How to turn your Black Friday and Christmas shopping into bonus points for 2022 travel

family packing suitcase for international travel 2022

With the end of lockdown in sight (hopefully) the question of international travel is hot on many Aussies’ lips. 

And it’s looking like if things go as projected, Australian travellers may be jet-setting around the world in 2022. 

That means many savvy rewards credit card users may be gearing up to earn big rewards points for their spending up until then. 

And what’s a good way to earn points in bulk by the time international travel resumes? Bonus points

“Earning rewards points can sometimes seem like a drawn out task, which is true as you need to spend over time to build up enough points to get rewards,” Mozo banking expert, Peter Marshall says.

“That’s why taking advantage of a bonus points offer on a credit card during periods of higher spending, such as the holiday season, could be a smart way to give your points earning a boost in time for when travel resumes.”  

How do bonus points work with credit cards? 

Some rewards and frequent flyer credit cards come with bonus points offers for new customers. In fact, right now on the Mozo database over 70 credit cards come with these types of offers ranging from 8,000 to a massive 300,000 bonus points. 

Generally speaking, customers may earn bonus points by spending a certain amount within a specific time frame from when they were approved for the card. This might be 30 days, 60 days or even 90 days. 

Here’s an example:

how credit card bonus points work graphic

So, if you use a bonus points rewards credit card in a period where you are likely to spend a little more (such as over the next few months with Black Friday and Christmas), you’ll increase your chances of hitting the bonus points target. Then once the spending is done, that’ll mean that you could end up with a nice chunk of rewards points by the beginning of next year - just in time to book those flights for 2022 travel! 

“When it comes to shopping during Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales, and in the lead up to Christmas, make sure to put your purchases on your rewards credit card, so that your spending gets you closer to your bonus points goal,” Marshall says. 

“However, it’s important to not leave your balance unpaid. Ensure you are paying off your credit card debt in full each month to avoid being charged hefty interest rates that are often attached to rewards credit cards.”

Ultimately, by switching from your current credit card to a rewards card with a bonus points offer or simply applying as a new customer right now, you may give yourself the best timeframe to be able to take advantage of a solid bonus points offer. Meaning you’d be ready to redeem your points on international travel in 2022. 

But what options are out there right now? Take a look at these offers below …

Compare bonus points offers - last updated 15 October 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.

    Compare
    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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    Details
  • NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $295 $195 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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    Details
  • American Express Velocity Escape Plus Card

    Velocity Frequent Flyer

    $95

    No current offer

    1 point up to 120,000 points/year, then
    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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    Details
  • NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $420 $320 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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    Details

Which sales can earn you bonus points? 

In the lead up to the end of the year, there are plenty of opportunities for you to take advantage of sales. 

While these sales may not  necessarily earn you extra points on the purchases themselves, they can contribute to the total spend you make within the requirements of your bonus points offer. 

Here’s a rundown of the some of the remaining 2021 sales events to look out for: 

  • Black Friday: 26th November 2021 
  • Cyber Monday: 29th November 2021 
  • Pre-Christmas Sales: Up until the 25th of December 2021 
  • Boxing Day Sales: 26th December 2021 (sometimes extended until the end of the year)

Looking to compare even more rewards credit cards? Jump over to our rewards credit card hub for a bunch of top options.


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

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