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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Apply By 26 October 2021
American Express Explorer® Credit Card
Receive 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online by 26 October 2021, are approved and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.
Membership Rewards
$395
150,000
2 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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-
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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150,000
-
-
15,600 points
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212,000 points
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20,000 points
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• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
• Account alerts by SMS
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Explorer® Credit 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 November 30th 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 30 November 2021
Westpac Altitude Platinum
Earn up to 130,000 bonus Altitude Points ($3k min. spend in the first 90 days on eligible purchases). 0% p.a. for 22 months on balance transfers requested at card application. 1% BT fee applies (rate reverts to the variable cash advance rate after). Discounted annual card fee of $49 for the first year ($150 thereafter). New Cards only. Offer ends November 30th 2021. T&C's and exclusions apply.
Altitude Rewards
$150 $49 in the first year
130,000
1 point uncapped
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-
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20.49% p.a.
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0% p.a. for 22 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
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3.00%
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$15.00
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1 point per dollar on Mastercard, uncapped
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Never
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130,000
-
-
23,400 points
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318,000 points
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24,100 points
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• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Altitude Platinum
Details Close
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Apply By 13 December 2021
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
Receive 120,000 bonus Velocity Points and 120 Status Credits when you apply online by 13 December 2021, are approved and spend $4,500 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.
Velocity Frequent Flyer
$375
120,000
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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55
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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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120,000
-
-
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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NAB Rewards Signature Card
Earn 90,000 Bonus Points then an additional 30,000 when you keep your card open for 1 year (Minimum $3,000 spend in first 60 days). Up to 44 days interest free on purchases (see T&Cs).
NAB Rewards
$295
120,000
1.25 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 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
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21.74% p.a.
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44
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3.00%
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$15.00
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1.25 points per dollar on Visa, uncapped
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Never
-
120,000
-
-
15,600 points
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239,200 points
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19,230 points
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• Concierge
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
• International Travel Insurance
• Transit Accident Insurance
• Interstate Flight Inconvenience Insurance
• Rental Vehicle Excess in Australia Insurance
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Rewards Signature Card
Details Close
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