CommBank drops new rewards card: could it be an addition to your wallet in 2020?

Today, the Commonwealth Bank has released a brand new rewards credit card to join its Awards program, the Ultimate Awards credit card. 

This all black card not only has a different design to the other three cards on offer but it could also snag you more points on purchases than possible before. 

Here’s a breakdown of the points you can earn on the Ultimate Awards card

Purchase typeAwards points earningsConditions
International transactions online or in store3 points per $1 spentUp to $10,000 per statement period
Major Australian supermarkets, department stores and petrol stations2 points per $1 spentUp to $10,000 per statement period
All other purchases1 point per $1 spentUp to $10,000 per statement period
From May 2020, for any spend over $10,00 in a statement period0.5 point per $1 spendAfter spending $10,000

And the points aren’t the only point of difference about this brand new card. 

When it comes to the annual fee, CommBank has decided to change things up and instead charge a $35 monthly fee (which adds up to $420 annually), but there’s a catch - and it’s a good one for cardholders.  

If you end up spending $2,500 per statement period on your Ultimate Awards card and choose to receive online statements, CommBank will waive the $35 fee. 

So if you play your cards right, no pun intended, you could end up not paying monthly fees at all. That’s right, you’d save yourself $420 over the course of the year! 

RELATED ARTICLE: The 6 best credit cards for Qantas Frequent Flyer Points

Mozo Banking Expert, Peter Marshall, says he’s not surprised that CommBank has rolled out this new product to entice people to its reward program. 

“The number of Australian’s using credit cards has decreased over the past few years, especially with the emergence of new alternatives like buy now pay later, which are interest-free and don’t have hefty annual fees,” he said. 

“Banks have to offer up more competitive credit card products to interest consumers, so CommBank’s move to introduce a new rewards card with a higher points earning system and a potential waived monthly fee proves they are willing to change things up.” 

This card is not only for new customers either. If you are already a CommBank Awards program member you can make the switch to the Ultimate Awards card through your online NetBank account. 

The CommBank Awards program: what you need to know 

Before jumping into a rewards program, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the ins and outs of the program - like where will get you the most points - that way you can make the most of it every time you spend! 

CommBank’s Awards program is now made up of four cards - the Awards, Platinum Awards, Diamond Awards and the new Ultimate Awards credit cards. 

While the number of points you are able to earn on eligible purchases differs between cards, there are common features of the program, like the fact that points have no expiry date and can be easily checked and redeemed online via NetBank or on the CommBank app. 

And there are other perks as well for Awards program members. You can earn up to 15 bonus points when you spend at one of over 150 of CommBank’s bonus partners. 

Redeeming your points is also straightforward, whether it be online on the Awards website to snag a gift card, some homeware goodies or even cashback, as well as redeem your points exclusively in store at Myer or Flightcentre.   

RELATED GUIDE: Australia’s big bank rewards programs  

Want to find out how this card weighs up against other rewards credit cards? Check out the table below or try our rewards revealer tool!

Rewards Credit Cards 2020 - last updated 24 November 2024

Search promoted rewards credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Apply By 14 Jan 2025
    American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $450

    50,000

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

    Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available for new American Express Card Members only.

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  • Citi Rewards - Rewards Points Offer

    Citi Rewards Program

    $199 $99 in the first year

    100,000

    1 point up to $10,000/month

    100,000 bonus Citi reward Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months from approval. That’s $400 when you Pay with Points! Earn up to 1 Citi reward Point per $1 on eligible transactions. Access up to 3 months complimentary International Travel Insurance and up to 14 days Domestic Travel Insurance with a Citi Rewards Credit Card when meeting eligibility criteria. Apply for a credit limit from $2,000 up to $100,000. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.

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  • Kogan Money Black Card

    Kogan Rewards Points

    $0

    No current offer

    1 point uncapped

    Get 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 9 months with a 1% balance transfer fee. Reverts to cash advance rate. $0 annual fee to pay. Earn 2 rewards points per dollar on your eligible purchases at Kogan.com & 1 rewards point per dollar on your everyday purchases, almost anywhere (T&Cs apply). FREE Kogan First membership valued at $129/year. Add up to 4 additional cardholders at no cost.

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  • American Express Explorer® Credit Card

    Membership Rewards

    $395

    50,000

    2 points uncapped

    Receive 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.*

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  • Citi Rewards - Balance Transfer and Purchases offer

    Citi Rewards Program

    $199

    No current offer

    1 point up to $10,000/month

    Enjoy 0% p.a. for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfer reverts to cash advance rate. Earn up to 1 Citi reward Point per $1 on eligible transactions. Access up to 3 months complimentary International Travel Insurance and up to 14 days Domestic Travel Insurance with a Citi Rewards Credit Card when meeting eligibility criteria. Apply for a credit limit from $2,000 up to $100,000. Balance transfer fee applies. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.

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  • Apply By 3 Dec 2024
    American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card

    Membership Rewards

    $108

    60,000

    1 point uncapped

    Receive 60,000 Membership Rewards® Bonus Points* when you apply online through the link on this page by 3 December 2024, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Essential Rewards® Credit Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New American Express Card Members only.

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