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 almost anything. However, points usually go further when used on flights or upgrades. Common redemptions include flight bookings and upgrades, accommodation, car rental, shopping, gift cards, food and wine, insurance premiums, fuel, and car expenses.

How to apply for a frequent flyer credit card?

You can apply online, over the phone, or in person. You'll need to provide ID, employment and income details (e.g., payslips or tax returns), current expenses, and asset information. Self-employed applicants may also need financial documents from their accountant.

Is getting a frequent flyer credit card worth it?

It depends on your situation. If you travel often, pay off your balance in full monthly, and make use of perks, it can be worthwhile. If not, the high fees and interest may outweigh the benefits. Calculate your annual spend, the points you’d earn, their value, and compare that to the card’s fees.

Best Frequent Flyer Credit Cards in Australia 2025

Compare more than 50 frequent flyer credit cards offers based on points, fees and our expert analysis. Read the Important Disclosures.

Rates updated 04 July 2025

Our picks of the best frequent flyer credit cards right now

To help you choose a frequent flyer card that works for you, our experts trawled through the options and picked what we think are the best cards in different categories. These are our experts' views only and are not product recommendations. Make sure you check the current card details carefully with the provider, and ensure it's right for you overall before you consider applying.

How do frequent flyer credit cards work?

A frequent flyer credit card 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

This gives you an upfront injection on frequent flyer points. With bonus points, there are almost always conditions attached. This usually involves needing to spend a minimum amount in the first few months.

Look for cards with high point earn rates

Pay attention to how many frequent flyer points you’ll earn per $1 you spend. Just as importantly, check what purchases you earn points on and at what rate. Some transactions won’t earn you any points, while others will be eligible for a lower earn rate.

Match your card to your travel & spending habits

You may earn more points on spending with the airline your frequent flyer card is linked to. So it makes sense to choose a card that will maximise your current spending if you regularly fly with a particular carrier. Some cards also offer more points on international spending.

Avoid costly interest charges and fees

Something you almost certainly won’t earn frequent flyer points on is interest charges. The same goes for card fees. Minimise these costs wherever possible, otherwise any value you get from frequent flyer points disappear very quickly.

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.

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, Air Tahiti Nui, Aircalin, Airlink, Airnorth, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, EL AL Israel, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Finnair, IndiGo, Japan Airlines, Jetstar, KLM, Latam, Network Aviation, Skytrans, SriLankan Airlines, WestJet.

Do points expire?

Yes, 18-months after your last eligible activity.

Can I transfer points?

Yes, you can transfer a minimum of 1,500 Qantas points per transfer for free 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, Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways, Hong Kong Airlines, Air Canada, Qatar Airways, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, FlyPelican, South African Airways, Tianjin Airlines, Capital Airlines, Link Airways, All Nippon AIrways, FlyPelican.,

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, Credit Card Expert

"For a frequent flyer card to be worth your while, you really need to watch the fees. Card fees have increased in the last couple of years across the board but particularly on premium frequent flyer cards. Several providers have also changed to a monthly fee model which can make an expensive card look cheaper than it is. For me, a frequent flyer card with a low annual or monthly fee and no international fees is the gold standard, but these are rare."

Brad Kelly, 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.

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 around 18.60% 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.

We’ll explain 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).

2. 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.

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.

4. 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?

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

Some frequent flyer programs allow you to earn bonus points by hitting non-financial targets, like walking a certain number of steps per day.

7

Pool points with family as both Qantas and Velocity allow point transfers between eligible family members.

8

Redeem your points wisely and look for the rewards perks that will get you the 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.

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 around 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

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.

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.

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 current expenses

Plus any other loans you may have

Details of your assets

Such as your home and motor vehicle

If you are self-employed, you will need to provide previous tax assessments instead of pay slips. You may also be asked 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:

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?

What is the maximum credit limit on a frequent flyer credit card? Frequent flyer credit cards generally have a minimum credit limit ranging from $3,000 - $15,000 (depending on the card), 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

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. Consider which of the partner airlines you're most likely to use.

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 at the same time every month.

Will I earn points for every purchase?

Some purchases and expenses may be ineligible for earning frequent flyer points. The criteria for earning points will be listed in the terms and conditions when applying.

How do I redeem frequent flyer points?

You can use frequent flyer points to purchase virtually anything you can think of. The most obvious use case, of course, is redeeming them through the airline you are registered with or a partner airline (e.g. to book or upgrade a flight). You can also use your points for the likes of hotel and car rental bookings, to purchase appliances or other goods or convert them to gift cards.

Important Disclosures

Products, features and information displayed

General information only

The information on this page is general in nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information provided and the nature of the credit card product is suitable for you and seek independent financial advice if necessary.

We are not providing you with a recommendation or suggestion about a particular credit product. You should read the relevant disclosure statements or other offer documents before deciding whether to apply for or continue to hold a particular credit card.

What products, features and information are shown

While we make every effort to ensure all credit cards available in Australia are shown in our comparison tables, we cannot guarantee that all products are included. Where we become aware of a card that is missing from our tables, we commit to adding it within one business day.

Our product comparisons may not compare all card features and attributes relevant to you.

Product information, such as interest rates, fees and charges, is subject to change without notice. Before acting on any information, you should confirm the relevant product information with the card issuer. While we do our best to ensure the information provided on this website is accurate, all information on this website is provided without any representation or warranty, either express or implied, being given as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, reliability or otherwise of its content. No responsibility is accepted by us for any errors, omissions or any inaccurate information on this website.

How cards are sorted and filtered by default

Users can easily change the sort order and apply product filters to our product comparison tables. However, when you arrive on a page initially or select a particular card type via the ‘card features’, a default sort order is applied as follows:

Default sort (main credit card page): Consumer credit cards sorted by the highest number of reward points earned per $1 spent, then lowest ongoing annual fee, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

No annual fee cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by lowest ongoing annual fee, then the highest number of reward points earned per $1 spent, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

Low rate cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by lowest purchase rate, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

Balance transfer cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by lowest balance transfer rate, then longest duration of BT offer, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

Rewards and frequent flyer cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by highest rewards/FF points per dollar earned on everyday purchases, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then lowest purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

Cashback cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by highest cashback per dollar earned, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then lowest purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

Interest-free cards/offers: Consumer credit cards sorted by longest 0% purchase rate offer period, then lowest ongoing purchase rate, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

Credit cards with lounge access: Consumer credit cards sorted by highest number of free lounge passes, then lowest to highest ongoing annual card fee, then highest to lowest points per dollar earned on everyday spending, then lowest purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

No international fee cards/cards with travel insurance: Consumer credit cards sorted by lowest ongoing annual card fee, then highest points per dollar earned on everyday spending, the lowest purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

Business credit cards/charge cards: Business cards sorted by highest points per dollar earned on everyday spending, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then lowest ongoing purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name. Partner products are shown first and are ordered based on the sort criteria above, then all products are shown and are sorted based on the same criteria.

Commission we may earn

We may earn a commission from product providers if you are issued with a credit card via a link from this page. Cards marked as ‘sponsored’ are not selected or positioned on the page solely based on their product attributes. In our comparison tables, products are displayed based on the relevant default sort order and filters applied for that card type, or the sort order and filters selected by a user. We may earn a commission if you are issued with a card via a link from our comparison tables.

*Qantas American Express Ultimate Card bonus Qantas Points Offer

Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 1 July 2025, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months from the Card approval date. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion.

This offer is only available to new American Express Card Members. If you previously held a David Jones American Express Card and have not held any other American Express Card(s) in the past 18 months, you will be eligible for the offer. All other Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for this offer.

Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the Qantas American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions. 50,000 bonus Qantas Points will be awarded to the eligible Card Member’s account 8-10 weeks after the spend criteria has been met. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership and the earning and redemption of points are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available at qantas.com/terms. The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card has an annual Card fee of $450. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.

#American Express® Platinum Card - 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points

150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points are only available to new American Express Card Members who apply online by 6 May 2025, are approved and spend $5,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new Card in the first 3 months from the Card approval date. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. Please allow 8-10 weeks for the bonus points to be credited to your Account after the spend criteria has been met. If you previously held a David Jones American Express Card and have not held any other American Express Card(s) in the past 18 months, you will be eligible for the offer. All other Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for this offer. The American Express Platinum Card has an annual fee of $1,450. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.

‡American Express® Qantas Business Rewards Card - 150,000 bonus Qantas Points + $225 Year 1 annual Card fee offer

150,000 bonus Qantas Points offer is available to new American Express Card Members who apply by 1 July 2025, are approved and spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on their new Card in the first three (3) months from the Card approval date. The American Express® Qantas Business Rewards Card will have an annual Card fee of $225 in the first year for new and existing Card Members who apply by 1 July 2025 and are approved. From the second year of membership an annual Card fee of $450 applies. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for the 150,000 Qantas Points offer. 150,000 bonus Qantas Points will be awarded to the eligible Card Member's Account 8-10 weeks after the spend criteria has been met. Subject to the American Express® Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.

Best Frequent Flyer Credit Cards