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Nab flights to New York or Japan with these frequent flyer cards offering bonus points on sign up

Alex Ritchie avatar
Alex Ritchie
- 5 min read
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Is taking a holiday at the top of your New Year’s Resolutions list? Then why not take the pressure out of your budget and consider using credit card frequent flyer points on sign up to pay for your travels. 

This month, the RateCity database shows 17 credit cards offering bulk Qantas frequent flyer points on sign up, ranging from 20,000 points to 150,000 points. 

Some new credit card users will utilise the strategy of spending bonus frequent flyer points offered on sign up on flights across Australia, or to international destinations, such as Bali, Hawaii or Japan. 

At the time of writing, these are the credit cards offering the biggest Qantas frequent flyer points at sign up:

Keep in mind that there is more to a credit card than the points bonus on offer, and this strategy will not suit every Australian. You will still need to meet any eligibility criteria set by the card issuer to qualify for approval and pay any upfront or ongoing costs. Consider reading the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before signing up.

Let’s explore Qantas frequent flyer credit cards with bulk sum bonus points on sign up this January.

Where your Qantas frequent flyer points could take you – January 2023

To assist you in comparing credit card options, RateCity has compiled a list of cards that offer Qantas frequent flyer points to cover the cost of a return ticket to some of the most popular destinations in Australia, and around the globe.

At the time of writing, the current cost for a return plane ticket domestically or internationally from Sydney, in terms of frequent flyer points, are as follows:

Destination

Qantas Frequent Flyer points

(Departing from Sydney)

Melbourne

12,800

Brisbane

12,800

Canberra

16,000

Hobart

19,200

Adelaide

19,200

Darwin

36,000

Perth

28,800

Denpasar (Bali)

36,000

Singapore

70,200

Honolulu

86,700

Tokyo

90,000

Los Angeles

83,800

London

121,400

New York

121,400

*See below for table disclaimers

Qantas frequent flyer credit card signup points on offer

20,000 – 60,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points

Company

Card

Program

Points

HSBC

Platinum Qantas Card

Qantas Frequent Flyer

20,000

American Express

Qantas Premium Card

Qantas Frequent Flyer

30,000

Bankwest

Qantas Platinum Mastercard

Qantas Frequent Flyer

50,000

American Express

Qantas Ultimate Card

Qantas Frequent Flyer

55,000

St.George Bank/BOM/BankSA

Amplify Platinum

Qantas Frequent Flyer

60,000

70,000 – 90,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points

Company

Card

Program

Points

Westpac

Altitude Platinum

Qantas Frequent Flyer

70,000

CBA

Ultimate Awards

Qantas Frequent Flyer

70,000

ANZ

Frequent Flyer Platinum

Qantas Frequent Flyer

70,000

NAB

Qantas Rewards Premium

Qantas Frequent Flyer

70,000

Qantas Money

Qantas Premier Platinum

Qantas Frequent Flyer

80,000

St.George Bank/BOM/BankSA

Amplify Signature

Qantas Frequent Flyer

90,000

100,000+ Qantas Frequent Flyer points

Company

Card

Program

Points

Citi

Prestige

Qantas Frequent Flyer

100,000

Citi

Premier Qantas

Qantas Frequent Flyer

100,000

ANZ

Frequent Flyer Black

Qantas Frequent Flyer

110,000

Westpac

Altitude Black Qantas

Qantas Frequent Flyer

120,000

NAB

Rewards Signature Qantas

Qantas Frequent Flyer

120,000

Qantas Money

Premier Titanium

Qantas Frequent Flyer

150,000

Source: RateCity.com.au. Data accurate as of 18/01/2023

Comparing frequent flyer credit cards

While bonus points offered on sign up can be competitive, it’s important to remember that there is more to a credit card than the perks and rewards provided.

It is crucial that you compare other factors, such as interest rates, fees, and number of interest-free days, before you apply. These factors can affect the overall cost of your purchases, regardless of the free flights you earn.

It’s always wise to take your time and do your research to find the credit card that best suits your financial needs and budget, as you don’t want to go into significant debt just for a holiday.

It may also be worthwhile reviewing insurances offered by card providers too, especially if you’re planning an overseas holiday. This can include complimentary domestic or international travel insurance, medical coverage, rental car insurance, and more.

Disclaimers for Qantas frequent flyer points table:

Note: Domestic flights based on Qantas frequent flyer points pricing for tickets dated 18/06/23 – 25/06/23 when looking on 23/01/23.Internationalflights based on Qantas frequent flyer points pricing for tickets dated 18/10/23 – 25/10/23, or lowest-point price on nearby days, whichever is more affordable when looking on 23/01/23.

Based on lowest points available ticket cost, including Jetstar flights. Based on travel to a major airport in the capital city (e.g. Heathrow in London) from Sydney, Australia. Data accurate as of 19/12/22.

Compare credit cards

Product database updated 11 Oct, 2024

This article was reviewed by Personal Finance Editor Peter Terlato before it was published as part of RateCity's Fact Check process.