Experiences that once seemed out of reach

Loyalty points can turn everyday spending into heavily discounted travel and experiences, if you know how to use them.

What can points do for me?

The cost of not collecting

Points turn spending you already do into travel you’d otherwise pay full price for. If you skip it, you pay the same but get nothing back.

One seat, two very different prices

Most flights can be paid for in cash or points. In premium cabins, points can save you thousands on the equivalent cash fare.

You’re already paying for points

Card fees are built into the prices you pay, whatever you pay with. Collectors get some of that back as points. Everyone else gets nothing.

Why it’s worth the effort

You don’t spend more or change where you shop. You just get more back from the money already leaving your account.

Free to start

Most programs cost nothing to join, and everyday spending like groceries, fuel and bills earns points without a credit card.

Small amounts add up

A few hundred points a week feels like nothing. Over a year of normal spending, it builds into a balance worth a real trip.

Bigger trips for less

Points pay for experiences you’d rarely pay cash for: premium seats, longer stays, places that once seemed out of reach.

Not all points are created equal

The same spend can be worth very different amounts depending on how you use it. Points + Pay often returns less than plain cashback, while a premium reward seat can be worth five times as much.

Based on a direct airline rewards earning credit card that earns 1 airline point per $1 spent. Values are examples, not guarantees.

The proof is in the points

Real bookings, with every number shown: what we paid, what the points cost, and what we saved.

SYD ⇄ HND · Business · Return

Business class to Tokyo

JAL Business, Sydney to Tokyo return. Our best result, because a long-haul premium seat is where points go furthest.

Cash fare
$7,359
Points + Taxes and charges
180,000 pts + $440
Cost of the points (at 0.5¢ each)
$900
Out of pocket
$1,340
Value per point
3.8¢
Net saving
$6,019 (82% off)
SYD ⇄ HKT · Economy · Return

A week in Phuket

Qantas Economy, Sydney to Phuket return. Solid value for an international economy fare, at nearly 2¢ a point.

Cash fare
$1,281
Points + Taxes and charges
49,400 pts + $326
Cost of the points (at 0.5¢ each)
$247
Out of pocket
$573
Value per point
1.9¢
Net saving
$708 (55% off)
SYD ⇄ MEL · Economy · Return

A weekend in Melbourne

Qantas Economy, Sydney to Melbourne return. Short domestic hops give the least back: handy, but not where points shine.

Cash fare
$280
Points + Taxes and charges
18,400 pts + $104
Cost of the points (at 0.5¢ each)
$92
Out of pocket
$196
Value per point
1.0¢
Net saving
$84 (30% off)

Who this is for

Points reward good habits. For some people they're a clear win, and for others they're a costly distraction.

A good fit

Points work best when they ride on habits you already have.

  • You pay your card off in full every month
  • You spend $1,500+ a month on everyday costs
  • You want to travel further, or in more comfort
  • You can spare 20 minutes to set things up

Not yet

In these cases a rewards card can cost more than it gives back. Stick to the free programs for now.

  • You carry a balance on your credit card
  • You're applying for a home loan soon
  • You'd spend more just to earn points
  • You'd rather have cash than a trip

Starting costs nothing

Link your accounts and earn on what you already spend.

Programs shown: Qantas Frequent Flyer, Singapore KrisFlyer, Everyday Rewards, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, Accor Live Limitless, Velocity Frequent Flyer.

Answers to your questions

Yes, completely, if you carry a balance. Card interest costs far more than any points are worth. Our rule: pay in full every month, or stick to the free programs.