What is a Frequent Flyer Credit Card?

A frequent flyer credit card is any credit card where you can earn frequent flyer points when you use your credit card. A well-known type of frequent flyer points system is Qantas frequent flyer points, however there are many more.

Using your frequent flyer credit card in the best possible ways can help you earn points to go travelling more often. Read below for further information on:

• Types of Frequent Flyer Cards
• Comparing Frequent Flyer Cards

Types of Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

Many of the major airlines have their own type of frequent flyer points, often Frequent Flyer credit cards are also referred to as Airline credit cards because they are specifically focused on a particular airline. Therefore it’s important when choosing your frequent flyer credit card that you consider what airline you prefer to fly, you can read more about this in Comparing Frequent Flyer Credit Cards section below.

Some well-known frequent flyer programs:

Qantas Frequent Flyer Points

Qantas Frequent Flyer points can be used on Qantas and 27 partner airlines including Jetstar, this is part of the oneworld Alliance airlines. The oneworld Alliance includes international airlines such as AmericanAirlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and more.

Virgin Velocity Rewards

Virgin has heavily promoted their Virgin Velocity Rewards and appears to be looking to take on Qantas in an area they have previously dominated. Velocity Rewards gives you access to Virgin’s international Virgin Airlines brands as well as new partner airlines including Air New Zealand, Etihad and soon to be launching Singapore Airlines.

Comparing Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

When comparing cards to find the best frequent flyer credit card you should consider the following criteria:

Airline

Most people have a personal preference to what airline they like to travel with. This is the first thing to consider when choosing a frequent flyer credit card, make sure it’s with the airline you in tend to fly with over the coming years.

Bank

As with having a preference with an airline, also consider the bank you choose. Some people have a preference of what bank they trust and like to use.

Earning Frequent Flyer Points

Ultimately Frequent Flyer Credit Cards are chosen to accumulate points so you can get travelling ‘free’ on the points – the sooner you can do this the better. Many frequent flyer cards offer bonus promotions where they give thousands of frequent flyer points to you on completing your application. This is a great way to kick start or give you existing points a good boost – makes sure you don’t miss these offers.

The rate in which you can accumulate your points is important, have a look at how many points you receive per dollar spent.

Credit Card features and benefits

Another important part of choosing the right frequent flyer credit card is reviewing the features and benefits; here are some things to consider on each.

Features – Interest Rate is important, most frequent flyer credit cards have a higher interest rate than other credit cards. This is because they offer more back to you from the card, we encourage that you consider the right interest rate for you based on your ability to pay back the credit on your card. Annual fees are also higher on frequent flyer cards but this is a less important factor to some but should also be considered.

Benefits – Many frequent flyer cards offer additional benefits such as travel insurance, 24/7 concierge service, complimentary lounge passes and more. These benefits are typically designed to enhance your travel experience.

Frequent Flyer Status credits and Privileges

One big perk of frequent flyer points is the ability to gain status points and additional privileges.

Choosing the Best Frequent Flyer Credit Card

We believe “the best frequent flyer credit card” is different for different people and by evaluating the above criteria you will find the best card for you.  You will also see “Editors Choice” credit cards listed, these are cards that we see to be particularly good.