6 Best Credit Cards for Earning Travel Rewards in Australia 2025
For Australian travelers aiming to maximize their journeys through strategic credit card use, selecting the right card is crucial. The ideal travel rewards credit card can help you accumulate points efficiently, enjoy exclusive travel perks, and save on foreign transaction fees. Here’s a curated list of top credit cards tailored for Australian travelers:
1. American Express® Platinum Card
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Earn 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points when you apply online by 28 January 2025, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- Earning Rate: Earn up to 2.25 Membership Rewards Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including the American Express Lounge at Sydney International Airport.
- Annual Fee: $1,450
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers: The American Express® Platinum Card offers a comprehensive suite of travel benefits, including extensive lounge access, travel insurance, and a high points-earning rate, making it suitable for frequent travelers seeking luxury and convenience.
2. American Express Explorer® Credit Card
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Receive 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- Earning Rate: Earn 2 Membership Rewards Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Credit: $400 Travel Credit each year to spend on flights, hotels, or car hire booked through American Express Travel.
- Annual Fee: $395
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers: With a substantial annual travel credit and a strong points-earning potential, the Explorer® Credit Card provides excellent value for travelers looking to offset travel expenses.
3. American Express Velocity Platinum Card
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Earn 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online by 21 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- Earning Rate: Earn 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Complimentary Virgin Australia domestic return flight each year and two complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes.
- Annual Fee: $375
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers: This card is tailored for Velocity Frequent Flyer members, offering valuable travel perks and a competitive points-earning structure, enhancing the overall travel experience.
4. Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard
Key Features:
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0% on international transactions, making it cost-effective for overseas spending.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Purchase Rate: 19.99% p.a.
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers: The absence of foreign transaction fees and annual fees makes this card an economical choice for travelers who frequently make purchases abroad.
5. Coles Rewards Mastercard
Key Features:
- Earning Rate: Earn 2 Flybuys points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0% on international transactions.
- Annual Fee: $99
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers: By eliminating foreign transaction fees and offering a robust points-earning rate, this card is advantageous for travelers who also shop at Flybuys partners.
6. ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Earn 180,000 bonus ANZ Reward Points and $150 back when meeting specific spending criteria.
- Earning Rate: Earn 2 ANZ Reward Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Complimentary international travel insurance.
- Annual Fee: $375
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers: With a high points-earning rate and travel insurance, this card caters to travelers seeking comprehensive rewards and protection.
7. Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card
Key Features:
- Bonus Points: Earn up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points when meeting specific spending criteria.
- Earning Rate: Earn up to 1.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Travel Perks: Two complimentary lounge invitations each year.
- Annual Fee: $299 for the first year, then $349
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers: Designed for Qantas Frequent Flyer members, this card offers substantial points and travel benefits, enhancing the flying experience.
Selecting the Right Travel Rewards Credit Card
When choosing a travel rewards credit card, consider the following:
- Spending Habits: Align the card’s earning structure with your spending patterns to maximize points accumulation.
- Travel Frequency: Frequent travelers may benefit more from cards offering lounge access and travel credits.
- Associated Fees: Weigh the annual fees against the card’s benefits to ensure value for money.
- Rewards Program Alignment: Choose a card that complements your preferred airline or hotel loyalty programs.
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