HSBC Bank recently unveiled their super-premium co-branded credit card in collaboration with Taj Hotels. However, the card details have currently been removed from their website.
The benefits of the card were already shared by one of our members, @chasni. You can check the complete list of benefits here: HSBC Taj Credit Card – A New Co-Branded Card from HSBC.
For your convenience, I’m reposting the benefits below:
Enjoy a complimentary stay for 2 at a Taj Palace hotel
> Get a complimentary night's stay including breakfast at a Taj Palace hotel, plus 1 nights at any 5-Star Taj or other IHCL hotel, when you activate your card
> You'll also benefit from Taj Inner Circle Platinum NeuPass membership while you have your card. Enjoy priority/early check-ins, late check-outs, a dedicated 24/7 Platinum concierge service and more at participating Taj and IHCL hotels
> Plus, enjoy access to Taj Chambers, India's premier executive business club
Exquisite stays and gourmet dining
> Enjoy unlimited room upgrades to the next level of room or suite at participating Taj and other IHCL hotels (on stays of up to 5 consecutive nights)
> Save 25% on the Best Available Rate for your room or suite at Taj Palaces, Safaris and other properties
> Get 4 complimentary set meals for 2 at Taj and other participating restaurants
> Enjoy a 25% discount on food and beverages, including Qmin deliveries, for a taste of the best local and world flavours
Pure indulgence
> Unwind with a 60-minute spa treatment (up to 4 a year), plus access to the sauna and steam room
> Enjoy a year of leisure, with free swimming pool access for 2 (up to 12 times a year)
Exclusive VIP access
> Enjoy 12 visits a year to Taj Chambers, India’s foremost executive business club
> Visit the Taj Club Lounge up to 12 times a year, with complimentary tea and coffee for 2
> Access networking events featuring celebrated speakers, entertainment and masterclasses, paired with fine beverages and cuisine
Elegant travel
> Relax before you fly with unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits.
> Get up to 5% off on Emirates flights originating in India using code 'INHSBCT'.
> Save 15% on duty-free with AdaniOne (once per month; min order INR3,000; max order INR7,500).
> Enjoy 4 chauffeur-driven limousine transfers a year, courtesy of Blacklane.
Your HSBC Taj Credit Card also gives you
> 50% off at Starbucks - Enjoy your favourites for less, with 50% off at Starbucks 4 times a month (max total discount INR150)
> 2 for 1 movie and event tickets - See the latest movies and live events with 2 for 1 tickets through Book My Show (max ticket value INR750 each)
> 25% off at Tira - Get money off beauty products from global and local brands (min spend INR2,499; max total discount INR750)
> 12% off at Zomato - Save on the the best restaurants, cafés and bars in India (min spend INR2,499; max total discount INR500)
> 10% off at PVR Cinemas - Experience the biggest blockbusters with a discount on HSBC Gold Class movie tickets, food and beverages
> 10% off at Swiggy - Get a discount on food and grocery orders, with convenient pickup and delivery.
> 10% off at Just In Time - Save on selected watches from the likes of Michael Kors, Boss and Emporio Armani.
> 5% off at Croma - Save on the latest phones, laptops and other electronics at Croma (min spend INR20,000; max total discount INR2,000)
Rare rewards
> Earn 1.5 reward points for every INR100 you spend on standard purchases
> Earn 5 reward points for every INR100 you spend with Taj, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta and amã Stays & Trails hotels
> 1.5 reward points = 1 Taj Point = 1INR in value added to your Taj Wallet
Joining fee of INR 1,10,000 + applicable taxes
Annual membership fees of INR 1,10,000 INR which is applicable on each anniversary of the credit card
In order to be eligible for the HSBC Taj Credit Card, the customer must be:-
• Aged between 25 years to 75 years
• Have a minimum income of INR 40 lakhs per year for salaried individuals INR 60 lakhs per year for self employed individuals
• Be an Indian Resident
• Serviceable cities – Delhi, Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore
The Review Part:
The HSBC Taj Credit Card is marketed as a premium option for individuals who frequently stay at Taj properties. This true co-branded card offers access to some exclusive Taj benefits without requiring a Taj Chambers membership. For instance, cardholders are granted 12 complimentary visits to Taj Chambers annually. Normally, joining Taj Chambers requires a hefty Rs. 25,00,000 as a one-time fee and Rs. 3,00,000 as an annual fee—amounting to Rs. 28,00,000 + GST at the time of joining and an additional Rs. 3,00,000 + GST every year.
However, it’s important to note that cardholders don’t enjoy all the benefits of a paid Taj Chambers membership; they only gain access to the premises. In my opinion, this significantly reduces the value of this so-called "exclusive" benefit. Additionally, is Taj Chambers membership even worthwhile? From what I’ve heard, many actual members have shared negative feedback.
One such review comes from a Taj Chambers member and an Amex Centurion cardholder:
"Taj Chambers and Oberoi Belvedere memberships are practically useless. They seem to cater to people who want to show off that they’ve "arrived" in life, but in reality, both clubs lack substance and have failed as concepts despite all the hype surrounding them. There’s no meaningful programming to attract members, and the exclusivity they claim to offer is hardly valuable. Even normal members can often get access, which diminishes their appeal further. In my opinion, these memberships have little to no value—something like free golf lessons would be far more beneficial. Clubs like Quorum and Soho House, on the other hand, offer genuine value with robust programming and community engagement. Taj Chambers and Oberoi Belvedere, by contrast, are essentially fluff. Members might be allowed to visit daily, but the reality is that these places are often completely empty. Why would anyone want to have coffee in a desolate space?
It’s clear they’re trying to generate revenue, but even the members who paid for these bragging rights rarely show up. Compare this to something like the Amex airport lounge, which is ten times more valuable. Why? Because it’s free, offers great networking opportunities, and is genuinely exclusive. Plus, there aren’t better alternatives nearby."
During my stay at Taj Bengal in October 2024, I experienced this first-hand. The Taj Chambers area was completely empty, making the above feedback relatable.
As for other benefits of the card, they’re fairly average for the steep annual fee charged. For instance, the card offers a complimentary stay at Taj Palace, two stays at other Taj Group properties, 12 Taj lounge visits (with only tea and coffee included), and four free spa sessions. However, these benefits don’t justify the hefty annual fee. Moreover, it’s unclear whether the three complimentary stays are a first-year-only perk or are provided annually upon renewal. If it’s only for the first year, it further diminishes the card's value.
When it comes to rewards, the card’s structure is disappointing. You earn just a 1% reward rate on regular spends and 3.33% on Taj Group hotel spends. For a credit card that costs Rs. 1.10 lakhs annually, this is abysmal. While lifestyle cards often have lower reward rates, this card sets a new low.
Frankly, the card should be priced between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 50,000 per year, with a minimum 2% reward rate on regular spends and 8% on Taj hotel spends. At its current price point (Rs. 1.10L + GST), it’s not worth it for most people. Even frequent Taj patrons can earn better rewards using other cards, like the Axis Atlas, which provides 10% value back in air miles for all hotel spends (both online and offline).
Now let’s discuss the Taj brand's USP: its hospitality. Taj was a pioneer of Indian hospitality, offering an unmatched experience. However, over time, its service quality has visibly declined, becoming more commercialized. Reviews across social media platforms reveal growing dissatisfaction with Taj’s hospitality. While service quality varies between properties, the overall trend is concerning.
For example, I stayed at Taj Bengal in October 2024, and I must admit that the experience was truly exceptional. The staff at Taj Bengal genuinely knows how to treat their guests, and their hospitality was top-notch.
However, my visit to Taj Tower, Mumbai, in November 2024 was a completely different story. It was a horrible experience for us. Despite informing the hotel that we would arrive by 2 PM, and actually arriving at 2:45 PM, we were made to wait for an hour to check in. After waiting for 30 minutes, a staff member finally approached us, offered us a seat, and suggested we have some tea. We requested that our room be allocated as soon as possible, yet we had to wait another 25 minutes before receiving the keys.
To make matters worse, when the front desk staff escorted us to the elevator, they casually said, "Sir, we have kept the welcome drinks there; please take your welcome drink."
I was speechless. I couldn’t believe I was standing in a Taj Hotel. It’s standard hospitality to offer welcome drinks to guests, not to ask them to serve themselves! The entire experience was deeply disappointing and far from the level of service one expects from a brand like Taj.
Overall, the quality of Taj's service seems to have declined compared to earlier standards. While some properties like Taj Bengal maintain their excellence, others, like Taj Tower, Mumbai, fall short of expectations.
In conclusion, I would advise against opting for the HSBC Taj Credit Card at this time. It doesn’t offer value for money. Even if you frequently stay at Taj properties, there are better credit cards available that provide greater rewards and benefits compared to this co-branded card.
The benefits of the card were already shared by one of our members, @chasni. You can check the complete list of benefits here: HSBC Taj Credit Card – A New Co-Branded Card from HSBC.
For your convenience, I’m reposting the benefits below:
Enjoy a complimentary stay for 2 at a Taj Palace hotel
> Get a complimentary night's stay including breakfast at a Taj Palace hotel, plus 1 nights at any 5-Star Taj or other IHCL hotel, when you activate your card
> You'll also benefit from Taj Inner Circle Platinum NeuPass membership while you have your card. Enjoy priority/early check-ins, late check-outs, a dedicated 24/7 Platinum concierge service and more at participating Taj and IHCL hotels
> Plus, enjoy access to Taj Chambers, India's premier executive business club
Exquisite stays and gourmet dining
> Enjoy unlimited room upgrades to the next level of room or suite at participating Taj and other IHCL hotels (on stays of up to 5 consecutive nights)
> Save 25% on the Best Available Rate for your room or suite at Taj Palaces, Safaris and other properties
> Get 4 complimentary set meals for 2 at Taj and other participating restaurants
> Enjoy a 25% discount on food and beverages, including Qmin deliveries, for a taste of the best local and world flavours
Pure indulgence
> Unwind with a 60-minute spa treatment (up to 4 a year), plus access to the sauna and steam room
> Enjoy a year of leisure, with free swimming pool access for 2 (up to 12 times a year)
Exclusive VIP access
> Enjoy 12 visits a year to Taj Chambers, India’s foremost executive business club
> Visit the Taj Club Lounge up to 12 times a year, with complimentary tea and coffee for 2
> Access networking events featuring celebrated speakers, entertainment and masterclasses, paired with fine beverages and cuisine
Elegant travel
> Relax before you fly with unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits.
> Get up to 5% off on Emirates flights originating in India using code 'INHSBCT'.
> Save 15% on duty-free with AdaniOne (once per month; min order INR3,000; max order INR7,500).
> Enjoy 4 chauffeur-driven limousine transfers a year, courtesy of Blacklane.
Your HSBC Taj Credit Card also gives you
> 50% off at Starbucks - Enjoy your favourites for less, with 50% off at Starbucks 4 times a month (max total discount INR150)
> 2 for 1 movie and event tickets - See the latest movies and live events with 2 for 1 tickets through Book My Show (max ticket value INR750 each)
> 25% off at Tira - Get money off beauty products from global and local brands (min spend INR2,499; max total discount INR750)
> 12% off at Zomato - Save on the the best restaurants, cafés and bars in India (min spend INR2,499; max total discount INR500)
> 10% off at PVR Cinemas - Experience the biggest blockbusters with a discount on HSBC Gold Class movie tickets, food and beverages
> 10% off at Swiggy - Get a discount on food and grocery orders, with convenient pickup and delivery.
> 10% off at Just In Time - Save on selected watches from the likes of Michael Kors, Boss and Emporio Armani.
> 5% off at Croma - Save on the latest phones, laptops and other electronics at Croma (min spend INR20,000; max total discount INR2,000)
Rare rewards
> Earn 1.5 reward points for every INR100 you spend on standard purchases
> Earn 5 reward points for every INR100 you spend with Taj, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta and amã Stays & Trails hotels
> 1.5 reward points = 1 Taj Point = 1INR in value added to your Taj Wallet
Joining fee of INR 1,10,000 + applicable taxes
Annual membership fees of INR 1,10,000 INR which is applicable on each anniversary of the credit card
In order to be eligible for the HSBC Taj Credit Card, the customer must be:-
• Aged between 25 years to 75 years
• Have a minimum income of INR 40 lakhs per year for salaried individuals INR 60 lakhs per year for self employed individuals
• Be an Indian Resident
• Serviceable cities – Delhi, Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore
The Review Part:
The HSBC Taj Credit Card is marketed as a premium option for individuals who frequently stay at Taj properties. This true co-branded card offers access to some exclusive Taj benefits without requiring a Taj Chambers membership. For instance, cardholders are granted 12 complimentary visits to Taj Chambers annually. Normally, joining Taj Chambers requires a hefty Rs. 25,00,000 as a one-time fee and Rs. 3,00,000 as an annual fee—amounting to Rs. 28,00,000 + GST at the time of joining and an additional Rs. 3,00,000 + GST every year.
However, it’s important to note that cardholders don’t enjoy all the benefits of a paid Taj Chambers membership; they only gain access to the premises. In my opinion, this significantly reduces the value of this so-called "exclusive" benefit. Additionally, is Taj Chambers membership even worthwhile? From what I’ve heard, many actual members have shared negative feedback.
One such review comes from a Taj Chambers member and an Amex Centurion cardholder:
"Taj Chambers and Oberoi Belvedere memberships are practically useless. They seem to cater to people who want to show off that they’ve "arrived" in life, but in reality, both clubs lack substance and have failed as concepts despite all the hype surrounding them. There’s no meaningful programming to attract members, and the exclusivity they claim to offer is hardly valuable. Even normal members can often get access, which diminishes their appeal further. In my opinion, these memberships have little to no value—something like free golf lessons would be far more beneficial. Clubs like Quorum and Soho House, on the other hand, offer genuine value with robust programming and community engagement. Taj Chambers and Oberoi Belvedere, by contrast, are essentially fluff. Members might be allowed to visit daily, but the reality is that these places are often completely empty. Why would anyone want to have coffee in a desolate space?
It’s clear they’re trying to generate revenue, but even the members who paid for these bragging rights rarely show up. Compare this to something like the Amex airport lounge, which is ten times more valuable. Why? Because it’s free, offers great networking opportunities, and is genuinely exclusive. Plus, there aren’t better alternatives nearby."
During my stay at Taj Bengal in October 2024, I experienced this first-hand. The Taj Chambers area was completely empty, making the above feedback relatable.
As for other benefits of the card, they’re fairly average for the steep annual fee charged. For instance, the card offers a complimentary stay at Taj Palace, two stays at other Taj Group properties, 12 Taj lounge visits (with only tea and coffee included), and four free spa sessions. However, these benefits don’t justify the hefty annual fee. Moreover, it’s unclear whether the three complimentary stays are a first-year-only perk or are provided annually upon renewal. If it’s only for the first year, it further diminishes the card's value.
When it comes to rewards, the card’s structure is disappointing. You earn just a 1% reward rate on regular spends and 3.33% on Taj Group hotel spends. For a credit card that costs Rs. 1.10 lakhs annually, this is abysmal. While lifestyle cards often have lower reward rates, this card sets a new low.
Frankly, the card should be priced between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 50,000 per year, with a minimum 2% reward rate on regular spends and 8% on Taj hotel spends. At its current price point (Rs. 1.10L + GST), it’s not worth it for most people. Even frequent Taj patrons can earn better rewards using other cards, like the Axis Atlas, which provides 10% value back in air miles for all hotel spends (both online and offline).
Now let’s discuss the Taj brand's USP: its hospitality. Taj was a pioneer of Indian hospitality, offering an unmatched experience. However, over time, its service quality has visibly declined, becoming more commercialized. Reviews across social media platforms reveal growing dissatisfaction with Taj’s hospitality. While service quality varies between properties, the overall trend is concerning.
For example, I stayed at Taj Bengal in October 2024, and I must admit that the experience was truly exceptional. The staff at Taj Bengal genuinely knows how to treat their guests, and their hospitality was top-notch.
However, my visit to Taj Tower, Mumbai, in November 2024 was a completely different story. It was a horrible experience for us. Despite informing the hotel that we would arrive by 2 PM, and actually arriving at 2:45 PM, we were made to wait for an hour to check in. After waiting for 30 minutes, a staff member finally approached us, offered us a seat, and suggested we have some tea. We requested that our room be allocated as soon as possible, yet we had to wait another 25 minutes before receiving the keys.
To make matters worse, when the front desk staff escorted us to the elevator, they casually said, "Sir, we have kept the welcome drinks there; please take your welcome drink."
I was speechless. I couldn’t believe I was standing in a Taj Hotel. It’s standard hospitality to offer welcome drinks to guests, not to ask them to serve themselves! The entire experience was deeply disappointing and far from the level of service one expects from a brand like Taj.
Overall, the quality of Taj's service seems to have declined compared to earlier standards. While some properties like Taj Bengal maintain their excellence, others, like Taj Tower, Mumbai, fall short of expectations.
In conclusion, I would advise against opting for the HSBC Taj Credit Card at this time. It doesn’t offer value for money. Even if you frequently stay at Taj properties, there are better credit cards available that provide greater rewards and benefits compared to this co-branded card.
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