Rewards credit cards in 2021: Are they worth it without overseas travel?

couple high-fiving about their rewards credit card

Used to consider yourself a bit of a credit card rewards points guru? Dedicated your time to gathering up points with every purchase and then spending them on overseas holidays and flight upgrades?  

Boy, doesn’t that seem like a thing of the past. 

The truth is, when it comes to travel there are a lot of unanswered questions. While vaccines have just hit Aussie shores, it seems like we are still a fair way away from international travel being an option for a trip away. 

So the question is: are rewards credit cards really worth it in 2021 without overseas travel? 

Our answer - they can be. 

How to get the most out of your rewards credit card 

Let’s get one thing straight, it’s a big no-no to spend on your credit card just for the sake of earning points. This could actually end up costing you more in interest and see you spiral into more debt than you can handle. 

So if this was your plan, opting for a rewards credit card right now may not be suitable for you and your financial situation. 

On the other hand, if you already use a rewards credit card responsibly or are looking to make the switch from your current card - there are some ways you can be sure to get the most out of your plastic this year.  

Here are a few handy tips: 

  • Take advantage of bonus points: Currently on the Mozo database there are over 60 credit cards with bonus points offers attached to them. These offers go up to a whopping 150,000 points, as long as you meet the right requirements (such as spending a certain amount within a given timeframe). Bonus points offers can be a great way to bulk up your points stash when you first start using the card. 
  • Shop at your rewards program’s partner stores: With most reward programs, if you shop at a partner store (usually online) you may be able to increase the amount of points you earn for each $1 you spend. Find out which retailers offer this boost and shop there when you can.  
  • Watch out for points expiration: If you already have a whole bunch of points gathering dust, it’s important to find out if and when these points might expire. For example, you may be saving them for when international travel returns, but it’s clearly better to take advantage of them before expiry! On the other hand, you may have to meet certain spending requirements to keep old points alive - so familiarise yourself with what these are and make the call as to whether it’s realistic within your current budget. If not - try and use the points you have.  
  • Turn your attention to domestic trips: Since going overseas right now isn’t an option for holidayers, why not explore your own backyard? And you can use your points to do it! With some rewards programs it’s still possible to use your rewards points on things like flights, hotels and car hire within Australia. 
  • Shop online with your rewards provider: While using points at your rewards program’s online store may not be the best value-for-points option, it’s still an option. There are all sorts of things like retail items, gift vouchers, food and wine discounts etc. But just be careful not to waste your points on items you don’t particularly need - if you can save them for travel (and they won’t expire) it may be the better option to wait it out.  

Looking to make the switch to a more competitive rewards credit card option? Check out these hot offers below or jump over to our rewards credit card hub for even more …

Compare Rewards Credit Cards - last updated 19 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
  • 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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    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 Rewards Signature Card

    NAB Rewards

    $295 $145 in the first year

    160,000

    1.25 points uncapped

    Earn 100,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 on everyday purchases within the first 60 days of account opening and 40,000 bonus points when you keep your card for over 12 months (T&Cs apply). Enjoy a reduced annual card fee (from $295 to $195) for the first year. Up to 44 Interest free days on purchases (T&Cs apply). $15,000 minimum credit limit. 0% p.a. on standard balance transfer (BT) rate for 12 months (3% BT fee applies).

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  • American Express Qantas Discovery Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $0

    No current offer

    0.75 points uncapped

    Earn 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services per $1 spent (T&Cs apply). Enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee. Get the security of Card Refund and Purchase Cover. Up to four additional Cards at no extra fee. Redeem your points for Classic Flight Rewards (T&Cs apply).

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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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