HSBC Premier to bring in mileage rewards for UK credit card customers?

Now here is an interesting bit of news, especially if you are a HSBC Premier customer.

If you already have a HSBC Premier credit card, then you may see this message when you log in to online banking:

“‘Rewards For Miles’ – an exclusive new addition to your HSBC Premier Credit Card Rewards programme that gives you the opportunity to redeem  your Premier Rewards points for flights with participating airlines.   We’ll be sending you further information soon.  Where will your HSBC Premier Credit Card take you?”

Now, HSBC – as you would expect from a bank with retail banking networks in many countries – already has mileage schemes with various airlines.  You can even convert points from a US HSBC credit card to Avios.   They are also partners with TAP Air Portugal and, not surprisingly, Asia Miles.

I am intrigued as to what HSBC has got lined up.  I would be surprised if BA’s contract with American Express in the UK allowed them to sell Avios to HSBC to give to credit card customers – but then Diners Club had an Avios deal in the UK until recently.  I can’t believe HSBC would launch this with just Asia Miles!

You could even argue, just looking at the body of the text, that you will NOT be getting airline miles – that HSBC will simply be letting you redeem your points for a cash flight ticket.  However, that would make the “Rewards For Miles” title a bit odd.

One to keep an eye on in the Autumn ….

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Want to earn more points from credit cards? – April 2024 update

If you are looking to apply for a new credit card, here are our top recommendations based on the current sign-up bonuses.

In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.

You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:

You can see our full directory of all UK cards which earn airline or hotel points here. Here are the best of the other deals currently available.

Earning miles and points from small business cards

If you are a sole trader or run a small company, you may also want to check out these offers:

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 12th May 2024, the Capital on Tap Business Rewards Visa card is offering a bonus of 30,000 points, convertible into 30,000 Avios. You must have a Limited Company to apply. Click here to learn more and click here to apply.

For a non-American Express option, we also recommend the Barclaycard Select Cashback card for sole traders and small businesses. It is FREE and you receive 1% cashback on your spending.