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Steps You Can Take to Earn More Frequent Flyer Points

Posted August 11th, 2010

We help answer the common question: How can I earn more frequent flyer points?

Almost every credit card seems to have a frequent flyer points program attached to it these days. Unfortunately, not every frequent flyer program is the same.

There are many excellent frequent flyer programs that many credit card holders will not be able to take advantage of. Others may only be good on certain airlines on certain routes. A few may have other provisions that might take away any of the advantages that the program can give you.

The way to determine if joining a frequent flyer program is to your advantage is to read the card agreement carefully. Look for any restrictions that could take away any of the advertised benefits.

Another consideration you should have is the amount that you fly. If you rarely fly a frequent flyer program might not be to your advantage. On the other hand, regular flyers can save quite a bit of money by joining the right frequent flyer program, and earning quite a few frequent flyer points.

Select a Program that Will Benefit You

The best piece of advice on selecting a frequent flyer program is to select a program that covers airlines and airports that you actually use. Many frequent flyer points will only be good on certain airlines.

In some cases frequent flyer points may only be good on certain routes flown by a particular airline. In other cases they may only be good on certain kinds of flights, or flights at certain times.

Some airlines will restrict frequent flyer points only to off peak flights. Others will only offer them on certain classes of seat such as tourist seats. Many airlines won’t offer frequent flyer points on business class.

Read the agreement and observe any restrictions carefully. In some cases, the restrictions will make the points close to worthless. Try to get frequent flyer points that cover as many airlines, airports, flights and kinds of travel as possible.

Try to Earn as Many Miles as Possible

Frequent flyer points won’t do you any good if you don’t earn them. This means that you will have to use the card that awards points as much as possible. Use the card to pay whenever you’re booking travel. Do this, even if it’s on an airline flight that isn’t covered by the frequent flyer program or another mode of travel such as a train trip.

Redeem the Points

The only way you will save money with a frequent flyer card is if you actually redeem the points. This means that you’ll have to select a flight on which the frequent flyer points can be actually used.

Unfortunately many airlines will deliberately exclude the most popular flights such as those at peak holiday travel time and business flights. You should be able to determine which flights you can use the points on by going to the airline or credit card’s website.

A good tip is to always save your points for holiday travel. This way you can select when and where you can use the points, as well as ensuring you use the points when you could most use the extra cash in your wallet.

Minimum Income $15,000 Minimum Age 18 years of age
Residency Permanent Australian Resident Credit Rating Requirement Good
Min Credit Limit $1,000 Max Credit Limit $15,000
Annual Fee $95 Balance Transfer Fee
Minimum Repayment 2% Interest Charged From Purchase Date
Late Payment Fee $20 Over Limit Fee $20
Overseas Emergency Replacement $0 Overseas ATM Balance check $0
Overseas ATM Withdrawal $4 Foreign Currency Conversion Fee
Rewards Points per Dollar AMEX: 1 VISA: 0.5 Point(s) Points needed for Syd/Mel Return Flight 25000
Points needed for $100 Voucher 13500

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