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 moreAmerican Express Velocity Platinum | |
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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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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) |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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 |
Visit provider | |
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) |
Visit provider | |
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) |
Visit provider | |
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) |
Visit provider |
Frequent flyer points earned on everyday spend | Interest rate | Annual fee | Visit provider | |
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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) |
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 moreIn 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.