Best credit cards for points

David Boyd avatar
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Bill Ryan Natividad avatar
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Updated 24 Nov 2023

Looking for ways to maximise your rewards and benefits? Credit cards that earn points can be a great way to do just that.

This month, we're bringing you some of Australia's best credit cards that earn points. From sign-up bonuses to earning rates, you'll find options to consider for maximising your rewards and reaching your next reward flight faster.

Check out our rewards credit card comparison page, where you can compare more offers.

The use of "featured", "popular", "best" and "top" on Finty do not constitute a product rating or recommendation and are subject to our general disclaimer. Calculations in comparison tables will vary based on personal data input.

The all-rounder

Best credit card for points overall

American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

50,000 points

Annual fee

$450.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Get 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Receive 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations annually.
  • Access a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year (conditions apply).

Pros

  • Earn 50,000 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.

Give your account a boost

Best credit card for sign up bonus points

ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

0.50 points

Sign up bonus

100,000 points

Annual fee

$425.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Receive up to 130,000 points. Get a 90,000 bonus Qantas Points and $200 cashback on your new card after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases within the initial 3 months of approval. Additionally, earn an extra 40,000 bonus Qantas Points by maintaining your card for over 12 months. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 1 Qantas Point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases, up to $7,500 per statement period.
  • It includes 7 complimentary insurances, including International Travel Insurance.

Pros

  • Receive up to 130,000 bonus Qantas Points and $200 cashback when you meet the criteria.
  • Use the 130,000 bonus Qantas Points for flights or upgrades, both domestic and international.
  • There is no cap on the number of points you can earn.
  • Includes complimentary Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty Insurance.
  • Get assistance from a Personal Concierge for restaurant reservations, hotel bookings, gift ideas, and more.
  • Offers the option to repay eligible purchases in 3, 6, or 12-month instalments.
  • Get 24/7 anti-fraud protection, keeping your transactions secure around the clock.
  • The starting credit limit of $15,000 gives you a higher spending capacity.
  • Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $425 p.a. is high.
  • Earn rate drops to 0.5 points per $1 spent above $7,500 per statement period.
  • No balance transfer offer.

Save money on account fees

Best credit card for points with no annual fee

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

N/A

Highlights

  • Earn 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services.
  • Earn 0.75 Qantas Point for every $1 spent on Card purchases, except spend at government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
  • $0 Annual Fee.
  • Up to 4 Additional Cards for family members or friends with no extra fee.

Pros

  • $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.

Earn the most per dollar spent

Best credit card for Qantas Points

American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

50,000 points

Annual fee

$450.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Get 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Receive 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations annually.
  • Access a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year (conditions apply).

Pros

  • Earn 50,000 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.

For Virgin Australia points hackers

Best credit card for Velocity Points

American Express Velocity Escape Card

Rewards program

Velocity Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

0.75 points

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

N/A

Highlights

  • Earn Velocity Points and enjoy a $0 Annual Fee.
  • Velocity Points earned on your card are transferred directly to your Velocity account each month and can be redeemed for a range of rewards including flights, accommodation, car hire, gift cards, and much more.
  • Earn 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent, except for government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent.

Pros

  • $0 Annual Fee, but still earn points.
  • Earn 1.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on purchases with Virgin Australia.
  • Get 0.5 points per $1 when paying tax to the ATO using the card.
  • 55 days interest-free on purchases when the previous balance has been cleared in full.

Cons

  • Doesn't come with complimentary travel insurance.
  • No complimentary lounge access.
  • No access to the concierge service.
  • There is no balance transfer offer for this card.

Earn points that can be transferred to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Best credit card for KrisFlyer Miles

St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)
Apply by 30 April 2025

St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

Rewards program

Amplify Rewards, Amplify Qantas

Points per $1 spent

1.50 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).
  • 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 no promotional balance transfer offer at the moment.

Earn with ANZ

Best ANZ Rewards credit card

ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

0.50 points

Sign up bonus

100,000 points

Annual fee

$425.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Receive up to 130,000 points. Get a 90,000 bonus Qantas Points and $200 cashback on your new card after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases within the initial 3 months of approval. Additionally, earn an extra 40,000 bonus Qantas Points by maintaining your card for over 12 months. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 1 Qantas Point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases, up to $7,500 per statement period.
  • It includes 7 complimentary insurances, including International Travel Insurance.

Pros

  • Receive up to 130,000 bonus Qantas Points and $200 cashback when you meet the criteria.
  • Use the 130,000 bonus Qantas Points for flights or upgrades, both domestic and international.
  • There is no cap on the number of points you can earn.
  • Includes complimentary Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty Insurance.
  • Get assistance from a Personal Concierge for restaurant reservations, hotel bookings, gift ideas, and more.
  • Offers the option to repay eligible purchases in 3, 6, or 12-month instalments.
  • Get 24/7 anti-fraud protection, keeping your transactions secure around the clock.
  • The starting credit limit of $15,000 gives you a higher spending capacity.
  • Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $425 p.a. is high.
  • Earn rate drops to 0.5 points per $1 spent above $7,500 per statement period.
  • No balance transfer offer.

Earn with CommBank

Best CommBank Awards credit card

Commonwealth Bank Diamond Awards Credit Card

Rewards program

Commonwealth Bank Awards

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

70,000 points

Annual fee

$349.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Get a $100,000 bonus CommBank Awards points or 70,000 Qantas Points when you apply by 1 June 2023 and spend $5,000 on purchases within 90 days of card activation.
  • Earn up to 1 million points per year or 400,000 Qantas Points per year. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Spend points on travel, shopping vouchers, merchandise, cashback, and much more.
  • Feel secure with the complimentary International Travel Insurance.

Pros

  • Earn 100,000 bonus CommBank Awards points or 70,000 Qantas Points when you meet the spending criteria.
  • Earn 1.25 Awards points or 0.5 Qantas Points for every dollar you spend
  • Get up to 1 year extended warranty on most purchases.

Cons

  • The $349 p.a. annual fee is high.
  • There is a $10 additional card fee.

Earn with NAB

Best NAB Rewards credit card

NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card

Rewards program

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

90,000 points

Annual fee

$320.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Earn up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points. Get 90,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 on everyday purchases within the first 60 days of account opening and 30,000 bonus points when you keep your card for over 12 months. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Save $100 with a reduced first-year annual fee of just $320 p.a. (down from $420 p.a.).
  • Get a FREE Qantas Frequent Flyer membership, saving you $99.50.
  • Earn 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on everyday purchases up to $5,000 per statement period, and 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent thereafter (capped at $20,000).

Pros

  • Earn up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Redeem your rewards for award flights, products, vouchers, and more options.
  • 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months.
  • Add a cardholder at no extra cost.
  • Provides complimentary insurance for domestic, interstate, and international travel.
  • Comes with Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty insurance for added peace of mind.
  • Unlock exclusive offers on shows, events, and movies with your Visa Credit Card.
  • Access 24/7 assistance for travel and lifestyle needs with NAB Concierge Services.
  • NAB Defence protects your account from credit card fraud.
  • Supports most digital wallets, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Cons

  • Points earning capped at $20,000 spent per statement period.
  • The annual fee is high but the reduced first-year fee offers initial savings.
  • Interest rates are high, which is typical for most rewards-earning cards.
  • A 3% balance transfer fee applies if you use this feature.

Earn with Westpac

Best Westpac Altitude Rewards credit card

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

$200.00 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 $200 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 $200 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.

Earn with American Express

Best Amex Membership Rewards credit card

American Express Explorer Credit Card

Rewards program

Membership Rewards Gateway

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.

Things to consider

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Get rewarded for everyday spending. Grocery shops, filling up your card, paying bills, etc., can all earn points.
  • Lucrative sign up bonuses. Most points credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, allowing you to earn a large number of points quickly.
  • Choice of redemption options. Credit card points can typically be redeemed for travel (flights, hotels, and so on), merchandise, cash back, or statement credits.
  • Flexibility with transfer partners. Most bank rewards programs have airline partners, making redeeming points for expensive Business and First Class seats easier.

Cons

  • Annual fees. Many credit cards come with annual fees, which can add up over time and offset the value of the rewards you earn.
  • Interest rates tend to be on the high side. Credit cards that earn points generally do not have low ongoing rates (although they may have an introductory offer).
  • Points can expire. Check if points expire and how they can be kept active.
  • Point caps. Inconvenient for big spenders. Some cards have tiers instead of caps. Ideally, there is neither.
  • Points can be devalued. Thankfully this is not a frequent event, but it can happen.

How we choose these

Our ranking criteria

  • This page provides a list of the best introductory balance transfer credit card offers in Australia, as available at the time of publishing on Finty.
  • We have included personal and business credit cards in this list.
  • Offers made available on other marketing channels, such as internet banking or direct mail, are not included.
  • Offers that are exclusive to Finty are included, when available.
  • Other factors are taken into account when there is a tie, including annual fees, interest rates, sign up bonuses, and rewards earn rate.
  • Credit cards are eligible for consideration regardless of the status of Finty's relationship with the issuer.

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