Credit Cards With Free Flights Or Travel Credits

Compare the best credit cards offering free flights in Australia or travel credits you can use to book flights.

By Verified by David Boyd   |   Updated 4 Oct 2024

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Comparing of 2 credit cards with free flights or travel credits

American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card

FeaturedApply by 14 January 2025

American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card

Rewards program

Qantas Business Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

130,000 points

Annual fee

$450.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Get 130,000 bonus Qantas Points with the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card when applying by 14 January 2025, getting approved, and spending at least $3,000 within 2 months of approval. Exclusive to new American Express Card Members.
  • Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on Qantas products and services, up to 1.25 points per $1 spent on everyday spend, and 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on government spend, utilities, and insurance.
  • Once a total of 500,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday business earn rate will change from 1.25 to 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent. *For Card Members who applied for the Card between July 1, 2023, and January 9, 2024, this change will take effect from July 10, 2024.

Pros

  • Earn 130,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Two complimentary passes for the Qantas Club lounge every year.
  • A flexible Payment Option is available to spread costs over time for a portion of your balance.
  • Power up your business – Spend with Dell Technologies and get up to $100 credit.

Cons

  • The $450 p.a. annual fee.
  • Balance must be repaid in full each month.
  • No concierge service.
  • Lounge passes are valid for Qantas Club and not the international business lounges.
American Express Platinum Business Card

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2.25 points

Sign up bonus

350,000 points

Annual fee

$1,750.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Get 350,000 bonus Membership Rewards points by applying before 5 November 2024, getting approved, and spending $12,000 on your card within the initial 3 months. Exclusive to New American Express Card Members.
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent.
  • Enjoy exclusive Platinum travel, experience, and dining privileges.

Pros

  • The offer of 350,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent and 1 point per $1 spent at the ATO.
  • Access to more than 1,400 lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge.
  • Gold status match at Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Premium status at Radisson Hotel Group.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $1,750 p.a.
  • Since this is a charge card, the balance must be cleared every statement.
  • No balance transfer facility.

Credit cards that offer free flights or travel credits are specially designed to reward cardholders with travel-related incentives. These incentives can range from redeemable points for flights to complimentary upgrades, airport lounge access, travel insurance coverage, and more. By leveraging these benefits, cardholders can save money on travel expenses and make their journeys more enjoyable and cost-effective.

David Boyd of Credit Card Compare

"As someone who's travelled extensively for both business and pleasure", David Boyd, the co-founder of Credit Card Compare, explains, "the significance these cards have brought to my travel planning is remarkable. I remember accruing enough points for a family trip to Bali, which was almost fully covered by rewards from my credit card."

Key features of credit cards with free flights or travel credits

  • Frequent flyer points: Many credit cards entice customers with reward points for every dollar spent. These points can be accumulated and redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses.
  • Complimentary flights: Some premium credit cards offer complimentary flights as a sign up bonus or anniversary gift. These free flights can be a game-changer for frequent flyers looking to reduce travel costs.
  • Travel credits: Travel credits provided by credit cards can be used to offset various travel expenses like airline tickets, hotel bookings, rental cars, and more. These credits can help cardholders save money on their travels.
  • Lounge access: Access to airport lounges can significantly enhance the travel experience by providing a quiet and comfortable space to relax before a flight. Many credit cards offer complimentary lounge access as a perk.
  • Travel insurance: Credit cards with travel insurance coverage can offer peace of mind to travellers by providing protection against trip cancellations, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
  • Concierge services: Some premium credit cards provide concierge services to assist cardholders with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, event tickets, and other concierge-related requests.

Example use case

Consider John, a small business owner who regularly travels interstate for meetings. John uses his business credit card for most expenses, from utilities to client dinners. Consequently, he earns points, which he redeems for his frequent flights. This saves him money, which he then invests back into growing his business.

What to consider before choosing a credit card for free flights or travel credits

  • Annual fee: Check the credit card's annual fee and determine if the benefits outweigh the costs, especially if you are primarily interested in the travel perks.
  • Rewards structure: Read the credit card rewards, including how points are earned and redeemed and the value they offer for travel-related rewards.
  • Travel partnerships: Check if the credit card has partnerships with airlines, hotels, and other travel providers to maximise the value of your rewards and travel benefits.
  • Bonus offers: Look for credit cards that offer attractive sign-up bonuses, such as bonus points, complimentary flights, or travel credits during the initial months of card membership.
  • Redemption options: Consider the flexibility of redeeming rewards and travel benefits the credit card offers to ensure they align with your travel preferences and goals.
  • Other benefits: Explore the additional benefits the credit card provides, such as purchase protection, extended warranties, travel assistance services, and more, to enhance your overall cardholder experience.