The Velocity Frequent Flyer rewards program allows you to earn Velocity Points, which can then be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, holidays, cruises, and various shops.
With a Velocity credit card, you can earn Velocity Points by using the card to pay for everyday items such as fuel, clothes, and groceries. Using a Velocity credit card is a great way to make your money work harder for you.
One of the most fundamental choices to make in any Velocity credit card comparison is whether you want to earn Velocity Points directly or to earn points in a rewards program that has Velocity Frequent Flyer as a transfer partner.
Cards that offer transferable points programs often provide added flexibility, enabling you to use points for a variety of rewards or transfer them to Velocity Frequent Flyer when you're ready to book flights or access other Velocity benefits.
Helpful tip: Use our Velocity Points value calculator to get the most value for your Velocity Points!
David Boyd, co-founder of Credit Card Compare, explains, "Credit cards offer Virgin Australia loyalists an attractive way to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits. There is a range of offers available with differentiated earn rates on everyday purchases, bonuses on airline spending, and complimentary entry to airport lounges. However, it's important to look beyond the earn rate and sign-up bonus to consider important factors like interest rates and annual fees."
Benefits of Velocity Points credit cards
Velocity credit cards combine a range of benefits for cardholders.
- Earn Velocity Points. Cardholders can earn Velocity Points on their everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more. Some earn on government spend, such as paying taxes.
- Free travel insurance. Many Velocity credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance, typically activated when using the card to pay for travel expenses.
- Airport lounge access. Some Velocity credit cards provide access to airport lounges, allowing cardholders to relax in comfort before their flight.
- Sign-up points bonus. Cardholders can take advantage of bonus points offers when signing up for a new Velocity credit card or meeting certain spending criteria. Check that you are eligible before applying since it's common for a bank to have a 12-18 month exclusion period for previous cardholders.
- Special offers and discounts. Velocity credit card holders may have access to exclusive offers, discounts, and benefits with partner companies.
How to choose a Velocity Points credit card
When selecting a Velocity credit card, consider the following factors to ensure it aligns with your financial needs and travel preferences
- Earn rates. Look for a card with a high earn rate for Velocity Points, ideally with no cap or tier (especially if you are a big spender).
- Fees and charges. Compare annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges associated with the card.
- Bonus points offer. Consider any sign-up bonuses or promotion offers with the card.
- Additional benefits. Evaluate additional perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and partner benefits. Consider checking how each perk aligns with your travel habits and existing benefits to ensure you’re getting the most from your card.
- Card features. Check for contactless payments, mobile wallet compatibility, and account management tools.
What are the best ways to earn Velocity Points with a credit card?
There are a few ways to earn Velocity Points with a credit card.
1. Earn Velocity Points per dollar spent
You can find various Velocity co-branded credit cards on the market that let you earn Velocity Points per dollar spent at specified rates. The total points you accumulate in a month are automatically transferred to your Velocity Frequent Flyer account.
Direct earn Velocity credit cards often offer higher points earn rates for specific categories, like Virgin Australia flights and dining, making them more attractive for frequent flyers of the airline. Additionally, many cards come with valuable travel perks, such as complimentary airport lounge access and travel insurance, enhancing the overall travel experience.
2. Accumulate bonus points with sign-up offers
Direct earn frequent flyer cards often come with generous sign-up bonuses in Velocity Points, giving your points balance a substantial boost right from the start. Be sure to review any conditions associated with earning these bonus points and assess whether you can meet the required spending or other criteria to fully benefit from the offer.
3. Double your points-earning potential with partner offers
You can amplify your points-earning capacity by using your Velocity credit card to pay for purchases with specific Velocity Frequent Flyer partners. For example, when you use your Velocity card to pay for products or services offered by Velocity’s partners, you not only earn points on the card spend itself but also receive any additional points offered for that purchase — especially if there’s a current bonus promotion from the partner.
4. Get more out of your everyday spending
If you’re a regular at Coles, linking your Velocity account with Flybuys allows you to amplify your points. By using your direct earn Velocity Points credit card for purchases and scanning your Flybuys card at participating Flybuys partners, you can earn Flybuys points on eligible spend, which can then be transferred to your Velocity account.
This could help you to double up on points — once for every dollar spent on your credit card and again when transferring Flybuys points to your Velocity account, maximising your rewards from everyday shopping.
You can also shop online via the Velocity eStore, which rewards your loyalty with Velocity Points per dollar spent. Being strategic with your purchases can net a substantial number of points on top of what you get from your credit card.
5. Transfer rewards points from other credit cards
Many rewards credit cards offer the option to transfer points into Velocity Points, giving you the flexibility to decide how to use your rewards. This approach lets you choose between various rewards or boost your Velocity Frequent Flyer account by transferring points.
Additionally, some cards may offer transfer bonuses, which can help increase your Velocity Points balance during promotional periods. Unlike direct earn cards, this method allows you to transfer points whenever you want rather than waiting for a monthly cycle, giving you greater control over your points balance.
Expert opinion: What is the biggest mistake people make when trying to earn Velocity Points?
Andrew Boyd, co-founder of Credit Card Compare, explains a common mistake people make when trying to earn more Velocity Points.
It's tempting to chase points by spending more, but this common mistake can be costly. Credit card interest on balances carried over can far exceed the value of any points earned, quickly wiping out the rewards' worth. The smart approach is to only spend what you can fully pay off each month.
Earning Status Credits with a Velocity credit card
Velocity Status Credits are designed to recognise and reward frequent flyers. They are typically earned through flying with Virgin Australia and its airline partners. However, certain Velocity co-branded credit cards may allow you to earn Status Credits as bonus points or by meeting specific spending milestones.
What other Aussies say about Velocity credit cards
If you’re searching for the best Velocity credit card, comparing offers from various providers can help you find one that aligns with your financial situation and budget. Reddit users emphasise that there's no single best card for everyone.
As one user explains: "Think about your financial situation - your income - your expenses - your debts... and then think about which CC you are likely to be approved for."
It’s also worth keeping in mind that credit card offers change frequently, so it’s important to check the current promotions to make an informed decision.
For those undecided between a Qantas or Velocity credit card, Redditors share valuable insights. One user explains: “Virgin/Velocity is easier when climbing the status ladder or for redeeming flights generally. Qantas has an arguably better international network. I have feet in both camps. But where you want to travel to matters. There are more QFF cards than VFF, although some charge extra fees for the [privilege] of earning QFF points, e.g. Westpac.”
Is it worth getting a Velocity Points credit card?
Deciding if a Velocity Points credit card is worth it depends largely on your travel and spending habits. For those who frequently fly with Virgin Australia or Singapore Airlines, a Velocity card can be a practical way to earn points on everyday expenses, which can eventually be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or other rewards. However, it’s important to evaluate how many points you’re likely to earn based on your spending.
If your spending levels aren’t high enough to earn significant points, or if you’re on a tight budget, the fees and charges associated with these cards may outweigh the benefits. In these cases, you may want to consider alternatives, like no-fee or low rate cards, which may better suit those who are building their credit profile or finances.
Another approach some cardholders use is credit card churning — opening new cards to accumulate bonus points. This could help you quickly increase your points balance, provided you can meet each card’s minimum spending requirements. It’s important, though, to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid debt, and to clear any outstanding balance before closing a card. Additionally, it’s advisable to wait between new applications, as multiple credit applications in a short period can signal to lenders that you’re credit hungry, which could raise a red flag for them.
Ultimately, a Velocity Points credit card can be a valuable tool if it matches your travel preferences, spending patterns, and financial situation.
