So here's something interesting: at launch, the HSBC Star Alliance credit card will support only a selection of 'participating partner frequent flyer programs' – those being the programs of Air Canada, Air New Zealand, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Thai Airways and United Airlines (most of which fly to Australia, natch).

So where’s Lufthansa, Swiss, SAS, Turkish Airlines and co? “Not all member carriers of the Star Alliance network are participating in this program through their respective frequent flyer programs,” Star Alliance says. That said, I would expect more Star Alliance members to come on board as the programs evolves.