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
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Promoted
Apply By 30 September 2020
Qantas MoneyQantas Money Qantas Premier Platinum
Earn up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points: 20,000 points each month for four months when spending $1,500 or more on eligible purchases. Plus 75 bonus Status Credits when you make your first eligible purchase by 30 November 2020.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$299 $199 in the first year
80,000
1 point up to $10,000/month, then
0.5 points uncapped-
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19.99% p.a.
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0% p.a. for 18 months and then 21.99% p.a.
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21.99% p.a.
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55
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3.00%
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$30.00
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1 point per dollar on Mastercard, up to $10,000 per month, then
0.5 points per dollar on Mastercard, uncapped -
Never
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80,000
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8,000 points
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110,400 points
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18,690 points
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• Concierge
• Travel Insurance
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Qantas Premier Platinum
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American Express
American Express Qantas Ultimate Card
Receive 55,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. Credit Card Provider of the Year in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2019.^ T&C’s apply
Qantas Frequent Flyer
$450
55,000
1.25 points uncapped
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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
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8,000 points
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110,400 points
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18,690 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
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David JonesDavid Jones American Express Platinum Card
Receive 30,000 Membership Reward Points or 15,000 Qantas Points when you are approved and spend $750 at locations excluding David Jones on your new Card within the first three months. Available to new David Jones American Express Card Members only.
Membership Rewards
$295
30,000
1 point uncapped
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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 point per dollar on Amex, uncapped
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Never
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30,000
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15,600 points
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239,200 points
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13,500 points
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• Travel Insurance
• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
• Account alerts by SMS
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the American Express Platinum Card
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Promoted
American Express American Express Explorer® Credit Card
Generous perks include a massive 50,000 bonus points when you apply online and meet the spend criteria. New card members only. Receive $400 Travel Credit each year, 2 complimentary Amex Lounge passes and more! Credit Card Provider of the Year in the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2019.^ T&C’s apply
Membership Rewards
$395
50,000
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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50,000
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-
-
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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
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Promoted
BankwestBankwest 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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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
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66,251 points
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520,838 points
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40,000 points
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• Extended Warranty
• Purchase Protection
• Overseas Travel Insurance
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the More World Mastercard
Details Close
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