Star Alliance credit cards

Compare features and perks, and make an informed decision with our in-depth comparison of credit cards linked with Star Alliance.

By   |   Updated 28 Jun 2024

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Comparing Star Alliance credit cards

Westpac Altitude Platinum Credit Card (Altitude)

FeaturedApply by 1 November 2023

Westpac Altitude Platinum Credit Card (Altitude)

Rewards program

Altitude Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

100,000 points

Annual fee

$99.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Receive 100,000 Altitude bonus points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of card approval. Terms and conditions apply.
  • $99 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($150 p.a. annual fee thereafter).
  • Earn 3 Altitude points per $1 on Qantas and Jetstar flights bought in Australia, eligibility criteria apply.

Pros

  • 100,000 bonus Altitude Points when you spend $3,000 in 90 days.
  • Additional savings with the $99 first-year annual fee ($150 p.a. thereafter).
  • Comes with complimentary travel insurance.
  • Earn 1 Altitude point per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

Cons

  • Only up to 45 days interest-free on purchases.
  • Does not include lounge access.
American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card

Apply by 3 September 2024

American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

70,000 points

Annual fee

$450.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Get up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points. Acquire 70,000 bonus Qantas Points by applying before 28 May 2024, getting approved, and spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, an additional 20,000 bonus Qantas Points in your second year upon fee renewal. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Card Members.
  • Receive 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations annually.
  • Access a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year (conditions apply).

Pros

  • Earn up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Excellent earn rates on everyday spending. Earns points on payments to the ATO.
  • Access to The Centurion® Lounge. after your first card spend on the card for Qantas products and services each anniversary year.
  • 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations each year.
  • Add cards for up to four family and friends at no cost.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $450.
  • There is no concierge service, even though it's a high end card.
  • Balance transfers are not possible.
  • Transactions in a foreign currency attract a fee.
Westpac Altitude Platinum Credit Card (Qantas)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

Westpac Altitude Platinum Credit Card (Qantas)

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

0.5 points

Sign up bonus

70,000 points

Annual fee

$99.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Receive up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points. Acquire 70,000 Qantas Points in the first year upon spending $4k+ on eligible purchases within the initial 90 days from new card approval, and an additional 10,000 points after your first eligible purchase in the second year..
  • Initial $99 p.a. annual fee followed by $175 p.a. thereafter (Plus a $75 Qantas Rewards opt-in annual fee).
  • Earn 0.5 Qantas points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

Pros

  • Receive up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Additional savings with the $99 first-year annual fee ($175 p.a. thereafter).
  • Comes with complimentary insurance covers which include overseas medical and purchase security.

Cons

  • Only up to 45 days interest-free on purchases.
American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card

American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card

Rewards program

Velocity Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

60,000 points

Annual fee

$375.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Get 60,000 bonus Velocity Points upon applying online, getting approved, and making $3,000 in eligible purchases with your new Card within the initial 3 months. Offer valid for new Amex Card Members exclusively.
  • Receive a complimentary Virgin Australia return Economy domestic flight between specified cities annually following your first Card spend each year.
  • Benefit from 2 complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each year at selected domestic airports.

Pros

  • Receive 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Complimentary Virgin Australia return Economy domestic flight between selected cities each year after your first Card spend each anniversary year.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each anniversary year at selected domestic airports.
  • Receive 100 Velocity Frequent Flyer Status Credits, when you spend a minimum of $50,000 within your card membership year.
  • Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.
  • Add up to 4 additional cardholders for free.

Cons

  • The interest rates applied to balances carried over is on the high end.
  • There is no balance transfer offer on this card.
American Express Explorer Credit Card

American Express Explorer Credit Card

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2 points

Sign up bonus

50,000 points

Annual fee

$395.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Obtain 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points upon application approval and spending $4,000 on your new Card within the initial 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
  • Enjoy a $400 Travel Credit annually for flights, hotels, and car rentals when booked online using this card.
  • Benefit from complimentary domestic and international travel insurance coverage.

Pros

  • The 50,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points when approved and reach spend requirement within the first 3 months.
  • Receive a $400 travel credit every year.
  • Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on purchases except for government bodies in Australia where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent (uncapped).
  • Get two complimentary entries per year to The Centurion® Lounge.

Cons

  • The $395 p.a. annual fee.
St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Qantas)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Qantas)

Rewards program

Amplify Qantas

Points per $1 spent

0.75 points

Sign up bonus

90,000 points

Annual fee

$295.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Receive up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points upon spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from card approval. Exclusions apply.
  • Enjoy 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee on transferred amounts.
  • Benefit from complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months.

Pros

  • The 90,000 bonus Qantas Points.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers.
  • Includes complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
  • The annual fee of $295 p.a.
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$0.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • No annual fee in the initial year, saving you $195.
  • Accrue 3 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations.
  • Access $200 allocated for annual travel expenses, applicable towards eligible flights, hotels, or car rentals when booked through American Express Travel.

Pros

  • $0 annual fee in the first year, saving you $195.
  • Receive $200 to spend on eligible domestic and international flights, hotels, or car hire with American Express Travel.
  • Smartphone Screen Cover for smartphone screen repairs up to $500.

Cons

  • The ongoing purchase rate of 23.99%.
St.George Amplify Platinum Credit Card (Qantas)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

St.George Amplify Platinum Credit Card (Qantas)

Rewards program

Amplify Qantas

Points per $1 spent

0.5 points

Sign up bonus

70,000 points

Annual fee

$99.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Up to 70,000 bonus Qantas Points earned upon spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from card approval. Exclusions apply.
  • 0% p.a. interest for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee, which then reverts to the cash advance rate.
  • Pay an annual fee of $99 for the first year ($124 thereafter).
  • Earn 0.5 points per $1 spent (uncapped). Additionally, receive a complimentary Qantas membership fee, saving you $99.50!

Pros

  • The 70,000 bonus Qantas Points.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers.
  • Discounted annual fee on the first year.
  • Complimentary travel and purchase insurance.

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
  • Points earning rate of 0.5 points is lower than others.
St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

Rewards program

Amplify Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.5 points

Sign up bonus

150,000 points

Annual fee

$199.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Up to 150,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points earned upon spending $12,000 on eligible purchases within the first 12 months from card approval.
  • Initial card fee of $199 for the first year ($295 p.a. thereafter).
  • 0% p.a. interest for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee applied to transferred amounts.
  • Comes with complimentary overseas travel insurance coverage for up to 6 months.

Pros

  • The 150,000 bonus Amplify Rewards Points.
  • Save $96 with the $199 card fee for the first year.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year when you enroll in Priority Pass.
  • Comes with concierge services.

Cons

  • After the initial year, the annual fee is $295 p.a.
  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card (Altitude)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card (Altitude)

Rewards program

Altitude Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

100,000 points

Annual fee

$150.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points. Receive 100,000 Altitude bonus points by spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 120 days of card approval. Additionally, get 50,000 points after your first eligible purchase in year 2. Exclusions apply.
  • Initial $150 p.a. annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter), applicable to new cardholders only.
  • Earn 6 Altitude points per $1 on Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates flights bought in Australia, subject to eligibility criteria.

Pros

  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Additional savings with the $150 first-year annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter).
  • Earn 1.25 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • Get 2 complimentary lounge passes each year with Priority Pass.

Cons

  • The high annual fee of $295 p.a. after the initial year.
American Express Platinum Card

American Express Platinum Card

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2.25 points

Sign up bonus

200,000 points

Annual fee

$1,450.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Acquire 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points by applying online, getting approved, and spending $5,000 on your new Card within the initial 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
  • Utilize a $450 Platinum Travel Credit annually for flight, hotel, or car rental bookings.
  • Indulge in up to $400 per calendar year when dining at a curated selection of over 1,400 hand-picked restaurants, both domestically and internationally. Terms and Conditions apply.

Pros

  • Receive 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Receive a $450 Platinum Travel Credit each year.
  • Enjoy up to $400 Global Dining Credit per calendar year.
  • Access to more than 1,400 lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $1,450.
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card

On website

HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card

Rewards program

Star Alliance

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$0.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Accelerate your journey to Star Alliance Gold Status by spending $4,000 or more on qualifying purchases within the initial 90 days of account opening. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Pay no annual fee in the inaugural year ($450 p.a. thereafter).
  • Gain 1 point per $1 spent, up to $3,000 per statement period; thereafter, earn 0.5 points.

Pros

  • $0 annual fee for the first year.
  • Enjoy 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% balance transfer fee.
  • Convert your Star Alliance points to frequent flyer points with 7 alliance member airlines.
  • Includes complimentary travel insurance and purchase protection insurance.

Cons

  • The annual fee reverts to $450 after the initial year.
  • You have to spend at least $60,000 annually to maintain Gold member status after the first year.
Qantas American Express Discovery Credit Card

Qantas American Express Discovery Credit Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

0.75 points

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$0.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Acquire 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services.
  • Earn 0.75 Qantas Point for every $1 spent on Card purchases, except for spending at government bodies in Australia, where you will earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
  • Enjoy no annual card fee.
  • Obtain up to 4 Additional Cards for family members or friends with no extra fee.

Pros

  • Ongoing $0 annual fee, a rarity among rewards credit cards.
  • Earn 0.75 Qantas points per $1 spent and 0.5 Qantas points per $1 for government spend.
  • No cap on the number of points you can earn.
  • Add up to 4 additional cards for family members or friends with no extra fee.
  • Complimentary Card Purchase Cover and Card Refund Cover.

Cons

  • There is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
  • Lacks complimentary travel insurance.
  • There is no access to a concierge service.
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum Credit Card (Qantas)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum Credit Card (Qantas)

Rewards program

Amplify Qantas

Points per $1 spent

0.5 points

Sign up bonus

60,000 points

Annual fee

$99.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Receive up to 70,000 bonus Amplify Points. Acquire 60,000 Qantas Points in the first year upon spending $3k+ on eligible purchases within the initial 90 days from new card approval, and an additional 10,000 points after your first eligible purchase in the second year.
  • Benefit from 0% interest for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee, reverting to the cash advance rate of 21.49% p.a.
  • Pay an annual fee of $99 for the first year ($124 thereafter).
  • Earn 0.5 points per $1 spent (uncapped). Plus, get a complimentary Qantas membership fee. Saving you $99.50!


From 1 January 2022, earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 up to a maximum of $100,000 spent on eligible purchases annually. Bonus Qantas Bonus Qantas Points not included in the cap.

Pros

  • The 70,000 bonus Qantas Points.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers.
  • Complimentary travel and purchase insurance.

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
  • Points earning rate of 0.5 points is lower than others.
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

Rewards program

Amplify Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.5 points

Sign up bonus

200,000 points

Annual fee

$199.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Receive up to 150,000 bonus Amplify Points when you apply by 31 July 2024, get approved, and spend $12,000 on eligible purchases within the first 12 months of card approval. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee on amounts transferred.
  • Includes complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months

Pros

  • The 150,000 bonus Amplify Rewards Points.
  • Discounted first-year annual fee of $199.
  • Includes complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
  • After the initial year, the annual fee reverts to $295 p.a.
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature Credit Card (Qantas)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature Credit Card (Qantas)

Rewards program

Amplify Qantas

Points per $1 spent

0.75 points

Sign up bonus

90,000 points

Annual fee

$295.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Earn up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from card approval. Exclusions apply.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers with 1% balance transfer fee on amounts transferred.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Qantas lounge visits each year.

Pros

  • The 90,000 bonus Qantas Points.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers.
  • Includes complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
  • The ongoing annual fee is high at $295 p.a.
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Credit Card

On website

NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Credit Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

90,000 points

Annual fee

$295.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Gain up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points. Acquire 90,000 bonus points upon spending $3,000 within the initial 60 days from account approval date and an additional 30,000 bonus points upon maintaining your card open for over 12 months. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Benefit from 0% on balance transfers for 12 months with a 3% Balance Transfer Fee.
  • First-year annual fee reduced to $295 p.a. from $395 p.a. (saving you $100).

Pros

  • Complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer membership fee valued at $99.50.
  • Six complimentary insurances when you make an eligible purchase.
  • Earn 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on everyday purchases up to $5,000 per statement period then 0.05 pts per $1 spent thereafter (capped at $20,000).

Cons

  • Annual fee of $395 p.a. is quite high.
Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card

On website

Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

70,000 points

Annual fee

$349.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Get up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points. Get 70,000 bonus Qantas Points upon spending $3,000 or more on eligible purchases within 3 months from card approval. Plus, an extra 30,000 bonus points if you haven't earned Qantas Points with a credit card in the past 12 months. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Benefit from 0% on Balance Transfer for 12 months with a 2% Balance Transfer fee. Returns to Cash Advance rate thereafter. No interest-free days are applicable on retail purchases with an outstanding balance transfer.
  • Benefit from the reduced annual fee of $349 p.a. for the initial year. An ongoing annual fee of $399 p.a. is applicable in the 2nd year.

Pros

  • Earn up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • 0% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers.
  • Additional savings with the $349 first-year annual fee.
  • Comes with complimentary travel insurance.

Cons

  • The annual fee increases to $399 p.a. after the initial year.
  • There is a 2% balance transfer fee.
Bendigo Bank Qantas Platinum Credit Card

On website

Bendigo Bank Qantas Platinum Credit Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

0.6 points

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$149.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Accrue 0.6 Qantas Points for every $1 spent.
  • Benefit from 180 days of thorough travel insurance.
  • Comes with an extended warranty for eligible purchases and 90-day purchase protection for items stolen or accidentally damaged (terms apply).

Pros

  • Earn 0.6 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
  • Free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership.
  • 180 days of comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Up to 55 days interest-free.

Cons

  • There is no introductory balance transfer offer or purchase rate offer.
  • The 20,000 cap on reward earnings per statement period.
  • ATO spend does not earn points.
BankSA Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

BankSA Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

Rewards program

Amplify Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.5 points

Sign up bonus

150,000 points

Annual fee

$199.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Earn up to 150,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points over 2 years when you spend $12,000 on eligible purchases within the first 12 months from card approval.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee on amounts transferred.
  • $199 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($295 p.a. annual fee thereafter)

Pros

  • The 150,000 bonus Amplify Rewards Points.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers.
  • Includes complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
  • The annual fee reverts to $295 p.a. after the initial year.
NAB Rewards Signature Credit Card

On website

NAB Rewards Signature Credit Card

Rewards program

NAB Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

120,000 points

Annual fee

$145.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Earn up to 160,000 bonus Points. Obtain 120,000 bonus points upon spending $3,000 within the initial 60 days from the account approval date and an additional 40,000 bonus points upon maintaining your card open for over 12 months. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Benefit from a reduced annual card fee of $145 p.a. for your first year (reverts to $295 p.a. thereafter).
  • Accrue 2.5 points on purchases made in major department and hardware stores.
  • Gain 1.25 points for every $1 spent on everyday purchases.

Pros

  • Earn up to 160,000 bonus NAB Rewards Points when you meet the criteria.
  • The discounted $145 annual fee on the first year.
  • 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months.
  • Includes international travel insurance.

Cons

  • Only 44 interest-free days.
  • There is a 3% balance transfer fee.
BankSA Amplify Platinum Credit Card (Qantas)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

BankSA Amplify Platinum Credit Card (Qantas)

Rewards program

Amplify Qantas

Points per $1 spent

0.5 points

Sign up bonus

60,000 points

Annual fee

$99.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Receive up to 70,000 bonus Amplify Points. Acquire 60,000 Qantas Points in the first year upon spending $3k+ on eligible purchases within the initial 90 days from new card approval, and an additional 10,000 points after your first eligible purchase in the second year.
  • Enjoy 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee, reverting to the cash advance rate.
  • Earn 0.5 points per $1 spent (uncapped) and receive a complimentary Qantas membership fee, saving you $99.50!

Pros

  • The 70,000 bonus Qantas Points.
  • Discounted annual fee on the first year.
  • Complimentary travel and purchase insurances.

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
  • Points earning rate of 0.5 points is lower than others.
BankSA Amplify Signature Credit Card (Qantas)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

BankSA Amplify Signature Credit Card (Qantas)

Rewards program

Amplify Qantas

Points per $1 spent

0.75 points

Sign up bonus

90,000 points

Annual fee

$295.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Receive up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points upon spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from card approval. Exclusions apply.
  • Enjoy 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee on transferred amounts.
  • Benefit from complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months.

Pros

  • The 90,000 bonus Qantas Points.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers.
  • Includes complimentary overseas travel insurance for up to 6 months

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
  • The annual fee of $295 p.a.

Star Alliance, one of the world's most renowned airline alliances, connects travellers to destinations worldwide. And with a plethora of credit cards available in Australia affiliated with Star Alliance airlines — including one linked with the alliance itself — earning rewards and discounts on your next trip has never been easier.

What to compare when choosing a Star Alliance credit card

There are several important factors to consider when comparing Star Alliance credit cards.

  • Airline coverage. Consider which airlines you're most likely to fly with and whether the card you're considering earns points you can redeem on those airlines.
  • Sign up bonus. The fastest way to significantly boost your points balance. Check what you need to do to trigger the bonus since it can involve spending a lot within a relatively short time.
  • Annual fee. Do the benefits of the card outweigh the cost of the annual fee?
  • Ongoing interest rate on purchases. If you don't pay off the balance in full, the value of any points earned diminishes quickly. Lower rates are better, but having no balance is best.
  • Travel perks and benefits. Which perks align with your travel needs? Would you be able to replace an existing insurance policy with one that comes with a card?

Consider what benefits are most important to you and compare cards based on those factors. For example, a card with a generous rewards program and a wide range of airline coverage may be the best fit if you're a frequent traveller.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Flexibility. With so many airlines in the alliance, Star Alliance is powerfully flexible when it comes to redeeming points for flights.
  • Travel perks and benefits. Common features include airport lounge access, overseas travel insurance, and even flight vouchers.

Cons

  • Annual fees. Expect to pay an annual fee, which can be quite high depending on the card's package of features.
  • Higher interest rates. Credit cards that earn rewards are not typically known for their low rates. Avoid carrying a balance.

FAQs

Are Star Alliance credit cards only beneficial for frequent flyers?

Not necessarily. While these cards are beneficial for those who frequently travel, they can also be a great option for infrequent flyers who want to earn rewards as they spend and save up for a special trip.

Is Virgin Australia a Star Alliance member?

No. Virgin Australia is no longer a Star Alliance member, although they have several partner airlines that are in the alliance.

Is Qantas part of Star Alliance?

No. Qantas is a member of the oneworld alliance. However, some oneworld airlines (like Cathay Pacific) have partnerships with airlines in Star Alliance.