Here’s your 2024 fast track to Star Alliance Gold status

Gold frequent flyer status is usually the sweet spot for practical benefits such as access to airport lounges around the world, zipping through airport security, enjoying a more generous checked luggage allowance, priority boarding and more.

But earning Gold frequent flyer status typically means taking a lot of flights.

Well, not any more: now with the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card, you can unlock Star Alliance Gold Status without setting foot onto a plane.

For a limited time, you can also earn 20,000 MileagePlus bonus miles with United Airlines*.

You’ll go from zero to a Gold-plated hero in less than 90 days, and you’ll keep that Gold status until the first anniversary of your account opening date.

Perhaps best of all, your Gold status will deliver its perks across the 26 leading airlines which belong to the Star Alliance group, the world’s largest airline alliance whose members include Air Canada, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines.

Turkish Airlines is among the 26 members of the Star Alliance group.

So how do you unlock this prized Star Alliance Gold status? That’s one of the key benefits of the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card, which also lets you earn frequent flyer points on eligible everyday purchases at a rate of one point per $1 up to $3,000 each statement period and 0.5 points per $1 afterwards.

And by spending $4,000 or more with your HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card in the first 90 days, you enjoy complimentary Star Alliance Gold status until the first anniversary of your account opening date.

Enjoy access to Star Alliance and partner airline lounges around the globe.

The HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card lets you nominate which of its seven partner airlines you select as your ‘status airline’ to hold Gold status with:

• Air Canada (Aeroplan)
• Air New Zealand (Airpoints)
• EVA Air (Infinity MileageLands)
• Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
• South African Airways (Voyager)
• Thai Airway (Royal Orchid Plus)
• United Airlines (MileagePlus)

Of course, the equivalent of Star Alliance Gold status with any of those airlines is valid across all 26 Star Alliance airlines, making the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card a go-to for globetrotters.

However, choosing a Virgin Australia partner airline like Air Canada, Singapore Airlines or United Airlines will not only see your status with those carriers recognised but provide local wins, such as access to Virgin Australia lounges and other Velocity Gold-grade benefits.

A world of benefits, in the palm of your hand.

There’s also a special bonus if you nominate United Airlines for your preferred status airline: until August 31, 2024, you’ll receive 20,000 MileagePlus bonus miles. Here’s how:

1. Apply for the Star Alliance HSBC Credit Card
2. Once your card account is open, log in to the Star Alliance rewards portal and select United MileagePlus as your status airline
3. Spend $4,000 AUD or more on eligible purchases in your first 90 days from account opening to fast track to MileagePlus Premier Gold status (allow 6 to 8 weeks for the 20,000 bonus miles to be posted to your MileagePlus account)

Those bonus miles could upgrade you from United Premium Plus to United Polaris business on a flight from the United States to Australia – and yes, Polaris is absolutely worth it. Additional info can be found on this link.

So what are you waiting for? Set your sights set on Star Alliance Gold status today and enjoy all those travel perks through to 2025! 

You can read our detailed review of the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card here, or refer here for full product details. T&C’s apply. 

*Credit provided by HSBC Bank Australia Limited ABN 48 006 434 162 Australian Credit Licence 232595. Offers available to new, approved HSBC credit cardholders. Fees, charges, terms, conditions and HSBC’s lending criteria applies to all credit cards issued by HSBC. Visit www.hsbc.com.au or call 1300 308 880. Interest rates are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change. View Terms and Conditions for full details. Offer is available to Australian residents only.