HSBC Star Alliance credit card in Australia

[PeterG]

No, credit card miles do not earn SQM for the purposes of Aeroplan Elite Status.

Thanks. I didn't think so but thought I would ask.

 

[PeterG]

Applied for the card last Wednesday night after opening the Aeroplan account. Then submitted the payslips and bank statements on Thursday. Went to HSBC branch for ID verification last Friday. They emailed me last Saturday for more info. I called up on Monday to confirm a few things, and then submitted more documents. Got the approval email late Monday, and received my HSBC card today.

Now I just have to spend the required amount to get the bonus Aeroplan points. I have never ventured to Aeroplan hopefully award availability is good.

I'm still learning about it but so for it looks good.
Better availability on SQ in J than SQ. No crazy passenger service charges on EK.
The one I'm looking at is late next year MRU/PER/MEL/HBA with MK and VA for 80,000 points in J.
They have some pretty good rules with stopovers too.
Prince of Travel has a really good guide to Aoroplan as well if you are interested.

 

[dein_gesicht]

Areoplan has very good award availability

 

[Mr He]

Went to HSBC branch for ID verification last Friday. They emailed me last Saturday for more info. I called up on Monday to confirm a few things, and then submitted more documents.

Can I ask what more documents did they require? Went to my local HSBC branch for ID verification earlier today, a bit pissed off by the whole application process TBH.

 

[SOPOOR]

I admit i applied because someone said it was a good deal.
Applied expecting an instant rejection as income was no where near enough

Got a "request for further info" , submitted
Over the next 2 weeks got, 3x repeat messages, and missed calls.

Callled them back , to confirm what they actually needed

Got into a huge argument with ny favourite phililinos because she kept saying
" yes i can see that you have provided your amp loan statement which shows your name and account number, however , we still need documentation showing your amp loan with your name and account number of your amp loan"

In the end I just submitted the same documentation again for the fifth time

Got another "we need more information" email, followed by a "youve been approved" sms

Now ive got to work out the actual benefits of this card, being a non regular traveller

 

[SOPOOR]

My card arrived today and admittedly its a gorgeous card

 

[kamchatsky]

Can I ask what more documents did they require? Went to my local HSBC branch for ID verification earlier today, a bit pissed off by the whole application process TBH.

They asked for recent bank transactions to confirm income, as well as all my rental income statements.

 

[SOPOOR]

ive registered for star alliance, and its asking me to choose your status airline

Does anyone know do I have to choose aeroplan to get all the bonus status etc?

 

[Oubline]

ive registered for star alliance, and its asking me to choose your status airline

Does anyone know do I have to choose aeroplan to get all the bonus status etc?

Yes if you want the bonus 50,000 Aeroplan points.

 

[Oubline]

Does anyone know whether points become available for conversion to an airline after each transaction posts, or do you need to wait until the end of the statement period? Thank you for any help

 

[Jet L]

Does anyone know whether points become available for conversion to an airline after each transaction posts, or do you need to wait until the end of the statement period? Thank you for any help

End of statement period for the points to be loaded into the star alliance rewards account from HSBC

 

[Oubline]

End of statement period for the points to be loaded into the star alliance rewards account from HSBC

Thank you, that is helpful

 

[aspro2]

I've read almost the entire thread and don't think this has been clarified (best answered by non-Aeroplan peeps):

For those who didn't do the qualifying spend immediately, did your status period align with the card approval month, or the spend-qualification month? E.g. approved in June (06/xx), but fulfilled spend requirement in August (08/xx). What is the expiry month of your status for those schemes that only give twelve months' *A Gold (rather than a calendar year)?

Bigger picture: the question is relevant to the two-year potential Gold status with Aeroplan. In my case I'm trying to work out whether to apply now or wait until January.

 

[Jet L]

I've read almost the entire thread and don't think this has been clarified (best answered by non-Aeroplan peeps):

For those who didn't do the qualifying spend immediately, did your status period align with the card approval month, or the spend-qualification month? E.g. approved in June (06/xx), but fulfilled spend requirement in August (08/xx). What is the expiry month of your status for those schemes that only give twelve months' *A Gold (rather than a calendar year)?

Bigger picture: the question is relevant to the two-year potential Gold status with Aeroplan. In my case I'm trying to work out whether to apply now or wait until January.

Status year goes from approval date for example my card was approved 04/01/23 and my SQ*G would have expired 04/01/24 if I didn't already meet the spending criteria for this year. AC may give until the end of month but it will be based off card approval not hitting the criteria. I would recommend waiting until Jan if you are trying for two years.

 

[Danger]

Those who applied in January 2023 and chose Aeroplan have a 12/24 expiry. What happens in January 2024 for those who didn't make the spend will be interesting, but the writing on the wall is the status will drop from gold.

 

[aspro2]

Status year goes from approval date for example my card was approved 04/01/23 and my SQ*G would have expired 04/01/24 if I didn't already meet the spending criteria for this year. AC may give until the end of month but it will be based off card approval not hitting the criteria. I would recommend waiting until Jan if you are trying for two years.

Oh, your status was even listed down to the *day* of approval +1year, wow. Thanks for this info.

 

[leyy]

My AC status has been upgraded to Aeroplan 50K (Star alliance Gold) expiry 31.12.2024.

Now just waiting for my bonus 50,000 Aeroplan points to arrive.

I am flying Virgin from SYD-ZQN (Queenstown) in economy in December. Does anyone know if i can use the star alliance lounges in Sydney with my Star alliance gold?

Virgin does not have any international lounges.

If i can use it what would be the best star alliance lounge in Sydney?

 

[encryptededdy]

I am flying Virgin from SYD-ZQN (Queenstown) in economy in December. Does anyone know if i can use the star alliance lounges in Sydney with my Star alliance gold?

Virgin does not have any international lounges.

If i can use it what would be the best star alliance lounge in Sydney?

No, there is no lounge access when flying Virgin Australia internationally, even if you were a VA status holder or VA business ticket holder.

 

[SOPOOR]

To clarify. It says annual fee in the second year.
Ive read accounts of peoples status getting cancelled as soon as they cancel the card,
So i guess if you want to keep status in the second year=paying the $450 AF

 

[Danger]

To clarify. It says annual fee in the second year.
Ive read accounts of peoples status getting cancelled as soon as they cancel the card,
So i guess if you want to keep status in the second year=paying the $450 AF

I don't think just paying the fee is enough. If I've read the T&Cs correctly, you also need to have met the minimum spend in your first year which, from recollection, is something absurd like $60K.