Qantas American Express Ultimate Card | |
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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 | |
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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) |
American Express Velocity Platinum | |
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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 | |
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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 |
In our frequent flyer credit cards guide:
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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.
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
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:
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:
The features and perks will vary between card issuers, so check to see which perks are included when comparing frequent flyer credit cards.
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
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:
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:
To qualify for a frequent flyer credit card you must meet the following qualifying criteria:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
*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.