How to Apply for your HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card offers a range of benefits tailored to frequent travelers, particularly those interested in achieving or maintaining airline status within the Star Alliance network.
A key feature of the card is the opportunity to fast-track to Star Alliance Gold Status by spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days. This status unlocks perks such as access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance.
In addition to status benefits, cardholders earn 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to AUD 3,000 per statement period, with a reduced rate of 0.5 points per $1 thereafter.
Points can be transferred to frequent flyer programs of seven participating Star Alliance airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Air Canada. Moreover, the card includes travel-related perks such as complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
Benefits of the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who value the perks of airline loyalty programs. Indeed, the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card, available to Australian residents, offers a range of benefits that enhance the travel experience for its users.
Here are some notable key benefits of the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card:
Star Alliance Gold Status Fast-Track
This card allows cardholders to achieve Star Alliance Gold Status by spending $4,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. Gold Status grants access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, priority boarding, check-in, security lanes, and additional baggage allowance on all Star Alliance airlines.
These privileges offer significant convenience and comfort for frequent travelers.
Earn Star Alliance Points on Purchases
For every $1 spent on eligible purchases, cardholders earn 1 Star Alliance Point, up to $3,000 per statement period, after which they earn 0.5 points per dollar.
These points can be converted to frequent flyer miles in one of seven participating Star Alliance frequent flyer programs, making it easier to redeem rewards across multiple airlines.
Complimentary Travel Insurance
The card provides complimentary domestic and international travel insurance, including transit accident insurance, and extended warranty insurance.
It even includes some coverage for pandemic-related illnesses when traveling internationally, offering peace of mind for travelers.
0% Interest on Flight Bookings
When booking flights directly through participating Star Alliance member airlines, cardholders can enjoy 0% interest for six months.
This feature allows for better financial planning while still benefiting from travel rewards and status upgrades.
No Annual Fee in the First Year
New cardholders benefit from zero annual fees in the first year. This promotional offer saves $450 and provides the opportunity to evaluate the card’s features before committing to the standard annual fee.
Prerequisites to Obtain the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
To apply for the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card in Australia, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. Here are the key criteria:
- Minimum Income: You must have an annual income of at least $75,000.
- Residency: Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or hold a long-term visa
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for the card.
- Credit Rating: A good credit rating is generally required for approval.
Additionally, when applying, you will need to provide:
- Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, residential address, email, contact number, and identification (e.g., driver’s license).
- Employment Details: Information about your current job, salary, and employer contact details, along with recent payslips.
- Financial Information: Details of assets (such as property or savings) and any existing debts, along with an estimate of regular household expenses.
- Frequent Flyer Information: You will need to nominate a preferred Star Alliance frequent flyer program for Gold Status benefits during the application process.
Applications are submitted online, and HSBC responds within minutes after submission.
About HSBC Bank
HSBC, or the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, was established in 1865 and is now one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations.
In Australia, HSBC began operations in 1965, receiving a commercial banking license in 1986. It remains the only universal international bank operating in the country since the deregulation of the banking system in the 1980s.
With its Australian headquarters in Sydney, HSBC serves its clients through a network of branches across major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Globally, HSBC operates in over 64 countries and offers services in retail and commercial banking, wealth management, and trade finance.
It has a particular focus on international banking and sustainability, having been recognized for its work in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) finance.
HSBC Australia is a key player in the local market, consistently ranked as the leading international bank in the country for ten consecutive years.
Who is the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card for?
The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card is primarily aimed at frequent travelers who are interested in airline rewards and elite status within the Star Alliance network.
This card is ideal for individuals who travel regularly, either domestically or internationally, and who want to take advantage of perks like priority boarding, lounge access, and extra baggage allowances.
It also suits those who spend significant amounts on eligible purchases and seek to earn Star Alliance Points, which can be transferred to multiple frequent flyer programs.
Cardholders aiming to fast-track to Gold Status through everyday spending rather than frequent flying will find this card particularly appealing.
Step by Step to Apply for the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
To apply for the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card in Australia, follow these steps:
- Visit the HSBC Website: Go to the official HSBC Star Alliance card page here.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements
- Prepare Your Documents: Have your identification (e.g., driver’s license), employment details (e.g., recent payslips), and financial information (e.g., assets, debts) ready.
- Go to the application form: if you are a new HSBC customer you need to press the “Apply Now” button, if you’re a customer already, press the “Log on and apply” button.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with your personal and financial details, the online application takes about 10 minutes to complete, and HSBC responds within a short time.
- Wait for approval: if you are approved, the Bank will send your card to the address provided
- Download the HSBC App: If you prefer managing your card via mobile, download the HSBC Australia app from:
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card Pros and Cons
The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card offers both attractive benefits and some significant drawbacks, depending on your needs and spending habits.
Here’s a breakdown of the positives and negatives of the card:
Pros
- Fast-Track to Star Alliance Gold Status: By spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days, cardholders can fast-track to Star Alliance Gold Status, which includes perks like priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to over 1,000 airport lounges.
- No Annual Fee for the First Year: The card waives its $450 annual fee for the first year, making it easier to explore the benefits without an upfront cost.
- Earning Points Across Airlines: You earn 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases (up to $3,000 per statement period), and points can be transferred to seven Star Alliance frequent flyer programs.
- Complimentary Travel Insurance: The card includes complimentary travel insurance, covering domestic and international trips, as well as rental vehicle excess insurance.
- 0% Interest on Flights: For flights booked directly with Star Alliance airlines, cardholders can enjoy 0% interest for six months.
Cons
- High Annual Fee: After the first year, the card carries a high annual fee of $450, which may be a burden for those not frequently traveling or making full use of the perks.
- High Spending Requirement for Gold Status: To maintain Star Alliance Gold Status, cardholders need to spend $60,000 annually on eligible purchases, which may be challenging for some users.
- Lower Points Earn Rate Beyond $3,000: After spending $3,000 in a statement period, the earn rate drops to 0.5 points per $1, making it less rewarding for larger spenders.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: A 3% fee applies to purchases made in foreign currencies, which could add up for frequent international travelers.
How to Activate the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
To activate your HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card upon receiving it, follow these steps:
- Via Online Banking:
- Log in to HSBC’s online banking platform or mobile app.
- Navigate to your credit card account.
- Select “Manage your account” and then “Activate card” to complete the process.
- By Phone:
- You can also activate your card by calling HSBC’s customer service at 132 152 or +61 2 9005 8511 if calling from overseas, and following the prompts.
For detailed guidance, visit the official HSBC Australia activation page.
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card Fees and Tariffs
Here are the main fees and costs associated with the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card:
- Annual Fee: $450, waived for the first year. This fee is charged annually after the first year.
- Interest Rate on Purchases: 19.99% p.a. This is the standard rate applied to purchases made with the card.
- Cash Advance Fee: 3% of the transaction amount or $4, whichever is higher. Cash advances also incur an interest rate of 21.99% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% interest for 12 months, with a 2% balance transfer fee. After 12 months, the balance transfer reverts to the standard interest rate of 19.99% p.a.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% for purchases made in foreign currencies.
- Late Payment Fee: $30 is charged if you miss a payment.
- Interest-Free Period: Up to 55 days interest-free on purchases, provided you pay your balance in full each statement period.
Customer Service
Here are the official contact channels and resources for assistance regarding the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card in Australia:
- Website: Visit the HSBC Australia Star Alliance Credit Card page for more information on the card.
- Customer Service: For any inquiries related to credit cards, call HSBC’s customer support at 132 152 (within Australia) or +61 2 9005 8511 if calling from overseas.
- Live Chat: Access the HSBC chat service through their website (bottom right corner) or mobile app, available daily from 7 am to 11 pm AEST.
- Mobile App: For account management and customer support, download the HSBC mobile app for Android or iOS.
These resources should provide you with the necessary assistance for managing or applying for the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card.
