PayMe Credit Card Top-Up: Fees and Rebates of Major Banks

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Are you concerned about the fees and rebates for PayMe credit card top-ups? The table below summarizes the latest policies for credit card top-ups with major Hong Kong banks after August 19, 2024:

If you choose the right credit card, you can reduce fees and increase rebates for PayMe credit card top-ups, making every transaction more cost-effective.

Key Takeaways

• Using an HSBC credit card for PayMe top-ups incurs no fees and offers a 0.4% cash rebate, with a monthly top-up limit of up to USD 380.
• Non-HSBC credit cards incur a 1.2% fee for top-ups, with a lower monthly limit, and actual rebates may be offset by the fee.
• Using an HSBC credit card can consistently earn rebates, while non-HSBC cards are suitable for occasional small top-ups or when paired with short-term promotions.
• PayMe balance can be transferred back to a bank account for free at any time, allowing flexible fund management without restrictions.
• Before choosing a credit card, you should carefully review the fees, rebate policies, and eligible transaction terms to avoid missing rebates or incurring extra costs.

PayMe Credit Card Top-Up Comparison

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When choosing a PayMe credit card top-up, you are most concerned about the fees, rebate rates, and monthly top-up limits. The table below compiles the latest data for HSBC and non-HSBC credit cards for PayMe top-ups after August 19, 2024, for easy reference:

HSBC Credit Card

If you use an HSBC credit card for PayMe top-ups, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• No fees, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs.
• A 0.4% cash rebate, equivalent to a maximum of USD 1.52 per month.
• A monthly top-up limit of USD 380, suitable for those who frequently use PayMe top-ups.
• You can transfer your PayMe balance back to your bank account at any time, and this action is also fee-free, meaning you can flexibly manage funds at no cost.

Tip: The rebate for HSBC credit cards counts as an eligible transaction, ensuring you can smoothly receive the cash rebate.

Non-HSBC Credit Card

If you choose a non-HSBC credit card for PayMe top-ups, you should note the following:

• You need to pay a 1.2% fee. For example, with a monthly top-up limit of USD 125, the fee is approximately USD 1.5.
• Although some credit cards advertise high rebates (e.g., 1.5%), after deducting the fee, the actual rebate is significantly reduced and may not cover the cost.
• The monthly top-up limit is only USD 125, which is more restrictive.
• You can also transfer your PayMe balance back to your bank account, which is fee-free, but since the fee is charged during the top-up, the actual rebate is limited.

Suggestion: If you seek high rebates or want to save on fees, HSBC credit cards are the best choice for PayMe top-ups. Non-HSBC credit cards are suitable for occasional small top-ups or when paired with specific bank short-term promotions.

If you make good use of PayMe top-up policies and flexibly choose credit card combinations, you can maximize rebates and reduce unnecessary expenses.

Fee Details

No-Fee Cards

If you choose an HSBC credit card for PayMe top-ups, you will enjoy the benefit of no fees. This means you don’t need to pay any additional costs for each top-up. The monthly top-up limit for HSBC credit cards is USD 380, approximately HKD 3,000 (at an exchange rate of 7.8). This limit is sufficient for most users. You can flexibly manage your monthly cash flow without the burden of extra fees. HSBC may adjust policies based on official announcements, and you should regularly check the latest information to ensure your benefits.

Tip: The no-fee policy for HSBC credit cards applies only to PayMe top-ups; other uses may have different fee structures.

Fee-Charging Cards

If you use a non-HSBC credit card for PayMe top-ups, you will need to pay a 1.2% fee. For example, with a monthly top-up limit of USD 125 (approximately HKD 1,000), you will need to pay about USD 1.5 in fees. This fee is automatically deducted during the top-up. The monthly top-up limit for non-HSBC cards is USD 125, which is relatively low. When choosing a credit card, you should calculate the actual difference between fees and rebates to avoid having the rebate offset by high fees. Hong Kong banks may adjust fee rates or top-up limits based on market conditions, and you should closely monitor official announcements to stay informed about the latest policies.

Suggestion: Before topping up with PayMe, check the bank and PayMe’s official websites to understand the latest fees and top-up limits to make the most advantageous choice.

Rebates and Promotions

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HSBC Rebates

If you choose an HSBC credit card for PayMe top-ups, you will receive a 0.4% cash rebate on every top-up. This rebate counts as an eligible transaction, and the bank will automatically calculate it. Based on the maximum monthly top-up limit of USD 380, you can receive up to approximately USD 1.52 in rebates per month (approximately HKD 12 at an exchange rate of 7.8). Although this rebate may seem small, since there are no fees, it is pure profit. If you make full use of this limit each month, you can consistently earn rebates. The rebates from HSBC credit cards will be directly credited to your credit card account, giving you more flexibility in spending.

Tip: When topping up, ensure the transaction qualifies as an eligible transaction. Some special transactions may not count toward rebates, so check HSBC’s official announcements regularly.

Other Credit Card Rebates

If you use a non-HSBC credit card for PayMe top-ups, although some Hong Kong bank credit cards advertise daily rebates of 1.5% or higher, you must first deduct the 1.2% fee. Based on the monthly limit of USD 125, a 1.5% rebate amounts to about USD 1.88, but the fee is approximately USD 1.5, leaving an actual rebate of only about USD 0.38. As a result, the rebate is significantly reduced and may not be as good as HSBC’s. When choosing a credit card, you should carefully calculate the actual rebate and not just focus on the headline figure.

You should also pay attention to welcome offers and rebate limits. Some credit cards offer additional rebates during the initial period, but these offers usually come with conditions, such as meeting a minimum eligible transaction amount within a specific period. Before applying, you should carefully read the terms to avoid missing rebates due to ineligibility.

Suggestion: Before each PayMe top-up, check the credit card’s rebate policy and latest announcements to choose the most suitable card combination.

Credit Card Recommendations

Best for Simplicity

If you want simplicity and convenience, an HSBC credit card is your best choice. By using an HSBC credit card for PayMe top-ups, you can enjoy no fees and a 0.4% cash rebate. You don’t need to calculate fees or worry about rebates being offset. The monthly top-up limit of USD 380 is sufficient for most people. By performing regular monthly top-ups, you can consistently earn rebates.

Tip: Ensure each top-up qualifies as an eligible transaction to smoothly receive rebates.

Advanced Users

If you want to flexibly use different credit cards, you can allocate top-up amounts based on monthly spending needs. You can first use an HSBC credit card to reach the top-up limit, then consider other Hong Kong bank credit cards. You should calculate the fees and rebates for each card to ensure the actual rebate exceeds the fee. You can also look out for short-term promotions from banks, which sometimes offer additional rebates or welcome rewards.

• Use an HSBC credit card to top up to USD 380 first.
• Use high-rebate credit cards for the remaining amount, but deduct the 1.2% fee.

High-Rebate Seekers

If you pursue maximum rebates, you can choose certain Hong Kong bank credit cards paired with welcome or limited-time promotions. You should pay special attention to fees and rebate limits. Even if some cards advertise a 1.5% rebate, after deducting the 1.2% fee, the actual benefit is limited. You can take advantage of short-term high-rebate promotions to increase monthly rebates, but remember that rebates may decrease after the promotion ends.

Suggestion: Before participating in promotions, check the terms to ensure PayMe top-ups qualify as eligible transactions to avoid missing rebates.

When choosing a credit card, HSBC credit cards remain the most cost-effective choice for PayMe top-ups. Non-HSBC cards have high fees and low monthly limits, resulting in limited actual rebates. According to the latest official information in 2025:

• HSBC credit cards have 0% fees for HKD payments to overseas merchants, and this fee is included in rebate calculations, so users incur no additional costs.
• No fees for converting to miles, reducing the cost of using points.
• Several HSBC credit cards (e.g., EveryMile Card, Red Card, Visa Signature Card) are marked as fee-free, giving you more flexibility for PayMe top-ups.

You should continue to monitor the latest policies from PayMe and Hong Kong banks to choose the most suitable credit card combination. For each transaction, carefully check the fees, rebate limits, and eligible transaction terms to avoid unnecessary losses.

FAQ

Is there a minimum amount for PayMe credit card top-ups?

When performing PayMe credit card top-ups, there is no minimum amount limit. You can choose any amount for top-ups based on your needs.

Can I transfer my PayMe balance back to my bank account at any time?

You can transfer your PayMe balance back to your bank account at any time. This operation does not incur any fees, allowing you to flexibly manage funds.

How are fees calculated for non-HSBC credit cards?

When you top up with a non-HSBC credit card, the system automatically charges a 1.2% fee. For example, for a USD 100 top-up, the fee is USD 1.2, and the actual credited amount is USD 98.8.

Can PayMe credit card top-ups earn credit card points or miles?

When you top up with an HSBC credit card, you can usually earn cash rebates. Some Hong Kong bank credit cards also offer points or miles, but you need to check each bank’s policy.

What should I do if a top-up fails?

If you encounter a top-up failure, it’s recommended to first check your credit card limit and internet connection. If the issue persists, contact PayMe or the issuing bank’s customer service for assistance.

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