HSBC business credit card: benefits, use and alternatives

HSBC is one of the oldest and biggest banks in the UK. Many small and medium-sized businesses that already bank with HSBC often choose its business credit card. If you are considering a business credit card and want to know more about what HSBC offers, who it is best suited to, and what their terms are, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What is a HSBC business credit card?

The HSBC Commercial Card is a Visa credit card designed to help businesses manage day-to-day expenses and improve cash flow. It is available to sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies, as well as schools and charities with authority to borrow. It gives you a flexible line of credit separate from your business current account, with the option to pay the full balance or a minimum amount each month.

Unlike some providers that offer multiple tiers of business cards, HSBC offers a single Commercial Card for small to medium-sized businesses. For larger businesses with more complex needs, HSBC also offers a Corporate Card, which provides more advanced facilities for managing and reporting expenses.

HSBC business credit card benefits

The HSBC Commercial Card is built around practicality rather than premium perks. Its main benefits include:

Up to 56 days interest-free credit on purchases if you pay off your balance in full and on time. If you pay by Direct Debit, the interest-free period is 38 days rather than 56, so it is worth checking which payment method works best for you.

Flexible credit limit starting at £500, which can be increased as your business grows and your relationship with HSBC develops.

Expense management tools including online account access, the HSBC UK Business Banking app, and downloadable statements to make tracking and reconciling spending straightforward.

Widely accepted across the UK and internationally wherever Visa is accepted, with contactless payments up to £100 and compatibility with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Free for the first year, with a £32 annual fee per card from year two onwards, making it a low-cost way to trial a business credit card before committing to ongoing fees.

Fraud protection including zero liability for fraudulent transactions and a dedicated identity theft helpline in partnership with PrivacyGuard.

Discounts and offers on selected brands through HSBC's business card offers page, which can provide modest savings on everyday business spending.

HSBC charges a 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee on overseas spending, with a minimum charge of £3. If your business travels frequently or makes purchases in foreign currencies, this is an important cost to factor in when comparing cards.

For full details of current rates, fees and charges, visit the HSBC Commercial Card page.

Types of HSBC business credit cards

HSBC offers two main business card products, aimed at different sizes of business.

The HSBC Commercial Card is the core product for small to medium-sized businesses. It is available to sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies, as well as schools and charities with authority to borrow, all on the same terms. It runs on the Visa network, carries a representative APR of 22% variable, and comes with the expense management features described above. There is no rewards programme attached.

The HSBC Corporate Card is aimed at larger businesses and provides more sophisticated tools including centralised billing, customised reporting, individual spend controls per cardholder, and integration with expense management systems. It is available in multiple currencies, which suits businesses with regular international spending. Like the Commercial Card, it offers up to 56 days interest-free credit when the balance is settled in full each month.

How to apply for a HSBC business credit card

You must already hold a HSBC Business Current Account to apply for either the Commercial Card or the Corporate Card. If you do not bank with HSBC, you will need to open a business account first.

For the Commercial Card, once you have a business current account, you can apply directly through HSBC's Business Internet Banking portal. HSBC offers an eligibility checker on its website that runs a soft credit check and gives you an indication of whether you are likely to be accepted, without leaving a mark on your credit file.

You will need to provide personal details for the business owner, partners, or directors, along with business details such as your registered address and Companies House registration number if you are a limited company. Applicants must be 18 or over and a UK resident.

For the Corporate Card, applications are handled through HSBC's MiVision platform or via a Relationship Manager if your business has one.

Does a HSBC business credit card affect your personal credit score?

Yes. HSBC runs a credit check as part of the application process, which will leave a mark on your personal credit file. Using the card responsibly, making payments on time and managing your balance carefully can contribute positively to your credit profile over time. Missing payments or only making minimum repayments will have the opposite effect and may also result in late payment fees of £12 per missed payment. You can find out more about building business credit and how lenders assess your application.

Alternatives to HSBC business credit cards

The right choice will depend on your banking relationships, how your business spends day to day, and whether the features on offer match what your business actually needs.

If earning rewards on everyday spending matters to your business, it may be worth exploring Funding Circle's credit cards for businesses that offer cashback on purchases (up to £2,000 with 2% cashback for the first 6 months, plus 1% uncapped cashback on everything you spend after that), as the HSBC Commercial Card does not include a rewards programme. If overseas spending is a regular part of how your business operates, the 2.99% foreign transaction fee is also worth factoring into your comparison before committing.

14/05/2026: While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, Funding Circle does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained here. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.