Using your Bendigo debit card abroad. The lowdown
Are you a Bendigo Bank customer with an overseas trip on the horizon? This article is here to help you understand the fees and processes for using your...
If you’re a regular traveller, either for business or pleasure, you’re undoubtedly signed up for at least one airline frequent flyer program.
A way to collect miles for future travel and potentially reduce or eliminate the cost of flights for your next trip, frequent flyer programs may help your money go further.
One option to boost your points balance is to link your membership to a frequent flyer rewards credit card.
In this guide, we’ll compare some of the leading options in this market, looking at fees, charges and points earning rates so you can make the most informed choice.
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No matter which frequent flyer credit card you opt for, the earning rates for spend vs. miles accrual are likely to differ.
Additionally, depending on the card type chosen, not all purchases will count or be eligible for points and some may offer higher earn rates or lower based on where the spending occurred.
However, as a general indication or example, you might expect to earn between 0.5 to 1.25 points or more per dollar spent.
The following is a comparison of 6 available frequent flyer credit cards within Australia.
Please note all fees are listed in Australian Dollars and all information is accurate as of 23 November 2023.
The Qantas American Express Ultimate Credit Card is an option worth considering for those who prefer to travel with Qantas and would like some added travel benefits alongside frequent flyer points.
Information on the fees and charges associated with this card are outlined below.
Card | Qantas American Express Ultimate Credit Card¹ |
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Fees² | - Annual fee of $450 - Currency conversion fee is 3% of the converted amount |
Points | - Earn 1.25 Qantas points per $1 spent on eligible purchases - Earn 2.25 Qantas points per $1 on eligible Qantas products and services |
Exchange rate used | Variable, based on customary industry sources³ |
P.A. Interest rate | 23.99% |
Credit limit | - Minimum limit $3000 maximum limit determined on application |
As seen on 24 November 2023
Here are a few pros and cons to consider about this card.
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Also able to be linked to Qantas’ frequent flyer program, this option, backed by Commonwealth Bank allows you to opt in for either Qantas points or their Award Points Program.
For this article, only the Qantas Award points option is covered in the below table.
Information on the fees and charges associated with this card are outlined below.
Card | CommBank Smart Awards Credit Card⁴ |
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Fees | - $19 monthly fee, waived if $2000 is spent during the statement period - $60 annual fee to opt into the Qantas Points program - No international transaction or currency conversion fee on purchases - $4 or 3% of the transaction amount on cash advances, whichever is greater |
Points | - Points boost offer, earn 0.8 Qantas points on the highest eligible purchase per statement period up to a maximum of 400 points - 0.6 Qantas points on eligible spend for grocery, fuel, dining, utilities and shopping up to $5000 per statement period - 0.4 Qantas points for all other purchases up to $5000 per statement period - 0.2 Qantas points awarded on all spend over $5000 per statement period |
Exchange rate used | Variable, based on Mastercard foreign exchange rate on day translation is processed⁵ |
P.A. Interest rate | 20.99% on purchases 21.99% on cash advances |
Credit limit | - Minimum limit $3000 maximum limit determined on application |
As seen on 24 November 2023
Here are a few pros and cons to consider about this card.
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Often running several bonus points offers for new applicants, the NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Credit Card also rewards Qantas Frequent Flyers for their everyday spending.
Information on the fees and charges associated with this card are outlined below.
Card | NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Credit Card⁶ |
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Fees | - Annual fee of $250 (reduced to $150 for the first year) - Currency conversion fee is 3% of the transaction amount plus a $5 withdrawal fee⁷ |
Points | - Earn 1 Qantas point per $1.50 up to $3000 on everyday purchases each statement period - Earn 1 Qantas point per $3 spent for the next $3000 per statement period - Earn 1 bonus point per dollar on eligible Qantas services |
Exchange rate used | Variable based on Visa currency conversion rates⁷ |
P.A. Interest rate | 19.99% variable rate on purchases 21.74% variable rate on cash advances |
Credit limit | - Minimum limit $3000 maximum limit determined on application |
As seen on 24 November 2023
Here are a few pros and cons to consider about this card.
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With uncapped Qantas points earning potential and a free initial membership to the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program, the ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card may be worth a look for both new and existing Qantas members.⁸
Information on the fees and charges associated with this card are outlined below.
Card | ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card⁸ |
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Fees | - Annual fee of $425 comprising of a $370 card fee and a $55 Qantas reward fee - 3% of any international transaction plus $4 for cash advances⁹ |
Points | - Earn 1 Qantas point per $1 spent up to $7500 per statement on eligible purchases - Earn 0.5 Qantas points per $1 spent over $7500 per statement on eligible purchases |
Exchange rate used | Variable based on Visa currency conversion rates¹⁰ |
P.A. Interest rate | 20.49% on purchases 21.99% on cash advances |
Credit limit | - Minimum limit $15,000, maximum limit determined on application |
As seen on 24 November 2023
Here are a few pros and cons to consider about this card.
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Featuring a lower annual fee than some competing frequent flyer credit cards, the St. George Amplify Qantas Platinum Credit Card also offers a flat-rate points-earning system.
Information on the fees and charges associated with this card are outlined below.
Card | St. George Amplify Qantas Platinum Credit Card¹¹ |
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Fees | - Annual fee of $199 comprised of a $124 card fee and a $75 Qantas Rewards fee - Currency conversion fee is 3% of the AUD equivalent amount - 3% of any cash advance amount |
Points | - Earn 0.5 Qantas points per dollar on eligible purchases up to $100,000 annually |
Exchange rate used | Variable based on Visa currency conversion rates¹² |
P.A. Interest rate | 19.49% variable rate on purchases 21.49% variable rate on cash advances |
Credit limit | - Minimum limit $6000 maximum limit determined on application |
As seen on 24 November 2023
Here are a few pros and cons to consider about this card.
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Rounding out our top 6 is the Westpac Altitude Qantas Platinum Credit Card which also allows you to earn points for a linked Qantas frequent flyer account.
Information on the fees and charges associated with this card are outlined below.
Card | Westpac Altitude Qantas Platinum Credit Card¹³ |
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Fees | - Annual fee of $175 plus $75 annual Qantas Rewards program fee - Foreign transaction fee is 3% of the converted amount - 3% fee on cash advances |
Points | - Earn 0.5 Qantas points per $1 spent in eligible purchases up to $100,000 per year |
Exchange rate used | Variable rate set by Mastercard¹⁴ |
P.A. Interest rate | 19.99% variable rate on purchases 21.49% variable cash advance rate |
Credit limit | - Minimum limit $6000 maximum limit determined on application |
As seen on 24 November 2023
Here are a few pros and cons to consider about this card.
Pros | Cons |
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With a Wise Account you can hold money in over 40 currencies and spend it in over 150 countries. Whenever you exchange currencies it’s done using the mid-market rate with a conversion fee shown upfront.
To make everyday spending easier you can order a Wise Debit card for your Wise Account and generate virtual cards as needed. If you have the local currency in your Wise Account the Wise card will use it for local payments. If you don’t, it uses smart technology to auto-convert your money at the mid-market rate, for a conversion fee.
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Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information. |
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Sources:
Sources checked on: 24 November 2023
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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