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

Fast track to Star Alliance Gold status with the HSBC Star Alliance credit card!​

Learn more and apply for this card:

HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card Guide

The HSBC Star Alliance credit card is the first of its kind, allowing Australian cardholders to earn Star Alliance Points and Gold status.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

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What are the main benefits of this card?

1. Signup bonus: Fast Track to Star Alliance Gold Status, when you spend $4,000 or more on eligible purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
2. Keep your Star Alliance Gold status each subsequent year that you spend at least $60,000 on your card
3. Earn 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 on eligible purchases, up to $3,000 per statement period and 0.5 Star Alliance Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases thereafter, uncapped
4. No annual fee in the first year and $499 p.a. thereafter

Why we like the HSBC Star Alliance credit card

Launched in 2022, the HSBC Star Alliance credit card is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. You'll earn Star Alliance Points which are transferable to a choice of seven Star Alliance member airlines at a time of your choosing. You can also earn Star Alliance Silver or Gold status just by spending on the card, with no flying required!

Once you qualify for the welcome offer and are fast tracked to Star Alliance Gold status with any of the seven participating carriers, you’ll soon be enjoying perks like airport priority lanes and lounge access when flying across the whole Star Alliance network. It is the largest airline alliance in the world with 25 member airlines, including Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, United and Turkish Airlines.

Please note that the welcome offer is not available to existing HSBC customers transferring from another HSBC credit card, or if you have previously held a HSBC Star Alliance credit card within the last 18 months. Refer to the full T&C’s for more information:

HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card Guide

The HSBC Star Alliance credit card is the first of its kind, allowing Australian cardholders to earn Star Alliance Points and Gold status.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

AFF members are welcome to discuss this card in this thread.

 

[RooFlyer]

For those naming alternatives above, were the applications the routine 'provide pay slips/evidence of steady income'? I'm retired, and reason I applied for HSBC is that they allowed a 'non automated' application, with a letter from my accountant showing steady super income while maintaining capital balance. I would always fail the automated application process. Any other cards have a non-automated application (& rejection)?

 

[TDC]

For those naming alternatives above, were the applications the routine 'provide pay slips/evidence of steady income'? I'm retired, and reason I applied for HSBC is that they allowed a 'non automated' application, with a letter from my accountant showing steady super income while maintaining capital balance. I would always fail the automated application process. Any other cards have a non-automated application (& rejection)?

There are some suggestions in the thread below. Like you, I'm retired and concerned about applying for a credit card to replace mine. I'm also conscious of failed applications being detrimental to my credit record so I really want to choose carefully.

Thread 'HSBC closing retail business in Australia over next 18 months'

Jul 31, 2026

HSBC has announced that it will be closing its retail banking business in Australia, following a review.

HSBC has entered into a sale agreement for its home and personal loan portfolio, subject to regulatory approval. As part of this, Pepper Money is expected to manage and service these loans from the first half of 2027.

The remainder of HSBC Australia's retail banking business including transaction accounts, savings and term deposits, credit cards, foreign currency accounts, wealth and investment products, will be wound down in a phased manner over the next 18 months. We're no longer...

• Be.au
• Replies: 97
• Forum: Other Banking Products

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[bjm76]

For those naming alternatives above, were the applications the routine 'provide pay slips/evidence of steady income'? I'm retired, and reason I applied for HSBC is that they allowed a 'non automated' application, with a letter from my accountant showing steady super income while maintaining capital balance. I would always fail the automated application process. Any other cards have a non-automated application (& rejection)?

For my St George, a copy of tax return or bank statements showing regular income deposits were options. I didnt notice the letter from accountant . My application was not fully automated as I had to upload payslips. So in theory - would be suitable for retirees.

 

[TDC]

For my St George, a copy of tax return or bank statements showing regular income deposits were options. I didnt notice the letter from accountant . My application was not fully automated as I had to upload payslips. So in theory - would be suitable for retirees.

I looked at St George yesterday but I think it has international transaction fees so is not ideal for travel.

 

[bjm76]

I looked at St George yesterday but I think it has international transaction fees so is not ideal for travel.

Yes absolutely agree. NAB Rewards Signature is a good option - no international transaction fees. HSBC has 3% or 3.5% international transaction fees which is in line with St George.

 

[VPS]

For those naming alternatives above, were the applications the routine 'provide pay slips/evidence of steady income'? I'm retired, and reason I applied for HSBC is that they allowed a 'non automated' application, with a letter from my accountant showing steady super income while maintaining capital balance. I would always fail the automated application process. Any other cards have a non-automated application (& rejection)?

In the same boat

 

[prozac]

For those naming alternatives above, were the applications the routine 'provide pay slips/evidence of steady income'? I'm retired, and reason I applied for HSBC is that they allowed a 'non automated' application, with a letter from my accountant showing steady super income while maintaining capital balance. I would always fail the automated application process. Any other cards have a non-automated application (& rejection)?

I applied and was knocked back for HSBC and the high bonus point CBA card. Both wanted copy of my '25 tax return which I tried to explain was not due until May '26. They were incapable of understanding the situation. Also the HSBC people couldn't understand that I would try to minimise my investment income, by super contributions, buying tools and equipment, repairs and maintenance bought forward to occur in higher income years etc etc.

I have sufficient cards but still looking at points opportunities and in the case of HSBC, status.

 

[RooFlyer]

Yes absolutely agree. NAB Rewards Signature is a good option - no international transaction fees. HSBC has 3% or 3.5% international transaction fees which is in line with St George.

Have NAB (and Latitude) - I got the HSBC for a) status and b) to use when I need to pay for cruises and LH flights (ie stretching the credit!!).

At worst I'll see if NAB will extend my credit, but I'll wait until HSBC cancels.

Also the HSBC people couldn't understand that I would try to minimise my investment income, by super contributions, buying tools and equipment, repairs and maintenance bought forward to occur in higher income years etc etc.

I didn't get any of that. Submitted the application in person, emphasising that I wanted someone to call me to explain what I've submitted (I knew beforehand that that should happen). They did - twice, asking the same pretty simple questions - and it was approved. As I mentioned, my key document was a letter from my accountant explaining my situation, history of monthly/annual SMSF to income withdrawals without diminishing the capital level.

 

[prozac]

I'd think if you are retired and looking for a fee-free CC then this Amex Qantas Discovery (without bonus points) would be a no-brainer. Earns Qantas points. By referral I'd receive 5k points and you'd get nothing but a free card.

Thread 'Amex Qantas Discovery Card - No fees, ever!'

Sep 8, 2024

The beauty of this card is the lack of annual fee and no cap on earning Qantas points.
Sign up for all the same offers you get with an Amex card with an annual fee.

I will earn 5,000 points and you will earn nothing but you receive a fee free card.
Great card to have as a backup.


My referral offer link here

• prozac
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Referral Offers

 

[RooFlyer]

I'd think if you are retired and looking for a fee-free CC then this Amex Qantas Discovery (without bonus points) would be a no-brainer. Earns Qantas points. By referral I'd receive 5k points and you'd get nothing but a free card.

Happy to give it a go when HSBC expires, if I can. Again, what's their application process? Upload pay slips or else can't proceed etc etc?

I have a massive credit score and someone told me that a knockback doesn't affect the score, but applications do.

 

[prozac]

Happy to give it a go when HSBC expires, if I can. Again, what's their application process? Upload pay slips or else can't proceed etc etc?

I have a massive credit score and someone told me that a knockback doesn't affect the score, but applications do.

Usual application process but I think the income requirement is not great hence easier to get approval.

Edit: To apply for the Qantas American Express Discovery Card, customers need a minimum annual income of AUD $35,000...

 

[BJReplay]

I'm starting the process of changing over recurring payments against this card. A tip if you are in a similar boat:

Thanks again for posting this - I logged into online banking, couldn't find what I needed, so came back here to find your detailed post! I had remembered all the regular payments except one - EV charging that is linked to an RFID card so I can charge when out of phone range - just the one that I need to work when I don't have phone coverage, that wouldn't have worked because I forgot it - and hadn't used it for ages - since my last road trip to a remote area.

 

[albyd]

Have NAB (and Latitude) - I got the HSBC for a) status and b) to use when I need to pay for cruises and LH flights (ie stretching the credit!!).

How are you finding Latitude? I have a DJS card which I don't care for anymore. They have said they won't do as product transfer. I can cancel the one I have and apply for a different one. I'm not inclined to apply for another card with Latitude. Was just looking to move products and keep the existing credit line as it is. They seem too difficult to deal with - I might just cancel it outright.

 

[Beer_budget]

For those naming alternatives above, were the applications the routine 'provide pay slips/evidence of steady income'? I'm retired, and reason I applied for HSBC is that they allowed a 'non automated' application, with a letter from my accountant showing steady super income while maintaining capital balance. I would always fail the automated application process. Any other cards have a non-automated application (& rejection)?

Amex do have a full application form. We only accessed it after a knock back (when asking if review was possible the call centre suggested it as an option), but potentially you could ask about it first? Asked more questions about assets and detailed income streams, from memory, and was successful.

 

[SheikYerbouti]

Those options all provide points… but no other card gives you status on any network like the SA did…?

I wonder who might status match the SA Gold we all have so that when SA vanishes we can still have status…

 

[Beer_budget]

Those options all provide points… but no other card gives you status on any network like the SA did…?

I wonder who might status match the SA Gold we all have so that when SA vanishes we can still have status…

Basically all airline status matches ask you to demonstrate flying history, not just status, so I don't imagine there will be much chance there. Goodwill extensions from our current *A status airline is likely the best hope.

 

[kpc]

Goodwill extensions from our current *A status airline is likely the best hope.

Agree. I think a 1 year extension of *A Gold status would be a fair compromise.

 

[sudoer]

I've already been in touch with Star Alliance Rewards about this situation. For context, I opened the card in Dec 2025 and got AC 50K status in early 2026. I hit the $48k spend threshold (for a 2nd year of status) around May, well before HSBC announced any changes.

I received the below response from Star Alliance Rewards:

Please be advised that once HSBC has verified your eligible spending and confirmed that you have met the AUD 48,000 spending requirement, HSBC will notify Star Alliance of your eligibility. This notification is automatically generated and sent to us by HSBC.

Once we receive the eligibility notification, you will receive an email advising you that you are eligible for Star Alliance Gold status and providing instructions on how to select your Status Airline.

Upon checking your Star Alliance Rewards account, we can confirm that we have not yet received an eligibility notification from HSBC for your account.

At this point in time, there are no changes to any Star Alliance card benefits or the Star Alliance Rewards Program. HSBC will provide relevant updates and timelines directly regarding its Australian market exit.

If you believe you have already met the AUD 48,000 eligible spending requirement, we recommend contacting HSBC directly to verify your eligible spending and confirm whether your eligibility has been reported to Star Alliance.

I'll contact HSBC tomorrow and post back with an update sometime this week.

 

[prozac]

Yes absolutely agree. NAB Rewards Signature is a good option - no international transaction fees. HSBC has 3% or 3.5% international transaction fees which is in line with St George.

But $395 annual from 1st October 2026.