HSBC Revolution review (2026)
The feel-good story of 2026: the 4 mpd bonus on travel and contactless was made permanent in April, and there's no annual fee — ever. Arguably the single best starter card. Just don't bring it to the supermarket.
Great for
Use it for
on online and contactless spend in bonus categories
on the same categories, with S$50k in an HSBC Everyday Global Account
Watch out for
- The bonus is category-based — groceries and supermarkets are NOT on the list.
- Fast food is excluded — and that catches some cafés and Grab food charges, not just McDonald's.
- Travel agents and OTAs don't earn the bonus — book airlines and hotels direct. Agoda and Trip.com can miss it.
- Chip-and-PIN or swipe payments earn no bonus — pay contactless or online.
- Transfers to KrisFlyer are at a poorer ratio (~3.3 mpd effective) — the full 4 mpd applies to better-ratio partners.
Other cards to compare
Citi RewardsThe default first card: 4 mpd on nearly everything online.Read review →
UOB Preferred VisaTap your phone anywhere, earn 4 mpd.Read review →
DBS Woman's World Card4 mpd online — including flights and hotels.Read review →HSBC Revolution FAQs
How do I get 8 mpd on HSBC Revolution?
Hold an average S$50,000 daily balance in an HSBC Everyday Global Account (EGA). The 8 mpd tier applies to the same bonus categories, capped around S$1,200/month. Not a beginner requirement.
Is there really no annual fee?
Correct — HSBC Revolution is the no-annual-fee miles card, for life. That's unique among Singapore's 4 mpd cards.
What spending is excluded?
Groceries and supermarkets aren't a bonus category; fast food (MCC 5814) is excluded; travel agents/OTAs don't count (book airlines and hotels direct); and chip-and-PIN or swiped payments earn no bonus.
Where this card wins
Last updated 4 July 2026. Earn rates and caps change — confirm details on the bank's site before applying. Spot an outdated rate?