Best Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
- Compare the best frequent flyer credit cards for earning Qantas and Velocity points (updated December 2023).
- Up to 150,000 bonus frequent flyer points available.
Best frequent flyer credit cards for earning Qantas points
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card | |
|---|---|
| Qantas points earned | 1.25 per $1 spent (currently uncapped*). Plus 60,000 bonus points when you are approved and spend $3k in the first 3 months. |
| Interest rate | 23.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $450 |
| Visit provider | |
Qantas Premier Titanium | |
| Qantas points earned | 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 |
| Visit provider | |
HSBC Premier World Mastercard Qantas Option | |
| Qantas points earned | 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 |
| Visit provider | |
Qudos Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card | |
| Qantas points earned | 1 per $1 spent (capped). |
| Interest rate | 19.49% (4.99% for first 5 months) |
| Annual fee | $199 |
| Visit provider | |
Qantas American Express Premium Card | |
| Qantas points earned | 1 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus, 30,000 bonus Qantas points. |
| Interest rate | 23.99%.p.a. |
| Annual fee | $249 |
| Visit provider | |
Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard | |
| Qantas points earned | 1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus, 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3k on eligible purchases within 90 days and keep the account for 15 months. |
| Interest rate | 19.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $270 |
| Visit provider | |
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card | |
| Qantas points earned | 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) |
| Visit provider | |
G&C Mutual Bank Platinum Visa Credit Card | |
| Qantas points earned | 1 point for per $1 spent (capped at 20,000 points/month). Plus get an annual 10,000 oints bonus. |
| Interest rate | 19.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $299 |
| Visit provider | |
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card | |
| Qantas points earned | 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) |
| Visit provider | |
Qantas Premier Platinum | |
| Qantas points earned | 1 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus, up to 80,000 bonus Qantas points. |
| Interest rate | 19.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $399 ($349 in first year) |
| Visit provider | |
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black | |
| Qantas points earned | 1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus, 110,000 bonus points and when you spend $5k in the first 3 months. |
| Interest rate | 20.49%p.a. |
| Annual fee | $425 |
| Visit provider | |
Commbank Ultimate Awards credit card with Qantas Points | |
| Qantas points earned | 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) |
| Visit provider | |
Qantas American Express Discovery Card | |
| Qantas points earned | 0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). |
| Interest rate | 23.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Visit provider | |
Qantas Premier Everyday | |
| Qantas points earned | 0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). Intro offer of 2 bonus Qantas Points per $1 spent on purchases in the first 4 months (capped at 8,000 points). |
| Interest rate | 19.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $49 |
| Visit provider | |
Bank Australia Platinum Rewards Visa Credit card | |
| Qantas points earned | 0.75 per $1 spent (capped). |
| Interest rate | 18.24% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $189 |
| Visit provider | |
Regional Australia Bank Visa Platinum Rewards Credit Card | |
| Qantas points earned | 0.75 per $1 spent (capped). |
| Interest rate | 19.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $195 |
| Visit provider | |
ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum | |
| Qantas points earned | 0.75 per $1 spent. Plus 75,000 bonus points when you spend $2.5k in the first 3 months. |
| Interest rate | 20.49% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $295 |
| Visit provider | |
BankSA Amplify Signature Qantas | |
| Qantas points earned | 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 |
| Visit provider | |
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature Qantas | |
| Qantas points earned | 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 |
| Visit provider | |
St.George Amplify Signature Qantas | |
| Qantas points earned | 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 |
| Visit provider | |
Westpac Altitude Black Qantas | |
| Qantas points earned | 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) |
| Visit provider |
| Qantas points earned | Interest rate | Annual fee | Visit provider | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card | 1.25 per $1 spent (currently uncapped*). Plus 60,000 bonus points when you are approved and spend $3k in the first 3 months. | 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, 30,000 bonus Qantas points. | 23.99%.p.a. | $249 | |
Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard | 1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus, 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3k on eligible purchases within 90 days and keep the account for 15 months. | 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 get an annual 10,000 oints bonus. | 19.99% p.a. | $299 | |
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. | 19.99% p.a. | $399 ($349 in first year) | |
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black | 1 per $1 spent (capped). Plus, 110,000 bonus points and when you spend $5k in the first 3 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) | |
Qantas American Express Discovery Card | 0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). | 23.99% p.a. | $0 | |
Qantas Premier Everyday | 0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). Intro offer of 2 bonus Qantas Points per $1 spent on purchases in the first 4 months (capped at 8,000 points). | 19.99% p.a. | $49 | |
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 when you spend $2.5k in the first 3 months. | 20.49% 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 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) |
Best frequent flyer credit cards for earning Velocity points
American Express Velocity Platinum | |
|---|---|
| Points earned | 1.25 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3k in the first 3 months. |
| Interest rate | 23.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $375 |
| Visit provider | |
Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card | |
| Points earned | 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 | $289 |
| Visit provider | |
BOQ Specialist Signature Credit Card | |
| Points earned | 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 |
| Visit provider | |
American Express Velocity Escape Card | |
| Points earned | 0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). |
| Interest rate | 23.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Visit provider | |
Westpac Altitude Velocity Black | |
| Points earned | 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 |
| Visit provider | |
Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card | |
| Points earned | 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) |
| Visit provider | |
NAB Rewards Signature Card with Velocity | |
| Points earned | 0.625 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 80,000 bonus points when you spend $3k in the first 60 days and 20,000 extra points when you have held the card for 1 year. |
| Interest rate | 19.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $295 ($195 in first year) |
| Visit provider | |
Westpac Altitude Velocity Platinum | |
| Points earned | 0.5 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 70,000 bonus points when you spend $4k in the 90 days. |
| Interest rate | 19.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $250 ($174 in first year) |
| Visit provider | |
NAB Rewards Platinum Card with Velocity | |
| Points earned | 0.5 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 60,000 bonus points when you spend $1k within the first 60 days and 10,000 extra points when you have held the card for 1 year. |
| Interest rate | 19.99% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $195 ($95 in first year) |
| Visit provider | |
Citi Premier credit card Velocity offer | |
| Points earned | 0.5 per $1 spend (capped). Plus, 100,000 bonus points when you spend $8k in the first 90 days. Apply by 30 Apr 2024. |
| Interest rate | 21.49% p.a. |
| Annual fee | $300 ($150/year after first year if you spend at least $48k in previous year) |
| Visit provider | |
BOQ Platinum Credit Card | |
| Points earned | 0.5 per $1 spent (capped). |
| Interest rate | Not advertised |
| Annual fee | $150 |
| Visit provider |
| Points earned | Interest rate | Annual fee | Visit provider | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
American Express Velocity Platinum | 1.25 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3k in the first 3 months. | 23.99% p.a. | $375 | |
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. | $289 | |
BOQ Specialist Signature Credit Card | 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 | |
American Express Velocity Escape Card | 0.75 per $1 spent (uncapped). | 23.99% p.a. | $0 | |
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 | |
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) | |
NAB Rewards Signature Card with Velocity | 0.625 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 80,000 bonus points when you spend $3k in the first 60 days and 20,000 extra points when you have held the card for 1 year. | 19.99% p.a. | $295 ($195 in first year) | |
Westpac Altitude Velocity Platinum | 0.5 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 70,000 bonus points when you spend $4k in the 90 days. | 19.99% p.a. | $250 ($174 in first year) | |
NAB Rewards Platinum Card with Velocity | 0.5 per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus 60,000 bonus points when you spend $1k within the first 60 days and 10,000 extra points when you have held the card for 1 year. | 19.99% p.a. | $195 ($95 in first year) | |
Citi Premier credit card Velocity offer | 0.5 per $1 spend (capped). Plus, 100,000 bonus points when you spend $8k in the first 90 days. Apply by 30 Apr 2024. | 21.49% p.a. | $300 ($150/year after first year if you spend at least $48k in previous year) | |
BOQ Platinum Credit Card | 0.5 per $1 spent (capped). | Not advertised | $150 |
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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
Consider frequent flyer cards with bonus sign up points
Look for cards with high point earn rates
Match your card to your travel & spending habits
Avoid costly interest charges and fees
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
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
Qantas Frequent Flyer
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.
Velocity (Virgin)
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
- 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).
- Look for cards with the highest point earn rates.
- Understand which purchases will earn you the most points and which ones aren’t eligible.
- Match the card to your spending habits. If you only travel occasionally, a general rewards card may be more suitable.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pool points with family: Both Qantas and Velocity allow point transfers between eligible family members.
- 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)
- 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).
- Offer to pay for split expenses and have your friends, family or roommates etc. send you the money.
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
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.
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
What is the maximum credit limit on a frequent flyer credit card?
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.
Which airlines can I use a frequent flyer credit card with?
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.
When do I receive frequent flyer points from purchases?
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.
Will I earn points for every purchase?
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.
How do I redeem frequent flyer points?
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
Editor
Sean Callery
Reviewed by
Credit Cards Expert
Brad Kelly
*Order of products shown is as described in the headings. Where multiple cards have an identical primary attribute (e.g. points earn rate), we order the cards based on a secondary factor, such as purchase rate. Where all factors are identical, cards are ordered alphabetically by the name of the provider. We have carried out an extensive analysis of the market, but cannot guarantee that all cards available are shown.
