Best Credit Cards for Qantas Points in Australia - Earn rate, fees, requirements and more

Yadana Chaw

Qantas is one of the world’s oldest airlines and the largest in Australia1. Its Frequent Flyer program is a loyalty initiative designed to reward customers who not only book flights and hotels but make everyday spending purchases on co-branded credit cards.

The guide will explore which credit card is best for Qantas points, comparing some of the best options available for earning points to spend on your travels and elsewhere. If you’re a frequent flyer, we'll also share more about the Wise Debit Card, a handy way for you to save while spending abroad.

Table of contents

What is a Qantas points earning credit card?

As the name suggests, a Qantas points earning credit card allows you to earn points by making purchases — in stores, online, and overseas — with an eligible card.

The rate at which you earn Qantas points will depend on the bank or financial services provider, but it typically falls between a 0.5x to 1.5x rate for every $1 you spend. After opting in and linking your account, your Qantas points will be added to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account at the end of each month. You can then use them to purchase flights, hotels, and other goods on the Qantas Marketplace.

👀 Looking for a credit card for airline miles beyond just Qantas? Check out Best Credit Cards for Airline Miles

What to consider when choosing a credit card for Qantas points?

Every Qantas credit card is different and typically targets a specific customer or traveller. You must weigh up the various factors to select a card that suits your financial situation, spending habits, and travel preferences.

These factors include:

  • Earn rate: The higher the rate, the more points you will earn
  • Sign-up bonus: There is typically a bonus for signing up for a credit card and spending a certain amount within a set period. This can boost your points tally quickly.
  • Annual fee: Pretty much every card has a fee, which you must pay to use the card and earn points
  • Perks: In addition to points, you can also get access to a range of financial and travel perks such as complimentary travel insurance and airport lounge access
  • Eligibility requirements: Some cards have strict eligibility requirements based on earnings and other factors. We recommend reading all the T&Cs before signing up for a card.

For most cards listed here, your Qantas points won’t expire and will remain valid as long as you earn or use points at least once every 18 months2.

👉🏻Click here to check out the Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia 💳

What is the best credit card with Qantas points?

Now, let’s look at a selection of the best credit cards for Qantas points in Australia.

CardEarn Rate per $1 spentSign up BonusAnnual FeeAdditional Perks
American Express Qantas Ultimate CardUp to 2.25 points100,000 Points after spending $5,000 in first 3 months$450$450 annual travel credit for eligible flights, travel insurance, airport lounge access
Qantas Premier Titanium Credit Card1.25 points150,000 Points after spending $5,000 within first 3 months$1,200Complimentary travel insurance, exclusive Qantas privileges and rewards
Qantas Premier Platinum Credit1 pointUp to 80,000 Points$3992 airport lounge invitations per year, discounted companion fares
Westpac Altitude Qantas Black0.75 pointsUp to 120,000 Points$299Complimentary travel insurance, 2 lounge passes per year
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card1 pointUp to 130,000 Points$425Complimentary travel insurance,

2 lounge passes per year, 24/7 concierge service

Citi Prestige Qantas Credit CardUp to 1.5 points125,000 Points$749Unlimited access to 1,700 airport lounges, credit back for hotel bookings, complimentary travel and mobile phone insurance
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature CardUp to 1 pointUp to 120,000 points$320Complimentary travel insurance, Visa Premium Access, 24/7 concierge service
American Express Qantas Premium CardUp to 2 points20,000 Points$249Complimentary travel insurance, 2 lounge passes per year
CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit CardUp to 1.2 pointsN/A$35 per month + $90 annual Qantas points feeComplimentary travel insurance, 2 airport lounge passes

American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

Best for: Frequent travellers who want high earn rates and valuable perks

  • Earn up to 2.25 reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • Up to $3,000 minimum credit limit and 23.99% interest rate
  • Travel perks include $450 travel credit and airport lounge access

The American Express Qantas Ultimate Card3 offers a competitive 1.25 Qantas points for every $1 spent, making it one of the best for earning on everyday purchases. You can earn up to 100,000 points each year at a higher rate, a generous offer that then caps at 1 Qantas Point per $1 thereafter. There is also a 2.25 points earn rate for every $1 spent on ‘eligible products’.

You can sign up for a $450 per year fee and trigger bonus points by spending $5,000 in the first 3 months following approval. The card has a 23.99% per annum interest. It’s certainly in the running for the best credit card for Qantas frequent flyer points if you can afford it.

ProsCons
  • High earn rate on everyday purchases
  • Valuable travel perks including complimentary insurance
  • High annual fee
  • High Foreign transaction fee
  • High interest rate

Qantas Premier Titanium Credit Card

Best for: High spenders looking for the best earn rate

  • Earn up to 2 reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • Up to 44 days interest free period
  • Travel perks include 20% bonus Status Credits and complimentary lounge invitations

The Qantas Premier Titanium Credit Card4 is targeted at high-end travellers with its very expensive $1,200 per year fee and $200,000 annual salary requirement. For a hefty upfront cost, you do get a market-leading earn rate of 1.25 Qantas points per $1 spent and lots of premium bonuses, including two first class lounge passes and a huge 150,000 sign-on bonus.

The interest rate is 20.99% per annum and there’s a $15,000 minimum limit5.

ProsCons
  • Excellent earn rate
  • Bonus Status Credits when purchasing eligible flights
  • Complimentary travel insurance and lounge passes
  • Very high annual fee
  • Requires frequent use to extract most value

Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card

Best for: Frequent flyers looking for solid earn rates without committing to a high annual fee

  • Earn up to 1.5 reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • Up to 44 days interest free period and 0% rate for 12 months on Balance Transfers
  • Travel perks include discounted companion fares and complimentary lounge access

The Qantas Premier Platinum Card6 is much more accessible than the Titanium with its more modest $349 entry fee — rising to $399 p.a thereafter. You can earn 1 Qantas Point for every $1 spent up to $10,000 a month. The bonus structure is slightly different from competitors. There’s a 50,000 points sign on with the option of another 30,000 if you haven’t earned points elsewhere in the last 12 months.

ProsCons
  • Uncapped earning potential
  • Solid earn rates on overseas spending
  • Lower annual fee than premium-tier Qantas cards
  • Lower sign on bonus than competitors
  • $50 fee for additional cards

Westpac Altitude Qantas Black

Best for: Westpac customers who want some travel perks

  • Earn 0.75 reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $250,000 per year
  • $15,000 minimum credit limit and 20.99% interest rate
  • Travel perks include complimentary travel insurances and lounge access

The Westpac Altitude Qantas Black7 is another relatively affordable card with a $360 annual fee which includes $75 for opting in to earn Qantas points. The basic earn rate is lower than competitors, and you must spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within 4 months of approval to trigger a 90,000 point bonus. You can then get an extra 30,000 points during the second year.

However, there is a $75,000 minimum income required to sign up.

ProsCons
  • Free lounge access and travel insurance
  • Lower standard earn rate compared to others
  • 3% foreign transaction fee

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ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card

Best for: Frequent flyers looking for a solid earn rate and big bonus

  • Earn 1 reward point per $1 spent in purchases
  • $15,000 minimum credit limit and 20.99% interest rate
  • Travel perks include travel insurance and 24/7 personal concierge service

The ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card8 is a solid all-rounder with a competitive rate and excellent sign on bonus. You can earn 1 Qantas Point for every $1 you spend, though this is capped at $7,500 per month and reverts to a 0.5 Qantas Point rate above this limit.

ANZ offers 90,000 bonus points for signing up and spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. You also get $200 back on your card and an extra 40,000 points after keeping it open for more than 12 months. The interest rate is 20.99% per annum. Perks are finance-focused but you do get complimentary travel insurance.

ProsCons
  • Competitive earn rate and bonus offer
  • Complimentary travel insurance
  • 3% foreign transaction free

Citi Prestige Qantas Credit Card

Best for: High income earners looking for the best travel perks

  • Earn up to 1.5 reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • $20,000 minimum credit limit and 22.49% interest rate
  • Travel perks include ‘4th night on us’ hotel booking, discounts on flights, and lounge access

The Citi Prestige Qantas Credit Card9 balances a very high $750 annual fee with a compelling list of luxury travel perks. There is a tiered system for Qantas points topping out at a 1.5x rate for international spend and eligible domestic transactions at major supermarkets, retailers, and petrol outlets.

You can also get 125,000 points as sign-up bonus, but you must spend $10,000 within 3 months of approval. Overall, we think it’s one of the best Qantas points credit cards.

ProsCons
  • High earn rates
  • Luxury perks including credit back when booking stays at hotels
  • Complimentary airport lounge access and travel insurance
  • Very high annual fee
  • High interest rate

NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Credit Card

Best for: A wide range of complimentary services and discounts

  • Earn up to 1 reward point per $1 spent on purchases
  • $15,000 minimum credit limit and 20.99% interest rate
  • Up to 44 days interest free period

You can sign up for The NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Credit Card10 for a reduced fee of $320 for the first year and take advantage of a competitive earn rate for everyday purchases. You will also trigger a 90,000 point bonus by spending $3,000 in the first 60 days. However, you must wait 12 months to get another 30,000.

Your Qantas earnings potential is capped at $20,000 per statement period. Perks include Visa Premium Access, complimentary travel insurance and a NAB Concierge Service.

ProsCons
  • Discount on first year fee
  • Solid points earning rate for everyday spend
  • Add cards for no extra cost
  • 3.5% foreign transaction fee
  • Minimum credit limit of $15,000 geared towards high spenders

American Express Qantas Premium Card

Best for: Mid-tier spenders looking for solid earning rates without a high entry fee

  • Earn up to 2 reward points per $1 spent on purchases
  • $2,000 minimum credit limit and 23.99% interest rate
  • Perks include complimentary travel insurance, lounge passes and a Qantas Wine Premium membership

The American Express Qantas Premium Card11 is one of the more affordable options with a solid earning rate on pretty much every purchase outside of government spending. You can also get 2 points per $1 spent rate on eligible Qantas products and services. However, the bonus offer isn’t as enticing as others with 20,000 points given after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.

ProsCons
  • Competitive $249 annual fee
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spent on most purchases
  • No fee for extra cards
  • Lower bonus rate compared to competitors
  • High interest rate
  • 3% foreign transaction fee

CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card

Best for: Frequent overseas travellers

  • Earn up to 1.2 reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • $6,000 minimum credit limit and 20.99% interest rate
  • Travel perks include complimentary airport lounge visits and access to international travel insurance

The CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card12 commands a $35 per month fee with a waiver if you spend over $4,000 a month. One of the most compelling perks for travellers is the ability to use the card overseas without incurring fees. However, the domestic earning rates at supermarkets and other stores are lower than competitors at 0.8x per $1 spent at eligible outlets and 0.4x for all other purchases.

ProsCons
  • No foreign transaction fees when using abroad
  • Earn 1.2 points for every $1 spent on international transactions
  • No cap on earning points
  • High monthly fee
  • No sign-up bonus
  • Points rate drops to 0.2 per $1 after $10,000 spend

Bring the Wise card along with you when travelling to save on foreign currency fees

While earning Qantas Points with a credit card can be a great travel perk, spending internationally with credit cards often comes with hidden costs like high foreign transaction fees. Instead, save on your travel expenses with a Wise card.

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, add money in AUD and spend in 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate and transparent conversion fees.

Your Wise card has smart technology built in which can automatically convert from dollars to the currency you need to pay at the point of purchase. That way you always get the lowest available fees so you never need to worry about having the right currency to hand, no matter where you are in the world. Your Qantas Points get you to your destination, while Wise can help you save on foreign transaction fees and enjoy spending with low, transparent fees wherever you are in the world.

🚀 Get your Wise card today

This material has been prepared by Wise Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 38 616 463 855) (AFSL 513764). The material presented is factual information only. The material is not intended to provide you with financial advice and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.

Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.


Sources:

  1. Qantas - About Us
  2. Qantas - Your Qantas Points Expiry
  3. American Express Qantas Ultimate Card
  4. Qantas Premier Titanium Credit Card
  5. Qantas Premier Titanium Credit Card - Fact Sheet
  6. Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card
  7. Westpac Altitude Qantas Black
  8. ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card
  9. Citi Prestige Qantas Credit Card
  10. NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Credit Card
  11. American Express Qantas Premium Card
  12. CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card

*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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