Best Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

  • Compare the best frequent flyer credit cards for earning points (updated March 2024).
  • Up to 150,000 bonus frequent flyer points available.
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Qantas_American_Express_Ultimate_Card

Featured offer: Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

Get 100,000 bonus points when you apply online by 2 April 2024, are approved and spend $3k on eligible purchases in the first three months. New members only, T&Cs apply.

Find out moreFind out more

Best frequent flyer credit cards for earning points

The table below shows credit cards that earn either Qantas or Velocity frequent flyer points. By ‘best’ cards we mean the cards with the highest earn rate on everyday spending. That’s how the table is ordered, but you should also consider other aspects of the cards (e.g. rates and fees) when deciding which frequent flyer is best for you.

American Express Velocity Platinum

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1.25 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 100,000 bonus Velocity points when you apply online through this page by 15 May 2024, are approved, and spend $3k on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.

Interest rate

23.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$375

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Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

Up to 1.25 per $1 spent on everyday purchases (uncapped earning potential*). Plus, 100,000 bonus Qantas Points for new Amex members who apply online by 2 April 2024, are approved and spend $3k on eligible purchases with their new card within 3 months of approval. T&Cs apply.

Interest rate

23.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$450

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Qantas Premier Titanium

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1.25 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 150,000 bonus points when you apply by 1 May 2024 and spend $5k in the first 3 months.

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$1,200

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HSBC Premier World Mastercard Qantas Option

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 point per $1 spent (up to $120k) plus an extra 0.5 points per $1 in the first 12 months (up to $120k).

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$0

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Qudos Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 per $1 spent (capped).

Interest rate

19.49% (4.99% for first 5 months)

Annual fee

$199

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Qantas American Express Premium Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus, 20,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within 3 months of Card Membership. New Amex card members only. T&Cs apply.

Interest rate

23.99%.p.a.

Annual fee

$249

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Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 per $1 spent (uncapped).

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$270

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HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 point per $1 spent (up to $120k) plus an extra 0.5 points per $1 in the first 12 months (up to $120k).

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$299 ($0 in first year)

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G&C Mutual Bank Platinum Visa Credit Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 point for per $1 spent (capped at 20,000 points/month). Plus, 50,000 bonus Qantas Points for new customers when you spend $5k on eligible purchases within 90 days, with a further 10,000 points bonus annually.

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$299

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Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 40,000 bonus points each month you spend $3k in the first 2 months.

Interest rate

20.74% p.a.

Annual fee

$329

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NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 points when you spend $3k in the first 60 days and a further 30,000 after 12 months.

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$395 ($295 in first year)

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Qantas Premier Platinum

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points. New cardholders get 60,000 points when they spend $3k within 3 months from approval, and an extra 20,000 bonus points if you haven’t earned Qantas Points with a credit card in the last 12 months.

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$399 ($349 in first year)

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BOQ Specialist Signature Credit Card (Qantas or Velocity)

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 per $1 spent (capped), plus 20,000 bonus rewards points when you use your card 10 times in the first two months.

Interest rate

Not advertised

Annual fee

$400

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ANZ Frequent Flyer Black

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus, 100,000 bonus points and $250 cashback and when you spend $5k in the first 3 months. You get a further 30,000 bonus points if you keep the card for 12 months.

Interest rate

20.49% p.a.

Annual fee

$425

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Commbank Ultimate Awards credit card with Qantas Points

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.8 per $1 spent (on eligible purchases in Australia).

Interest rate

20.24% p.a

Annual fee

Up to $480 ($35 monthly fee, waived each month your spend at least $4k)

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American Express Velocity Escape Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped) Or 1.75 points on eligible purchases within Virgin Australia and 0.5 points on purchases at government bodies in Australia)

Interest rate

23.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$0

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Qantas American Express Discovery Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). Or 1.75 points on eligible Qantas products and services and 0.5 points on purchases at government departments in Australia)

Interest rate

23.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$0

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Qantas Premier Everyday

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (capped).

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$49 (increasing to $99 from 11 April 2024)

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Bank Australia Platinum Rewards Visa Credit card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (capped).

Interest rate

18.24% p.a.

Annual fee

$189

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Regional Australia Bank Visa Platinum Rewards Credit Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (capped).

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$195

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ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent. Plus 75,000 bonus points and $100 back to your card when you spend $2.5k in the first 3 months.

Interest rate

20.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$295

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BankSA Amplify Signature Qantas

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 bonus points when you spend $6k within 90 days.

Interest rate

19.49% p.a.

Annual fee

$370

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Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature Qantas

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 bonus points when you spend $6k within 90 days.

Interest rate

19.49% p.a.

Annual fee

$370

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St.George Amplify Signature Qantas

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 bonus points when you spend $6k within 90 days.

Interest rate

19.49% p.a.

Annual fee

$370

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Westpac Altitude Velocity Black

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 90,000 bonus points when you spend $6k in the 120 days and 30,000 extra points after your first purchase in year 2 with the card.

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$370

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Westpac Altitude Black Qantas

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.75 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 points when you spend $6k in the first 120 days & 30,000 extra points after your first spend in the second year with the card.

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$370 (reduced in first year for existing Westpac customers)

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NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Credit Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

Up to 0.67 (capped), plus up to 70,000 bonus points: 60,000 when you spend $2k in the first 60 days and another 10,000 if you keep your card for 12 months.

Interest rate

19.99% p.a.

Annual fee

$250 ($150 in the first year)

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Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card

Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend

0.66 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 30,000 bonus points each month you spend $1.5k in the first 2 months.

Interest rate

20.74% p.a.

Annual fee

$129 ($64 in first year)

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Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spendInterest rateAnnual feeVisit provider

American Express Velocity Platinum

1.25 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 100,000 bonus Velocity points when you apply online through this page by 15 May 2024, are approved, and spend $3k on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.

23.99% p.a.

$375

Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

Up to 1.25 per $1 spent on everyday purchases (uncapped earning potential*). Plus, 100,000 bonus Qantas Points for new Amex members who apply online by 2 April 2024, are approved and spend $3k on eligible purchases with their new card within 3 months of approval. T&Cs apply.

23.99% p.a.

$450

Qantas Premier Titanium

1.25 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 150,000 bonus points when you apply by 1 May 2024 and spend $5k in the first 3 months.

19.99% p.a.

$1,200

HSBC Premier World Mastercard Qantas Option

1 point per $1 spent (up to $120k) plus an extra 0.5 points per $1 in the first 12 months (up to $120k).

19.99% p.a.

$0

Qudos Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card

1 per $1 spent (capped).

19.49% (4.99% for first 5 months)

$199

Qantas American Express Premium Card

1 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus, 20,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within 3 months of Card Membership. New Amex card members only. T&Cs apply.

23.99%.p.a.

$249

Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard

1 per $1 spent (uncapped).

19.99% p.a.

$270

HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card

1 point per $1 spent (up to $120k) plus an extra 0.5 points per $1 in the first 12 months (up to $120k).

19.99% p.a.

$299 ($0 in first year)

G&C Mutual Bank Platinum Visa Credit Card

1 point for per $1 spent (capped at 20,000 points/month). Plus, 50,000 bonus Qantas Points for new customers when you spend $5k on eligible purchases within 90 days, with a further 10,000 points bonus annually.

19.99% p.a.

$299

Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card

1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 40,000 bonus points each month you spend $3k in the first 2 months.

20.74% p.a.

$329

NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card

1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 points when you spend $3k in the first 60 days and a further 30,000 after 12 months.

19.99% p.a.

$395 ($295 in first year)

Qantas Premier Platinum

1 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points. New cardholders get 60,000 points when they spend $3k within 3 months from approval, and an extra 20,000 bonus points if you haven’t earned Qantas Points with a credit card in the last 12 months.

19.99% p.a.

$399 ($349 in first year)

BOQ Specialist Signature Credit Card (Qantas or Velocity)

1 per $1 spent (capped), plus 20,000 bonus rewards points when you use your card 10 times in the first two months.

Not advertised

$400

ANZ Frequent Flyer Black

1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus, 100,000 bonus points and $250 cashback and when you spend $5k in the first 3 months. You get a further 30,000 bonus points if you keep the card for 12 months.

20.49% p.a.

$425

Commbank Ultimate Awards credit card with Qantas Points

0.8 per $1 spent (on eligible purchases in Australia).

20.24% p.a

Up to $480 ($35 monthly fee, waived each month your spend at least $4k)

American Express Velocity Escape Card

0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped) Or 1.75 points on eligible purchases within Virgin Australia and 0.5 points on purchases at government bodies in Australia)

23.99% p.a.

$0

Qantas American Express Discovery Card

0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). Or 1.75 points on eligible Qantas products and services and 0.5 points on purchases at government departments in Australia)

23.99% p.a.

$0

Qantas Premier Everyday

0.75 per $1 spent (capped).

19.99% p.a.

$49 (increasing to $99 from 11 April 2024)

Bank Australia Platinum Rewards Visa Credit card

0.75 per $1 spent (capped).

18.24% p.a.

$189

Regional Australia Bank Visa Platinum Rewards Credit Card

0.75 per $1 spent (capped).

19.99% p.a.

$195

ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum

0.75 per $1 spent. Plus 75,000 bonus points and $100 back to your card when you spend $2.5k in the first 3 months.

20.99% p.a.

$295

BankSA Amplify Signature Qantas

0.75 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 bonus points when you spend $6k within 90 days.

19.49% p.a.

$370

Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature Qantas

0.75 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 bonus points when you spend $6k within 90 days.

19.49% p.a.

$370

St.George Amplify Signature Qantas

0.75 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 bonus points when you spend $6k within 90 days.

19.49% p.a.

$370

Westpac Altitude Velocity Black

0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 90,000 bonus points when you spend $6k in the 120 days and 30,000 extra points after your first purchase in year 2 with the card.

19.99% p.a.

$370

Westpac Altitude Black Qantas

0.75 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 90,000 points when you spend $6k in the first 120 days & 30,000 extra points after your first spend in the second year with the card.

19.99% p.a.

$370 (reduced in first year for existing Westpac customers)

NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Credit Card

Up to 0.67 (capped), plus up to 70,000 bonus points: 60,000 when you spend $2k in the first 60 days and another 10,000 if you keep your card for 12 months.

19.99% p.a.

$250 ($150 in the first year)

Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card

0.66 per $1 spent (capped). Plus 30,000 bonus points each month you spend $1.5k in the first 2 months.

20.74% p.a.

$129 ($64 in first year)

Info correct as at 12 March 2024. Table is ordered by highest point per $ spent, then lowest annual fee, then lowest purchase rate. Check with the provider for full card details, including fees, limits, terms and conditions to make sure the card is right for you. While this is an extensive list of the top frequent flyer point-earning credit cards available, we can't guarantee that all cards available in the market are shown. *After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent. For Card Members who applied for the Card between 1 July 2023 – 9 January 2024, this change will come into effect from 10 July 2024.

The American Express Velocity Platinum Card

Featured offer: American Express Velocity Platinum Card

Get 100,000 bonus Velocity points when you apply online through this page by 15 May 2024, are approved, and spend $3k on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.

Find out moreFind out more

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Frequent flyer credit card

How do frequent flyer credit cards work?

A frequent flyer credit card is a type of credit card that allows the cardholder to earn points on eligible purchases and redeem them with the airline frequent flyer program linked to the card.

They’re essentially a rewards credit card but with perks tailored to cardholders who travel frequently.

Cardholders need to be a member of an airline’s reward program, and points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards. Not just travel-related ones.

How to boost your frequent flyer points

Consolidating debt

Consider frequent flyer cards with bonus sign up points

Best match guarantee

Look for cards with high point earn rates

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Match your card to your travel & spending habits

Debt consolidation loans

Avoid costly interest charges and fees

Credit card rewards

What can I redeem frequent flyer credit card points for?

Most airline frequent flyer programs partner with other product and service providers, meaning you can redeem your frequent flyer points for more or less anything.

That said, it’s often the case that frequent flyer points go further when used on flights or upgrades.

Here are some of the more common perks you can use your frequent flyer points on:

  • Flight bookings and upgrades
  • Hotels and other accommodation
  • Car rental
  • Shopping and gift cards
  • Restaurants, food and wine
  • Insurance premiums
  • Fuel and other car expenses
Rewards credit cards

Other benefits of frequent flyer credit cards

As with many other credit cards, frequent flyer cards and other credit cards for travellers will often include a number of other perks which may directly benefit frequent travellers, including:

  • Airport lounge access (e.g. two passes per year)
  • Complimentary travel insurance
  • Car rental insurance
  • Flight inconvenience insurance
  • Travel vouchers
  • Discounts with partner travel providers (e.g. hotels and car hire companies) Discounted international transaction fees

The features and perks will vary between card issuers, so check to see which perks are included when comparing frequent flyer credit cards.

Frequent flyer programs in Australia: Qantas vs Velocity

Cost to join

  • The standard joining fee is $99.50 AUD, buy there are a number of ways you can become a member without paying a separate joining fee (e.g. though eligible frequent flyer credit cards)

Ways to earn points

  • Eligible purchase on a Qantas frequent flyer credit card
  • Booking flights with Qantas, Jetstar or another partner airline
  • Booking accommodation or car rental with a partner providers
  • Taking out insurance through Qantas or a banking product (e.g. Qantas home loan)
  • Shopping with a partner retailer

Notable partner brands

  • Adairs, Apple, BP Rewards, Country Road, David Jones, Microsoft, Myer, Optus, Red Energy, The Iconic, Woolworths (everyday rewards).

Ways to redeem points

  • Flights, accommodation, gift cards, shopping (more or less anything that earns you points can also be a way to redeem them)

Partner airlines include

  • Air France, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Finnair, IndiGo, Japan Airlines, Jetstar , KLM, SriLankan Airlines, WestJet

Do points expire?

  • Yes, 18-months after your last eligible activity.

Can I transfer points?

  • Yes, a minimum of 5,000 and a max of 600,000 points in a 12-month period to an eligible family member who is also a Qantas Frequent Flyer member.

Cost to join

  • It’s free

Ways to earn points

  • Eligible purchase on a Velocity frequent flyer credit card
  • Booking flights with Virgin or another partner airline
  • Booking accommodation or car rental with a partner providers
  • Taking out a banking or insurance product through a partner provider (e.g. Medibank)
  • Shopping with a partner retailer

Notable partner brands

  • 7-Eleven, Apple, Chemist Warehouse, CommBank, Country Road, David Jones, Ebay, Flybuys, Myer, The Good Guys, The Iconic.

Ways to redeem points

  • Flights, accommodation, gift cards, shopping (more or less anything that earns you points can also be a way to redeem them)

Partner airlines include

  • Virgin Australia, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Hong Kong Airlines, Air Canada, Qatar Airways, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, FlyPelican, South African Airways, Tianjin Airlines, Capital Airlines, Link Airways

Do points expire?

  • Yes, after 24 months of account inactivity.

Can I transfer points?

  • Yes, you can transfer between 5,000 and 125,00 points to an eligible family member (who is also a Velocity frequent flyer member) up to four times each year.

Expert frequent flyer credit card tip

Brad Kelly

For a frequent flyer card to be worth your while, you really need to watch the fees. Westpac recently increased theirs and Commbank has changed to a monthly fee model. Commbank also reduced the number of cards it offers – now just six options – and the fees on these can be high unless you spend enough to qualify to have the fee waived. In better news for Commbank frequent flyers, the international FX fee on purchases is waived on some cards (usually 3%).

Brad Kelly, Money.com.au's credit card expert

How to choose the best frequent flyer credit card

There’s more to comparing frequent flyer credit cards than there is when shopping for low rate credit cards or among credit cards with no annual fee. Below are some of the other main factors you may want to take into account. Note the main factors vary slightly if you're shopping for a business credit card.

Credit cards have two different rates

Interest rate and fees

This is a very good place to start. There’s not much point having a frequent flyer credit card packed with perks and features if they’re going to be cancelled out by high high interest rates (purchase rate and cash advance rate), and fees.

As a reference point, the latest credit card data shows the average interest rate is 17.92% p.a. and the average annual fee is $135.

If you manage to find an interest-free credit card offering rewards or you’re confident you have the discipline to pay off the entire balance within the card’s interest-free days, the fees will likely be your main cost.

I’ve explained these in more detail later on. Spoiler alert, fees on some frequent flyer card fees can be very high and are only really worth it if you're raking in points and using all of the other benefits (like lounge passes).

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Your income and spending habits

Some frequent flyer credit cards have a minimum annual income built into the eligibility criteria. Others will only be worth the high annual card fee if you are spending a lot.

If that’s the case, it’s important to factor in whether your income and other financial commitments mean you can comfortably support that level of spending.

If you think you'll need to spend more than you usually would to get the most from the credit card, seriously consider whether it's right for you.

Frequent flyer points

How often you travel

This will come as no surprise, but frequent flyer credit cards generally offer more benefits and overall value to people who travel a lot.

Think credit cards with travel insurance, lounge passes, travel vouchers, hotel discounts.

If you’re not going to make the most of these perks, a different type of card may be a better fit.

frequent flyer credit card points

Points, points, points

It’s tempting to just look at the amount of bonus points you get when you sign up and how many points you earn per dollar spent using the card.

These are certainly well worth considering, but you should also consider the fine print on your frequent flyer points:

  • Is there a cap on how many points you can earn per year?
  • Which purchases are eligible to earn points?
  • What kind of spending won't earn you any points? (e.g. paying certain bills, gambling)
  • Do the points expire?
  • Where and how can you use them? Or can they be converted to cashback?

10 ways to get the most from your frequent flyer credit card points

  1. Take advantage of frequent flyer credit cards with bonus sign up offers (assuming the credit card is good value and a suitable match for you overall).
  2. Look for cards with the highest point earn rates.
  3. Understand which purchases will earn you the most points and which ones aren’t eligible.
  4. Match the card to your spending habits. If you only travel occasionally, a general rewards card may be more suitable.
  5. Use your card for everyday purchases to earn more points, but only if you can afford to repay the card balance in full every month.
  6. Earn bonus points: Some frequent flyer programs allow you to earn points by hitting non-financial targets, like walking a certain number of steps per day.
  7. Pool points with family: Both Qantas and Velocity allow point transfers between eligible family members.
  8. Redeem your points wisely: Look for the rewards perks that will get you most bang for your points (but above all else, make sure you actually use them)
  9. Share the card with your partner. Most credit cards allow additional cardholders. If two people are using the card, you'll likely earn more frequent flyer points (again watch for overspending).
  10. Offer to pay for split expenses and have your friends, family or roommates etc. send you the money.
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Frequent flyer credit card fees

The fees on your frequent flyer credit card will play a major part in dictating whether the card will cost you or save you money overall. Here are the main fees to consider:

  • Annual fee (can range from $0 to $700 depending on the card)
  • Foreign currency conversion fee, usually up to 3% but there are credit cards with no international fees
  • Over limit fee, charged if your balance exceeds its limit
  • Late payment fee
  • Cash advance fee, charged when making a cash withdrawal or buying foreign currency
  • Replacement/additional card fee
  • Balance transfer fee if you move the balance of an existing credit card to your frequent flyer card
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Frequent Flyer cards tend to charge more in interest, so carrying a balance can become costly. Always clear your balance each month to avoid compounding interest.
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Who can qualify for a frequent flyer credit card?

To qualify for a frequent flyer credit card you must meet the following qualifying criteria:

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Have a good credit score
  • Minimum income (varies between lenders and cards)
  • A member of a relevant frequent flyer program e.g Qantas Frequent Flyer or Virgin Velocity Flyer.

Qualifying criteria will vary between lenders and cards. Make sure you’re eligible for the frequent flyer credit card you have your eye on before applying. A declined application could damage your credit score.

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How to apply for a frequent flyer credit card

You can apply for a frequent flyer credit card online, over the phone, or at your bank.

When applying for a credit card, you will need to provide the card issuer with supporting documentation so they can assess your application and ability to meet repayments. This will likely include:

  • Valid ID, such as a driver licence or passport
  • Employment details, including your employment status, salary information, and payslips to verify your income
  • Details of your assets, such as your home and motor vehicle
  • Details of your current expenses and other loans you may have

If you are self-employed, you will need to provide previous tax assessments instead of payslips. You may also for financial information provided by your accountant.

Is getting a frequent flyer credit card worth it?

Frequent flyer credit cards can be beneficial for the right person. But for you to get good value, you’ll need to make sure you find the best frequent flyer credit card for YOUR situation. You’ll also need to make the most of the perks being offered.

If you just need a credit card as a backup or for emergencies, a frequent flyer card will be an expensive way of going about it.

But if you are the type of person who travels a lot, likes to track points and work towards an indulgent treat every so often (while also having the discipline to pay off the balance of your credit card in full every month) a frequent flyer credit card could be worth considering.

One simple way to determine whether a frequent flyer credit card may be suitable for you is to:

  • Calculate how much you spend each year
  • Calculate how many points that will earn you
  • Calculate the associated value of these points
  • Compare the value of your points with the fees included with the card

Frequent flyer credit card FAQ

Frequent flyer credit cards generally have a minimum credit limit of $500, and a maximum credit limit of $100,000. The amount of credit that you can access from a lender is determined by your:

  • Income
  • Credit score
  • Overall financial health

The minimum and maximum limits for a frequent flyer card will vary between card issuers and cards. For example, a premium credit card may have a minimum limit of $15,000, while a basic frequent flyer credit card may have a limit of $3,000.

There are two main frequent flyer programs you can join in Australia (Qantas and Velocity), plus a host of international ones. The most important factor when choosing an airline is to understand their partner airlines, and how you can use your points. For example, both Qantas and Virgin partner with a range of different airlines globally. Look at the airlines and consider which ones you're most likely to use.

If you would like flexibility, American Express credit card points can be transferred to multiple different airlines.

You’ll usually receive an updated points balance from your purchase once a month. Most credit card partners transfer points on a regular day, so you should receive you updated balance at the same time every month.

Some purchases may be ineligible for earning points. The criteria for earning points on your frequent flyer card will be listed in the terms and conditions when applying. If you are unsure of whether your purchase will qualify, you can contact your card issuer.

You can redeem any points you’ve earned through the airline you are registered with. You can book flights through an airline’s online booking system, or make purchases from the airline’s merchandise and gift shop online.

Written by

Sean Callery Editor Money.com.au

Editor

Sean Callery

Reviewed by

Brad Kelly, Payment Services

Credit Cards Expert

Brad Kelly