HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard vs American Express Gold Card (Germany)
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
It's a true tie, neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard | American Express Gold Card (Germany) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · £290 | €240 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 1.5% (general) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | · 2.99% | 2% |
| Welcome bonus | 70,000 reward points after £2,000 spend in the first 90 days (offer ends 1 December 2026) | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = Not verified | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | = N/A | = N/A |
| Editorial rating | · 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
- 3 reward points per £1 in sterling, 4 per £1 in other currencies
- Points convert to airline miles: £1 in sterling equals 1.5 miles, £1 in other currencies equals 2
- Unlimited Priority Pass access to more than 1,700 airport lounges, for additional cardholders too
- Only for HSBC Premier customers
American Express Gold Card (Germany)
- 1 Membership Rewards point per €1 spent
- €20 a month (€240 a year), Membership Rewards included
- A 2% foreign currency fee on payments outside the euro area
FAQ
›HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard vs American Express Gold Card (Germany): which is better?
It's a true tie, pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard wins on 3 criteria, American Express Gold Card (Germany) on 3.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard for its best categories, American Express Gold Card (Germany) for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard: 70,000 reward points after £2,000 spend in the first 90 days (offer ends 1 December 2026). American Express Gold Card (Germany) doesn't list a welcome bonus.