If you’re a jet-setter with a thing for world travel, the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card might be one to watch. Spending on this card will net you Star Alliance points, which can be transferred to any of the 7 alliance member airlines: Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Thai Airways, EVA Air, South African Airways. You can also move points between member airlines.
There are a whole host of other travel perks, like complimentary travel insurance and 6 months interest-free on flights booked directly with member airlines. You’ll also have your first year fee waived, and if you spend $4,000 in the first 90 days of approval, you’ll be fast-tracked to Gold status (or equivalent) with your choice of alliance member airlines.
While many frequent flyer credit cards are linked to one airline’s loyalty program, the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card has been created in partnership with 7 different member airlines to allow you maximum flexibility with your points.
For every $1 you spend, you will earn 1 Star Alliance point (up to $3,000, after which every $1 spent will be worth 0.5 points uncapped). These points can then be converted to the loyalty scheme of your choice with a member airline.
The purchase rate on this card is fairly standard for a rewards card, sitting at 19.99% p.a. There is a considerable $450 annual fee, waived in the first year, to consider.
Spending $4,000 within the first 90 days of approval on this card will also fast track you to gold membership status (or equivalent) with the member airline of your choosing. If you do wish to continue this after the first year, retaining gold membership will require an annual card spend of $60,000 (or $30,000 for silver membership status).
There are some other perks to consider: you’ll be able to book flights directly through any member airline and receive 6 months interest free. There is also included travel insurance.
If you are switching over from another card with an existing balance, there is a 0% interest on your balance transfer for the first 12 months (with a 2% balance transfer fee). After this, any remaining balance will be charged at the cash rate of 21.99% p.a.
This card could be a game-changer for frequent flyers, specifically those who spread their travel out between multiple airlines. If you travel frequently with one of the airlines serviced by this card that isn’t well connected with other loyalty programs in Australia, this could be a great way to maintain your status and earn points.
If you’re mostly loyal to one airline - especially one that is not a member of Star Alliance - then this might not be the card for you. Bear in mind as well that while achieving gold status is easy with this card, it can be costly to keep up.
The $450 annual fee is also a major factor to keep in mind, though it is waived in the first year.
Rates and fees information correct as at 28 April 2024. Mozo has robust processes to ensure our site is updated to reflect the latest information from providers. There may be the odd occasion where updates are delayed, so please confirm information before purchasing.
181,250 points
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-
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1 point per dollar on Visa, up to $3,000 per month, then
0.5 points per dollar on Visa, uncapped
Points are automatically accredited to the Star Alliance Rewards Program.
You can choose to transfer points to Star Alliance airline programs including Air Canada, Air New Zealand, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Thai Airways and United Airlines.
HSBC home&away program offers discounts on shopping, travel and more, in over 40 countries.
Spend $326,500 (Visa)
Uncapped
Never
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19.99% p.a. |
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none |
|
|
0% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee) |
|
|
yes |
|
|
21.99% p.a. |
|
|
55 |
|
$450.00 |
|
|
$0 in the first year |
|
|
none |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$30.00 |
|
|
3%, min $4.00 |
|
|
3.00% |
|
|
$8.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
$20.00 |
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
yes |
|
|
none |
Apple Pay, Google Wallet
Travel Insurance,
Extended Warranty,
Purchase Protection
Fast Track to Star Alliance Gold Status by spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days, for the nominated Star Alliance Member Airline.
I have had the worst experience with HSBC in relation to this credit card. With other credit cards I have had in the past, the application was fairly simple and was approved within a couple of weeks. I decided to get rid of my other card as I use Star Alliance all the time for regular travel, so wanted this card to maximize points. The application process took more than 10 weeks, with them asking me to provide a new document each week, I have wasted so much time on the phone with them. This is all despite the fact I have a sizable savings account balance with them and my salary going directly into my HSBC savings account (so they can see everything anyway). I don’t recommend HSBC credit cards to anyone, don’t waste your time!
Read full reviewI have had the worst experience with HSBC in relation to this credit card. With other credit cards I have had in the past, the application was fairly simple and was approved within a couple of weeks. I decided to get rid of my other card as I use Star Alliance all the time for regular travel, so wanted this card to maximize points. The application process took more than 10 weeks, with them asking me to provide a new document each week, I have wasted so much time on the phone with them. This is all despite the fact I have a sizable savings account balance with them and my salary going directly into my HSBC savings account (so they can see everything anyway). I don’t recommend HSBC credit cards to anyone, don’t waste your time!
Qantas Ultimate Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$450
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Platinum Edge Credit Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$195 $0 in the first year
Membership Rewards
Explorer Credit Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$395
Membership Rewards
Velocity Platinum Card
23.99% p.a.
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$375
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Low Rate Card
13.49% p.a.
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$59 $0 in the first year
Qantas Discovery Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$0
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Velocity Escape Card
23.99% p.a.
No current offer
$0
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Qantas Ultimate Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$450
60,000
1.25 points up to 100,000 points/year, then
1 point uncapped
Platinum Visa Credit Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$299
50,000
1 point up to 20,000 points/month
Qantas Rewards Premium Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$250 $150 in the first year
70,000
0.66 points up to $3,000/month, then
0.33 points up to $6,000/month
Qantas Premium Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$249
20,000
1 point uncapped
Rewards Signature Card
NAB Rewards
$295 $145 in the first year
160,000
1.25 points uncapped
Qantas Discovery Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$0
No current offer
0.75 points uncapped
Velocity Escape Card
Velocity Frequent Flyer
$0
No current offer
0.75 points uncapped
Qantas Rewards Signature Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$395 $295 in the first year
120,000
1 point up to $5,000/month, then
0.5 points up to $20,000/month
Low Rate Card
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
13.49% p.a.
$59 $0 in the first year
Premier Credit Card
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 22.24% p.a.
21.49% p.a.
$300 $150 in the subsequent years if you spend $48,000 on eligible purchases or cash advances in previous year., $150 in the first year
Citi Rewards Program
Blue Visa Credit Card
0% p.a. for 9 months and then 21.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 9 months then 20.74% p.a.
$60
Q Rewards
Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer
0% p.a. for 24 months and then 20.99% p.a.
20.74% p.a.
$149 $0 in the first year
Velocity Frequent Flyer
More Mastercard
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 19.99% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
19.99% p.a.
$100
Bankwest More Rewards
Low Rate Card
13.49% p.a.
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$59 $0 in the first year
Low Rate Credit Card
12.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 12 months and then 25.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$99
Low Rate Visa Credit Card
9.90% p.a.
No current offer
$59
Low Rate Credit Card
8.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 8.99% p.a.
$59 $0 in the first year
Low Rate Card
13.49% p.a.
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$59 $0 in the first year
Low Rate Credit Card
12.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 12 months and then 25.99% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
$99
Low Rate Visa Credit Card
9.90% p.a.
No current offer
$59
Low Rate Credit Card
8.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 6 months and then 8.99% p.a.
$59 $0 in the first year
Blue Visa Credit Card
0% p.a. for 9 months then 20.74% p.a.
0% p.a. for 9 months and then 21.74% p.a.
$60
Flex Card
0% p.a.
No current offer
$120 $10 monthly fee waived if the outstanding balance on the previous statement is paid in full by the due date.
StraightUp Card
n/a
No current offer
$240 $20/month - waived if no spend & no balance owing
