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HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card: Star Alliance Gold Status (with $4,000 Minimum Spend in 90 Days), $0 Annual Fee First Year

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HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card: Star Alliance Gold Status (with $4,000 Minimum Spend in 90 Days), $0 Annual Fee First Year
Go to Deal
Moo Deng on 15/11/2022 - 13:43 hsbc.com.au (8457 clicks)
Last edited 14/11/2023 - 15:54 by 3 other users

Gold status in one of Star Alliance's 'Status Airline' programs will get you reciprocal Virgin Australia perks such as domestic lounge access and priority check-in!

  • Global lounge access - Airport Lounge Access at over 1,000 lounges world-wide
  • Priority at airports - Priority Airport Check-in, Priority Boarding and access to Gold Track – priority airport security lanes
  • Baggage benefits - Priority Baggage Handling and Extra Baggage Allowance on eligible flights

  • Priority waitlists - Priority Reservations Waitlist and Priority Airport Stand-by

  • Earn 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases, up to $3,000 per statement period and 0.5 Star Alliance Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases thereafter.

  • Points earned are transferred to your Star Alliance rewards account monthly.
  • Convert your Star Alliance Points to award miles or points in your chosen Frequent Flyer Program of a participating Star Alliance member airline.
  • Complimentary insurance benefits. Enjoy Domestic and International Travel Insurances with Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance in Australia, Transit Accident Insurance, Extended Warranty Insurance, and Purchase Protection Insurance.

For a limited time, $0 annual fee in the first year ($450 thereafter).

See https://www.pointhacks.com.au/news/hsbc-star-alliance-credit… for all the details.

Financial Airline Status Credit Card VISA

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Comments

  • Miso on 15/11/2022 - 13:49
    +20

    Urg. Just beat me

    He's what I pulled out

    • $0 first year ($450 after)
    • 1 Star Alliance Points first $3k per month spend, 0.5 after $3k (these have a different value for each specific airlines program that you need to nominate, do your own research) - these also convert, automatically, monthly, and into the one nominated program only
    • Gold Status with your nominate airline after $4k spend in first 90 days, second year you need $60k spend for Gold (Silver at $30k)
    • Minimum credit limit - $6k
    • Minimum salary - $75k

    and my use case

    Fly Virgin domestically
    Fly United or SQ internationally
    Don't have Gold, and want Gold
    Have a lot of points atm and can't seem to spend them

    • Moo Deng on 15/11/2022 - 13:51

      How does the lounge access work? Says 1000 Lounges… are those just the Star Alliance Lounges or do you have access to something like Priority Pass or Lounge Key? Edit: Found https://www.staralliance.com/en/lounge-finder. Looks like they have Air New Zealand Int. Lounge and SliverKris Lounge in Brisbane - do I have be travelling with those airlines to visit those lounges or any international flight will do?

      How does the priority at airport work? (check in, boarding, security lanes, etc). Is it only if you fly Star Alliance airline? Or for example will it work with a Qantas flight?

      • Miso on 15/11/2022 - 13:58
        +4

        Gotta be on a Star Alliance flight and Star Alliance Gold to get into the lounge regardless of class of travel.

        Same with check in - if Gold can access the business class line. For Star Alliance only.

        United and Singapore Air have partnerships with Virgin so their gold counts there are well and the above applies when flying Virgin

        • 123cheese on 15/11/2022 - 15:07

          I would aim to get Virgin gold if I were you for your travel, it's not too hard to get discovery gold for a starting point.

          I had Virgin Gold and used it for Etihad, Delta and SQ, good access to their lounges back then before COVID, not sure for United now though.

        • parisian on 14/11/2023 - 16:13

          And Air Canada Aeroplan !

          Air Canada Aeroplan and United Mileage Plus allows you to also earn status on VA-marketed/VA-operated sectors.

          Singapore Airlines allows you to earn miles but not status miles on VA-marketed/VA-operated sectors.

      • eecan on 15/11/2022 - 13:58
        +1

        Lounge and priority perks typically only work if you are flying within the alliance/partners of the membership. It would not work with Qantas as they are part of Oneworld.

        • Frukoz on 15/11/2022 - 14:10

          Curious as to why the Qantas Business Lounge comes up if you search for Sydney airport? Is that because Air India has access to it?

          • eecan on 15/11/2022 - 14:24

            @Frukoz: Yes in the lounger finder it is marked with a Contract Lounge - Air India icon.

    • niiko on 25/11/2022 - 21:28

      Do you have experience with SQ whitelist? What's the chance to get the seat with and without gold status?

    • Drakesy on 18/01/2023 - 11:34

      It's a pity that Virgin isn't officially recognised as a star alliance member (can't choose it) so the next best fit is Singapore airlines which for me is fine, but just a pity if you want to earn Virgin points on your flights.

      • burningrage on 18/01/2023 - 11:40

        If you travel on Virgin Airlines, as a Krisflyer Gold Elite you would get the benefit of Virgin's Gold Status. https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/au/plan-travel/local-prom…

        What are the benefits for KrisFlyer Elite Gold Members when travelling on Virgin Australia?

        KrisFlyer Elite Gold members are eligible for the below benefits upon presentation of your membership card.

        Access the Virgin Australia lounge when departing on flights operated by Virgin Australia. You may invite one guest, provided they are departing on a Virgin Australia flight on the same day. Please present your membership card and boarding pass to enjoy this privilege.

        Increased check in baggage allowance- Virgin Australia stand alone domestic and short haul international services: Check in one complimentary piece up to 32kg.

        Increased check in baggage allowance- Virgin Australia stand alone long haul international services: Check in one additional piece of baggage when flying to the USA, or an additional 15kg when flying to other destinations, regardless of your travel class.

        Increased baggage allowance- Virgin Australia interline or codeshare itineraries with Singapore Airlines and SilkAir: Singapore Airlines and SilkAir's extra checked-in baggage allowance privileges apply.

        Priority airport check-in

        Priority boarding

        Priority baggage handling

        From my reading of the FAQ, it seems possible to earn Virgin Points on VA flights but still enjoy the Krisflyer Elite Gold perks within VA. That's because reciprocal benefit is provided due to your Krisflyer Elite Gold status.

        • Drakesy on 18/01/2023 - 11:42

          Yeah, i understand the reciprocal benefits are still there. It's more when you apply for the card the page where you choose your star alliance membership account doesn't offer Virgin as a choice.

          • burningrage on 18/01/2023 - 12:01

            @Drakesy: Yep. Most likely because Virgin doesn't quite fly international in the same way as the other airlines.

    • penguinswillrise on 14/05/2024 - 13:38

      Does gold open up more reward seat chances on SQ?

      • Onemoredeal on 14/05/2024 - 22:03

        I read on one of the flyer forums the reason it’s so hard to get premium seats with virgin points on Singapore these days is that Singapore open up seat redemptions on SQ about 2 weeks before Virgin does , so SQ has always been easier to get premium redemptions

        • penguinswillrise on 14/05/2024 - 22:41

          Can you link me to one of these forums? I've just started looking at reward flights and would like to understand more.

    • TheFyrd on 14/05/2024 - 13:43

      Same! I fly Virgin, SQ and United primarily.

      Flying Swiss and Aegean this year too.

      Another option is also to do a status match challenge and keep that churning through. So you could go Star Alliance Gold year 1, status match to One World year 2 to keep the value going.

      This is really just good imho to get the status for a single year. I wouldn't keep it beyond the first year, I was curious about this card for a while but I decided to prioritise points and now it's too close to my departure but I'm flying pretty much on all Star Alliance airlines so I would have had value from this.

  • dumkaze on 15/11/2022 - 13:56
    +9

    No joining bonus. I will pass

    • Miso on 15/11/2022 - 14:00
      +2

      Would be a no brainier if there was imo.

      As it stands it's the opportunity cost of a churn for status as opposed to bonus points that you have to consider

      • TexasVujicic on 15/11/2022 - 14:26

        as far as Churning and earning goes it's not exactly the biggest "no brainer"

        These values are pretty so-so. especially on earn rates (technically) if you were to spend >$3k p/m… thats a big if for some i understand but it's the whole point of the card.

        • hughes on 15/11/2022 - 16:46
          +3

          Good point. You need, on average, 5k/month spend to retain status for the 2nd year which means $2000 would be on 0.5 points. Subpar earn rate.

      • abs898 on 25/11/2022 - 15:02
        +1

        According to them Gold status is worth 40,000 krisflyer points which is about 80k amex points.

        • endolphin on 12/11/2024 - 14:07

          And according to me it's worth approximately zero (as I already get lounge access via Priority Pass). And regardless, lounge access is incredibly overrated.

          • abs898 on 12/11/2024 - 16:06
            +1

            @endolphin: Lounges aren't comparable, I have accessed both via Amez, PP and star alliance.

            You can't beat the airlines lounge.

            • May4th on 12/11/2024 - 17:47

              @abs898: depends on the airport, Gold lounges are a grade below SilverKris for example. but Gold comes with other airline benefits too

    • scanuck on 15/11/2022 - 16:09
      +11

      This is the bonus - Gold Membership instead of points

    • QFFlyer on 15/04/2023 - 02:45

      Actually there is, I was going to pass on this because I'm already SQ Gold and VA Platinum, but turns out if you already have Star Gold you can take 40k *A points instead (32,000 SQ etc. miles). Not amazing, but for zero annual fee, and while I'm in a waiting period for every other card at the moment, I'll take it.

      • npnp on 14/05/2024 - 16:58

        If you have VA platinum, are you automatically qualified for Star alliance platinum or Gold benefits? I know vise versa works (if you are SA gold then you can access VA lounges as if you were VA gold).

  • madreece on 15/11/2022 - 14:07
    +13

    The conversion rates are ordinary, and only up to $3000/ 1point per month before halving is also pretty ordinary.
    10k spend a month spend is going to be 62.5K Krisflyer miles per year.
    You're not going anywhere fast with this card.
    Big miss for me.

    • superbass on 15/11/2022 - 14:47
      +3

      Exactly this. only good for Star Gold, which you would need to spend $5k/month to retain, and average conversation rate after $3k makes it worse.

      Having said, my Star Gold finishes in Oct next year, so I might apply later as once off while flying enough to retain.

      • abs898 on 25/11/2022 - 15:03
        +1

        You can get 40k points instead of gold.

  • AircraftFreight on 15/11/2022 - 14:08
    +14

    When I had SWISS Senator Status, when trying to enter lounges such as the United Club Lounges, ANZ and other lounges. About 30-40% of the time I was turned away due to capacity or 'close too capacity' so they can let their own status holders in and J class fliers. When I did have HON Circle Status, I did get rejected once.

    If you are doing this for ONLY the status, you can get a 'Double Point Status Credit Offer' with VA - you can fly MEL-SYD-MCY in J, return twice for about $1700-$1950 and that would net you about 440 SCs and then you'd only need another 60 to get Velocity Gold Status which for SQ, UA and many more partner airlines.

    And if you are looking for OW Sapphire/Emerald Status with QF. Sometime in early-mid 2023 they will most likely have a double status credits offer which can open services like MEL-BNE-AKL-BNE-MEL in J for about $1.5k. Which would earn 640 status credits for one sector (160x2x2). Do it twice and you are nearly there to Platinum - normal flying should account for the rest. And its cheaper than $4k, albeit you can just chuck your regular purchases onto the card to get there instead of only airfares.

    And if the recent partnership with UA is any indication that VA will join SA sometime in the near future, then you will have full access to the SA Gold Status benefits.

    • eecan on 15/11/2022 - 14:14
      +7

      Minimum spend isn't really a concern to me, the actual cost can basically go down to $0 via CC vs ~$1.5-2k for flights.

      Book a fully refundable hotel or flight for $4k hitting the min spend then wait for the sign up bonus to be credited in ~1-2 months depending on the card. After the sign up bonus is received refund the hotel or flight and get the funds credited to the card. Then you have the ~10 remaining months left of the first year of the card to burn off the $4k in credit with normal transactions or purchases (e.g. groceries, insurance, taxes, council rates, whatever) so you are only really out the cost of the annual fee (which in this case is $0).

      • salekhard on 15/11/2022 - 14:19
        +1

        Do they not take back the sign-on points if you have the min spend refunded?

        • eecan on 15/11/2022 - 14:20
          +2

          Maybe there is a clause allowing them to do so but in practice I've not seen it happen to me yet. Not sure if anyone else has had a different experience.

      • vetopower on 15/11/2022 - 14:40
        +1

        What are you planning on doing in the second year when you need to put $60K on the card to maintain *A Gold?

        • eecan on 15/11/2022 - 14:42
          +10

          I won't lol. I will just use it for the 12 months and try to use it as ammo for status matches to extend the run with other airlines.

          • wisdomtooth on 15/11/2022 - 22:31

            @eecan: Now, there's a true-blue Ozbargainer!

          • Harry97 on 16/11/2022 - 15:50
            +1

            @eecan: @eecan it was my understanding status matches are only given when the original status was obtained by flying?

            *This is from someone who doesn't have any status so I'd be happy to be proven wrong here:)

            • eecan on 16/11/2022 - 18:10
              +2

              @Harry97: Most will check but ITA airways got me skyteam elite plus status for a year without checking anything more than me having a gold card. Have used it to access some Skyteam lounges with no issues.

    • mcnugget on 15/11/2022 - 14:39
      +2

      Status runs are a waste of time and money for most, but YMMV.

      Confused minimum spend with actual spend. Zero dollars for status (outside regular spend) vs $1.5k+ you wouldn't have spent otherwise is not great advice for the 99%.

      • AircraftFreight on 15/11/2022 - 14:48
        +3

        For a lot of employers, you will be flying Economy. If you fly twice weekly or even weekly from MEL-SYD, the extra benefits of such a status can be absolutely amazing. Priority Check In lets you clear far quicker into the lounges which can let you get some work done before you departure, the priority baggage works nice, the upfront seating lets you get off first.

        You also earn points bonus multipliers so that you can splurge on a J ticket on points instead of Y.

        On paper it seems like a little bit, but if you times that by 50 or 70 - over the course of the year it makes a massive difference.
        That is why status runs exist. It might not work for 90% of the population, but for the other 10% that need to fly to make a living - its a great opportunity to make the burden of flying a little bit better.

        • mcnugget on 15/11/2022 - 15:55
          +4

          Appreciate the benefits described, but the value proposition is far more niche then portraying. This isn't Flyertalk, 99% losing out going down the status run rabbit hole is probably too generous.

          Major benefits also achieved by far cheaper means if flying that often, getting minimum gold after a year of regular flying economy anyway.

          Another suggestion worth mentioning to get these benefits (to avoid wasting your own coin) is hitting up your employer for Club membership. About half the price described and worth throwing into negotiations

          Main benefit of status is the earlier reward availability, but even that is a crapshoot at the moment.

        • pointnlarf on 16/11/2022 - 07:31
          +1

          Other than a free meal it's definitely not of benefit at BNE on a Monday morning. The normal queue is much faster than the priority…

        • 1st-Amendment on 16/11/2022 - 12:24
          +1

          It might not work for 90% of the population, but for the other 10% that need to fly to make a living

          I reckon that number would be closer to 99.9% to 0.01%…

        • 4foxache on 01/12/2022 - 20:43

          Sounds like status is a great marketing tool to get people to fly more just for the hell of it. Kudos to the airlines for roping in the status junkies on that one lol

          • AircraftFreight on 02/12/2022 - 07:58

            @4foxache: Well if you are Gold or Platinum and only needed a few more SCs to make it to the next status. If you can justify the cost of it through enough travel each year - it’s worth it.

  • Nathw on 15/11/2022 - 14:31
    +1

    Looks fancy tho

  • dealmaker on 15/11/2022 - 14:32

    Citi prestige card has been the best deal and so glad to have jumped in on it. No yearly fee and the lounges + points have been great.
    I have not seen anything else come even close unfortunately.

    • Nathw on 15/11/2022 - 14:38

      How come no annual fee?
      It says $350 in the first year, $700 in subsequent years

      • dealmaker on 15/11/2022 - 14:39

        It's an expired deal.

        • nightelves on 15/11/2022 - 15:22

          Wait you got the card for free?

        • evasive on 15/11/2023 - 11:40

          Link it?

          All the recent ones including the one I signed up for massive bonus points only had the annual fee halved to around $350

    • ShootingStar3388 on 15/11/2022 - 14:39

      Is the Citi prestige card deal still available?

      • singlemalt72 on 14/05/2024 - 14:36

        No, amongst the changes to citibank recently, they discontinued the prestige card for new customers

    • littlesoldier on 15/11/2022 - 14:56

      cant find Citi prestige free for life in OZB
      someone mentioned successfully upgraded Citi Signature to Prestige free for life tho

      I still got the Citi Signature free for life (now Citi Premier) but only got 2 x priority pass entries per year

      • dealmaker on 16/11/2022 - 17:27

        thats the deal

        • evasive on 15/11/2023 - 11:41

          Link to the comment/process?

          Is it still possible?

    • burningrage on 16/11/2022 - 01:04

      44 days. To me, that's the killer and the reason I gave it up.

      This one is 55 days.

  • DingoBlue on 15/11/2022 - 14:42
    +1

    I’d do this if it were oneworld.

    • freestyle18 on 15/11/2022 - 14:55
      -3

      QF already gives away status basically

    • 7effect on 15/11/2022 - 14:56

      Could be a good option to use as a status match with oneworld?

      • freestyle18 on 15/11/2022 - 15:47

        they look at your flying history lol.

  • nightelves on 15/11/2022 - 14:47

    Wonder if you get two years worth of Gold Status if crediting to United Airlines

    • 7effect on 15/11/2022 - 14:57

      How so?

      • nightelves on 15/11/2022 - 14:59
        +3

        If you credit after 30th June you get to keep status for the remaining of that year and the year after.

  • Frukoz on 15/11/2022 - 14:48

    Does Qantas ever status match with SA? Just trying to figure out if this is worthwhile for probably 2-3 lounge accesses and a small amount of points haha.

  • AircraftFreight on 15/11/2022 - 14:51
    +1

    FYI;

    I would absolutely not choose United Airlines if you were going to use it for flying within the US.

    Only International Star Alliance Gold Card holders can use the United Club within the US on a Domestic ticket. You will otherwise be not allowed into the lounge. (with the exception of United Global Services Members to which I would imagine that there are none in Australia)

    • clx on 15/11/2022 - 23:58

      Is that different to the Gold status with United that this card gets you?

      • AircraftFreight on 16/11/2022 - 11:15

        If you were talking about "I would absolutely not choose United Airlines if you were going to use it for flying within the US." dont choose United and get Gold Status with United as its practically worthless and not worth it since you loose out on Domestic Lounge Access.

        If you were talking about Global Services, its basically the same as Qantas Chairmans Lounge or Emirates iO - invitation only and highly secretive.

        • DingoBlue on 16/11/2022 - 12:02

          AA / oneworld is basically the same though.

        • clx on 16/11/2022 - 16:27

          Bummer. So I take it that this credit card offer doesn't confer International Star Alliance Gold status if I choose United Mileage Plus as my rewards program? But ironically, if I go through another Star Alliance partner program, it would get me acess to United Club lounges?

          I find it so confusing because United has so many status levels that correspond to Star Alliance gold and it's not clear what this credit card confers.

  • anhtram222 on 15/11/2022 - 14:55

    I dont have any Credit card at the moment. Which one should I get? I fly with Jetstar every year.

    • littlesoldier on 15/11/2022 - 15:00

      Better to get a credit card with Qantas points welcome bonus
      at least you could used to redeem classic reward points for Qantas / Jetstar flights

    • AircraftFreight on 15/11/2022 - 15:03

      In your case if you are flying JQ - anything that can grant you Qantas Club Lounge Passes will be your best bet - as thats the real only JQ benefit currently with any Qantas card. You can also use Qantas points for Qantas Classic Award Fares operated by Jetstar.

      So in that case my overall best card for someone like you would be the Qantas Premier Platinum Card - https://www.qantasmoney.com/credit-cards

  • freestyle18 on 15/11/2022 - 14:56

    I wonder how I can make this work. I have * alliance gold till jun next year. I doubt this card promo will run that long. If I qualify for the gold during my time, I wonder if I can essentially renew it starting from the date it re-qualifies…

    • nightelves on 15/11/2022 - 16:31

      You can claim 40k Star Alliance points instead.

      • freestyle18 on 15/11/2022 - 16:41

        I would be keen to align the dates to re-qualify it so not too keen on the extra points

  • VS on 15/11/2022 - 15:09

    Does anyone know when the gold status will be activated? As soon as application gets approved /credit card issued or 4K spend or after 90 days? I have an upcoming travel coming and gold status with lounge will be handy

    • eecan on 15/11/2022 - 15:16
      +1

      From the link

      "Status will be granted within 30 days after reaching the qualifying spend of $4,000, provided that your account is active and not in arrears"

      • VS on 15/11/2022 - 15:37

        Thanks!!

    • angry-redbird on 14/11/2023 - 16:01

      I got this card couple of months ago. I spent just over $3k in the first month and got my Star Alliance Gold approval. Didn't use the card since.

  • Flintz on 15/11/2022 - 15:12

    So which airline should you nominate for overseas travel? Virgin or SQ?

    • eecan on 15/11/2022 - 15:14

      You can't nominate Virgin Australia as part of this card because they are not currently a Star Alliance airline.

      • Flintz on 15/11/2022 - 15:16
        +1

        Righto, I'm guessing most will choose SQ then

        • drivatruk on 15/11/2022 - 20:40

          I ddi read elsewhere that you earn .8 of a point when you transfer from Star Alliance to Singapore and the .4 after $3000 for the month.

        • abs898 on 25/11/2022 - 15:11

          SQ is the best option for Australians. It will give equal status in VA

  • HappyPuppies on 15/11/2022 - 15:14
    +5

    3% Overseas Exchange Fees. Its interesting that these travel orientated cards always seem to have these overseas exchange fees.

  • nightelves on 15/11/2022 - 15:19

    Wonder if Krisflyer Gold allows you into the SilverKris lounge in Changi?

    • jaygee on 15/11/2022 - 15:25
      -8

      Why wouldn't it?

      • nightelves on 15/11/2022 - 15:29
        +1

        Do you know for sure or are you guessing? Singapore has two separate lounge at Changi.

        • jaygee on 15/11/2022 - 19:40
          -7

          I'm guessing because one world is way better anyways

      • vodkaman on 15/11/2022 - 15:38
        +3

        Because there difference for entry requirements for the silver Kris lounge at changi vs the silver Kris lounge elsewhere.

        The short answer is no unless you are travelling business. SA gold will get you in to the much inferior gold lounge.

        If you search Google there's a table on the Singapore website that spells it out

        • nightelves on 15/11/2022 - 15:51

          Yeah the SilverKris was pretty sweet when I was there in May right before grand opening.

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