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 ….

Want to earn more points from credit cards? – December 2021 update

If you are looking to apply for a new credit or charge card, here are our November 2021 recommendations based on the current sign-up bonus. 

You can see our full directory of all UK cards which earn airline or hotel points here. Here are the top current deals:

British Airways American Express

5,000 Avios for signing up, no annual fee and an Economy 2-4-1 voucher for spending ….. Read our full review

British Airways American Express Premium Plus

25,000 Avios and the UK’s most valuable credit card perk – the 2-4-1 companion voucher Read our full review

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & two airport lounge passes Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express

30,000 points and an unbeatable set of travel benefits – for a fee 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 Gold

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

American Express Business Platinum

40,000 points sign-up bonus and a long list of travel benefits Read our full review

British Airways Accelerating Business American Express

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

Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa

The most generous Avios Visa or Mastercard for a limited company Read our full review

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:

Barclaycard Select Cashback Credit Card

1% cashback and no annual fee Read our full review