5 credit card rewards hacks to earn you more in 2018
Tom Watson | 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
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Apply By 07 January 2019
American Express
American Express Explorer® Credit Card
Generous perks include a massive 100,000 bonus points when you apply online by 7 January 2019 and meet the spend criteria, a $400 Travel Credit each year, 2 complimentary Amex Lounge passes and more! Note: point redemption rates will change as of 15 April 2019, please visit the Amex website for more information. Credit Card Provider of the Year in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2018.
Membership Rewards
$395
100,000
2 points uncapped
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-
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20.74% p.a.
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0% p.a. for 12 months and then 20.74% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
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55
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3.00%
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$30.00
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2 points per dollar on Amex, uncapped
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Never
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100,000
-
-
15,600 points
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239,200 points
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20,000 points
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• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
• Account alerts by SMS
Details Close
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- Bankwest
Bankwest More World Mastercard
115,000 annual bonus points each year (min spend applies) & Enjoy unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits (T&Cs apply)
Bankwest More Rewards
$270
115,000
2.5 points uncapped
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-
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19.99% p.a.
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0% p.a. for 6 months and then 19.99% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
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21.99% p.a.
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44
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0%
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$25.00
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2.5 points per dollar on Mastercard, uncapped
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36 months
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115,000
-
-
57,600 points
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346,500 points
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36,000 points
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• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
Details Close
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- Bendigo Bank
Bendigo Bank Platinum Rewards Mastercard
75,000 bonus Rewards Points when you spent $2,500 in 90 days. Apply by 31 January. Redeem for $200 Bunnings gift card. Up to 55 days interest free, comprehensive travel insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty.
Bendigo Rewards
$89
75,000
1.5 points uncapped
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-
-
19.99% p.a.
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No current offer
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21.99% 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 Mastercard, uncapped
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36 months
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75,000
-
-
59,264 points
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407,407 points
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37,040 points
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• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Commission-free Travellers Cheques
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
Details Close
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Apply By 31 January 2019
Virgin MoneyVirgin Money Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card
Earn up to 90,000 bonus Velocity Points and 0% p.a. for 15 months on balance transfer
Velocity Frequent Flyer
$289
90,000
1 point up to $8,000/month, then
0.5 points uncapped-
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20.74% p.a.
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0% p.a. for 15 months and then 20.99% p.a.
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20.99% p.a.
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44
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3.30%
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$10.00
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1 point per dollar on Visa, up to $8,000 per month, then
0.5 points per dollar on Visa, uncapped -
Never
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90,000
-
-
7,800 points
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119,600 points
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19,500 points
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• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
• Guaranteed Pricing
Details Close
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Apply By 31 March 2019
ANZ ANZ Frequent Flyer Black
Snap this one up and score 120,000 Bonus Qantas Points and $150 cashback to your new card by spending $7,500 in the first 3 months. Plus, if you love to fly, book and travel on two new Qantas flights by 30 June 2019 to earn 75 Bonus Status Credits. (T&Cs apply)
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$425
120,000
1 point up to $7,500/month, then
0.5 points uncapped-
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-
19.99% p.a.
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No current offer
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21.49% p.a.
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55
-
3.00%
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$20.00
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1 point per dollar on Visa, up to $7,500 per month, then
0.5 points per dollar on Visa, uncapped -
Never
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120,000
-
-
8,000 points
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120,000 points
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16,160 points
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• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
• Rental Car Excess Cover
• Guaranteed Pricing
Details Close
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