5 credit card rewards hacks to earn you more in 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 - last updated 21 May 2022
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Qantas Ultimate Card
Rewards program
Annual fee
Bonus points
Earn rate per $1
Qantas Frequent Flyer$450100,0001.25 points uncappedReceive 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. Offer available to new Card Members only. Receive $450 annual Qantas Travel Credit.
CompareCompareQantas Ultimate Card
Receive 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. Offer available to new Card Members only. Receive $450 annual Qantas Travel Credit.
- Rewards program
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Annual fee
- $450
- Bonus points
- 100,000
- Earn rate per $1
- 1.25 points uncapped
- Intro rate
- -
- Ongoing Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- Interest free days on purchases
- 44
- Foreign exchange
- 3.00%
- Late payment
- $30.00
- Points earning
- 1.25 points per dollar on Amex, uncapped
- Reward point expiry
- Never
- Bonus points
- 100,000
- Sydney to Melbourne
- 8000.0
- Sydney to London
- 110400.0
- $100 Gift card
- 19010.0
- Card Benefits
- Account alerts by SMS,
Card Purchase Cover ,
Travel Inconvenience Cover
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Qantas Ultimate Card
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Apply By 2 Mar 2022
Amplify Rewards Platinum
Rewards program
Annual fee
Bonus points
Earn rate per $1
Rewards$99 $29 in the first year100,0001 point uncapped130,000 bonus Amplify Points (min $3,000 spend within 90 days. 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers requested at card application (1% BT fee). New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
CompareCompareAmplify Rewards Platinum
130,000 bonus Amplify Points (min $3,000 spend within 90 days. 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers requested at card application (1% BT fee). New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
- Rewards program
- Rewards
- Annual fee
- $99 $29 in the first year
- Bonus points
- 100,000
- Earn rate per $1
- 1 point uncapped
- Intro rate
- -
- Ongoing Purchase rate
- 19.74% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
- Cash advance
- 21.49% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Foreign exchange
- 3.00%
- Late payment
- $15.00
- Points earning
- 1 point per dollar on Visa, uncapped
- Reward point expiry
- Never
- Bonus points
- 100,000
- Sydney to Melbourne
- 15600.0
- Sydney to London
- 212000.0
- $100 Gift card
- 22200.0
- Card Benefits
- Travel Insurance,
Extended Warranty,
Purchase Protection
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Amplify Rewards Platinum
-
Qantas Premium Card
Rewards program
Annual fee
Bonus points
Earn rate per $1
Qantas Frequent Flyer$24970,0001 point uncappedReceive 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only. Credit Card Provider of the Year in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2021^.
CompareCompareQantas Premium Card
Receive 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only. Credit Card Provider of the Year in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2021^.
- Rewards program
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Annual fee
- $249
- Bonus points
- 70,000
- Earn rate per $1
- 1 point uncapped
- Intro rate
- -
- Ongoing Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- Interest free days on purchases
- 44
- Foreign exchange
- 3.00%
- Late payment
- $30.00
- Points earning
- 1 point per dollar on Amex, uncapped
- Reward point expiry
- Never
- Bonus points
- 70,000
- Sydney to Melbourne
- 8000.0
- Sydney to London
- 110400.0
- $100 Gift card
- 19010.0
- Card Benefits
- Account alerts by SMS,
Card Purchase Cover ,
Travel Inconvenience Cover
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Qantas Premium Card
-
Velocity Escape Card
Rewards program
Annual fee
Bonus points
Earn rate per $1
Velocity Frequent Flyer$0No current offer0.75 points uncappedEarn Velocity Points and enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee. Credit Card Provider of the Year in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2021^. T&C’s apply
CompareCompareVelocity Escape Card
Earn Velocity Points and enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee. Credit Card Provider of the Year in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2021^. T&C’s apply
- Rewards program
- Velocity Frequent Flyer
- Annual fee
- $0
- Bonus points
- No current offer
- Earn rate per $1
- 0.75 points uncapped
- Intro rate
- -
- Ongoing Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Foreign exchange
- 3.00%
- Late payment
- $30.00
- Points earning
- 0.75 points per dollar on Amex, uncapped
- Reward point expiry
- Never
- Bonus points
- No current offer
- Sydney to Melbourne
- 7800.0
- Sydney to London
- 119600.0
- $100 Gift card
- 19500.0
- Card Benefits
- Account alerts by SMS,
Card Purchase Cover
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Velocity Escape Card
-
Velocity Platinum Card
Rewards program
Annual fee
Bonus points
Earn rate per $1
Velocity Frequent Flyer$375120,0001.25 points uncappedReceive 120,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. Available to new Card Members only. Enjoy a complimentary domestic return flight with Virgin Australia to selected cities, each year after your first card spend.
CompareCompareVelocity Platinum Card
Receive 120,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. Available to new Card Members only. Enjoy a complimentary domestic return flight with Virgin Australia to selected cities, each year after your first card spend.
- Rewards program
- Velocity Frequent Flyer
- Annual fee
- $375
- Bonus points
- 120,000
- Earn rate per $1
- 1.25 points uncapped
- Intro rate
- -
- Ongoing Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Foreign exchange
- 3.00%
- Late payment
- $30.00
- Points earning
- 1.25 points per dollar on Amex, uncapped
- Reward point expiry
- Never
- Bonus points
- 120,000
- Sydney to Melbourne
- 7800.0
- Sydney to London
- 119600.0
- $100 Gift card
- 19500.0
- Card Benefits
- Account alerts by SMS,
Card Purchase Cover,
Travel Inconvenience Cover
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Velocity Platinum Card
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit Card Awards
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