Bonus point offers that will kickstart your new year

Aussie rewards credit cards may have been given a workout over the silly season, but the new year also affords plastic fanatics the opportunity to earn a sweet deal with some seriously sizeable bonus point offers currently available.

According to the Mozo database and in spite of the declining value of rewards card, bonus point offers have been on the up with the average offering growing from a meagre 16,000 points in 2013 to 36,000 in 2016 and is currently in excess of 57,000.

“There are a bunch of different options available on the market when it comes to rewards credit cards, a lot of which come with an attractive bonus points offer,” said Mozo Director, Kirsty Lamont.

“It is important for Aussies to take into account other aspects of the credit card as well like the annual fee or purchase rate so they’re getting the best possible card for them.”

So if you’re back on the daily grind, dreaming of a new travel destination or some much-needed retail therapy check out a few bonus point offers that will seriously bolster your frequent flyer account in the new year.

Big bonus point offers available in 2018 - last updated 29 March 2024

Search promoted rewards credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Apply By 2 Apr 2024
    American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $450

    100,000

    1.25 points up to 100,000 points/year, then
    1 point uncapped

    Receive 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 2 April 2024 , are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

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    Details
  • American Express Qantas Premium Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $249

    20,000

    1 point uncapped

    Receive 20,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Premium Card within 3 months of Card Membership. T&C’s apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

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  • NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $250 $150 in the first year

    70,000

    0.66 points up to $3,000/month, then
    0.33 points up to $6,000/month

    70,000 Bonus Qantas Points. Offer applies to a new NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card when you spend $2,000 on everyday purchases within 60 days.

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  • American Express Velocity Escape Card

    Velocity Frequent Flyer

    $0

    No current offer

    0.75 points uncapped

    Earn 1.75 Velocity Points on eligible purchases within Virgin Australia per $1 spent (T&Cs apply). Enjoy $0 Annual Card fee. Get the security of Card Refund and Purchase Cover. Up to 55 days interest free on purchases. Up to four additional Cards at no extra fee.

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  • NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $395 $295 in the first year

    120,000

    1 point up to $5,000/month, then
    0.5 points up to $20,000/month

    Earn up to 120,000 Bonus Qantas Points on a new NAB Qantas Signature Card. Min $3,000 spend on everyday purchases in first 60 days and keep your card open for 12 months.

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But what should you be aware of before signing up for a rewards card with a neat bonus point offer?

What’s a bonus point offer?

Bonus point offers are the sweetener providers use to make their rewards card a little more attractive than the competition’s.

Basically, you’re rewarded for choosing that particular plastic with a lump of rewards points which mean you’re a whole lot closer to a free flight or to some retail rewards.

How many bonus points can I earn?

The amount of bonus points on offer depends on the particular card but the Mozo database includes offers as large as the Citi Prestige card which comes with a whopping 150,000 bonus points.

What do I have to do to redeem the bonus points?

Again, this one depends on the particular plastic you’re looking into but usually you’ll have to spend a set amount within a set time with the general rule of thumb being that the more bonus points on offer, the higher the spend.

For example, taking the Citi Prestige card - you’ll only score the 150,000 points if you spend $3,000 within the first 90 days.


Other ways to boost your points stash in 2018

  • Spend with your card’s bonus partners: Most rewards cards will offer bonus points per $1 spent at the provider’s partners - so check the earn rates at different outlets so that you can make the most of your plastic.

  • Add joint cardholders: The more money you spend on the card, the bigger your points pile so look into handing out an additional card to a trusted family member or your partner. The good news is you can usually grab an additional card or two without incurring a fee.

  • Say goodbye to cash: Last year card payments overtook cash in the Aussie economy or the first time ever, so get on board and whip your plastic out for even the smaller purchases so that you’re racking up points quicker than ever before.

To compare a wider range of rewards credit cards with lucrative bonus point offers head to Mozo’s comparison tool where you can also get a rough idea of how many points you’ll earn over the calendar year, based on your monthly spend.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Rewards Credit Card Awards

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