If you’ve ever wondered how some people can afford to fly business class, you’re not alone. Premium flight prices may seem out of reach for most of us. But what if I told you there was a way to save on flights and even travel around the world for a fraction of the cost? This is where credit card points come into play.
In this article, I will share some of the best credit cards in Australia that offer airline miles as rewards. By using these cards strategically, you can earn points that can be redeemed for flights and save thousands of dollars.
American Express Explorer Card
The American Express Explorer Card is a popular choice for frequent travelers. With this card, you can receive 50,000 membership bonus points by spending $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months. The annual fee for this card is $395, but it has several benefits that are worth considering.
One of the main benefits of this card is the $400 travel credit you receive every year. This credit alone covers the annual fee, making it excellent value for money. Plus, you can benefit from free domestic and international travel insurance, as well as two free Centurion Lounge entries each year.
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
If you’re a Velocity Frequent Flyer member, the American Express Velocity Platinum Card is worth considering. With this card, you can earn 75,000 bonus Velocity points by spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months. The annual fee for this card is $375.
The card offers one free economy class domestic flight, two free Virgin Lounge passes and two free Centurion Lounge passes each year. You can earn 2.25 Velocity Points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Virgin Australia and 1.25 Velocity Points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
For Qantas Frequent Flyer members, the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is a great choice. By spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months, you can earn 60,000 bonus Qantas Points. The annual fee for this card is $450, but this is offset by the $450 Qantas travel credit you receive each year.
This card also offers two Qantas Club lounge invitations per year, a free Qantas Wine Premium membership and free domestic and international travel insurance. You can earn 1.25 Qantas Points per dollar spent on most purchases and 0.5 Qantas Points per dollar spent on government agencies.
Qantas Altitude Black Card
The Qantas Black Altitude Card, offered by Westpac, is another great option for Qantas Frequent Flyer members. With this card you can earn up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points. The annual fee for this card is $295, plus the Altitude Qantas Rewards Program annual fee of $75.
This card offers free insurances like interstate flight inconvenience insurance, excess coverage for rental vehicles, and international travel insurance. You can also enjoy two free Qantas Club lounge invitations per year, as well as personalized cashback offers with Westpac Extras and additional bonus cashback offers with Shopback.
Ultimate Rewards Card with Qantas Points
Finally, the Ultimate Awards Card with Qantas Points, offered by Commonwealth Bank, is a great option for Qantas Frequent Flyer members who want to earn points without paying a hefty annual fee. With this card, you can earn 70,000 bonus Qantas Points by spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days. The monthly fee for this card is $35, but it’s waived if you spend at least $2,500 on your credit card during your statement period.
This card offers free international transaction fees, international travel insurance, and two free airport lounge passes each year. It also has an interest-free period of up to 55 days.
Using credit card points for travel can be a smart way to save money on flights. However, it’s important to use credit cards responsibly and pay off your balances in full each month to avoid high interest rates. Be sure to research the benefits and fees of each card before applying to find the best option for your needs. Have a good trip!
