A frequent flyer credit card is a type of credit card that allows the cardholder to earn points for making purchases of a certain value. Cardholders need to be a member of an airline’s reward program, and points may be redeemed for a variety of rewards.
Frequent flyer cards reward spending with points, usually matched to a certain spending amount. For example, you may find a card which offers 1 point per $1 spent. When you make a payment with your card, you earn points which can then be redeemed as part of your relative frequent flyer program:
When considering how to use your points, check to see whether you’ll benefit more from purchasing a ticket, or purchasing an upgrade. You may get a better deal using your points for flight upgrades than for booking a trip.
As with many other credit cards, frequent flyer cards will often include a number of other perks which may directly benefit frequent travellers, including:
Qualifying criteria will vary between lenders and cards, so it’s important to compare credit cards before applying to ensure you are eligible.
You can apply for a frequent flyer credit card online, over the phone, or at your bank. It’s important that you compare various offers before applying, both to find the right card for your circumstances, and to avoid unnecessary credit applications.
When applying, you will need to provide the card issuer with supporting documentation so they can assess your application and ability to meet repayments, which may include:
If you are self-employed, you will need to provide previous tax assessments instead of payslips. You may also need to provide information about your accountant.
Choosing a frequent flyer credit card can offer many benefits in the right circumstances. How you plan to use your card will help determine whether a frequent flyer card is suitable for your personal situation. Things to consider when choosing a frequent flyer credit card include:
Frequent flyer credit cards can be beneficial for the right person, however it’s important to weigh up the potential value of any rewards against the fees for using the card. The easiest way to determine whether a frequent flyer card may be suitable for you is to:
Ideally, you want the value of your points earned to outweigh the cost of using the card. If you don’t think you will spend enough to balance the various fees you will need to pay, you may wish to consider a different type of credit card.
Frequent flyer cards may include various fees. These can include:
Frequent flyer credit cards have a minimum credit amount 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 card may have a limit of $3,000.
Minimum Limit | Maximum Limit |
---|---|
$500 | $100,000 |
Frequent flyer credit cards allow cardholders to earn points on eligible purchases made with the card. These points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, gifts, or other rewards, and each card will differ in both how points can be earned, and how they can be spent.
In summary, frequent flyer credit cards:
There are many different frequent flyer programs you can join online. The most important factor when choosing an airline is to understand their partner airlines, and how you can use your points. For example, Qantas Frequent Flyer points can be used with more than 30 airlines around the world.
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.
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Shaun
McGowan
Shaun McGowan
Shaun is the founder of Money.com.au and is determined to help people pay as little as possible for financial products. Through education and building world class technology. Previously Shaun co-founded CarLoans.com.au and Lend.