Frequent Flyer & Airline Rewards Credit Cards
Listed below are some of the most competitive FrequentFlyer credit cards on offer to Australians for online application.
Table of Contents: Guide to Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
- Compare frequent flyer credit cards
- Which is the best frequent flyer credit card?
- How do frequent flyer credit cards work?
- How to compare frequent flyer credit cards
- How to use a frequent flyer credit card
Credit cards with Frequent Flyer point reward programs tend to have fairly high annual fees. This means you will need to spend a large amount per year to outweigh your annual fee with the value of your redeemed rewards. As the majority of Frequent Flyer Membership Reward cards are Gold and Platinum, a minimum annual earnings is necessary ($50,000+ per annum), as well as an above average credit rating.
The Qantas Frequent Flyer rewards program is one of the most generous on the market, and is not limited to flights only.
Featured Frequent Flyer Rewards Card
Accelerate your Qantas Frequent Flyer points with uncapped points earning and two cards on the one account. Earn up to 1 point for every $1 you spend on everyday purchases and see your Qantas Frequent Flyer account grow every month.
- $95 annual fee
- 19.49% p.a. on purchases
- 2.9% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers
- Cash Advance Rate of 20.74%
- Your Qantas Frequent Flyer points are automatically credited to Qantas Frequent Flyer account each month.
Click here to read the ANZ Frequent Flyer Classic - Balance Transfer terms and conditions
To find out more about the benefits and disadvantages of reward credit cards, browse our reward program guide.
Compare Frequent Flyer Credit Card Offers
| Credit Card | Card Details | Interest Rate (p.a.) | Cash Advance Rate (p.a.) | Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.) | Annual fee | Interest free days (up to) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ANZ Frequent Flyer - Balance Transfer Option | Earn 1 Frequent Flyer point for every $1 spent on your American Express card, and 1 point for every $2 spent on your Visa. | 19.49% | 20.74% | 2.9% for 12 months | $95 | 44 |   |
ANZ Frequent Flyer - 16,000 Bonus Points Option | Accelerate your Qantas frequent flyer points earning with 16,000 bonus points when you apply before 31st October 2010 | 19.49% | 20.74% | $95 | 44 | | |
 Westpac Earth Platinum Cards | For a limited time you can take advantage of 0.99% p.a for the first 6 months on balance transfers. Earn 1.5 Qantas Frequent Flyer Points for every dollar you spend on your American Express Card and 0.5 points for every $1 spent on your MasterCard Earth Card. | 19.64% | 21.14% | 0.99% for 6 months | $250 | 45 | |
 American Express Qantas Premium Card | Earn 1.25 Frequent Flyer points for every dollar spent. 2.25 for every dollar spent on associated Qantas Services. Travel insurance included. Earn up to 7,500 FF points when you make your first purchase on your Qantas Premium card. | 20.49% | $249 | | |||
 Citibank Platinum Card | 1 Citibank Reward Point for every $1 spent on your card. You can convert your Platinum reward points for Frequent Flyer points at a 1:1 ratio. | 20.74% | 21.24% | 3.9% for life | $125 (First Year, Save $125) | 55 | |
 ANZ Frequent Flyer Gold American Express/Visa | Earn 1.25 Frequent Flyer points for every $1 spent on your American Express card, and 1 point for every $2 spent on your Visa. | 19.49% | 20.74% | $195 | 55 | | |
 Westpac Earth Gold Card | Offers all the benefits of the Earth plus a range of complimentary insurance covers including overseas travel insurance, purchase security insurance and extended warranty insurance. | 19.64% | 21.14% | 0.99% for 6 months | $125 | 45 | |
 Westpac Earth Cards | The Westpac Earth Card is the best rewards card to maximise your Qantas Frequent Flyer points earning with up to 1.5 points earnt for every $1 spent. | 19.64% | 21.14% | 0.99% for 6 months | $75 | 45 | |
 ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum American Express/Visa | Earn 1.5 Frequent Flyer points for every $1 spent on your American Express card, and 1 point for every $2 spent on your Visa. Uncapped Frequent Flyer earnings. Complimentary International travel & medical insurance. | 19.49% | 20.74% | $295.00 | 55 | | |
 Commonwealth Bank Gold Awards Credit Card | Redeem a wide range of rewards and enjoy premium travel insurance and benefits. | 20.49% | 21.49% | 5.99% for 5 months | $144.00 | 55 | |
 Commonwealth Bank Platinum Awards Credit Card | $1 = 1 Frequent Flyer Point. A range of Commonwealth Bank travel insurance and luxury opportunities. | 20.49% | 21.49% | 5.99% for 5 months | $280.00 | 55 | |
 NAB Standard Card | Earn FlyBuys points towards a great range of awards by linking your FlyBuys membership to your credit card account at no extra cost. | 19.49% | 19.49% | 4.99% for 6 months | $30 | 44 | |
 American Express Qantas Classic Card | The American Express Qantas Classic Card is one of the best rewards credit cards to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points on as you can earn 1 points per $1 on purchases. | 20.49% | $149 | 44 | | ||
 American Express Qantas Ultimate Card | If you want to fly at the higest level and go places fast then the AMEX Qantas Ultimate Card is the ultimate card for you. | 20.49% | $450 | 55 | | ||
 NAB Qantas Gold Card | Comes with a Visa and American Express card, both linked to one account and annual fee. No point expiry. | 19.99% | 19.99% | 4.99% for 6 months | $145.50 | 44 | |
 NAB Qantas Platinum Card | Comes with a Visa and American Express card, both linked to one account and annual fee. No point expiry. No points cap. | 19.99% | 19.99% | 6.99% for 6 months | $290 | 44 | |
What are 'Frequent Flyer' Points?
Qantas Frequent Flyer points were one of the first, and still most popular reward programs available to Australians. You gain access to redeem your reward points for discounted Qantas flights, both domestic and international as well as a range of retail goods, electronics and vouchers.
Most cards, particularly Gold and Platinum cards have a wide range of additional travel luxuries, such as medical insurance, flight cancellation refunds and extended personal possession warranties.
Take note that reward programs which let you transfer your reward points over to Frequent Flyer points will no longer be functioning as of April 1st 2009.
Read more about it here.
How Do Air Miles Credit Cards Work?
For many years, the most popular type of rewards credit card has been the air miles credit card. This is also know as the frequent flyer credit card, and certain credit card providers may have their own pet names for their scheme. Although cashback credit cards have become a popular alternative recently, the idea of building up air miles for your spending remains a very attractive proposition for many people.
Air miles then and now:
Air miles started off as loyalty programs run by the airlines, enabling frequent flyers to accumulate credits based on the number of miles flown. These then counted towards future flights, or could completely pay for them. Credit card providers soon realised that this would be a great hook to lure people into making an application for their cards, and so began the air miles credit card. Nowadays, you don't have to be a frequent flyer to own a frequent flyer credit card, and air miles cover more than just flights; they may also count towards brochure holidays, hotel accommodation, car hire, ocean cruises, airport parking, and days out. Examples of air miles credit cards include:
- American Express Qantas Ultimate
- American Express Qantas Premium
- NAB Qantas Platinum
- NAB Qantas Gold
- Emirates Citibank Platinum
- ANZ Frequent Flyer
- ANZ Frequent Flyer Gold
- ANZ Platinum Frequent Flyer
- Velocity NAB
- Westpac Earth
- Westpac Earth Gold
- Westpac Earth Platinum
- St.George Amplify - St.George and Qantas recently announced their new partnership and the launch of the St.George Amplify rewards credit card
Earning air miles:
Normal spending You earn points on an air miles credit card in the same way as you would accumulate points on a rewards credit card - by spending money on it. You don't have to be making flights to earn air miles; anything will count, even your weekly groceries or fuel payments. So long as the points are racking up, so are the air miles. Neither do you need to be a member of any frequent flyer club to take such a card. The credit card itself will become your membership, although some of the more dedicated programs will charge an annual fee. Points earned per dollar will vary according to the provider and the prestige of the credit card. One point per dollar spent would be pretty average, but you should check the details of the card you are interested in, and verify how your points are then turned back into rewards. Different frequent flyer credit cards will assign different values to their frequent flyer points. You should also look out for introductory offers on air miles credit cards, where more points per dollar are awarded for perhaps the first three months. Some may be so generous that they enable a reward to be claimed almost immediately. Similar offers and discounts may also appear at regular intervals as you go along. Flying with the affiliated airlines, and spending with partners Naturally, your frequent flyer credit card will earn points if you use it to pay for flights with the affiliated airline or airlines. Flying with these partners may also earn you bonus points. Equally, there may be affiliated travel services, such as car rental companies or hotel chains, or other card partners that will create bonus points for you. These are issues you will need to research so that you can take full advantage of your air miles credit card. Be aware that points will not be awarded for any cash transactions made on the card, nor any balance transfers made to it. They are only gained when you spend on purchases or services.
Spending air miles:
Air miles can obviously be redeemed for flights, but you can also spend them on hotels, holiday packages, on other travel services, and sometimes on non-travel-related products. Your credit card provider should have an online facility where you can log in and view how many miles you have, any current offers, and exchange your points. You may also be able to redeem your air miles over the phone.
You do not have to save for an entire flight with an air miles credit card. Most programs will allow you to pay for part of the flight with cash, and the rest with your points.
How To Compare Air Miles Credit Cards
If you have decided to compare air miles credit cards, then you already suspect that the benefits of owning one of these cards will suit you and your lifestyle. Here, then, is some information to help you better understand what to look for when you are deciding which card to choose.
Most suitable for:
Regular flyers and holidaymakers
An air miles credit card is ideal for people who love hopping onto a plane as often as possible, or business travelers who must pay their own way. You may already be a member of an airline frequent flyer program, so adding points from an affiliated credit card is only going to help your cause. You should also find that some credit cards have several partner airlines so you have some flexibility.
Credit card users
If you use a credit card for your spending, then you are halfway there already. You may as well take advantage of that spending with an air miles credit card. The rewards are tangible and worthwhile, and so much better than saving for a spare toaster, in case the first three blow up.
Unsuitable for:
B A Baracus
Those of you of an age to remember "The A-Team" will recall B A Baracus. If you are like him and need to be bound, gagged and drugged to board a plane, then air miles are not your best rewards option.
Anyone prone to overspending
If you need little excuse to spend on your credit card, you may not want to add another. With such an attractive offer at the end of it all, you could be spending just to accumulate points. Having said that, if you really can't stop yourself, you may as well get something back for your debt.
Poor credit risks
A good credit rating is required to apply for an air miles credit card. Making an application that will fail due to a poor rating will only further drop your credit score.
What are the benefits?
This is a key question to ask when you compare frequent flyer credit cards. You need to know what you can expect back from your spending. Flights will not be the only thing on offer.
Air miles
We'll start with the blindingly obvious first. An air miles credit card is mainly designed with the avid air traveler in mind. These may not be with one airline; there may be several in the program. You may well earn extra points when you pay for your affiliated airline flights with your credit card, or spend time at a partner hotel chain.
Bonus air miles
These may be added in the "honeymoon" period of card ownership, when you may be able to earn a reward almost straight away with very little effort. Many air miles credit cards offer bonus points as a joining incentive when you open the account or when you first spend on the card. Make sure you know what this offer period is, and don't let it pass by unused.
Frequent flyer membership
Air miles credit cards usually offer an automatic membership of the airlines' flyer programs. For some, though, there may be an extra charge, so be careful if you are not a high spender, or you may end up paying more on the fee than you get back in rewards. Benefits may include priority check-ins, access to VIP airport lounges, special offers and discounts, and free upgrades. The more miles you earn, the higher level of membership you achieve, and the better offers and discounts.
Companion tickets and upgrade offers
Your air miles credit card may have discounts when two people travel instead of one. You may also be able to upgrade yourself through that mysterious curtain into a better seat alongside the big cheeses.
You want to know:
The airlines involved Starting with the obvious again, the first thing when you compare air miles credit cards is to know which airlines are partnered with the program. Air Uzbekistan and Cameroon Air Service may have very shiny Douglas DC9s, but they may not be the right carriers for you. Make sure you will use the airline and that it services the routes you want to fly on.
How many points per dollar?
This is very important and you will normally find an ongoing exchange of one to one. However, you must look further than this and find out the value of your points when it comes to redemption. Different programs work in different ways, and assign different values to their points. You need to be able to fly with your points, not just buy a coffee in airport departures. Check out the fine print - and you will need to do this. These are the details that can make or break a deal, so check before you make that application.
Introductory incentives
It is a mean provider that will not tempt you in with some special offer for the first month or few. These will often allow you to earn extra points per dollar for a limited time. You may even be able to earn enough for an immediate reward.
Extra perks
This may include free travel insurance. You may have to pay a fee for an air miles program that offers this, or it may well come standard with gold or platinum cards.
The usual stuff
Don't forget when you compare air miles credit cards to check out the annual APR, the annual credit card fee, the amount of interest-free days, and any charges that could be applied if you break the rules. It is still a credit card you are dealing with, and these issues are very important.
Be aware of:
Program fees
Annual fees for rewards schemes in general are not unusual, and they can make the difference between a program earning you or costing you. If your air miles program involves an annual fee, you must do some calculations to make sure this will not outweigh any benefits derived from it. The benefits of some of the more prestigious air miles credit cards can only be enjoyed by paying a fee, but the perks, such as free insurance and medical expenses, will often be such that you more than cover that cost.
Remember:
Don't get carried away (except by the airline). If you spend so much on your card that you are unable to pay off your balance every month, then you will attract interest charges. Depending on how much you are spending and how many points you are therefore accumulating, that interest may well negate the value of the points you earn.
Air miles are only awarded on purchases and services; they are not awarded for cash transactions such as ATM withdrawals or buying foreign currency or traveler's cheques.
You cannot properly compare air miles credit cards if you do not read the Terms & Conditions. This must be done before signing on the dotted line. Know what you are getting into, and what you will get out of it.
How To Use Air Miles Rewards Cards
Air miles credit cards are of no use to you sitting in your purse or wallet. To earn points, you need to spend. That does not mean with reckless abandon simply to accumulate points. That will end up costing you dear. But you must certainly look to shift some of your regular spending to your air miles credit card to take full advantage of it.
Spend and earn with your air miles credit cards:
The more you spend on your frequent flyer credit card, the more points you will accumulate. Making purchases and paying for services will all count. That means it is possible to shift all your regular spending - even utility bills - onto your card to add hundreds or even thousands of dollars spending to it each month. However, if you are going to load your card with every bill that comes your way, you need to know that you will still be able to pay off your balance in full every month. Shifting bills to a credit card obviously means cash and bank accounts are not reduced. You have to be disciplined and realise that this is not then a surplus amount you can spend elsewhere. It must be saved to pay off your credit card bill in full. If not, you will be charged interest, and that will far outweigh any benefits derived from your air miles. Provided it fully suits you, whenever you fly make sure you fly on your affiliated airline to earn extra points. Also make certain you know what other program partners there are, such as hotel chains, travel operators, and car rental companies, so you can switch your allegiance to them - again, provided it suits your purpose.
Make use of any introductory offers on your air miles credit card before they expire, which may be in one to three months. These may enable you to build up a mass of bonus points very quickly, and even earn a reward straight away. Your qualifying purchase may cost you buttons, but could earn you a real treat.
Think of getting an additional card for someone you trust, so that their spending will also count towards your points.
Offer to be the one who pays for family or group holidays with your frequent flyer credit card, so that you earn all those lovely points for yourself, then everyone else can pay you back in cash and think you're a jolly helpful soul.
Careful now ...
Pay off your credit card bill in full every month. We can all get unavoidable expenses that blow our monthly budget, but spending on unnecessary things, especially if it's with an eye to building up your points, is foolhardy in the extreme. The interest charges you incur when a balance is not paid in full can wipe out the value of any points earned. It will also void your interest-free days for the following month, and that could impact any large and necessary purchase you may have to make in that month. Paying for a family holiday at the start of a month in which you have no interest-free facility would be a great shame. If your frequent flyer credit card is to give you truly free rewards, then you must maintain a clear balance on your account each month.
Your only alternative if you have lost your interest-free days is to try and pay off your debt as early as possible in the month via online banking, so your per-day interest charges are kept to a minimum.
Avoid cash transactions and balance transfers on your air miles credit card. They will not earn you any points and could cost you some serious money. Cash withdrawals are charged at a higher rate than your purchases, and are not subject to your interest-free days, and will attract a cash-handling fee. As for balance transfers, if you have made one because your provider has made you a 0% or low rate offer, this then will be the debt that is paid off first. All your other debts at a higher rate of interest will remain untouched by your repayments until the transferred amount is paid off in full. Its called the "adverse order of payments" rule, and it makes your provider quite a lot of money.
- Emirates Rewards Program
Being an Emirates Skywards member has some very unique benefits which cannot be found with any other airline. Find out more about being a Skywards member.
- Qantas Rewards Program
The Qantas airline company is Australia’s largest airline company. They offer a comprehensive rewards program and are affiliated with the OneWorld alliance of airlines.
- Malaysia Airlines Enrich Frequent Flyer Rewards Program
Enrich is Malaysia Airlines own frequent flyer rewards program. This is a program with several levels and offering a unique opportunity for collaboration of points between friends and family members.
- Qantas Frequent Flyer Airline Partners
Qantas has partnered up with various airlines to offer the best Qantas Frequent Flyer program possible to its customers. As a member of the program you can choose different airlines and still get miles for the Frequent Flyer program.
- How To Earn More Qantas Frequent Flyer Points
If you are looking for a way to earn more Qantas Frequent Flyer points to get your rewards as fast as possible, take a look through this guide. It is easy to earn extra points if you take the time to learn how.
- Frequent Flyer Programs in Australia
Understand how Frequent Flyer programs work. Know what to look for in one so that you can take full advantage when you spend on your co-branded Frequent Flyer credit card.
- How To Earn More Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Points
If you are looking for a frequent flyer program with Singapore Airlines, the Krisflyer program is what you need. Both Silk Air and Singapore Airlines have this program and it is linked to many partnerships. This is really a program worth looking at.
- How To Earn More Velocity Rewards Points
The Velocity rewards program is a program for people that love to travel. Cardholders can earn valuable Velocity points that can then be redeemed for merchandise, car rentals, hotels and free flights. It is easy to earn extra points to get more rewards.
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Frequent Flyer Rewards Program
spend money, which makes it very easy to earn points even when you are not flying. Find out more about the benefits of being an Asia Miles member.
- Sydney Airport – Parking, Car Hire, Directions & Accommodation Information For Frequent Flyers
Sydney Airport is Australia’s biggest airport. The airport offers all the important services to flyers, as well as more exclusive services for frequent flyers.
- Oneworld Alliance – Member Airlines, Partners & Review
Oneworld Alliance brings together the largest quality airlines in the world, ultimately providing you the customer with the best flying experiences and benefits. Find out more about what Oneworld membership can provide.
- Star Alliance – Member Airlines, Partners & Review
The Star Alliance is one of the largest airline conglomerates in the world. Joining a frequent flyer program from one of their airlines makes the process of earning and spending your points extremely easy.
- Steps You Can Take to Earn More Frequent Flyer Points
Frequent flyer points can be really handy when it comes to booking your next flight or holiday. If you have a frequent flyer credit card – are you sure you are really using it to it’s full potential?
- How to Earn More Air New Zealand Air Points
If you are looking to save money on your next holiday, then why not utilise your New Zealand air points, and use the money you save to enjoy your time away that little bit more.
- Can I Use My Airline Card For Another Airline?
An airline credit card works just like any other card and can be used for any purchase where credit cards are accepted. The difference is that you will get the most benefit in the form of discounts and rewards from the airline that issues your credit card. You will have to carefully choose which card you want based on your travel and spending habits.
- Credit Cards with Frequent Flyer Points
A credit card that helps you fly as free as a bird. It couldn’t be better, could it? Just make sure you know all the hurdles and pitfalls to be overcome to guarantee everything’s good.
- Qantas Frequent Flyer Linked Credit Cards – Earn Frequent Flyer Points Faster!
Qantas Frequent Flyer linked credit cards give you the greatest opportunity to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points on everyday purchases on your credit cards.
- Which Airlines Have Frequent Flyer Rewards Programs ?
If you have been wondering which airlines have frequent flyer programs then take a look at this article. There are two major programs operating in Australia and if you aren’t part of one of them, you should be.
- Qantas Frequent Flyer Program vs Virgin Blue Velocity Rewards – Which Is Better?
Many people like the idea of having a credit card that offers a reward program. Here we will look at two of the most popular.
- Should You Be Getting An Airline Credit Card?
For frequent travellers, an airline credit card makes sense. They do not suit everyone’s needs however. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking of getting an airlines card.
Editor's Choice: Our Top Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Card Details | Interest Rate (p.a.) | Cash Advance Rate (p.a.) | Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.) | Annual fee | Interest free days (up to) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 HSBC Credit Card |  Editor's Choice:0% for 6 months Balance Transfer & No Annual Fee Featuring a $0 annual fee for life, and 0% p.a. balance transfer for 6 months, the HSBC Credit Card was voted the Best Transactor Credit Card for 2010. | 16.99% | 20.75% | 0% for 6 months | $0 | 55 | |
 Suncorp Clear Options Standard Visa Card | A great 12 month balance transfer offer, combined with a low annual fee and a good interest rate on purchases. | 12.24% | 17.99% | 1.9% for 12 months | $39 | 0 | |
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