HSBC has different foreign transaction fees for the different cards issued by their bank. Some of their cards do not add fees to those already charged by Visa or MasterCard for making purchases in foreign countries. Other of their cards do. Click here for more information about the fees collected by some credit card companies for making international purchases.

Below are the foreign transaction fees charged by some HSBC credit cards:

The GM Card:

1% — Standard Rate Charged by Visa or MasterCard +
2% — Additional Rate Charged by HSBC +
0-5% — Optional “Dynamic Currency Conversion” Fee** Added by Some Merchants =
3-8% — Total Fee Charged

The Union Plus Card:

1% — Standard Rate Charged by Visa or MasterCard +
0% — Additional Rate Charged by HSBC +
0-5% — Optional “Dynamic Currency Conversion” Fee** Added by Some Merchants =
1-6% — Total Fee Charged

Orchard Bank Credit Card:

1% — Standard Rate Charged by Visa or MasterCard +
0% — Additional Rate Charged by HSBC +
0-5% — Optional “Dynamic Currency Conversion” Fee** Added by Some Merchants =
1-6% — Total Fee Charged

To determine the approximate fee you’ll be charged for making an international purchase take the total value of your foreign purchase and multiply it by the U.S. Dollar exchange rate. Take this figure and multiply it by the total transaction fee listed above. The final amount is what you will pay HSBC, Visa/MasterCard, or the merchant respectively for using these cards internationally.

Special Offers from credit cards with LOW foreign transaction fees.
See chart of international conversion fees charged by other major credit card issuers.

**Visa and MasterCard are susceptible to “dynamic currency conversion” (DCC) fees charged by some international merchants which can add 3% or more to the total purchase. AmericanExpress cards cannot have “dynamic currency fees” added. The usual DCC fee added is between 3-5% but varies from merchant to merchant. Some merchants will not add DCC fees.