Best Qantas Credit Cards in Australia: What to Look For Before You Apply
A Qantas points earning credit card can be one of the fastest ways to build your Qantas Frequent Flyer balance.
But the “best” Qantas card is not the same for everyone.
The right card depends on how much you spend, whether you pay your card off in full, what annual fee you are comfortable with, and whether you can actually use the points for travel.
Before applying for any credit card, always check the issuer’s current offer, eligibility rules, annual fee, interest rate, bonus points conditions, minimum spend requirement, exclusions and full terms.
The Reward Pilot provides general information only. We do not provide personal financial advice.
The Reward Pilot view
Qantas credit cards can be useful if you already collect Qantas Points, fly Qantas or Jetstar, shop with Qantas partners, or want to build a points balance for future travel.
The key is not just chasing the biggest bonus.
A card with a large sign up bonus may look attractive, but it may also come with a higher annual fee, a higher minimum spend requirement, or a higher interest rate. Rewards cards can also cost more overall if you carry a balance rather than paying the card off in full each month. ASIC’s MoneySmart notes that rewards cards can come with higher fees and rates, so the value of the rewards should be checked against the cost of the card.
What makes a good Qantas card?
When comparing Qantas cards, look at these areas.
1. Bonus Qantas Points
Many Qantas earning cards offer bonus points for new approved cardholders who meet a minimum spend requirement within a set period.
For example, a card might offer bonus points if you spend a certain amount on eligible purchases within the first few months.
Before applying, check:
how many bonus points are offered
how much you need to spend
how long you have to meet the spend
whether you are eligible as a new customer
whether there are exclusions for previous cardholders
when the points will be credited
Do not apply for a card just because the bonus looks big. Make sure the minimum spend fits your normal budget.
2. Annual fee
A large points bonus can sometimes justify a higher annual fee, but only if the value is there for you.
Ask yourself:
Would I pay this annual fee without the bonus points?
Will I actually use the travel benefits?
Does the card offer lounge passes, travel insurance or other inclusions?
Will I keep the card after the first year?
A lower fee card with a smaller bonus may be better for some people than a premium card with benefits they will never use.
3. Points earn rate
The earn rate is how many Qantas Points you earn per dollar spent.
Some cards earn more on selected categories, such as Qantas spend, overseas spend or everyday purchases. Others have reduced earn rates after you spend above a monthly cap.
Check:
the standard earn rate
whether there is a monthly points cap
whether government payments, BPAY, cash advances or fees earn points
whether overseas transactions earn at a different rate
whether the earn rate changes after a certain spend level
Qantas also notes that Qantas Points from credit cards are generally earned on eligible purchases through the relevant card partner and are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer terms and conditions.
4. Interest rate
This is the big one.
If you do not pay your credit card off in full each month, the interest can quickly outweigh the value of any points.
A points earning credit card usually makes the most sense for people who pay the full closing balance by the due date every month.
If you regularly carry credit card debt, chasing rewards points is unlikely to be worth it.
5. Extra benefits
Some Qantas cards may include extras such as:
Qantas lounge invitations
complimentary travel insurance
higher earn rates on Qantas spend
concierge services
purchase protection
extended warranty cover
travel credits
These benefits can be valuable, but only if you use them.
Do not overvalue benefits that sound impressive but do not suit your actual life.
Common traps to avoid
The biggest traps are:
applying for a card you cannot afford
spending extra just to earn points
missing the minimum spend requirement
forgetting the annual fee in year two
assuming every transaction earns points
carrying a balance and paying interest
not checking whether you are eligible for the bonus
Points are only useful when they are earned safely and sensibly.
Who might suit a Qantas card?
A Qantas points credit card may suit someone who:
already collects Qantas Points
wants to build points for domestic or international travel
can meet the minimum spend using normal expenses
pays their card off in full each month
understands the annual fee and ongoing costs
has checked the current terms before applying
Who should be careful?
Be careful if you:
are already carrying credit card debt
are tempted to overspend
are applying only for the bonus
cannot meet the minimum spend naturally
are unsure about the annual fee
do not know how you will use the points
Final boarding call
The best Qantas card is not necessarily the one with the biggest sign up bonus.
It is the one that fits your normal spending, has a reasonable cost, offers points you can actually use, and does not push you into debt.
Used carefully, a Qantas points card can help you take off sooner. Used poorly, it can cost more than the points are worth.
General information disclaimer
This guide is general information only and does not consider your personal financial situation, objectives or needs. The Reward Pilot may receive a commission if you apply for a credit card through some links on this website. Always check the card issuer’s full terms, conditions, fees, eligibility criteria, interest rates, minimum spend rules and exclusions before applying. Consider seeking independent financial advice if you are unsure whether a product is suitable for you.