Frequent Flyer Credit Cards with Free Flights

Complimentary flights are one of the key strategies in the latest stage of the battle for customers between credit card companies and airlines. But before signing up to any deal, make sure you do your research to avoid any future disappointments.

When tempted with the offer of complimentary flights, consumers are quick to jump in on the deal – and while it is exciting to know that you can plan a cheaper holiday, these credit cards often come with a high annual fee. Each card has a different set of terms and conditions which means ‘free’ or ‘complimentary’ flights aren’t necessarily free, or you have a very limited choice of your destination.

Not reading these terms and conditions properly can catch you by surprise later because every offer has its own set of destinations and baggage limits. By doing some research, you can decide whether the complimentary flights are worth the higher annual fee. If it’s not, it may be cheaper to apply for a rewards credit card with a lower annual fee.

How do I redeem my complimentary flights?

Virgin

• Your bookings must be made a minimum of 21 days in advance of travel
• Give Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre a call on 13 67 89
• Have your Virgin Flyer Credit Card and Velocity memberships number handy
• Quote promotion code: ‘TWO41′

American Express

• Log into the American Express Rewards Page to redeem your complimentary flight
• Otherwise, you can call 1300 363 276 (8am-6pm, Monday to Friday)

What free flights do I actually get?

American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

Free Flight Credit Card Offer

The American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card is a rewards credit card like no other. With the ability to earn up to 3 rewards points at major supermarkets and complimentary enrolment in Membership Rewards Ascent program.

• $195 annual fee
• 20.74% p.a. on purchases
• 55 days interest free
• Minimum Income Requirement of $50,000 p.a.
• Receive a complimentary domestic economy return flight every year to selected Australian destinations
• Receive 10,000 bonus Membership Rewards points if you spend $500 on your card in the first 2 months of your Card membership.

Read the American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card terms and conditions.

This card provides one complimentary domestic return flight every year with Virgin Australia. With this offer, you do not have to pay any taxes and you can take up to 23kg with your baggage. Extra baggage with incur a fee, and seat availability may be limited and routes are subject to change. Please refer to the below table for available domestic destinations*.

American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card

This card includes a complimentary Virgin Australia international or domestic economy return flight every year. With this offer, you do not have to pay any taxes and you can take up to 23kg with your baggage. Extra baggage will incur a fee and seat availability may be limited and routes are subject to change – please refer to the table below for international destinations*.

American Express Velocity Platinum Card

This card offers a complimentary annual domestic return flight with Virgin Australia. With this offer, you do not have to pay any taxes and you can take up to 23kg with your baggage. Seat availability may be limited and routes are subject to change. Please refer to the below table for available domestic destinations*.

Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card and Velocity High Flyer Card

You can buy one seat and get a second complimentary seat if you fly domestically on Virgin Australia – for up to four times a year. This is worked out by giving you a 50% discount on the total price of the two tickets including taxes and booking fees. Sales fares cannot be used for this promotion. Please refer to the table below to see possible locations you can fly to*.

The primary cardholder must always be one of the guests travelling and must always book the flights. Flight cannot be booked on the internet and seats are subject to availability. It is also recommended that you book at least 21 days in advance to avoid disappointment.

Checked baggage charges apply to some fare types and your Velocity membership level, please refer to the table below.

Reading the product disclosure statement of these credit cards will help you with your decision as to whether you want to apply for one. Knowing the destination limits of each card and matching it with your origin can help you determine whether the complimentary flight is worth the high annual fee or not.

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			Interest rate (p.a.)	Balance transfer rate (p.a.)	Annual fee	Cash advance rate (p.a.)
	Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card – Balance Transfer Offer	When you buy a domestic Virgin flight you can qualify for up to 4 free additional flights every year on the same flight. Conditions apply.	20.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 8 months	$64 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($129 p.a. thereafter)	20.99% p.a.
	American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card	Receive 10,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points. Also receive a complimentary Virgin Blue domestic economy return flight every year.	20.74% p.a.		$195 p.a.
	Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card	Earn up to 15,000 bonus Velocity Points plus earn 1 Velocity Point per $1 spent up to $1,500 per month and then 1 Velocity Point for every $2. Buy a Virgin Australia domestic flight and receive a complimentary seat on the same flight up to 4 times every year. Conditions apply.	20.99% p.a.	2.9% p.a. for 6 months	$129 p.a.	20.99% p.a.
	Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card	Earn 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 spend, uncapped. Complimentary travel insurance and flights.	20.99% p.a.	1.9% p.a. for 6 months	$289 p.a.	20.99% p.a.
	American Express Qantas Ultimate Card	Receive up to 50,000 extra Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Plus earn up to 1.50 points per $1 spend.			$450 p.a.
	American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card	Receive a complimentary domestic or international return flight every year OR choose to receive a Complimentary 1 night stay at one of the selected luxury hotels in Australia.	20.74% p.a.		$395 p.a.
	American Express Velocity Platinum Card	Earn 1.50 Velocity Points per $1 spent with the Virgin Australia group of Airlines.	20.74% p.a.		$349 p.a.

*Destinations are subject to change and was valid as 20 February 2013 according to the PDS – please treat as guidelines only

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Frequent Flyer Rewards Deals

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			Interest rate (p.a.)	Balance transfer rate (p.a.)	Annual fee	Cash advance rate (p.a.)
	Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer	A low balance transfer offer with a low annual fee.	20.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 8 months	$64 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($129 p.a. thereafter)	20.99% p.a.
	HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card	Receive 20000 Bonus Qantas Frequent Flyer points plus a balance transfer offer.	19.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 6 months	$199 p.a.	21.99% p.a.
	American Express Qantas Discovery Card	A no annual fee frequent flyer credit card from American Express. Earn 1.00 Qantas Frequent Flyer point per $1 spend.	20.74% p.a.		$0 p.a.

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Credit Cards Comparison

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			Interest rate (p.a.)	Balance transfer rate (p.a.)	Annual fee	Cash advance rate (p.a.)
	ANZ Low Rate	A low rate on purchases, balance transfer and a low annual fee.	12.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 9 months	$58 p.a.	21.49% p.a.
	HSBC Credit Card	No annual fee for the life of the credit card. Plus a low balance transfer offer.	17.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 6 months	$0 p.a.	21.99% p.a.
	Bankwest Zero Platinum MasterCard	Exclusive Offer to Credit Card Finder. No annual fee credit card with platinum benefits.	17.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 9 months	$0 p.a.	21.99% p.a.
	Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card	A low interest rate offer on purchases and balance transfers.	0% p.a. for 5 months (reverts to 12.99% p.a.)	5.99% p.a. for 5 months	$78 p.a. ($48 for qualifying customers)	21.24% p.a.
	ANZ Platinum Credit Card	No annual fee for the first year and a balance transfer offer.	19.39% p.a.	0% p.a. for 9 months	$0 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($87 p.a. thereafter)	20.99% p.a.

* The credit card offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of credit cards CreditCardFinder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms 'Best' and 'Top' are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your own personal financial circumstances when comparing cards.