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 ….

PS. If you are not a regular Head for Points visitor, why not sign up for our FREE weekly or daily newsletters? They are full of the latest Avios, airline, hotel and credit card points news and will help you travel better. To join our 65,000 free subscribers, click the button below or visit this page of the site to find out more. Thank you.

Want to earn more points from credit cards? – April 2025 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 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:

Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard

Get 25,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £10,000 Read our full review

Barclaycard Avios Mastercard

Get 5,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £20,000 Read our full review

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.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review

British Airways American Express Premium Plus

30,000 Avios and the famous annual 2-4-1 voucher Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard

18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review

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:

American Express Business Platinum

50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review

American Express Business Gold

20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review

Capital on Tap Pro Visa

10,500 points (=10,500 Avios) plus good benefits Read our full review

Capital on Tap Visa

NO annual fee, NO FX fees and points worth 1 Avios per £1 Read our full review

British Airways American Express Accelerating Business

30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review