Best Aussie credit card reward programs?

January 11, 2006 2:57 AM

Aussie Mefites: Are there any credit card reward programs worth using? More inside...

I have recently arrived back in Australia after many years abroad. My wife and I could easily spend together $50,000 a year on purchases etc. We would pay the full balance each month so as not to incur any interest. Is the ANZ QANTAS card, Fly Buys or AMEX cash back reward programs worth using?


This link suggests that that the days of good value reward programs are over.

posted by skybeedoo to Work & Money (9 answers total)

As far as frequent flyer points are concerned, I'd suggest a search of (and post if not easily found within) flyertalk.com specifically focussed on the Qantas forum. I relocated to Australia recently and opted for the ANZ Qantas card with no interest payments so long as the balance is cleared within 45 days. One thing to be aware of is that there is a cap on the number of points you'll receive in any one month.
posted by michswiss at 4:22 AM on January 11, 2006

I don't think they are woth it. When you way up the annual charge for the cards plus the amazing paucity of seats made available by Qantas. Not a good deal.

I don't have any experience with the other rewards programs, but did have an ANZ frequent flyer card. I don't think we got very good value out of it, and the interest rate really blew.
posted by Dag Maggot at 5:15 AM on January 11, 2006

weigh - not way or whey. English - what a dumb language.
posted by Dag Maggot at 5:16 AM on January 11, 2006

It depends a lot on the program, the restrictions and the fees. As mentioned, the Flyertalk forums are probably a good place to start your research.

FWIW, I have rewards programs on two cards here in the US. One program is free, which is great; with your level of spending you'd likely qualify for a free program too. The other is expensive, but the flexibility and service are very good. Both programs are generic points-accumulation systems and not directly tied into one airline. As a result, the bonus programs aren't quite as lucrative, but the points are far more useful, because you can turn them into hotel stays, rental cars, or even cash. Have fun.
posted by werty at 6:12 AM on January 11, 2006

I don't know about Australian programs but I'd also say that it depends on how useful the rewards are to you. e.g. Which is more valuable: $1000 of travel for someone not interested in travelling or $500 of stereo equipment that they really want?
posted by winston at 8:30 AM on January 11, 2006

If you put lots of stuff on a credit card, as many people do, then yes.

I use Flybuys and have a credit card that is linked and use that as much as I can. I'd go to the same shops anyway. What it gets me is a few extra (not free) things per year.

Loyaltly programs are a con, but you can still get something out of them.
posted by sien at 1:31 PM on January 11, 2006

I've gone for the Citibank visa card, not so much for the reward program (which seems okay, lets you transfer your points to Quantas FF @ 1:1) but because you can get your photo on the card. I figure every bit of extra security is worth it, given that most people don't check signatures these days...

FWIW, my parents have the same card, and Mum puts everything on it (if it was 50k/year I'd be surprised). She easily gets ~$200 in Myers/DJ's/whatever gift vouchers each year. Not bad for a ~$60 annual fee.
posted by coriolisdave at 3:50 PM on January 11, 2006

I'm not Australian, but have you considered something like the Citibank Australia Cash Back card? It does not appear on first glance to have any kind of annual fee, and it gives you cashback. I use its counterpart here in the US and it's great. I've easily gotten hundreds of dollars in checks mailed to me.
posted by shivohum at 6:07 PM on January 11, 2006

If you're feeling philanthropic, Savings & Loans will donate the 1.5% to the Women's & Children's Hospital in Adelaide. Regardless of the rewards thing, credit unions like S&L are often a lot cheaper than a bank.
posted by polyglot at 9:54 PM on January 11, 2006