Malaysia – or a “game changer” as HSBC puts it. The first is the wide range of 17 airlines and four hotel chains available for redemption, making it a compelling proposition to air miles enthusiasts in Malaysia, as it opens a whole new opportunity to redeem air miles from frequent flyer programmes rarely available to Malaysian credit cardholders. The 17 airlines partners are:

• airasia Rewards
• Air France – KLM Flying Blue
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• British Airways Executive Club
• Cathay Pacific AsiaMiles
• Etihad Guest
• EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
• Hainan Fortune Wings Club
• Japan Airlines – JAL Mileage Bank
• Malaysia Airlines – Enrich
• Qantas Frequent Flyer
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
• United Airlines MileagePlus
• Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles

Meanwhile, the four hotel redemption partners are:

• Accor Live Limitless
• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Wyndham Rewards

The other key feature is instant partner redemptions via the HSBC Mobile App. HSBC is claiming that for most partners, redemptions will be processed in real time. This depends on the redemption partner, of course – HSBC states that for some partners, such as Accor Live Limitless, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, JAL Mileage Bank, and several others, the redemption process may take a longer period of time. Nevertheless, this is an interesting proposition – for most banks, redeeming air miles have usually been a “days if not weeks” process.

Beyond that, the card is a travel rewards card that offers 8x Rewards Points for foreign currency spend, 5x Rewards Points for local travel spend (airlines, hotel, and travel agencies) as well as local dining, and 1x Rewards Points for all other retail spend. UPDATE: Note that there are monthly caps on the maximum points earning for each of the three spend categories – 20,000 Points for foreign currency spend, and 10,000 Points each for local travel spend and dining.

In addition, the HSBC TravelOne also offers 6x complimentary airport lounge access at Plaza Premium Lounges in KLIA, Changi Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport (international departures) – the 6x access can be shared by both primary and supplementary cardholders.

Other travel-related perks include complimentary travel insurance of up to US$250,000 when the card is used to pay for the air ticket (covering travel medical benefits, trip inconvenience protection, luggage protection, and emergency assistance services), other privileges from partners such as Agoda and more, as well as 0% Card Instalment Plan for up to 36 months.

Finally, the card itself features a unique notched design in addition to a vertical card face. The sleek dual-tone black and grey card sports silver accents right down to the HSBC and Mastercard logos. The notch at the bottom of the card is designed to increase accessibility, allowing visually-impaired cardholders to instantly recognise the correct end to insert into card readers.

The HSBC TravelOne credit card is open for applications starting today at the HSBC website. The minimum annual income requirement is RM60,000, and the card has a RM300 annual fee that’s waivable upon an annual spend of RM20,000. Lastly, HSBC is offering three separate sign up offers for this card: a 24″ Condotti Luggage Bag, 300,000 Rewards Points, or up to RM500 cashback – these offers are applicable to new to bank (NTB) and existing HSBC customers who do not yet have a card with HSBC. Existing HSBC cardholders, meanwhile, are still eligible for a RM150 cashback upon card approval.

• TAGS:
• HSBC
• HSBC Malaysia
• HSBC TravelOne