First class ticket at economy prices
How to fly first class using points with Jack who rarely used his credit card. After finding Credit Card Compare, he realised a frequent flyer card could rack up serious points, so he compared and switched.
Now he runs everything—from groceries, fuel, household bills and even his tax—through his card and earns points on every dollar spent.
In just 12 months, he earned more than 150,000 points. That’s enough to upgrade to first class without extra effort or money.
Frequent flyer credit cards are specialised credit cards that offer reward points or miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. These reward points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses. Frequent flyer credit cards are popular among avid travellers and those looking to make the most of their everyday spending by earning valuable rewards that can offset travel costs.
David Boyd, the co-founder of CreditCardCompare.com.au, puts it: "I fondly remember the first time I used points from my frequent flyer credit card. It allowed me to upgrade my flight to first-class—a luxury I wouldn't have experienced otherwise."
Benefits of frequent flyer credit cards
Frequent flyer credit cards offer a range of benefits that make them appealing to consumers. Some of the key benefits include:
- Earn points: Cardholders can earn points or miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, which can be redeemed for flights and other travel-related expenses.
- Sign up bonuses: Many frequent flyer credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, providing a significant number of bonus points when you first open the card and meet the minimum spending requirement.
- Travel perks: Cardholders often enjoy travel perks such as airport lounge access, free travel insurance, and priority boarding.
- Foreign transaction fee waiver: Some frequent flyer credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
- Additional rewards: In addition to travel rewards, some cards offer additional perks such as cashback, statement credits, Priority Pass, or discounts on partner merchants.
How to choose the right frequent flyer credit card
With a plethora of frequent flyer credit cards available in the market, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a frequent flyer credit card:
- Airline affiliation: Choose a card that aligns with your preferred airline or one that offers flexibility in transferring points to multiple airline partners.
- Annual fees: Consider the annual fee associated with the card and evaluate whether the benefits and rewards justify the cost.
- Interest rates: Look at the interest rates offered by the card and ensure they are competitive with other credit cards in the market.
- Bonus points: Evaluate the sign up bonus and the minimum spending requirement to determine if it is attainable based on your regular spending habits.
- Reward redemption options: Check the redemption options available for your accumulated points and ensure they align with your travel preferences.
- Additional benefits: Consider additional perks such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services offered by the card.
