Star Alliance launches world-first credit card in Australia

Star Alliance launches world-first credit card in Australia
By Alexandra Coulton


Star Alliance has teamed up with HSBC Australia to launch the world’s first airline alliance credit card.

The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card will give Aussies the ability to earn Star Alliance Points on everyday purchases and convert them into miles or points across Star Alliance carriers’ frequent flyer programs and fast track to Star Alliance Gold Status through everyday spending.

The card is the world’s first credit card created with an airline alliance and will be issued exclusively on Visa credit.

Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Star Alliance, said the credit card program was the outcome of strategic discussion with member airlines in the Australian market.

At the time of the launch, the participating member airlines and their respective frequent flyer programs are: Air Canada – Aeroplan, Air New Zealand – Airpoints, EVA Air – Infinity MileageLands, Singapore Airlines – KrisFlyer, South African Airways – SAA Voyager, THAI – Royal Orchid Plus, and United – MileagePlus.

The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card will also provide Aussies with a fast track to Star Alliance Gold Status in the first year of their account, when they spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from card approval, giving them access to over 1,000 airline lounges worldwide, priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, as well as excess baggage allowance on eligible fares and other privileges when travelling on flights operated by Star Alliance member airlines.

According to HSBC’s Jessica Power, cost of living pressures means savvy consumers are examining how they utilise discounts and rewards on everyday spending including their credit cards.

“Our HSBC Travel and Finance survey indicates that while people are prioritising travel in 2023, they are also looking at ways to keep travel costs down, with one in four (24 per cent) Australians who are intending to travel overseas saying they would pay for flights with credit card rewards and points,” she said.

“Our survey revealed that 96 per cent of Australians intending to travel overseas said they would consider tips and tricks to keep travel costs down, with 50 per cent saying they would look to shop around for flight and accommodation deals as a way to save money.”

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