If you’re looking to boost your Qantas Frequent Flyer points through everyday spending, signing up for a Qantas Points credit card allows you to earn points without needing to take a flight. However, rewards credit cards aren’t always the cheapest option. Make sure the fees you’re paying on the card are worth the benefits. Also, it's essential that you can meet the minimum spending requirements and handle credit responsibly by paying bills on time.
By carefully selecting a card that aligns with your lifestyle and ensuring you manage it wisely, these cards can be a way to unlock valuable travel perks.
What is a Qantas Points credit card?
A Qantas Points credit card is a specific type of frequent flyer credit card that allows you to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points on your everyday purchases. The Qantas Points you earn can be redeemed for a wide array of goods, services, and experiences through the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. High value redemptions include flights, upgrades to Business Class and First Class with Qantas and oneworld airlines, and luxury hotel stays. The most prestigious Qantas Points cards also earn Status Credits that enhance your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership status, and comes with complimentary access to Qantas Club airport lounges.
Earning Qantas Points with a credit card
A Qantas Points credit card allows you to earn Qantas Points on everyday purchases. These points accumulate — typically per dollar spent on eligible transactions — which are then deposited into your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. There are several ways you can maximise your points through these cards, and it’s important to consider which card best fits your needs and spending habits.
Direct earn credit cards linked with Qantas Frequent Flyer
A direct earn Qantas credit card earns a fixed number of Qantas Points per dollar spent, which are automatically deposited into your Qantas Frequent Flyer account on a monthly basis. If you are a Qantas loyalist and travel with them frequently, these cards might be worth exploring. In addition to earning Qantas Points, some of these cards come with additional perks such as complimentary airport lounge access and bonus points when booking Qantas flights.
Credit cards that earn points that can be transferred to Qantas
Some credit cards accumulate points in their own rewards program, which can later be transferred to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. Cards that allow points to be transferred to Qantas generally offer greater flexibility in terms of how points can be used because they have multiple airline transfer partners across several alliances. Given the high demand for Classic Reward seats, this option could be worth considering, especially if you're not exclusively loyal to Qantas.
Sign-up bonus Qantas Points offers
Another way to earn Qantas Points is through a sign-up bonus offered to new cardholders. Depending on the card you choose, you could earn tens of thousands of Qantas Points after being approved and meeting certain conditions, such as a minimum spending target. It’s always worth taking the time to compare the latest offers and features to ensure you’re getting the most value from your card.
What to consider before applying for a Qantas Points credit card
- Qantas Points earn rate. Check how many Qantas Points you can earn per dollar spent on the card. Consider bonus points offers, points caps, and any conditions associated with earning rewards.
- Annual fees. Compare the annual fees of different Qantas credit cards and assess whether the benefits and rewards justify the cost. The annual fee for higher-end cards can be considerable. Be certain that you are likely to make full use out of it before you commit to these.
- Introductory offers. Look out for any introductory bonus points offers, waived annual fees for the first year, or other promotional deals that can boost your initial points balance.
- Travel benefits. Consider travel-related perks such as offered by the credit card.
- Interest rates and fees. Compare the interest rates, late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges associated with the credit card to understand the overall cost of using it.
Secondary features to consider
Besides bonus points and earn rates, secondary features like airport lounge access, complimentary travel insurance, flight vouchers, or additional points on specific spending categories can add value to your Qantas Points credit card.
If you are a big spender, it’s a good idea to check for features like points caps and tiers, which limit how many points you can earn in a given period.
Credit Card Compare expert on using Qantas Points earned with a credit card
David Boyd, co-founder of Credit Card Compare, explains how he uses the Qantas Points he earns.
We've earned millions of Qantas Points over the years thanks to Qantas credit cards and used them to fly in premium classes and for hotel stays.
Having those points available made it possible for me and my family to enjoy truly memorable travel experiences that would not otherwise be affordable.
My favourite redemption was JAL Business Class from Sydney to Tokyo — just incredible.
Maximising your Qantas Points earning potential
If you want to build up your Qantas Points balance without flying, here are a few strategies that could help you make the most of your credit card:
- Use your Qantas Points-earning card for everyday purchases. Pay for routine expenses like groceries, fuel, and bills with a Qantas Points credit card. This way, everyday spending works toward your points balance without needing to change your habits.
- Look out for bonus point offers. Many Qantas partners offer special promotions that can give you thousands of bonus points on top of what you earn from purchases. Regularly check for new offers from Qantas and their partners to boost your points.
- Shop through Qantas Shopping. When shopping online, use the Qantas Shopping portal to earn Qantas Points at 450+ stores, including major retailers like David Jones, Myer, and eBay. Doing so means you can stack points earned from Qantas Shopping on top of what you already earn with your credit card.
- Earn double points with Qantas partners. For purchases from Qantas Frequent Flyer partners, you can earn points twice – once from the partner and again with your Qantas Points credit card.
- Pay for travel with your Qantas card. Use your Qantas credit card for flights, car rentals, and hotels to earn extra points. Partners like Avis, Hilton, and Uber offer additional points for Qantas members.
Maximising points for business owners
Business owners can gain a range of benefits from Qantas Business Rewards Credit Cards. These business credit cards can help manage cash flow, track spending, and maximise points from business purchases.
For instance, at the time of writing, the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card offers 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible business purchases. Additionally, when you spend directly with Qantas, you can earn 2 Qantas Points per $1. This can be especially useful for businesses with frequent travel needs. When booking eligible flights, the points your business earns are even tripled, helping maximise your rewards.
Points accumulated through Qantas Business Rewards Cards are generally stored in your Qantas Business Rewards account. One of the key benefits of Qantas Business Rewards is that Qantas Points earned with it can be transferred to any Qantas Frequent Flyer account and redeemed for flights or other suitable rewards.
Highest earning Qantas Points credit cards
Some of the best credit cards allow Australians to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer Points. The following cards are not ranked in any particular order:
- American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card
- ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card
- ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum Card
- Bank Australia Qantas Platinum Rewards Visa Card
- Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard
- Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard
- BOQ Qantas Signature Credit Card
- BOQ Qantas Signature Platinum Credit Card
- HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card
- NAB Qantas Business Signature Credit Card
- Nab Qantas Rewards Premium Credit Card
- NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Credit Card
- NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Credit Card
- Qantas American Express Discovery Credit Card
- Qantas American Express Premium Credit Card
- Qantas American Express Ultimate Credit Card
- Qantas Premier Everyday Credit Card
- Qantas Premier Everyday Credit Card
- Qantas Premier Platinum Mastercard
- Qantas Premier Titanium Credit Card
- Qudos Bank Platinum Visa Credit Card
- Westpac Altitude Qantas Black Credit Card
- Westpac Altitude Qantas Platinum Credit Card
What to avoid when earning credit card Qantas Points?
Credit card issuers often offer tempting rewards like Qantas Points to encourage spending. While these incentives can work in your favour if you're spending money you’d be spending anyway, it’s essential to avoid falling into traps that could lead to getting into debt unnecessarily.
1. Foreign exchange fees on international spending
Many Qantas credit cards offer higher points for international spending. However, this can come with foreign exchange fees, typically 2-3% of the transaction, which can easily offset the value of the extra points earned.
If you regularly spend overseas or shop online from overseas stores, consider a card with no foreign transaction fees, as this could save you more in the long run than the points you earn.
2. Earning caps or tiers
Pay attention to caps and tiers that can put a ceiling on how many Qantas Points you can earn. Some issuers have tightened the limits on how many points you can earn at the highest rate.
While these limits generally won’t affect average spenders, it’s important to understand the card’s actual earning potential beyond the advertised headline offers.
3. Don’t overspend just to earn Qantas Points
It’s far too easy to justify extra spending because you will earn extra Qantas Points, but their value rarely compensates for the additional expenses. In some cases, redeeming points may require further spending, such as with points + pay deals.
Choose a Qantas credit card that aligns with your existing spending habits and avoid lifestyle inflation.
Expert opinion: What is the biggest mistake people make when trying to earn Qantas Points?
Andrew Boyd, co-founder of Credit Card Compare, explains the biggest mistake people make when trying to earn Qantas Points is overspending to chase rewards.
People often think that by spending more, they’ll rack up more points and get closer to those big-ticket redemptions like flights or upgrades. What they fail to consider is that the cost of that extra spending can outweigh the value of the points earned, especially if they’re carrying a balance and paying interest.
Earning points responsibly means you’re reaping the rewards without getting into debt or unnecessary costs.
How to apply for a Qantas Points-earning credit card
- Eligibility criteria. Before settling on a card, understand its eligibility requirements, including minimum income thresholds, credit history checks, and residency status.
- Application process: The most convenient way to apply for a Qantas credit card is online. Gather the necessary documents and information required for the application.
- Approval and activation: After submitting your application, wait for approval from the card issuer. You may get an initial decision within 60 seconds. If approved, activate your new Qantas credit card following the provided instructions and you are ready to go!
Maximising value from Qantas points
Getting the most value from your Qantas Points involves making smart redemption choices aligned to your needs and lifestyle. Here are a few strategies to help you maximise your Qantas Points.
Redeem for premium cabin flights
The best way to maximise the value of your Qantas Points is to redeem them for premium cabin flights, such as Business or First Class, especially on long-haul routes. These redemptions tend to offer significantly higher value per point compared to cheaper economy class flights. For example, a Business Class seat from Sydney to London can deliver a value of over 5 cents per Qantas Point.
For those with flexible schedules, booking during off-peak travel times can help stretch your points further.
Redeem for flights with Qantas partner airlines
As a member of the oneworld Alliance, Qantas allows you to redeem your points for flights with partner airlines, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and British Airways. Comparing the redemption rates across different partner airlines can help you find the best deals for specific routes or travel dates. This can be particularly useful when flights with Qantas are unavailable or when you’re looking for more flexibility in your travel plans.
Pay cash and use Qantas Points for upgrades
You can use your Qantas points to upgrade an existing booking to a higher class. This approach is often a more cost-effective way to experience premium travel, especially on international routes. Upgrading from Economy to Business Class on a long-haul flight, for instance, can offer good value while enhancing your overall travel experience.
No travel plans? Shop the Qantas Store
While using your points for flights generally offers the best value, Qantas also allows you to redeem points for products and services through the Qantas Store. This includes items like electronics, gift cards, and experiences. However, the value per point for these non-travel redemptions tends to be lower.
In general, travel-related redemptions typically offer the maximum value for your points. However, if you're not planning any immediate travel, the store can provide a practical way to use your points for items you may genuinely need.
Transfer points to family members
Qantas also allows you to transfer points to family members. This feature can be particularly useful if a family member needs extra points to complete a booking or upgrade their travel experience.
If you are a member of Qantas Business Rewards, you can transfer to anyone, whether or not they are family.
Special offers and promotions
Periodically, Qantas and its partners run special offers where you can earn bonus points or receive discounts on points redemptions. These promotions can offer significant value and make it easier to accumulate points faster or use fewer points for the same rewards. It's worth keeping an eye on these deals, especially for flight redemptions.
Helpful tip: Use our Qantas Points Value Calculator to get the most value for your Qantas Points!
Is it worth getting a Qantas Points credit card?
A Qantas Points credit card can be valuable for frequent travellers who want to accumulate points through everyday spending. They offer a variety of benefits, such as earning points on everyday purchases, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and the ability to redeem points for high-value rewards like premium flights and seat upgrades.
However, these benefits don’t typically come for free and there are trade-offs, such as higher annual fees or interest rates compared to no-frills credit cards. Additionally, earn rates vary between cards, with some offering higher points per dollar on specific categories, like travel. To maximise value, it's crucial to compare points earn rates, fees, and perks to find a card that suits your spending habits and lifestyle.
Most importantly, while the rewards can be appealing, responsible credit card use is crucial. Keeping track of your spending and paying your balance in full each month ensures you enjoy the benefits of the card without accruing unnecessary debt.
When managed wisely, a Qantas Points credit card can help you maximise your rewards and unlock travel benefits. However, it’s important to remember that while the benefits may be appealing, having easy access to credit can sometimes lead to overspending if not handled carefully. If you find it difficult to control your spending, even the most attractive perks might not justify the risks. In such cases, a credit card, despite its rewards, may not be the best financial tool for you.
How Australians are earning Qantas Points through credit cards
Many Aussies are discussing the best strategies for accumulating Qantas Points quickly and effectively, especially through credit card offers and other spending methods.
For example, signing up for a card with bonus points can help you accumulate points quickly, provided you meet any conditions associated with earning these points. On Reddit, one user shared their opinion that "credit cards when done right can be very beneficial even if they do have a $100/$200/$300 annual fee. Unfortunately most people aren’t disciplined enough to manage them appropriately."
One Redditor, who spends significant amounts on luxury items, offers a different perspective: "Churn cards if you want to maximize points. Keep a single card if you just want the convenience of getting points rather than maximizing it." However, they do warn that, "your credit score will drop in the short term with churning, but increases the more credit history you build up."
Another effective way to accumulate more points is earning more on your everyday purchases. One user suggests: "… link your Woolworths Rewards, you can literally earn an extra 10k a year from all your grocery shop."
