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 27 November 2018
WestpacWestpac Altitude Black
80k Bonus Points (T&Cs apply). Dedicated Westpac Concierge service and access to exclusive Black Card Concierge App.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$300
80,000
0.75 points uncapped
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-
-
20.24% p.a.
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No current offer
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20.74% p.a.
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45
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3.00%
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$15.00
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0.75 points per dollar on Mastercard, uncapped
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Never
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80,000
-
-
8,000 points
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120,000 points
-
16,160 points
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• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
Details Close
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-
Apply By 26 September 2018
American Express
American Express Explorer® Credit Card
Receive 75,000 Membership Rewards® Points (T&Cs apply). Also receive $400 Travel Credit each year.
Membership Rewards
$395
75,000
2 points uncapped
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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)
-
-
55
-
3.00%
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$30.00
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2 points per dollar on Amex, uncapped
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Never
-
75,000
-
-
10,400 points
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159,467 points
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13,500 points
-
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• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
• Account alerts by SMS
Details Close
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- ANZ
ANZ Rewards Black
75,000 bonus Reward Points and $100 back to your new ANZ Rewards Black card when you make one eligible purchase in the first 3 months. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs, fees and charges apply.
ANZ Rewards
$375
75,000
2 points up to $5,000/month, then
1 point uncapped-
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-
18.79% p.a.
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No current offer
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20.99% p.a.
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55
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3.00%
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$20.00
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2 points per dollar on Visa, up to $5,000 per month, then
1 point per dollar on Visa, uncapped -
36 months
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75,000
-
-
15,600 points
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239,200 points
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22,225 points
-
-
• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Commission-free Travellers Cheques
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
• Rental Car Excess Cover
• Guaranteed Pricing
Details Close
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Apply By 02 October 2018
St.GeorgeSt.George Amplify Signature Online Exclusive
90,000 Amplify Points when you spend at least $4,000 in the first 90 days (T&Cs apply)
Amplify Rewards
$279 $179 in the first year
90,000
1.5 points uncapped
-
-
-
19.49% p.a.
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No current offer
-
20.24% p.a.
-
55
-
3.00%
-
$15.00
-
1.5 points per dollar on Visa, uncapped
-
Never
-
90,000
-
-
15,600 points
-
239,200 points
-
22,200 points
-
-
• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
Details Close
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Apply By 31 March 2019
CitiCiti Platinum
Earn up to 200,000 bonus points; earn 10,000 bonus points each month for 20 months from approval when you spend $1,000 or more in each statement period
Citi Rewards
$149 50% off annual fee when you spend $24,000 in the preceding year., $49 in the first year
200,000
1 point up to $10,000/month
-
-
-
20.99% p.a.
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0% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.74% p.a. (0% balance transfer fee)
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21.74% p.a.
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55
-
3.40%
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$10.00
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1 point per dollar on Visa, up to $10,000 per month
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Never
-
200,000
-
-
19,500 points
-
299,000 points
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20,900 points
-
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• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
Details Close
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