American Express Platinum Card – how to apply and access luxury perks
Could one credit card really fast‑track an Australian traveller to Star Alliance Gold and change how they book flights forever? The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card launches in Australia as the first card globally to offer a direct pathway to Star Alliance Gold status.
This short guide explains how to apply HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card, what documents are needed, and how to start earning travel points immediately after approval.
For a limited time the $499 annual fee is waived for the first year, before reverting to $499 p.a. Key features include the ability to earn Star Alliance Points as a central currency, convert points to partner frequent flyer programmes, and a fast‑track Gold offer when cardholders spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days.
The guide covers practical steps to apply — online, by phone on 1300 131 605 or 1300 308 880, or in branch — plus eligibility rules, required documents, and the ongoing thresholds to retain status (AU$60,000 for Gold, AU$30,000 for Silver in a qualification year). It also outlines core travel benefits such as lounge access and priority services that come with the HSBC credit card Australia launch.
The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card offers a travel‑focused product that links everyday spending to the Star Alliance Rewards ecosystem. It targets frequent flyers who want priority airport services, lounge access and a clear route to convert points into airline miles across major partners such as Singapore Airlines, United and Air New Zealand.
The card provides tiered priority perks through Star Alliance Rewards, including priority check‑in, priority boarding and priority baggage. Cardholders may access Fast Track where available and use lounges at more than 1,000 airports worldwide when eligible. New Australian residents who are approved and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days can be considered for Star Alliance Gold Status via a nominated participating frequent flyer programme.
Complementary protections make travel easier. The package includes domestic and international travel insurance, rental vehicle excess cover in Australia, transit accident insurance, extended warranty and purchase protection. Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported for fast, contactless payments. These HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card benefits helped the product win Canstar’s 2023 Innovation Excellence Award.
Rewards are issued as Star Alliance Points, a central currency that members convert to partner airline programmes through the Star Alliance Rewards portal. Typical transfer examples start at 1,000 Star Alliance Points converting to 800 points or miles for Aeroplan, KrisFlyer, EVA Air Infinity MileageLands, Voyager, Royal Orchid Plus and United MileagePlus.
Air New Zealand conversions use a different ratio where 1,250 Star Alliance Points convert to 10 Airpoints Dollars. The portal lets cardholders select a Status airline, check balances and convert points. A Star Alliance ID is emailed within three days of approval and appears in mobile and online banking after activation.
Eligible purchases exclude interest‑free promos, balance transfers, cash advances, business expenses, fees and charges, BPAY, disputed transactions and government fees. Full terms and conditions apply under the Star Alliance Rewards rules.
The card carries a limited‑time $0 first year offer, then a $499 p.a. HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card annual fee applies thereafter. Overseas transactions attract a 3% fee on the transaction amount, which is higher than on some other HSBC cards.
Earn rates are tiered. Cardholders receive 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 on eligible spend up to $3,000 in a statement month, then 0.5 points per $1 thereafter. The purchase interest rate is higher than the HSBC Low Rate Credit Card and standard variable rates apply to revolving balances. Applicants should review the product disclosure statement and credit terms before applying to weigh HSBC card travel perks against the annual cost.
This section guides applicants through the steps to apply, the eligibility rules and the documents HSBC requires. It summarises what to prepare before starting the HSBC application process and where to seek help if needed.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a long‑term visa. HSBC eligibility Australia also requires a minimum income of AUD 75,000 per year and a solid credit history that meets HSBC’s lending criteria.
Existing HSBC customers switching from another HSBC credit card or those who held the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card in the past 18 months are not eligible for fast‑track offers. All applicants should check product terms, fees and the Target Market Determination before applying.
HSBC accepts a variety of proofs. For identity, provide an Australian driver’s licence or passport. Non‑citizens must include passport, Australian visa and an employment contract with all pages shown.
Applicants should compile identity, proof of address, and the HSBC credit card documents that evidence income and employment before starting the online application.
The fastest method is the online form on HSBC’s website. The online HSBC application process usually issues a Star Alliance ID email within three days after approval.
Phone support is available on 1300 131 605 for general enquiries, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm AEST. For sales and product questions call 1300 308 880. Applicants may visit a local HSBC branch for in‑person assistance.
For a quick reference and further guidance on how to apply HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card, see this helpful resource application guide. Offers apply to new, approved cardholders only; applicants should read the Product Disclosure Statement before proceeding.
The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card lets cardholders build a useful pool of Star Alliance Points through everyday spending and targeted travel purchases. Understanding the earn structure and the best ways to collect points helps cardholders plan trips and get more value when they redeem Star Alliance Points.
Point accumulation rates
Cardholders earn 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $3,000 per statement period. Spending above $3,000 in the same period earns 0.5 Star Alliance Points per $1 for the remainder of that statement period. Transactions excluded from earning include interest‑free promotions, balance transfers, business expenses, cash advances, fees and charges, disputed transactions, BPAY and government fees.
Tips to maximise points
Redeeming points for travel
Star Alliance Points can be converted via the Star Alliance Rewards portal to participating airline frequent flyer programmes at published transfer rates. Typical conversions may offer, for example, 1,000 Star Alliance Points = 800 Aeroplan, KrisFlyer or MileagePlus miles, with different rates for Air New Zealand. Cardholders who plan redemptions should check transfer ratios, airline award charts and any transfer limits before they redeem Star Alliance Points.
Redeemed points can cover flights, long‑haul itineraries and cabin upgrades. With sufficient points, Business Class and premium redemptions become achievable. Transfers and redemptions remain subject to Star Alliance Rewards transaction limits, frequent flyer programme membership rules and airline redemption conditions, so verifying terms before converting is essential.
Cardholders can take control of their HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card with simple online and in‑branch tools. The bank provides digital options to check balances, monitor eligible spend and view statements. Practical account management helps keep track of progress toward tier targets and prevents missed payments.
Use HSBC online banking and the mobile app to view the Star Alliance ID, monthly statements and points balances. The Star Alliance ID appears on statements once the card is active, making it easy to access the Star Alliance Rewards portal.
Through the portal, a cardholder can nominate a Status airline, convert Star Alliance Points to partner frequent flyer accounts and track point balances. Online tools show spend against the $3,000 per statement cap and the $4,000 90‑day fast‑track requirement.
For account help, phone support is available on 1300 131 605 for applications and 1300 308 880 for general HSBC enquiries. Branch visits provide face‑to‑face assistance with application or account management tasks.
The Star Alliance team handles membership queries via their contact form and typically replies by email within 24 hours. For disputes or card issues, follow HSBC’s complaint procedures as set out in the Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions, or contact HSBC customer support Australia for guidance.
Cardholders should enable card alerts HSBC via mobile and email to receive transaction alerts, payment reminders and statement availability notices. These notifications help manage repayments and protect status eligibility.
Set specific alerts to track when the $3,000 per statement threshold is reached and to monitor progress toward the $4,000 fast‑track spend target. Configure fraud and security alerts in the app and consider Apple Pay or Google Pay for extra contactless payment security.
This section answers common points of confusion and offers clear steps to resolve account issues. It covers how to earn Star Alliance Gold via the card, point earn rates, fees, and where to find your Star Alliance ID. It also explains who to contact for membership, insurance and card queries, and what to do if points or status do not appear.
To gain Star Alliance Gold through the card, a cardholder must spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of account opening and nominate a Status Airline via the Star Alliance Rewards portal; status is granted within 30 days if the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card account is active and not in arrears. Points earn at 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 up to $3,000 per statement period and 0.5 points per $1 after that, with exclusions on certain transactions. The annual fee is $0 for the first year (limited time), then $499 p.a., and overseas transactions incur a 3% fee. The Star Alliance ID appears in an email from Star Alliance within three days of approval and is also visible in HSBC mobile banking, online banking and monthly statements once the card is active.
If points or status do not appear after qualifying spend, first confirm the account is active and not in arrears and allow up to 30 days for status processing. For missing points, check that transactions are eligible and within the correct statement period and caps. If issues persist, contact HSBC to lodge a points query or transaction dispute. Note that if a cardholder closes the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card account, any status granted through the card is withdrawn immediately. For travel insurance or claims, contact Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 648 093 as insurer details are set out in the Product Disclosure Statement.
For application support call 1300 131 605 and for general enquiries call 1300 308 880. Branch visits are available for in‑person help. Applicants should review the Product Disclosure Statement, Terms and Conditions and Star Alliance Rewards Terms and Conditions before applying. For Star Alliance membership questions use the Star Alliance online contact form; responses are typically sent within 24 hours. These steps help anyone seeking clear HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card FAQ answers or needing to troubleshoot HSBC card matters and contact HSBC Australia for further assistance.
