Velocity Points Credit Cards

Compare credit cards that earn Velocity Points and Status Credits, have lounge access, and come with other travel benefits.

By   |   Updated 10 Apr 2024

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Comparing Velocity Points credit cards

American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card

On website

Highlights

  • Get 100,000 bonus Velocity Points upon applying by May 15, 2024, getting approved, and making $3,000 in eligible purchases with your new Card within the initial 3 months. Offer valid for new Amex Card Members exclusively.
  • Receive a complimentary Virgin Australia return Economy domestic flight between specified cities annually following your first Card spend each year.
  • Benefit from 2 complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each year at selected domestic airports.

Pros

  • Receive up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Complimentary Virgin Australia return Economy domestic flight between selected cities each year after your first Card spend each anniversary year.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each anniversary year at selected domestic airports.
  • Receive 100 Velocity Frequent Flyer Status Credits, when you spend a minimum of $50,000 within your card membership year.
  • Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.
  • Add up to 4 additional cardholders for free.

Cons

  • The interest rates applied to balances carried over is on the high end.
  • There is no balance transfer offer on this card.
American Express Velocity Escape Card

On website

Highlights

  • Acquire Velocity Points while benefiting from a $0 annual card fee.
  • Points accrued on your card seamlessly transfer to your Velocity account monthly and are redeemable for various rewards such as flights, lodging, car rentals, gift cards, and beyond.
  • Earn 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent, except for transactions with Australian government entities, where you'll earn 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent.

Pros

  • No annual fee, but still earn points.
  • Earn 1.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on purchases with Virgin Australia.
  • Get 0.5 points per $1 when paying tax to the ATO using the card.
  • 55 days interest-free on purchases when the previous balance has been cleared in full.

Cons

  • Doesn't come with complimentary travel insurance.
  • No complimentary lounge access.
  • No access to the concierge service.
  • There is no balance transfer offer for this card.
American Express Velocity Business Charge Card

On website

Highlights

  • Get 200,000 Bonus Velocity Points upon applying by May 15, 2024, getting approval, and fulfilling the minimum spending requirement of $5,000 within 2 months of approval. Offer valid for New American Express Card Members exclusively.
  • Accumulate 2 points for every $1 spent on Virgin Australia services and up to 1 point per $1 spent on other transactions. Earn 0.5 points per $1 on ATO and government expenditures.
  • Benefit from 2 complimentary single-entry passes to the Virgin Australia Lounge at chosen domestic airports annually.

Pros

  • Receive 200,000 bonus Velocity Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Join the Virgin Australia Business Flyer program to jump direct to Tier 2 and receive a complimentary 12-month Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold if you meet the criteria.
  • Earn up to 2 Velocity Points per $1 spent.
  • No pre-set spending limit and up to 51 days to pay for purchases.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $249 p.a.
  • Each employee card costs $99.
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

On website

Highlights

  • No annual fee in the initial year, saving you $195.
  • Accrue 3 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations.
  • Access $200 allocated for annual travel expenses, applicable towards eligible flights, hotels, or car rentals when booked through American Express Travel.

Pros

  • $0 annual fee in the first year, saving you $195.
  • Receive $200 to spend on eligible domestic and international flights, hotels, or car hire with American Express Travel.
  • Smartphone Screen Cover for smartphone screen repairs up to $500.

Cons

  • The ongoing purchase rate of 23.99%.
American Express Explorer Credit Card

On website

Highlights

  • Obtain 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points upon application approval and spending $4,000 on your new Card within the initial 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
  • Enjoy a $400 Travel Credit annually for flights, hotels, and car rentals when booked online using this card.
  • Benefit from complimentary domestic and international travel insurance coverage.

Pros

  • The 50,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points when approved and reach spend requirement within the first 3 months.
  • Receive a $400 travel credit every year.
  • Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on purchases except for government bodies in Australia where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent (uncapped).
  • Get two complimentary entries per year to The Centurion® Lounge.

Cons

  • The $395 p.a. annual fee.
St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

On website

Apply by 31 July 2024

St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

Highlights

  • Up to 150,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points earned upon spending $12,000 on eligible purchases within the first 12 months from card approval.
  • Initial card fee of $199 for the first year ($295 p.a. thereafter).
  • 0% p.a. interest for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee applied to transferred amounts.
  • Comes with complimentary overseas travel insurance coverage for up to 6 months.

Pros

  • The 150,000 bonus Amplify Rewards Points.
  • Save $96 with the $199 card fee for the first year.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year when you enroll in Priority Pass.
  • Comes with concierge services.

Cons

  • After the initial year, the annual fee is $295 p.a.
  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee.
Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card (Altitude)

On website

Highlights

  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points. Receive 100,000 Altitude bonus points by spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 120 days of card approval. Additionally, get 50,000 points after your first eligible purchase in year 2. Exclusions apply.
  • Initial $150 p.a. annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter), applicable to new cardholders only.
  • Earn 6 Altitude points per $1 on Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates flights bought in Australia, subject to eligibility criteria.

Pros

  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Additional savings with the $150 first-year annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter).
  • Earn 1.25 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • Get 2 complimentary lounge passes each year with Priority Pass.

Cons

  • The high annual fee of $295 p.a. after the initial year.
St.George Amplify Platinum Credit Card (Amplify)

On website

Highlights

  • Earn 100,000 bonus Amplify Points upon spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from card approval, potentially valued at up to $450 in eGift cards. Exclusions apply.
  • 0% interest for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee, which then reverts to the cash advance rate of 21.49% p.a.
  • Enjoy a discounted annual fee of $49 p.a. for the first year ($124 p.a. annual fee thereafter).

Pros

  • The 100,000 bonus Amplify Points.
  • Earn uncapped Amplify Points per dollar on eligible purchases.
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance (terms, conditions, exclusions, and eligibility criteria apply).
  • Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee. Other cards offer 0% balance transfer free.
BankSA Amplify Platinum Credit Card (Amplify)

On website

Highlights

  • Earn up to 100,000 bonus Amplify Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from card approval. Exclusions apply.
  • 0% for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee. Reverts to cash advance rate of 21.49% p.a.
  • $49 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($124 p.a. annual fee thereafter)

Pros

  • The 100,000 bonus Amplify Points.
  • 0% for 24 months on balance transfers.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance (terms, conditions, exclusions, and eligibility criteria apply).
  • Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee. Other cards offer 0% balance transfer free.
Bank of Melbourne Amplify Platinum Credit Card (Amplify)

On website

Highlights

  • Earn up to 100,000 bonus Amplify Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from card approval. Exclusions apply.
  • 0% for 24 months on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee. Reverts to cash advance rate of 21.49% p.a.
  • $49 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($124 p.a. annual fee thereafter)

Pros

  • The 100,000 bonus Amplify Points.
  • 0% for 24 months on balance transfers.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance (terms, conditions, exclusions, and eligibility criteria apply).
  • Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Cons

  • There is a 1% balance transfer fee. Other cards offer 0% balance transfer free.
NAB Rewards Business Signature Credit Card

On website

Highlights

  • Receive 100,000 NAB Rewards Points upon spending $4,000 on everyday purchases within 60 days.
  • Triple the earning rate on overseas spending or purchases made at overseas stores and suppliers from Australia.
  • Double the earn rate on purchases made at partner departments and hardware stores.

Pros

  • Receive a generous 100,000 bonus NAB Rewards Points when you spend $4,000 on everyday business purchases within 60 days of opening your account.
  • Earn 1.25 NAB Rewards Points per $1 spent on eligible everyday business purchases, with no cap.
  • ATO payments earn NAB Rewards Points at the same rate as everyday purchases.
  • NAB Rewards Points can be transferred to several other airline rewards programs, making it easier to find an awards seat.
  • Up to 44 interest-free days on purchases, giving you more flexibility and breathing room with your business expenses.
  • Complimentary NAB Commercial Cards Unauthorised Transaction Insurance and NAB Commercial Cards Transit Accident Insurance.
  • Works with major digital wallets, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Cons

  • Additional cardholders don't come cheap.
  • Lacks complimentary international travel insurance.
  • No complimentary airline lounge passes.
ANZ Rewards Platinum Credit Card

On website

Highlights

  • Obtain 80,000 bonus Reward Points and $50 cashback upon spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the initial 3 months after approval.
  • Access a variety of complimentary insurances for both travel and purchases.
  • Accumulate ANZ Rewards Points on your everyday purchases.

Pros

  • 80,000 bonus Reward Points and a $50 cashback when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent up to $2,000 per statement period.
  • No cap on the total number of points you can earn.
  • Comes with complimentary insurance covers, including international travel insurance and purchase protection insurance.
  • ANZ Rewards points can be transferred to several airline partners, giving you booking flexibility.
  • Up to 55 days interest-free on purchases.

Cons

  • There is a $65 annual fee per additional cardholder.
  • The earn rate drops to 0.5 points per $1 after $2,000 per statement period.
  • No balance transfer offer.
  • No lounge access.
Citi Rewards 100,000 Bonus Citi Reward Points Offer

On website

Citi Rewards 100,000 Bonus Citi Reward Points Offer

Highlights

  • Receive 100,000 bonus Citi reward Points upon application by April 30, 2024, approval, and spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the initial 90 days from approval. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • The initial year presents a discounted annual fee of $99 ($199 p.a. thereafter).
  • Benefit from a 10% discount (up to $250) on Limited Time Lux Exclusive hotel offers until March 1, 2024.

Pros

  • Earn 100,000 bonus points when you meet the criteria.
  • Discounted annual fee.
  • You can pay or shop using your Citi reward points.

Cons

  • No ongoing introductory balance transfer or purchase offer.
ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card

On website

Highlights

  • Get 180,000 bonus Reward Points and $150 cash back upon spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases within the initial 3 months of approval.
  • Accrue 2 Reward Points for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases, up to $5,000 per statement period.
  • Enjoy complimentary international travel insurance.

Pros

  • Receive 180,000 bonus ANZ Rewards points and earn a $150 cash back when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $5,000 per statement period.
  • There is no cap on the number of points you can earn.
  • Free international travel insurance and purchase protection insurance.

Cons

  • The $375 p.a. annual fee.
  • Doesn't come with lounge access or a concierge service.
  • No balance transfer offer.
Citi Rewards Card Balance Transfer and Purchase Offer

Citi Rewards Card Balance Transfer and Purchase Offer

Highlights

  • 0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfer reverts to cash advance rate.
  • Enjoy 10% off (up to $250) Limited Time Lux Exclusive hotel offers until 1 March 2024.
  • Earn 1 Citi reward point for every $1 spent.

Pros

  • 0% p.a. on balance transfers and purchases for the first 12 months.
  • No balance transfer fee.
  • Earn 1 Citi reward point for every $1 spent.

Cons

  • Balance transfer reverts to 22.24% p.a. cash advance rate after 12 months.

Velocity credit cards allow cardholders to earn Velocity Points, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more through the Velocity Frequent Flyer program. Some may also earn Status Credits and many come with airport lounge access too.

One of the most fundamental choices to make in any Velocity credit card comparison is whether you want to earn Velocity Points directly or to earn points in a rewards program that has Velocity Frequent Flyer as a transfer partner.

Cards that earn points that can be transferred into Virgin Frequent Flyer tend to offer more flexibility when it comes to booking flights on Velocity Points.

"Credit cards offer Virgin Australia loyalists an attractive way to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits. There is a range of offers available with differentiated earn rates on everyday purchases, bonuses on airline spending, and complimentary entry to airport lounges. However, it's important to look beyond the earn rate and sign-up bonus to consider important factors like interest rates and annual fees."
David Boyd
CEO at Credit Card Compare

Benefits of Velocity Points credit cards

Velocity credit cards offer a range of benefits to cardholders, including:

  • Earn Velocity Points: Cardholders can earn Velocity Points on their everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more. Some earn on government spend, such as paying taxes.
  • Free travel insurance: Many Velocity credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance, typically activated when using the card to pay for travel expenses.
  • Airport lounge access: Some Velocity credit cards provide access to airport lounges, allowing cardholders to relax in comfort before their flight.
  • Sign-up points bonus: Cardholders can take advantage of bonus points offers when signing up for a new Velocity credit card or meeting certain spending criteria.
  • Special offers and discounts: Velocity credit cardholders may have access to exclusive offers, discounts, and benefits with partner companies.

How to choose a Velocity Points credit card

When selecting a Velocity credit card, consider the following factors to ensure it aligns with your financial needs and travel preferences:

  • Earn rates: Look for a card that offers competitive earn rates on your regular spending categories.
  • Fees and charges: Compare annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges associated with the card.
  • Bonus points offer: Consider any sign-up bonuses or promotion offers with the card.
  • Additional benefits: Evaluate additional perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and partner benefits.
  • Card features: Check for contactless payments, mobile wallet compatibility, and account management tools.

Methodology for our Velocity credit card comparison

When choosing cards for inclusion in our Velocity credit card comparison table and their rank order, we considered the following attributes and their associated metadata.

  • Annual fee initial year: If there is one, how much the annual card fee is for the first year. Lower is better.
  • Annual fee ongoing: Whether there is an ongoing annual fee and how much it is. Lower is better.
  • Apple Pay enabled: Whether the card is compatible with Apple Pay. Considered beneficial if possible.
  • Balance transfer offer: Whether the card has an introductory balance transfer offer and what the rates, fees, and terms are. Lower rates for longer are considered better.
  • Card type: If the card runs on American Express, Mastercard, Visa, etc. since this can affect its acceptance.
  • Foreign exchange fee: If there is a fee to process transactions overseas or in a foreign currency. Lower is better.
  • Interest-free period: How many interest-free days are available if balance cleared in full. Longer is better.
  • Introductory purchase rate: If an introductory offer on purchase is available and its associated rates, fees, period, and terms. Lower rates for a longer period is considered better.
  • Late payment fee: The fee charged if the minimum repayment is not made by the due date. Lower is better.
  • Lounge access: If provided, which airport lounges the card facilitates access to, limits on use, terms and conditions, etc.
  • Maximum credit limit: If published, the highest possible credit limit offered.
  • Minimum credit limit: If published, the lowest credit limit offered.
  • Minimum income required: If published, the minimum amount of income required as part of the bank's criteria to qualify for the card. Lower thresholds make the card available to more applicants.
  • Purchase rate ongoing: What the standard interest rate is on purchases that remain on the balance after any introductory offers expire. Lower is better.
  • Rewards program: If the card is linked directly with Velocity Frequent Flyer or with a rewards program that is a transfer partner. Direct earn is typically preferred for similicity's sake.
  • Samsung Pay enabled: If the card is compatible with Samsung Pay. Considered beneficial if possible.
  • Sign-up bonus: If there is a sign-up bonus of Velocity Points or points transferable to Velocity Frequent Flyer and what the criteria is to get it. Larger sign-up bonuses with lower spending criteria are considered better.
  • Status Credits: Whether the card earns Status Credits. Higher is better.
  • Target market: Whether the card is available for businesses or consumers.

Our rankings may not reflect what matters most to you. Be sure to compare key rates, fees, and features against your own financial priorities before deciding.

Help choosing a Velocity credit card

Explore how a Velocity credit card can reward you with Virgin Australia and partners.

  • FAQs

  • Pros & cons

  • Alternatives

Can you earn Status Credits with a Velocity credit card?

Status Credits are typically earned through flying, but it is possible to earn them on some higher-end Velocity credit cards.

Is it possible to churn Velocity credit cards?

It is possible to churn Velocity credit cards — applying for cards to earn sign-up bonuses and then cancelling them — but you'll need to wait a specified period of time before re-applying for the same card. Applying for a credit card and being declined may impact your credit score and future card approvals.

Can you earn Velocity Points by paying the ATO with a credit card?

You can use a Velocity Points-earning credit card to pay the ATO, but whether it is possible varies between cards as does the earn rate per dollar spent.

Pros

Earn points on everyday purchases

This is the ideal spending category for those who regularly use their card, as it allows you to accumulate points on daily expenses.

Bonus points opportunities

Select cards offer bonus points for specific spending categories, enhancing point accumulation.

Cost effective point accumulation

For regular spenders, these cards present an affordable method to increase point balances without extra outlay.

Cons

Elevated interest rates

Cards offering frequent flyer points often have higher interest rates than non-reward cards.

Increased annual fees

The benefits of earning points come at the cost of higher annual fees, which can diminish the net value of rewards.

Potential for lower point value

The overall benefit of accumulating points might not justify the costs associated with higher interest rates and annual fees, particularly for infrequent travellers or those who carry a balance.

Shop on the Velocity Frequent Flyer eStore

Set up an account on the Velocity Frequent Flyer eStore and click through from there to shop online and earn Velocity Points per dollar spent. The earn rate varies between stores. It's possible to pay with a Velocity credit card to earn even more points, which we call points stacking.

Note that terms and conditions apply. It's worth checking if what you want to buy is eligible before ordering.