HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card earns points, scores Star Alliance Gold and lounge access with no annual fee in year one
Turn everyday spend on the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card into points, fast-track Star Alliance Gold and snag lounge access with $0 annual fee in year one
Card overview for Aussie travellers
The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card is a travel-focused rewards card tailored to Australians who fly frequently with Star Alliance airlines. The card converts everyday spend into Star Alliance Points, which you can transfer to partners like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Air New Zealand Airpoints and United MileagePlus, making it easy to turn groceries and fuel into flights.
For residents and permanent citizens in Australia, the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card offers headline perks such as Star Alliance Gold eligibility, lounge access and complimentary travel insurance, all packaged with a $0 annual fee in the first year to help you test-drive the benefits without upfront cost.
Earn points and fast-track Gold status
You earn 1 Star Alliance Point per AUD$1 on eligible purchases up to AUD$3,000 per month, dropping to 0.5 points per AUD$1 thereafter. Points convert to airline miles at a typical 0.8 conversion rate, so transferring regularly can unlock reward seats and upgrades across the network.
Hit the AUD$4,000 spend requirement in the first 90 days and you’ll fast-track to Star Alliance Gold, which brings priority check-in, extra baggage allowance and lounge access. Those benefits alone can transform the travel experience for domestic and international itineraries departing from Australian airports.
Costs, fees and interest to watch
While the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card waives the annual fee in year one, the fee rises to AUD$450 after that. There’s also a 3% foreign transaction fee and a cash advance fee of 3% or AUD$4, whichever is greater. Be mindful of these charges when using the card overseas or withdrawing cash.
Interest on purchases sits around 19.99% p.a., so carrying a balance can quickly erode the value of your points. The card does offer a 0% p.a. balance transfer for 12 months with a 2% fee, after which the rate reverts to around 21.99%, so use balance transfer deals selectively and plan repayments.
How to maximise rewards and apply in Australia
To squeeze the most from the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card, run everyday bills, supermarket and fuel spend through the card and take advantage of promotional bonus-point offers from HSBC and alliance partners. Combine transfers with loyalty programs like KrisFlyer or MileagePlus for better redemption options and to top up award accounts.
Eligibility requires being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, minimum income (check current HSBC criteria), and good credit history. Apply online through HSBC Australia with ID and income proof, and track welcome-bonus progress to secure Star Alliance Gold in the first months of holding the card.