HSBC to add hotel points transfers to its UK loyalty credit cards

HSBC sent out a slightly cryptic email yesterday to holders of its Rewards Credit Card, Premier Credit Card and Premier World Elite Credit Card.

The gist of the email was to explain that a new online loyalty portal will be set up in July which will become the place to go for cardholders to order rewards.

What’s interesting is this line:

“We’re updating the Rules to take account of these changes to the Programme. There are some new terms relating to vouchers and, if you hold a Premier Credit Card or Premier World Elite™ Mastercard®, we’re also updating the terms that apply when you redeem Reward Points for airline miles or hotel points.”

Later it says:

“You can request to transfer points to an airline frequent flyer or hotel programme via the Loyalty Portal. You’ll be able to check the available options and their points value there.”

At present, HSBC Premier current account holders who take out a Premier credit card can transfer the points earned to:

• British Airways Executive Club
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Asia Miles
• Etihad Guest

There are no hotel partners. Clearly there will be soon …. but there is no indication of who they may be.

(EDIT: The comments below suggest IHG and Marriott, based on what HSBC offers in Hong Kong. Hilton is not involved, I know that much. As both IHG and Marriott are now pseudo-revenue based redemptions this may make it underwhelming given that HSBC lets you also turns points into real cash via gift vouchers.)

As the HSBC credit cards are from Mastercard – and there are currently no Mastercard or Visa credit cards open to new applicants that earn hotel points – this could be interesting.

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