HSBC Premier Metal Credit Card vs Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spend, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins with a 3% base reward rate compared to HSBC’s 1%.
• For travel and lounge access, both cards offer unlimited domestic and international lounge access, but Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card provides additional premium benefits and a higher travel reward rate, making it the better travel companion.
• The HSBC Premier Metal Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold if you spend very high amounts annually due to its lower forex markup and potential fee waiver on high spends.
• Choose HSBC Premier Metal Credit Cardⓘ if you prioritize forex savings and golf access, and prefer a concierge with lifetime-free perks. Opt for Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you want higher rewards on all spends, plus dining and online benefits with premium memberships.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

With a Rs 10,000 spend, the HSBC Premier Metal Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 100 at the base rate of 1%. However, if you spend in online or travel categories, the return improves to Rs 300 per Rs 10,000, matching the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Cardⓘ in those segments. The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers a strong 3% base reward rate, translating into Rs 300 per Rs 10,000 spent across all categories including travel, dining, and online. This makes the Times Black card more rewarding for everyday and diverse category spends. HSBC’s rewards shine mainly if your spend is concentrated in travel or online, but otherwise lag behind.

Fees Compared

Both cards charge an annual fee of Rs 20,000. The HSBC Premier Metal Credit Cardⓘ has a lower joining fee of Rs 12,000 compared to Rs 20,000 for the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Cardⓘ. Fee waiver thresholds differ significantly: HSBC requires an annual spend of Rs 20,00,000 (about 20 lakh) to waive the fee, while Times Black needs only Rs 6,66,667 (about 6.67 lakh). This means Times Black is more accessible for fee waiver. Considering base reward rates alone, Times Black’s break-even spend to cover fees is about Rs 6.67 lakh, much lower than HSBC’s 20 lakh, making Times Black easier to justify for moderate premium spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

The HSBC Premier Metal Credit Cardⓘ suits premium travelers who spend heavily on forex and value golf access and concierge services. It is ideal if you can meet the high spend threshold for fee waiver and want lifetime-free benefits. However, if your spend is moderate or you want better reward returns on everyday categories like dining and online shopping, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Cardⓘ is more rewarding. It also offers multiple premium benefits such as Zomato Gold and travel vouchers that add value beyond rewards.

Skip HSBC Premier Metal Credit Cardⓘ if you are not a heavy forex user or cannot meet the high spend for fee waiver. Avoid Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you dislike a high joining fee upfront or do not want to pay Rs 20,000 annually without maximizing rewards.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if reward category caps or exclusions apply, especially for online and travel spends.
• Understand the redemption value of points and if there are restrictions or expiry.
• Calculate your monthly spend to see if you can realistically meet the fee waiver threshold.
• Check the forex markup carefully if you travel abroad frequently to avoid high costs.
• Verify which lounges are accessible and if any guest policies or visit limits apply.

FAQ