HSBC closing retail business in Australia over next 18 months

[THR]

Likewise, for April. Quite a generous calculation... seems like they may have calculated from the actual payment date, rather than the statement / charge date of the fee, and to the announcement date rather than today. Happy to have a cool $300 back in my pocket.

I got $374 back on my Star Alliance card … agree that was quite generous given my renewal year is around March.

 

[kpc]

The closing of the Star Alliance credit card on November 18 is quite quick! I paid my $499 annual membership on 27/2/26 so should get a pro rata refund.

https://www.hsbc.com.au/content/dam/hsbc/au/docs/help/star-alliance-credit-card-closure-communication-12aug26.pdf

More info here: Credit Card Offers - HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card: Fast-Track to Star Alliance Gold Status

My Star Alliance Gold with Aeroplan expires on 31.12.26 so i wonder how long after 18 November 2026 we get to keep this status!

I just noted I got a pro rata $291.09 refunded on my annual fee of $499 which I paid on 27.2.26. So if the card is cancelled on Nov 18, the refund calculation is in my favour.

Based on other's discussion, I assume I will get to keep my *Alliance Gold with Aeroplan til 31.12.26 when it is due to expire. Better fly more Va flights and use the Virgin lounges (not that great btw) for the rest of this year.

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

I just noted I got a pro rata $291.09 refunded on my annual fee of $499 which I paid on 27.2.26. So if the card is cancelled on Nov 18, the refund calculation is in my favour.

Your refund covers the period from 12 August to 27 February next year. The fee free came into effect from 12 August as per the FAQs - https://www.hsbc.com.au/content/dam/hsbc/au/docs/help/credit-card-closures-faqs.pdf

12 August 2026 – Annual fee
No annual fee will be charged from 12 August 2026.
We’ll refund any annual fees already charged to your account in the last year (from 13 August 2025) on a prorata basis.
The refunds will be processed by 12 October 2026, provided your account is still open at the time.

 

[Doddler]

My annual fee was charged on the 17th of July. Today I got a full - $499 - refund.

Now just have to clarify whether my Christmas and New Year travel to Europe, booked with the credit card - will be covered by the credit card insurance. If not, I might be putting in some sort of claim for that.

 

[THR]

My annual fee was charged on the 17th of July. Today I got a full - $499 - refund.

Now just have to clarify whether my Christmas and New Year travel to Europe, booked with the credit card - will be covered by the credit card insurance. If not, I might be putting in some sort of claim for that.

I doubt they’ll provide you recompense if it’s not and they’ve refunded. You can always buy separate insurance.

 

[Doddler]

I doubt they’ll provide you recompense if it’s not and they’ve refunded. You can always buy separate insurance.

I can buy separate insurance, but on the other hand I could have avoided that expense by using another credit card to purchase. If the bank closes my account and thus invalidates the insurance, I think I can argue that they have not honoured a service that was promised. Would be a worthwhile letter to consumer protection at least. We'll see...

 

[serfty]

I received a 50% refund on my HSBC premier - the fee was charged mid January; which is six months.

I just noted I got a pro rata $291.09 refunded on my annual fee of $499 which I paid on 27.2.26. So if the card is cancelled on Nov 18, the refund calculation is in my favour.

That is precisely 7 months pro rata.

 

[Myrna]

Just checked our premier card and yes just over $132 annual fee refunded into the card.

 

[VPS]

I just got $249.50 back and am very close to getting my $48k spend so fingers crossed

 

[seachange19]

I got fees refunded on both my card and my wife’s card, so that can pay for the replacement card. I might keep the cards until they cancel them in November as the earn rate on the HSBC platinum card is better than the replacement cards with other banks due to all the changes coming through. The only real reason I got replacement cards is for the travel insurance, chasing points with the current earn rates is not really worth worrying about at my stage of life.