Savvy ways to boost frequent flyer points for Aussie travellers

Boosting your frequent flyer points can help you get more value from your travel rewards. There are many easy ways to increase your points balance without spending extra money.
4 mins read
Qantas plane in the air.

You can earn more Qantas Frequent Flyer points by linking your accounts, using partner services, and being smart with your everyday spending. For example, you can earn points when you take an Uber to the airport if you link your accounts through the Qantas app.

Signing up for a credit card that earns Qantas points on purchases is another good option. Some cards offer big sign-up bonuses of up to 200,000 points when you meet certain spending targets. Just be sure to compare different cards and watch out for fees.

Maximising Credit Card Use

Credit cards can be powerful tools for earning frequent flyer points. The right card and smart spending habits can boost your points balance quickly.

Choosing the Right Card

When picking a credit card for points, look at the earn rate and annual fee. Some cards offer more points per dollar spent on certain categories like travel or dining. Compare cards to find one that matches your spending habits.

Look for cards with sign-up bonuses. These often give big point boosts when you meet spending targets in the first few months. But make sure you can hit those targets without overspending.

Check if the card is linked to your preferred airline’s program. Some let you transfer points to multiple airlines, giving more flexibility.

Strategic Spending

Use your points-earning card for all eligible purchases. This includes groceries, petrol, and bills. Even small buys add up over time.

Pay attention to bonus point offers on certain spending categories. Your card might offer extra points at supermarkets or on overseas transactions.

Set up direct debits for regular bills to your credit card. This ensures you don’t miss out on points for these payments.

Be careful not to overspend just to earn points. Stick to your budget and pay off the full balance each month to avoid interest charges.

Bonus Point Offers

Keep an eye out for special promotions from your credit card provider. These might offer bonus points for hitting spending targets or trying new services.

Look for partner deals where you can earn extra points. This could be booking with certain hotels or shopping with specific retailers.

Some cards offer anniversary bonuses. You might get extra points each year just for keeping your account open.

Watch for limited-time offers that boost point earn rates. These can be great chances to rack up points faster on your usual spending.

Understanding Frequent Flyer Programmes

Frequent flyer programmes reward loyal customers with points and perks. These schemes offer different tiers and ways to earn points based on your travel habits and spending.

Membership Tiers

Frequent flyer programmes typically have several membership levels. These tiers often include:

  1. Basic (entry-level)
  2. Silver
  3. Gold
  4. Platinum

Higher tiers give more perks. These can include:

  • Extra baggage allowance
  • Priority check-in
  • Lounge access
  • Seat upgrades

To move up tiers, you need to fly often or earn lots of points. Each airline sets its own rules for tier upgrades.

Qantas Frequent Flyer is a big programme in Australia. It has over 15 million members. Qantas is part of the Oneworld alliance, which lets you use points with many airlines.

Point Earning Rates

Airlines give points based on different factors. These can include:

  • Distance flown
  • Fare type
  • Membership tier

Higher-priced tickets and business class fares often earn more points. Some airlines give points based on money spent rather than miles flown.

You can also earn points without flying. Credit cards linked to frequent flyer programmes let you earn points on everyday spending. Other ways to earn include:

  • Shopping at partner stores
  • Booking hotels
  • Renting cars

Qantas offers many ways to earn points outside of flying. These include using Qantas transaction and savings accounts.

Leveraging Travel Habits

Smart choices in your travel routine can boost your Qantas Frequent Flyer points quickly. You can earn more points by picking the right flights and taking advantage of special offers.

Booking Partner Airlines

Qantas works with many airlines in the Oneworld alliance. When you book flights with these partners, you can earn Qantas points. Check which partners give the most points for your route. Some might offer bonus points or higher earning rates.

Look for codeshare flights too. These are run by partner airlines but have a Qantas flight number. You often earn more points on these than on the partner’s own flights.

Don’t forget about non-Oneworld partners like Emirates. Flights with them can also add to your Qantas point balance.

Utilising Travel Deals

Keep an eye out for Qantas point promotions. The airline often runs deals where you can earn extra points on flights, hotels, or car rentals.

Sign up for Qantas emails to get alerts about these offers. Some deals might give you double or triple points on certain routes or dates.

Check for hotel partnerships too. Many hotels offer Qantas points on stays. Some might have special rates that include bonus points.

Car rental companies also partner with Qantas. Booking through the Qantas website can earn you points on your hire.

Everyday Point-Boosting Strategies

Qantas Frequent Flyers can build their points balance through simple daily activities. These methods don’t require big spending or travel, making them perfect for everyday use.

Shopping Portals

The Qantas Shopping is a great way to earn points on regular purchases. You can shop at hundreds of popular retailers through this portal.

Every time you buy something, you’ll earn Qantas Points. The amount varies by store, but it’s often 2-5 points per dollar spent. Some shops offer even higher rates.

To use the mall:

  1. Log in to your Qantas account
  2. Click through to your chosen retailer
  3. Shop as normal

Remember to check for bonus point offers. These pop up often and can boost your earnings.

Survey Participation

Sharing your opinions can pad your points balance. Qantas runs a survey program where you earn points for each survey you complete.

The number of points varies based on the survey length. Shorter surveys might give 50 points, while longer ones could offer 150 or more.

To join:

  1. Sign up for the Qantas survey program
  2. Wait for email invitations
  3. Complete surveys when they arrive

It’s an easy way to earn points while watching TV or during your lunch break.

Dining Rewards

Eating out can fatten your points balance too. Qantas partners with restaurants across Australia to offer dining rewards.

When you dine at these spots, you’ll earn points on your bill. The usual rate is 3 points per dollar spent. Some eateries offer higher rates during promotions.

To earn points on meals:

  1. Link your credit card to Qantas Dining
  2. Use that card when you pay
  3. Points will show up in your account

This works for both sit-down meals and takeaway orders. It’s a tasty way to boost your balance without extra effort.

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Audrey Wilson

Audrey is a Senior Editor and contributor to Money Choices.