5 credit card rewards hacks to earn you more in 2018
23 Jan 2018
If your New Year's resolution was to get more bang for your buck in 2018, finding a generous credit card that will provide you with some serious rewards is a great place to start.
But according to the 2017 Mozo Rewards Card Survey, the value of rewards cards has been trending downwards in recent years, with the average net value of a card revealed to be just $27 per year. So how can you find a card that’s truly rewarding?
Whether you’re interested in earning frequent flyer points, grabbing a cashback deal or just taking advantage of some handy complimentary card features, these five credit card hacks will make sure that your credit card (and your 2018) is as rewarding as possible.
1. Grab yourself a bumper sign on bonus
If you’re looking for a more rewarding credit card in 2018, one of the best places to start is by comparing bonus points offers. With anything from 30,000 all the way up to 100,000 frequent flyer or provider points on offer for new cardholders, all you’ll need to do is fulfill the conditions in order receive your points haul (usually a minimum spend).
For instance, the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black card currently has a 75,000 bonus Qantas Points offer for new cardholders who spend $2,500 on eligible purchases within the first three months. To put that in perspective, those points could get you a one way ticket to London with 15,000 points left over!
2. Maximise your points earning
Depending on your card, a standard points earning rate could be anything from 0.5 points per $1 spent to 1.5 points per $1, so maximising the number of points you earn by spending strategically on offers that give an even higher earn rate (how’s 2.5 points per $1 sound?) could really boost your stash.
But what are some of the most rewarding ways to spend? Again, it depends on your card, but making purchases overseas, at certain supermarkets, restaurants, hotels and even petrol stations could all attract a more generous points earning rate.
3. Get the most out of freebies
Many Aussies will be aware that their credit cards come with points earning potential and other perks like free flights, but did you know that piece of plastic in your pocket could also provide you with complimentary travel insurance and a whole heap of other handy benefits?
Platinum rewards cards generally offer a range of complimentary perks including concierge service, extended warranty on certain appliances purchased on the card, price protection and, perhaps most useful for frequent travelers, travel insurance. So to make sure you’re getting the most value and most rewarding experience out of your card, don’t forget about all of these useful extras.
4. Cash in on cashback offers
While earning points can be seriously rewarding, sometimes the most alluring credit card reward can just be cold hard cash. There are several ways you could be earning cashback on your card - simply by signing up for a new card or hitting a minimum spend in a certain time period.
For example, the Low Rate Credit Card from the Commonwealth Bank is currently offering new customers $300 cashback when they spend $1,000 within the first 90 days (if they apply by 4 February 2018).
5. Double your earning power
This may be the easiest hack of all, but many Aussies aren’t aware that they can have additional cardholders using the same card! Not every card allows multiple cardholders, but if you decide to opt for one that does with a partner or family member, that could mean a whole heap of extra points (and thus extra rewards).
So if you’ve decided to use of these hacks to make your 2018 as rewarding as possible, make sure you find yourself a piece of plastic to match your ambition at the Mozo rewards credit card comparison hub, or check out these great offers below.
Bumper bonus point earners
Rates updated daily. Advertiser disclosure.
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American Express Qantas Ultimate Card
Receive 120,000 bonus Qantas Points plus 120 Status Credits when you apply, are approved, and meet the minimum spend criteria of $4,500 in the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new Card Members only.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$450
55,000
1.25 points uncapped
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-
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20.74% p.a.
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No current offer
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44
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3.00%
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$30.00
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1.25 points per dollar on Amex, uncapped
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Never
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55,000
-
-
8,000 points
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110,400 points
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19,730 points
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• Travel Insurance
• Purchase Protection
• Account alerts by SMS
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Qantas Ultimate Card
Details Close
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St.George Amplify Rewards Signature
Earn up to 200,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points over 2 years (100k yr 1, 100k yr 2) when you spend $12k on eligible purchases each year. New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Offer ends 28th September 2021.
Rewards
$279
200,000
1.5 points uncapped
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-
-
19.74% p.a.
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0% p.a. for 15 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
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21.49% p.a.
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55
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3.00%
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$15.00
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1.5 points per dollar on Visa, uncapped
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Never
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200,000
-
-
15,600 points
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212,000 points
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22,200 points
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• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Amplify Rewards Signature
Details Close
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Apply By 07 September 2021
Westpac Altitude Black
Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points ($4k min. spend in the first 90 days on eligible purchases). 0% balance transfer for 18 months and 45 days interest free (rate then reverts to 21.49% after). 1% BT fee. $250 annual card fee.
Altitude Rewards
$250
150,000
1.25 points uncapped
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-
-
20.49% p.a.
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0% p.a. for 18 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
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21.49% p.a.
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45
-
3.00%
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$15.00
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1.25 points per dollar on Mastercard, uncapped
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Never
-
150,000
-
-
15,600 points
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212,000 points
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24,100 points
-
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• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Altitude Black
Details Close
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American Express Velocity Platinum Card
Receive 50,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members Only Enjoy a complimentary domestic return flight with Virgin Australia to selected cities, each year after your first card spend. Credit Card Provider of the Year in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2020 ^.
Velocity Frequent Flyer
$375
50,000
1.25 points uncapped
-
-
-
20.74% p.a.
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No current offer
-
-
55
-
3.00%
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$30.00
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1.25 points per dollar on Amex, uncapped
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Never
-
50,000
-
-
7,800 points
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119,600 points
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19,500 points
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• Travel Insurance
• Purchase Protection
• Account alerts by SMS
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Velocity Platinum Card
Details Close
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St.George Amplify Qantas Platinum
Earn 60,000 bonus Qantas Points (min $3,000 spend in the first 3 months). New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Offer ends 28th September 2021.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$99
60,000
0.5 points uncapped
-
-
-
19.74% p.a.
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0% p.a. for 15 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
-
21.49% p.a.
-
55
-
3.00%
-
$15.00
-
0.5 points per dollar on Visa, uncapped
-
Never
-
60,000
-
-
8,000 points
-
110,400 points
-
19,730 points
-
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• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Amplify Qantas Platinum
Details Close
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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit cards Awards
