Travel to Europe return with sign up bonus points from these credit cards

There are a number of credit cards offering bulk frequent flyer points on sign up that could take you around Australia, or to Europe return, depending on your eligibility.

RateCity’s database shows there are 17 credit cards in May offering bulk sum frequent flyer points for new customers that can take you at least to another capital city in Australia. Of these cards, 16 could take you internationally through bulk sum frequent flyer points.

And the news comes just in time, with CommBanks’ latest Household Spending Intentions (HSI) Index showing that our spend on travel reached a new record high in April. Spending on travel has exceeded the HSI index peak recorded pre-COVID, climbing by 10.6% in April, and skyrocketed 41% compared to the same time last year.

Australians are spending their COVID savings on travel agents, airlines, cruise ships, tourist attractions, hotels, motels as well as bus lines, according to the latest HSI Index. The only decline was seen in camper and RV rental spending, further indicating that Australians are ready to hit the skies and fly domestically and internationally again.

At the time of writing, these are the credit cards offering 120,000 or more Qantas frequent flyer points at sign up, which may be enough to get you to London or Rome return.

1. Qantas Premier Titanium – 150,000 points
2. ANZ Frequent Flyer Black – 130,000 points
3. NAB Rewards Signature Qantas – 120,000 points
4. Westpac Altitude Black (Altitude Qantas) – 120,000 points

Keep in mind that you will still need to meet the eligibility criteria set by the card issuers to qualify.

To help you with your frequent flyer credit card comparison, we’ve created a list of credit cards that offer enough Qantas points to pay for the cost of a return ticket to some of the most popular destinations.

Where you can travel with your Qantas frequent flyer points – May 2022

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

*See below for disclaimers

Qantas frequent flyer credit card signup points on offer

20,000 – 50,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points

60,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points

70,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points

80,000 – 90,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points

100,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points

120,000+ Qantas Frequent Flyer points

Source RateCity.com.au. Data accurate as of 11/05/22.

Comparing frequent flyer credit cards

While credit card frequent flyer points on sign up can be a generous reward for some customers, it’s important to keep in mind there is more to a card than the points being offered. Be sure to compare any potential interest rate charges, fees and number of interest free days offered by the issuer against your financial situation and budget before you apply for any credit card.

You may also want to compare any complimentary insurances that are offered with said credit cards, including domestic or international travel insurance, medical coverage, rental car insurance and more. Consider also taking note of whether the insurer offers coverage in the event of Covid-related flight or accommodation cancellations as well.

Disclaimers for Qantas frequent flyer points table:

Note: Based on Qantas frequent flyer points pricing for tickets dated 09/11/22 – 16/11/22 when looking on 11/05/22. For Rome, ticket dates are 09/11 – 14/11 due to lack of availability.

Based on lowest points available ticket cost, including Jetstar flights. Based on travel to major airport in the capital city (Heathrow, Narita etc.) from Sydney, Australia. Data accurate as of 11/05/22.

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