HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card: 50,000 Aeroplan Points ($4,000 Spend in 90 Days), $0 1st Year Fee then $450/Yr @ Air Canada

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HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card: 50,000 Aeroplan Points ($4,000 Spend in 90 Days), $0 1st Year Fee then $450/Yr @ Air Canada
Go to Deal
LAcdc1001 on 29/09/2023 - 09:31 aircanada.com (14480 clicks)
Last edited 07/02/2024 - 06:58 by 3 other users

Fast track to Star Alliance Gold Status when you spend $4,000 or more on eligible purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Airline Perks
Enjoy premium 50K Status perks when you select Aeroplan as your status airline such as priority check in, extra baggage allowance, and cabin class upgrade credits.

NB: Your Aeroplan Elite status will be valid for the remainder of the current calendar year and next calendar year.

Annual Fee
Save with a $0 annual fee in the first year ($450 thereafter).

Short summary of Gold Status eligibility & existing HSBC customers waiting period — thanks to Acdc1001. Please carefully check the Terms & Conditions on Air Canada's web page.

Mod: Helpful info after signup.

Financial Airline Status Credit Card Frequent Flyer Reward Points VISA

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Comments

    • maverick1 on 02/10/2023 - 10:43

      if the entire family is booked under one booking ref then all will get priority check-in and priority luggage.
      Lounge - status holder + only one guest. Kids are considered guests so no free entry for them. YMMV.

    • nightelves on 02/10/2023 - 12:47

      You’ll need two gold status to access the lounge with a family of four.

    • CheapBrah on 02/10/2023 - 15:29

      Kids count as guests, this seems to be the default with most airlines around the world, Qantas and Virgin don't count them but that's unusual compared to other airlines.

  • sohomel on 02/10/2023 - 17:28

    this deal seems have little value to whom has no plan for travel. like a normal annual fee waive card, but with little bonus points, maybe $250 gift card value (I know the points worths much more when redeeming flight)

  • The Hobo on 02/10/2023 - 20:05

    I'm flying out in early November - have I left this too late? I can spend the $4k pretty quickly so no issue there.

    • nightelves on 02/10/2023 - 20:20
      +1

      Plenty of time.

    • MELso on 02/10/2023 - 20:23
      +2

      They claim to give the status upgrade within 30 days of meeting the spend. Allowing for a week or so to get the card, you could be cutting it fine.

      • The Hobo on 02/10/2023 - 23:09

        That's what i'm worried about, particularly as most of my Star Alliance flights are on the early phase of my trip.

        Probably not worth trying for the hit on credit file vs risk of getting it too late.

        30 days would kill it. First flight is 6/11

  • FlyingPanda99 on 03/10/2023 - 10:16

    So how to book the flight for Singapore airline, Air China etc?

    • vetopower on 03/10/2023 - 11:55

      aircanada.com

    • djtech on 03/10/2023 - 15:23
      +1

      You can just go on the Air Canada website and click the book with aeroplan check box when searching your flights. You don't even need an account to check points cost and availability. Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taipei flights have been blocked from showing up on the website due to fraud from points brokers and you need to call them to verify availability for those origin or destinations.

      • FlyingPanda99 on 03/10/2023 - 16:11

        Thank you.
        Can I still utilize the Alliance Gold status if I've purchased flight tickets through different channels, such as Air China's official website or a third-party travel agency?

        Regarding Priority Airport Check-in, does this imply that we can access a dedicated lane even if we've booked economy class tickets?

        When it comes to lounge access, if I'm travelling with my family (my wife and 2 kids), how can I ascertain the pricing for children or additional guests? Also, there is only one lounge in Melbourne, which is the Air New Zealand International Lounge. If I am flying with Singapore Airlines, can I use this lounge?

        Lastly, in order to activate the Gold Status benefits, do I need to present my Gold Status at the check-in counter?

        • nightelves on 03/10/2023 - 16:37

          Airline lounge are exclusive to members. Only Priority Pass have is a paid lounge.

          There's two lounges in Melbourne for Star Alliance, the Air New Zealand and Krisflyer. However they don't operate at the same time and open when there are flights departure for the airline.

          Lastly once you obtain status it's a matter of adding in the number to your booking under Frequent Flyer number when booking online or requesting the check-in agent to add it in and your benefit will appear on your boarding pass.

        • Jayblesz on 03/10/2023 - 19:40

          You don't get a dedicated lane for boarding, you just get called earlier, generally right before people needing assistance e.g. disabled/kids

  • TwentyTwoCarats on 03/10/2023 - 11:09

    Noob churner here - so can you cancel after one year and essentially pay $0 while getting the 50,000 Aeroplan Points by spending $4000?

    • maverick1 on 03/10/2023 - 11:13

      22carat worth true statement!

      • TwentyTwoCarats on 03/10/2023 - 11:17

        Nice! Do you know how long it takes before those 50,000 Aeroplan Points expire?

        • maverick1 on 03/10/2023 - 11:21

          You have 18 months before your Aeroplan points expire if there has been no activity in your account - meaning you haven’t earned, redeemed, donated, transferred or converted any points. But so long as you stay active, your points won’t expire at all

    • djtech on 03/10/2023 - 15:24
      +1

      You need to keep your HSBC card active to keep the status.

      To trade points, you can use the Classifieds but do so at your own risk. It is against the T&Cs of the programs.

  • bargrin on 03/10/2023 - 13:03
    +4

    Just to confirm, is this the application process to get this deal:

    1) Register for an Air Canada Aeroplane frequent flyer acount (FF#)

    2) Use this Air Canada FF# as your "status airline" when you register for a new Star Alliance Reward account

    3) Apply with HSBC on their website for this credit card and provide them with your Air Canada FF#

    Then once you spend $4k in 90 days HSBC will tell Air Canada who will then grant you GOLD status with Star Alliance and give you 50k points

    So for someone who doesn't have any of these accounts, you actually need to fill out these 3 applications in a row.

    • offthetap on 03/10/2023 - 15:34

      it says you need the star alliance credit card before you can register for the star alliance reward account, so is step 3 actually step 2?

      • chrish on 03/10/2023 - 16:07
        +1

        Yes, you can't sign up for Star Alliance rewards until you have the credit card. HSBC will provide an ID for you to register.

        I believe you don't need to give HSBC your Aeroplan #, this is done within that Star Alliance rewards portal.

        It seems like a good deal, the only free card with status and points benefits, but it's a bit of a faff.

    • Gojkins on 04/10/2023 - 14:04
      +1

      I did this completely in reverse to your order :')
      Card approved, go to create star alliance account with number provided, need to input aeroplan account number, quickly created aeroplan account mid star alliance app.

      • Frukoz on 10/10/2023 - 09:52

        Same, hopefully, this isn't an issue though!?

  • nightelves on 03/10/2023 - 13:25

    Anyone know if you can change Airline to have you points credit to another airline after receiving 50k Aeroplan?

    • abs898 on 03/10/2023 - 14:08

      Yes you can. You can't change the status airlines for one year, but transferring points no issue.

      • nightelves on 03/10/2023 - 14:09

        Awesome. Thanks.

  • offthetap on 03/10/2023 - 15:18

    can someone help me out here. how many weeks worth of payslips are they asking for?

    • nightelves on 03/10/2023 - 16:39

      Generally two payslips. However if the banks require more then they will request for additional.

  • jackking on 04/10/2023 - 01:52

    Dumb question but If I sign up for this to get lounge access for my Singapore Airlines flight, is there any way for me to earn KrisFlyer points or will it have be AeroPlan?

    Also to confirm the AirCanada status is called 50k Aeroplan, but want to make sure I will also get 50k points that I can use to book other flights via AirCanada portal? Anyone know how much the points are worth?

    Great Deal regardless

  • sundevils on 04/10/2023 - 04:14

    Opened this card on 20 Sept and received card this week. Does that make me ineligible for this offer?:/

  • Purkulator on 04/10/2023 - 14:10

    Is this card worth it for a once off flight using the bonus points? Mainly use QFF program for booking flights but don't mind going virgin for a while to use up the points domestically..

    • nightelves on 05/10/2023 - 00:09

      Yeah it’s good redemption think it’s only 17.5k for one-way to Queenstown including a stopover.

  • grrrrr on 05/10/2023 - 10:11

    Does anyone know how long it takes for a credit limit reduction to show up on your credit report ?
    I've just dropped the limit on one card, but don't want an opaque rejection from HSBC (and a hard credit check fail) if I try too soon…

  • MahaDev on 05/10/2023 - 11:04

    "Eligible purchases exclude interest free and other promotions, balance transfers, cash transfers, business expenses, cash advances, fees and charges, BPAY®, any disputed transactions and government fees and charges." - From HSBC website.

    Can someone confirm if paying 2 months rent in advance counts as eligible purchases/services? Or if I buy flight tickets for next year with free cancellation option, get the Gold tier status now as I am traveling next month, and cancel the ticket sometime next year for full refund, do I still get to keep the status?

    TIA guys.

    • ivyholmes on 07/10/2023 - 21:21

      I would like to know for this as well. I would assume paying rent via BPAY, or any other way to pay via BPAY free fee with hsbc credit card

  • amorphous2111 on 05/10/2023 - 17:10

    Does anyone get this card with an income less than 75k? And they seem to allow the Gold status to enter the lounges in Australia with one guest + 2 kids, can a 14 yo be considered “kid”?

    • grrrrr on 05/10/2023 - 18:39

      Do you mean one card holder, one adult guest and 2 kids ?

      The website seems pretty clear re one guest only, and kids are considered guests unless 2yo or less

      I’d be keen to hear if anyone else has an answer to the $75k income question too

  • Joytank on 05/10/2023 - 19:47

    Hi all,
    Never have used any flight rewards program except Qantas. A dumb question but do I first sign up with HSBC first, before I sign up for Star Alliance? And do I then have to sign up for Air Canada afterwards? So 3 sign ups is it how it works?

  • lakes_8 on 05/10/2023 - 19:54

    Have most people been approved? Worried about applying after 2 rejections in the past couple months..

    • amorphous2111 on 06/10/2023 - 13:08

      I was last month rejected for an Amex card, but got this one approved today.

      • grrrrr on 06/10/2023 - 13:34

        Was this with an income less than 75k as posted earlier ?

        • amorphous2111 on 06/10/2023 - 13:38

          No, mine is more than that. But I would be curious to know as my wife used to get cards which required 75k while her income is less than.

          • grrrrr on 07/10/2023 - 10:04

            @amorphous2111: Does their automated checking reject you if post tax income is equal or less to existing cc limit + any loans ?

            • amorphous2111 on 07/10/2023 - 10:23

              @grrrrr: You meant the Amex rejection? I don’t know really as I used to get them all the time over the last many years.

              • grrrrr on 07/10/2023 - 11:01

                @amorphous2111: But you got approved for the HSBC one ?

                Is your post-tax income > (pre existing cc limit + any loans) ?

                I'm wondering if that equation is = at best, they auto-reject, even if your credit score and assets are good

                • amorphous2111 on 07/10/2023 - 12:30

                  @grrrrr: I should have been more clear. My income is more than 75k and I got this card approved yesterday. About 1 month ago I was rejected for an Amex Platinum.

                  I don’t know about the criteria of post-tax income > total credit limit + any loans. In that case people with mortgage would not qualify for credit cards. I normally use the formula: my share of mortgage + 3% total credit limit < 30% of my gross income.

                  I was asking about getting this HSBC card for income < 75k for my wife.

  • ivyholmes on 07/10/2023 - 15:18

    Any idea how to spend this card for rent via BPAY?

  • nomnomnom on 08/10/2023 - 12:49

    I have already booked a Singapore Airlines ticket for next year. In addition to the Aeroplan points (effectively a return economy ticket between Sydney and Singapore), also particularly interested in the Extra Baggage Allowance that comes with Star Alliance Gold. Anyone know how do I confirm (before I fly) that the Extra Baggage Allowance will apply to my ticket once I have obtained Star Alliance Gold via this credit card? TIA

    • nightelves on 09/10/2023 - 13:46

      Staff member will automatically know. I had the same doubt last time I had SA Gold, but rest assure you won't need to confirm anything.

      • nomnomnom on 09/10/2023 - 18:31

        Ok thank you!

      • jumbokevin on 12/11/2023 - 21:44
        +1

        What do you show the staff member for them to verify you have Gold Star Alliance status?

        Would you need to show the staff member the physical card or can you just show some online version of your status?

        I'm asking because I'm travelling soon and my physical card won't arrive in time

        • nightelves on 12/11/2023 - 22:37

          No just get them to attach the membership number the gold status is assigned to during check-in. If it says gold then staff would know about the benefit.

  • hishaken on 09/10/2023 - 23:09

    Your Aeroplan Elite status will be valid for the remainder of the current calendar year and next calendar year
    Do you need to hold the card to next year in order to qualify for gold
    Or you are free to cancel the card as soon as gold status obtained?

    • MELso on 10/10/2023 - 03:49

      Yes, no.

  • isthisreallife22 on 09/10/2023 - 23:37

    I assume this is unlikely, but is there anyway to combine a Velocity points balance with the benefits of the 50k Aeroplan status (and points) for one combined booking?

    • MELso on 10/10/2023 - 03:50

      No

      • isthisreallife22 on 10/10/2023 - 15:04

        Thanks. I assume Velocity points bookings on Virgin flights are good for lounge access with Star Alliance Gold status?

  • pav1 on 11/10/2023 - 10:40

    Can anyone confirm if paying for my ATO tax bill counts towards eligible purchases/services? The HSBC website says that government fees and charges are excluded from eligible purchases but not sure if that covers tax bills.

    • burningrage on 12/10/2023 - 09:32

      I can confirm my fines were counted as points lol

      • isthisreallife22 on 12/10/2023 - 19:34

        Where do you confirm which txns are counted?

        • burningrage on 13/10/2023 - 21:36

          Because I counted every single dollar I spend on this card in order to maintain my Gold Status (part of the $60k spend per annum requirement).

          I got pinged by the revenue raiser zealots and when I paid it, that charge appeared in my statement next month. My spend that month ties exactly with the points that I earned (bear in mind, Star Alliance Points are earned 1 point per $1 spend up to $3k and then 0.5 point per $1 spend > $3k).

    • blue21 on 07/02/2024 - 11:44

      did you end up using it to pay your ATO tax bill?

  • poysian420 on 12/10/2023 - 11:51
    +1

    "Your Aeroplan Elite status will be valid for the remainder of the current calendar year and next calendar year."

    Does anyone know if this starts when you are approved for the HSBC Star Alliance CC or is it when you meet the 4K spending and select Aeroplan as your preferred status airline?

    Example: If I am approved for this card in October and meet the $4k spending limit in January 2024 (within 90 days), will I have Aeroplan Elite status for the remainder for 2024 and 2025?

  • rabkoa on 12/10/2023 - 15:39

    I have an upcoming flight with Asiana with long layover in Icheon airport.

    If I follow this deal and get Gold Status with Air Canada, does Asiana recognise that and let me use their Incheon lounge?

    Or do I need to switch to Asiana after getting Gold Status with Air Canada?

    • CheapBrah on 13/10/2023 - 18:25
      +1

      Should be fine as theyre both Star Alliance.

      • burningrage on 13/10/2023 - 21:39

        Actually Asiana is not an HSBC-Star Alliance participating airline so I don't think so but then again, how would they check at the counter? Your boarding pass would have that Star Alliance mark.

        https://rewards.staralliance.com/

        • MELso on 14/10/2023 - 05:55

          Doesn’t matter. Asiana will still recognise the status.

  • concento on 13/10/2023 - 11:09

    How long does it take to see the gold status on your account?

    • su27km on 14/10/2023 - 09:59

      after you spend 4000 dollers, it comes pretty quick

      • ozbargainerlife1 on 18/10/2023 - 21:54

        have you got bonus points and gold status?

  • OfficerBarbrady on 14/10/2023 - 00:17

    I made a Star Alliance account and added my Aeroplan number to it. What is the next step. Is there somewhere you add the Star Alliance to my credit card or is it automatically added? I also saw points conversion is 1000 Star Alliance points for 800 Aeroplan Points. Does this mean we essentially have 40,000 Points to use on Aeroplan?

    • MELso on 14/10/2023 - 05:56

      No because Aeroplan is offering the bonus.

      • OfficerBarbrady on 14/10/2023 - 11:49

        Ahh yes. Thank you

      • ivyholmes on 18/10/2023 - 09:27

        I still don't ger it, so we have to register Aeroplan number to Star Alliance? then HSBC will upgrade it after $4000 met? I was going to spend it yesterday but I haven't made Aeroplan account yet

    • ozbargainerlife1 on 18/10/2023 - 21:54

      I am signing up for this card first time. can you please confirm if my understanding below is correct:
      1. sign up for HSBC card
      2. sign up for star alliance (ID will be emailed by star alliance)
      3. sign up for air Canada
      4. Choose Air Canada from star alliance
      5. meet the required card spend
      6. receive 50k Aeroplan points + status. correct

      • OfficerBarbrady on 19/10/2023 - 08:50

        Sign up for air Canada which is aero plan. Once approved for card , star alliance details will be sent from hsbc. Then required spene

      • ColdSnap on 06/12/2023 - 21:40

        When do you get the email from Star alliance ?

  • su27km on 14/10/2023 - 10:01

    anyone have issue after apply Aeroplan member? i applied couple of days ago, and account is deactivated after a couple of hours. ask air Canada to active the account again is a nightmare, and I am still trying. also, you can't apply a new Aeroplan member using new email address, it will say, you already in the system. crazy!!!!

    • OZBholic on 17/10/2023 - 12:01

      I am on the same boat as you. I have been trying to call Aeroplan customer service but the waiting time on the phone has been ridiculous. Got through to them after on hold for 2 hours. They asked me to email [email protected] with 1 identity document and 1 address proof document (e.g., utility bills). But a quick search on reddit looks like a response may take up to 3 months. Emailed them today but not really sure what else I can do.

      • su27km on 19/10/2023 - 08:53

        Yeah, same here. Email sent, and called support multiple times, but they can't help much. (Almost 2 weeks now after email sent, with 2 follow up emails. No reply at all.)

      • OZBholic on 19/10/2023 - 15:02

        I called again yesterday and was told it will take 3-4 months for them to unlock the account. As I already spent above $4k on the card got an email from star alliance to nominate airlines. Not sure if I want to nominate Air Canada. If I don’t, I can get gold status with other airlines (SQ for example) but will miss out on 50k bonus Aeroplan points. But if I nominate Air Canada I might not be able to access anything for next 3-4 months. Not even sure if I will get bonus points while account is not active. This is frustrating!!!

      • Autonomic on 19/10/2023 - 16:03

        That really sucks. Reading about all the unresolved account locking and reports of random Aeroplan cancellations at last minute have put me off getting this card.

      • seearsy on 11/11/2023 - 12:00

        I had the same issue. I emailed them and indicated that I was intending on flying to Canada from Australia with my family soon (not exactly true!) and my choice of carrier would depend on account activation. It was re-activated in about 2 hours after providing an electricity bill and ID. Might be worth a shot.

      • bbargin0 on 26/11/2023 - 10:28

        Anyone has any update? Its odd to get deactivated.

    • BJReplay on 19/11/2023 - 14:02

      Got through after three hours on hold. Got the same advice. Was tempted to just email [email protected] as per @OZBholic above without waiting, and got told account frozen to ensure it was a legitimate account. Used the line from @seearsy above so we'll see how we go.

  • Obadiah on 15/10/2023 - 09:08

    Was looking to get this card and sell the points.

    According to this there is some crazy charge for transferring points:

    https://buy.points.com/marketing/aeroplan_kilo/index.html#/e…

    'Transfer points
    Share your points with another member
    Sometimes you're short a few points to take that trip you've been dreaming of. Sometimes you have a few points to spare. Now you can transfer points from one Aeroplan account to another, online and instantaneously at a rate of 2¢ per point.
    Plus a processing fee per transaction.'

    However you can transfer free with this:

    https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/aeroplan/family-sha…

    • bohn on 16/10/2023 - 08:16
      +1

      often when you sell the points you don't always transfer them - you can either
      - book on behalf of others and they pay you the difference
      - give access to your account to someone for them to book/pay

  • ozbargainerlife1 on 15/10/2023 - 09:21

    Has any got the points yet?

    • grrrrr on 16/10/2023 - 20:29

      Is it after you’ve paid off $4k, or after you’ve racked up $4k in charges ?

      I’ve done the latter, but haven’t got the first statement yet, so haven’t paid anything off…

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