How to earn airline points without a credit card
How to keep your airline points balance growing without needing a credit card.
Image: Qantas
Australian’s love to travel. It’s no surprise that millions of Aussies have signed up to one or more airline reward programs.
Virgin Velocity has 10 over million members, while Qantas Loyalty boasts over 12 million members (2022). The large majority of members being Australian residents.
The most common ways of earning airline points is through credit card spending and flying.
Of course, using a credit card for everyday spending has its own perils. Overspending and repayment stress are two obvious factors.
As more Australian’s give the credit card the flick, especially younger generations, it’s time to look at other ways to earn those beloved airline points.
The good news is; you can keep your airline points balance growing, WITHOUT using a credit card:
Qantas Points
Other than flying with Qantas airlines or partners, there are some simple ways to earn Qantas points from everyday spending and activities:
BP FUEL
Here’s an easy one on the road: you can earn up to 2 Qantas Points per litre by linking your (free) BPrewards account with Qantas. Remember to scan your Qantas frequent flyer card at checkout (you can add it to your phone digitally). See terms.
WOOLWORTHS
When shopping at Woolies, BWS or BigW, scan your Everyday Rewards account card and choose Qantas Points as your Rewards choice. Every 2,000 Everyday Rewards points converts to 1,000 Qantas points. See terms.
OPTUS
Are you an Optus customer, or thinking of switching phone plans? You can earn Qantas points on selected Optus Sim-Only plans (with no lock-in contracts). The current advertised rates are similar value to other providers, with the added benefit of earning Qantas points. See website for terms.
QANTAS WELLBEING APP
The Qantas Wellbeing App allows you earn Qantas points from being active each day. It uses data from your Apple Health / Samsung Health or smart device. Even if you don’t hold a Qantas Insurance policy, the Wellbeing App is still free to use an earn Qantas Points at a lower capped rate.
RED ENERGY
If you’re switching energy provider, Red Energy (electricity retailer owned by Snowy Hydro) offers Qantas points on eligible plans. They occasionally run offers to new customers as well throughout the year. Make sure you check and compare the rates with other providers.
Image: Virgin Australia
Velocity Points
Other than flying with Virgin Australia or partners (including Singapore Air, Etihad and United), there are some easy ways to earn Velocity points from everyday spending and activities:
7-Eleven FUEL
Using the 7-Eleven app, you can link your Velocity card to earn 2 Points per litre on premium fuel or 1 Point per litre on regular fuel. Terms apply. Plus: Check out the 7-Eleven Fuel Lock feature that can help you save money when fuel prices fluctuate. 7-Eleven also run plenty of bonus points deals throughout the year, such as bonus points when you fill up between certain dates.
COLES FLYBUYS
You can earn 500 Velocity Points every time you transfer 1,000 Flybuys points (using the auto-transfer feature). All you have to do is scan your flybuys card when you’re at Coles. Flybuys also runs plenty of bonus points offers throughout the year, so keep an eye on your email.
MEDIBANK
If you’ve got private health insurance with Medibank, then you could be earning recurring points by simply holding an eligible policy. You’ll need to enter the promo code VELOCITY when you join online. Check the website for full terms.
Before you go…
Keep in mind that points incentives are marketed to keep you with a particular product or service. So be aware of what’s a good deal -vs- just good marketing!
When using your points for redeeming flights, ensure you book: ‘Classic Reward’ seats (for Qantas) or ’Saver’ seats (for Virgin Aus), because that’s where you’ll get the best value.
Note: All content is for education purposes only and is not financial advice. Waymaker is not affiliated with any brand or product mentioned.
