Queenie's Picks · Updated 2026
Best Credit Cards in Australia for Points, Perks and Travel
These are some of my favourite rewards and frequent flyer credit cards in Australia right now. Compare the bonus points, annual fees, travel credits and perks to find one that could suit your spending style.
Want to turn everyday spending into points?
The right credit card can help you earn points on purchases you were already going to make, and those points can be used for flights, upgrades, hotels and more. But credit cards are only worth it if you pay your balance in full each month and actually use the perks. Below are some of the cards I'd compare first.
200,000Bonus MR points*
$1,450Annual fee
2.25Points per $1
1,550+Airport lounges
1 The American Express Platinum Card
Receive 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards® Points
…when you apply, are approved and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- Earn 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible purchases, and your points never expire.
- Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, with 1,550+ lounges across 140+ countries.
- An annual Travel Credit to use on eligible flights, hotels or car hire.
- Up to $400 in dining credit each year at hand-picked restaurants.
- Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
100,000Bonus Qantas points*
$450Annual fee
$450Qantas travel credit
1.25Qantas pts per $1
2 The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
Receive up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points
…when you apply, are approved and meet the spend criteria within the first 3 months.
- $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year for eligible Qantas flights.
- Earn 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 on everyday spend, plus a bonus point per $1 on Qantas flights.
- Two complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations a year, plus two Centurion Lounge passes.
- 3 Qantas Points per $1 and free delivery on Qantas Wine.
- Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
70,000Bonus MR points*
$395Annual fee
$400Travel credit
2Points per $1
3 The American Express Explorer® Credit Card
70,000 bonus Membership Rewards points
…when you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- $400 annual Travel Credit on a single eligible booking through American Express Travel.
- Two complimentary Centurion Lounge passes at Sydney or Melbourne airport.
- Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 on most everyday purchases.
- Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
- Complimentary smartphone screen cover.
100,000Bonus Velocity pts*
$440Annual fee
100Status credits
2.25Velocity pts / $1†
4 The American Express Velocity Platinum Card
Earn 100,000 bonus Velocity Points
…when you apply, are approved and spend on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- A complimentary annual domestic return flight between selected cities.
- Up to 100 Velocity Status Credits to help you reach the next tier faster.
- Virgin Australia Lounge access when flying domestically, plus two guest passes a year.
- Earn 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 on Virgin Australia spend and 1.25 per $1 everyday.
- Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
100,000Bonus Qantas points*
$450Annual fee
2Qantas pts / $1‡
99Employee cards
5 The American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card
100,000 bonus Qantas Points
…when you apply, are approved and spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
- Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 on Qantas, 1.25 per $1 on everyday business spend.
- Up to 99 employee cards at no additional annual fee.
- Two domestic Qantas Club lounge invitations each year.
- Complimentary Qantas Business Rewards membership (valued at $89.50).
- Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I earn the bonus points?
Most cards award the sign-up bonus once you're approved and spend a set amount on eligible purchases within the first three months. The bonus points are usually credited 8 to 10 weeks after you meet the spend requirement. Always check the current terms on the application page.
Are the annual fees worth it?
It depends on how you use the card. Cards with annual fees often include travel credits, lounge access and higher points-earning rates that can far exceed the fee, but only if you actually use those perks. Weigh the value of the benefits against the fee for your own spending habits.
Do credit cards impact your credit score?
Paying your full balance on time each month can have a positive effect on your credit score, while missed or partial payments can hurt it. Applying for several cards in a short period can also leave marks on your file, so apply thoughtfully.
Do I need to pay interest on my credit card?
Most cards have an interest-free period of up to 44 to 55 days. If you pay the full statement balance before that period ends, you won't be charged interest. If you carry a balance, interest applies, which is why it's best to pay in full each month.
Who can apply for these cards?
Sign-up bonuses are generally for new American Express Card Members only. Typically you must not have held an Amex card in Australia in the previous 18 months. The Qantas Business Rewards Card also requires a valid ABN. Check eligibility on each application page.
