Competitor Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer program (11.5 million members) launched a Gold status match program clearly focused on acquiring Qantas Frequent Flyers. Previous Velocity status matches have targetted members of any airline’s program. At the same time, the 26 Star Alliance airlines have united in a play for Qantas and Virgin Australia’s most frequent flyers through a new rewards program on an HSBC Visa credit card. Members can earn Gold Star Alliance status through credit card spending (rather than flying); something airlines haven't done.