Article: How I Maintained Velocity Platinum Status in 2026

[Mattg]

Hi, so I have just scraped in retaining Platinum for another year from October, despite having to do a status run, after also being caught out on the bonus credit offering. (I still query how if it retrospective, you could book in January for flights in January after activating it at the end of February.)
However my query is this - I don’t want to spend $9000 just to keep platinum. I will enjoy next year as Platinum, the following year as Gold (if they don’t change that rule) and I will use my points to book flights instead of cash. But after that, is it better to redirect my flights to Qantas, or take up the HSBC type offer for Star Alliance gold? Or just pay for Qantas club or equivalent?
My concern with the HSBC offer, is after the first year, how do you retain it?
It is a long time since I have had to consider anything other than my normal flying to retain Velocity status and it is quite annoying that it will be no more.

This article may be helpful:

Don't Like the Velocity Status Changes? Use These Cards Instead!

Going to lose your Virgin Australia Velocity status? The HSBC Star Alliance, Amex Velocity Platinum and Amex Platinum cards offer a solid alternative to Velocity status.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au