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Receive 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points with the American Express Explorer Credit Card

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Customer notice: this article provides general information only and does not consider personal circumstances. We may receive a commission if you apply for a card via our Amex partner link (read more in our Cards Disclosure). Thank you for your vital support!

The Amex Explorer Credit Card is designed to appeal to savvy travellers who want flexibility with using points while also enjoying a range of travel and lifestyle benefits.

Points earned with this card can be transferred to over 10 airline frequent flyer programs¹, opening up more redemption opportunities.

Other perks include a strong points earn rate on spend², an annual $400 Travel Credit³ that offsets the card fee, complimentary travel and smartphone screen insurances⁴, and more.

For a limited time, new Card Members can also receive 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online via our Amex partner link by 1 July 2025, are approved and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months (T&Cs apply; New Amex Card Members only).⁵

Here’s an overview of the benefits you can enjoy.

1. Receive a strong points earn rate on spend

The card rewards program, Membership Rewards, is very popular among points experts thanks to the flexibility it provides.

Card Members earn a very strong 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on purchases, except with government bodies where you earn 1 point per $1 spent.

Points earning is uncapped.

Hundreds of thousands of merchants accept Amex in Australia, and that number is growing, so there’s no shortage of places where you can earn points with this card.

2. Use your points for a range of rewards

Membership Rewards points are easy to use on a variety of rewards, our favourite being to transfer them to an airline or hotel partner.

You can also transfer Membership Rewards points to two hotel loyalty programs (Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors) and over 10 airline frequent flyer programs (with all three global alliances represented). These airlines are:

  • Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (can be used to book Star Alliance airlines)
  • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (can be used to book Qantas and oneworld flights)
  • Qatar Airways Privilege Club (can be used to book Qantas and oneworld flights)
  • British Airways Executive Club (can be used to book Qantas and oneworld flights)
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (can be used to book Skyteam airlines)
  • Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
  • Emirates Skywards
  • Etihad Guest
  • Malaysian Airlines Enrich
  • Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
  • Air New Zealand Airpoints.

If you like to use points for air travel, the big advantage of earning Membership Rewards points (over Qantas or Velocity Points) is that you’re not locked into any single airline frequent flyer program, rather you accumulate Membership Rewards points until you’re ready to transfer them to a partner airline.

Use your points to fly with top airlines like Singapore Airlines

Having so many airlines to choose from means it can be easier to find award seats when the time comes to book, especially if you want to fly in a sought-after business or first class cabin.

3. Enjoy a $400 Travel Credit each year

At the start of each card membership year, including when you first receive the card, you’ll get a $400 Travel Credit that you can redeem for flights, hotels or car hire in Australia or overseas.

It’s very easy to redeem the travel credit online at Amex Travel (which is essentially an online travel agency). Simply find the flight, hotel or car hire you want and then apply the $400 credit during the payment process.

You can use the travel credit to book something for yourself or anyone you choose.

Since you receive the travel credit every year, it effectively offsets the card’s $395 annual fee.

4. Get up to US$100 in hotel credits and room upgrades

Amex’s Hotel Collection includes more than 600 hotels and resorts in over 30 countries worldwide, including from trusted brands like Hyatt and Hilton.

Every time you book two or more consecutive nights’ stay at one of these properties with your Explorer card, you’ll receive:

  • a hotel credit of up to US$100 for qualifying charges – typically dining, spa, golf or other hotel facility-related charges (but not the room rate, taxes or fees)
  • a complimentary room upgrade at check-in (subject to availability).

Enjoy benefits at stylish hotels

These complimentary extras can add a lot of value to your stays, and there’s no limit on how many times you can use this benefit.

5. Save money with a range of insurance covers

You’ll receive complimentary travel insurance cover for you, your partner and dependent children up to the age of 25 when you pay for a return trip with your card, the Travel Credit or Membership Rewards points. The cover is comprehensive and includes medical, trip cancellation and amendment, travel delay and baggage-related costs, as well as many other expenses.

You’ll also receive smartphone screen cover when you pay for your phone or monthly contract with your card, with $500 available for repairs up to 2 times every 12 months (with a 10% excess).

And for good measure, you’ll also get refund and purchase cover and extended warranties for eligible purchases made using your card.

6. Earn more points, save money and enjoy other lifestyle benefits

There are so many other perks to enjoy with this card, including:

  • up to 4 free additional cards⁷ for family members or friends – an easy way to earn points faster
  • two entries each year to Amex’s exclusive The Centurion Lounge⁸ at Sydney Airport international or Melbourne Airport international (children under the age of 17 get in for free)
  • Hilton Honors Silver Status – earn 20% bonus points on stays and receive every 5th night free on Standard Room Reward stays of 5 nights or more
  • up to 55 days interest-free on purchases⁹
  • ‘buy now, pay later’ with American Express Plan It™ Instalments¹⁰: pay off your card balance in equal monthly instalments with 0% interest and a fixed monthly fee
  • use your card with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay
  • Amex Offers: save money with regular discount offers with top brands
  • American Express Experiences: access sought-after events like music, theatre and film, including via pre-sale tickets, and enjoy exclusive lounges at selected events.

Plus 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points

Receive 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online via our Amex partner link by 1 July 2025, are approved and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months (new Amex Card Members only; T&Cs apply).

This offer is only available to new American Express Card Members. That means you must not have held a card issued directly by American Express Australia in the last 18 months. However, you are still eligible for this offer if you’re an Additional Card Member on someone else’s account.

Amex no longer specifies a minimum income to be eligible for this card.

To read more and apply on Amex’s website, click here (mobile friendly).

* Terms & Conditions – Click Here To View

Important: This article is not intended to suggest that you should apply for a card. You should seek independent, professional advice and consider your personal circumstances before deciding to apply for a card.

Cards are offered, issued, and administered by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085, Australian Credit Licence No. 291313.

American Express income and credit approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Interest rates, fees and charges apply. All interest rates are quoted as an Annual Percentage Rate. All information, including fees, charges and interest rates are correct as at 24 January 2024 and are subject to change. Applicants must be 18 years of age or over to apply for the American Express Explorer Credit Card. They must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident or hold a long term visa. Long term means 12 months or more and does not include a student visa.

  1. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards Gateway program available at membershiprewards.com.au. You must be a member of the airline partner program, joining fees may apply and points transferred will be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable airline partner program.
  2. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. You will earn 1 point per dollar spent with Merchants classified as ‘government’, including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post), Federal/State and Local Government bodies, including where you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant.
  3. If your Card has a Travel Credit benefit, the Primary Card Member is eligible for an annual Travel Credit, subject to the full Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/explorer-travelcreditterms. The Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking by selecting the Travel Credit when you checkout. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. Eligible travel includes flights, hotels and car hire when you prepay in advance. The Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date. To check the expiration date of your Travel Credit if you have not already redeemed it, please visit americanexpress.com.au/travel; log in and click ‘Travel Credit’. If your booking is cancelled, and your Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Travel Credit benefit and American Express may reverse the statement credits issued. You need to be able to spend on the Card to access the Travel Credit benefit and it should be credited to your Card Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. Your account must be in good standing and you must have paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date. If you cancel your Card, change your rewards program or Card type, you will no longer be eligible for the Travel Credit.
  4. The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Explorer Credit Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Explorer Credit Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs. This insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy of insurance held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Access to this insurance is provided solely by reason of the statutory operation of section 48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Card Members are not a party to the group policy, do not have an agreement with Chubb and cannot vary or cancel the cover. American Express is not the insurer, does not guarantee or hold the rights under the group policy on trust for Card Members and does not act on behalf of Chubb or as its agent. American Express is not an Authorised Representative (under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) of Chubb.
  5. 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points are only available to new American Express Card Members who apply online by 1 July 2025, are approved and spend $4,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new Card in the first 3 months from the Card approval date. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. Please allow 8-10 weeks for the bonus points to be credited to your Account after the spend criteria has been met. If you previously held a David Jones American Express Card and have not held any other American Express Card(s) in the past 18 months, you will be eligible for the offer. All other Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for this offer. The American Express Explorer® Credit Card has an annual Card fee of $395. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.
  6. Valid only for new The Hotel Collection bookings of at least two consecutive nights with participating providers made through American Express Travel Online (americanexpress.com.au/travel or americanexpress.com.au/thc), Platinum Travel Service or Centurion Travel Service. Online bookings currently only available to Primary Card Members. The following American Express Card Members are eligible to book through The Hotel Collection: American Express® Rewards Advantage Card, American Express® Explorer Credit Card, American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Gold Business Card, American Express® Platinum Card, American Express® Business Platinum Card® and American Express® Centurion Card. Payment must be made in full with an eligible American Express Card in the Card Member’s name. Card Member must travel on itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Membership Rewards® points and Platinum Travel Credit cannot be used towards The Hotel Collection bookings as payment. The eligible Card Member will receive the credit as a deduction from the final hotel bill when checking out of the hotel; they will receive $1 for each eligible dollar spent up to $100 USD. Eligible spend includes dining, spa and resort activities. Eligible spend does not include charges for taxes, gratuities, fees and cost of room. Additional exclusions based on specific hotel restrictions may also apply (including without limitation purchases within the hotel that are unaffiliated and/or owned by third parties) – see hotel front desk for details. Credit must be used in conjunction with initial stay and cannot be carried over to another stay, is not redeemable for cash and expires at check-out. Credit is non-exchangeable and non-refundable and is applied in USD or equivalent in local currency based on exchange rate on day of arrival. Limit one credit per room, per stay. Three-room limit per Card Member per stay; back-to-back stays within a 24-hour period at the same property considered one stay. If an eligible Card Member cancels their room, any additional rooms will no longer qualify for benefits as the eligible Card Member must be staying at the hotel. Participating providers and benefits subject to change. Taxes, surcharges and additional fees are as supplied by the hotel at the time of reservation; however they are subject to change and will be charged as applicable at the time of settlement of your hotel account. Note that payments made in foreign currencies will be subject to a foreign currency conversion and fee at the time of payment upon departure. You may be able to use Membership Rewards® points and/or the Travel Credit on the American Express Travel website as payment towards The Hotel Collection, if the selected hotel and room type provides you the option to prepay in advance. A one category room upgrade is based on availability and eligibility at check-in to the hotel.
  7. Additional Card Members must be 16 years of age or over. The Primary Card Member will be liable to pay for all transactions made by Additional Card Members. Earning of points is subject to the terms and conditions of the Rewards Program the Primary Card Member is actively enrolled. All points earned on Additional Card Member spend will go to the Primary Card Members Account. The Primary Card Member cannot add an Additional Card under their own name or email address and cannot add an Additional card under the name or email address of a previously approved Additional Card application on the Account.
  8. Entry into The Centurion® Lounge is governed by the full Terms and Conditions available at amex.com.au/airportlounge. All entrants must adhere to the General Conditions of Entry. American Express Explorer Card Members are entitled to a total of two (2) entries into The Centurion® Lounges in Australia per calendar year (1 January to 31 December). Complimentary access is available for the Card Member’s children 17 years and younger. Card Members wishing to bring additional guests may be subject to a charge that is to be processed on the Card Member’s American Express Card.
  9. You will have up to 55 days interest free on purchases provided you pay the full closing balance of your monthly statement by the due date each month. There is no interest free period on balance transfers or if you carry forward a balance from the previous statement period. The total of interest free days will depend on when you make the purchase and when your statement is issued.
  10. You can create an Instalment Plan as long as your account is in good standing. We may limit the amount that can be transferred to an Instalment Plan. Each Instalment Plan will begin from the date it is successfully created, as communicated to you in your Online Account. Payment of your first Monthly Instalment will be due in your next payment cycle. You will be charged a Monthly Plan Fee for each Instalment Plan created. This fee will be charged each month your Instalment Plan is active and will be notified to you before you create the Instalment Plan. View the full Plan It Instalments Terms and Conditions here.

Business Owners: Get 150,000 bonus Qantas Points + half first year annual Card fee with the Amex Qantas Business Rewards Card

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Customer notice: this article provides general information only and does not consider personal circumstances. We may receive a commission if you apply for a card via our Amex partner link (read more in our Cards Disclosure). Thank you for your vital support!

If you’re a business owner who loves to travel, right now there’s an exciting sign-up offer with Amex’s top Qantas business card: the American Express® Qantas Business Rewards Card.

New American Express® Card Members can earn 150,000 bonus Qantas Points¹ when you apply online via our partner link , are approved, and spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your Card within 3 months of your approval date. Plus you’ll also enjoy a half annual Card fee of $225 in the first year¹ (normally $450). Offer ends 1 July 2025. T&Cs apply.

This Card also comes with a range of ongoing perks, including two Qantas Club passes² each year, triple Qantas Points³ when you fly, a strong earn rate⁴ on everyday business spend, up to 99 complimentary Employee Cards⁵, complimentary travel insurance⁶ for you and Employee Card Members, and more. 

Here’s an overview of the benefits you can enjoy.

1. Earn points on business spend and fly with top airlines

You’ll turbocharge your points balance by earning 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday business purchases – one of the highest Qantas Points earn rates in Australia.

For Qantas products and services, you’ll earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent, while with utilities, government bodies and non-Amex issued insurance you’ll earn 0.5 points per $1 spent.

After a total of 500,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday business earn rate will change from 1.25 to 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent.⁷

Hundreds of thousands of businesses accept Amex in Australia, and that number is growing, so there’s no shortage of places where you can earn points with this card.

The points will be credited to your business’ Qantas Business Rewards (QBR) account.⁸ QBR is Qantas’ loyalty program for businesses and membership is complimentary with your card.

From there, you can transfer points to any Qantas Frequent Flyer member including yourself, employees or family members.⁹

You can use those points to fly with Qantas and an array of international partners, including top airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and more.

With so many partners to choose from, the whole world is within reach.

2. Earn triple Qantas Points when you fly

You’ll earn Qantas Points and Status Credits like any Qantas Frequent Flyer member when you fly with Qantas.

On top of that, you’ll earn triple Qantas Points on eligible Qantas flights booked with your card, up to 4 million points per membership year.

Eligible flights are domestic or international flights with a QF flight number purchased in Australia and operated by Qantas, Emirates or American Airlines.

Triple points are earned when anyone travels on flights booked using your card.

3. Relax in a Qantas Club twice a year

Relax before your next flight in style, even if you’re flying economy.

You’ll receive two Qantas Club passes each year, which will be triggered when you pay for an eligible Qantas purchase with your card.

Eligible Qantas purchases are Qantas passenger airfares with a QF flight number purchased directly from Qantas Australia, and Qantas Frequent Flyer, Qantas Business Rewards or Qantas Club membership, joining or annual fees.

Relax in a Qantas Club twice a year

You can use the passes for yourself or a travel partner, or easily transfer them to someone else.

4. Travel securely with domestic and overseas travel insurance

You’ll receive domestic and international travel insurance cover for you, your family and Employee Card Members when the card is used to pay for return travel.

You’ll be covered for:

  • inconvenience costs (flight delays and cancellations, and luggage delays)
  • medical expenses
  • damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen baggage, money and documents
  • trip cancellation costs
  • transport accidents
  • personal liability
  • COVID-related trip change and cancellation costs.

If you’re currently paying for travel insurance and this cover meets your needs, you could potentially save money by relying on it.

5. Save time and money with other features

Your business will also benefit from these features:

  • up to 99 complimentary Employee Cards linked to the account, which can help you earn more points while easily keeping track of expenses across the business
  • cashflow boost: this is a charge card, which means you have up to 51 days¹⁰ to pay off purchases without incurring interest, or you can choose to pay off a portion of the balance over time up to your Flexible Payment Option (FPO) limit¹¹ (interest charges apply)
  • access a line of unsecured funding with flexible spending power¹²: this means that the amount you can spend is dynamic and can adapt based on your transaction patterns, your businesses credit rating, and other factors.
  • save up to 10% on the base fare of eligible Qantas flights¹³
  • use your card with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay
  • direct feeds into MYOB¹⁴, Xero and other accounting software.

Plus 150,000 bonus Qantas Points

New American Express® Card Members can earn 150,000 bonus Qantas Points¹ when you apply online via our partner link , are approved, and spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your Card within 3 months of your approval date. Plus you’ll also enjoy a half annual Card fee of $225 in the first year¹ (normally $450). Offer ends 1 July 2025. T&Cs apply.

With those points you could:

  • book a Classic Reward flight to anywhere in the world with Qantas in economy return (costing up to 110,400 points plus taxes and fees) or one-way in business class (costing up to 144,600 points plus taxes and fees)
  • upgrade to business class multiple times – starting at 5,400 points domestically and 11,900 points on international flights, depending on distance and fare class booked. For example, an Economy to Business Class upgrade between Brisbane and Tokyo costs 54,500 points, while a Premium Economy to Business Class upgrade between Sydney and London costs 65,400 points.

Use your points to enjoy business class comfort

This offer is only available to new American Express Card Members. That means you must not have held an American Express card in the last 18 months. However, you are eligible if you’re an Additional Card Member on someone else’s account (including a corporate account).

The card annual fee should be tax deductible when used for business purposes.

The minimum annual business revenue to qualify is $75,000 and you need to hold a valid ABN that is registered for GST.

We’re delighted to partner with Amex to bring our readers this offer. It’s only available for a limited time via our partner link below. You could be booking a holiday in no time!

To access this offer and apply, click here (mobile friendly).

* Terms & Conditions – Click Here To View

Important: This article is not intended to suggest that you should apply for a card. You should seek independent, professional advice and consider your personal circumstances before deciding to apply for a card.

American Express approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Fees and charges apply. All information is correct as at 2 October 2024 and is subject to change. This offer is only available to those who reside in Australia. Cards are offered, issued and administered by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085). ®Registered Trademark of American Express Company.

  1. 150,000 bonus Qantas Points + $225 Year 1 annual Card fee: 150,000 bonus Qantas Points offer is available to new American Express Card Members who apply by 1 July 2025, are approved and spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on their new Card in the first three (3) months from the Card approval date. The American Express® Qantas Business Rewards Card will have an annual Card fee of $225 in the first year for new and existing Card Members who apply by 1 July 2025 and are approved. From the second year of membership an annual Card fee of $450 applies. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for the 150,000 Qantas Points offer. 150,000 bonus Qantas Points will be awarded to the eligible Card Member’s Account 8-10 weeks after the spend criteria has been met. Subject to the American Express® Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.
  2. Provided the Primary Card Member is a Qantas Frequent Flyer member and has registered their Qantas Frequent Flyer number with your business’ American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card, your business is eligible to receive two domestic Qantas Club Lounge Invitations each anniversary year of Card Membership once your business makes an Eligible Qantas Purchase on your American Express Card during that year. Eligible Qantas Purchases are Qantas passenger airfares with a QF flight number purchased directly from Qantas Australia that appear on your Card statement, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Qantas Business Rewards or Qantas Club membership, joining or annual fees. Excludes purchases from Jetstar. Within 1-2 weeks of the Eligible Qantas Purchase, two Qantas Club Lounge Invitations will be assigned to the Qantas Frequent Flyer account nominated by the business. Visit the Complimentary Invitations Portal to access invitations, link it with an eligible Qantas flight booking or find out more information. Qantas Club Lounge Invitations are valid for a single visit by one guest to a domestic Qantas Club Lounge only and must be used prior to their expiry. Invitations are subject to the Qantas Club terms and conditions. Qantas Club Invitations cannot be carried forward to any subsequent year and must not be sold, they may only be transferred as allowed by Qantas. Invitations may be revoked or withheld if your business’ American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card account is not in good standing, if the Eligible Qantas Purchase is refunded in full or if you have not complied with these Qantas Club Invitation Conditions, the Card Terms and Conditions or the Qantas Club Lounge Access Terms and Conditions.
  3. A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn triple Qantas Points for business. The triple Qantas Points for business are only available for American Express Qantas Card Members when the Card is used to make an eligible Qantas flight booking. Qantas will allocate to the business an amount equal to the Qantas Points earned by the traveller when travelling for business against a rate of either: 20% (Level 1); or 30% (Level 2); or 40% (Level 3) multiplied by three. An eligible flight means a domestic or international flight which has a Qantas ‘QF’ flight number on the ticket that is purchased in Australia; is operated by Qantas, Emirates or American Airlines; has a ticket number commencing with ‘081’; and is booked and travelled for business on or after the date the business registers for Qantas Business Rewards. Exclusions apply. Triple Qantas Points for Business is not available in conjunction with any other rebate, Corporate Fares Agreement or discount arrangement with Qantas. A Member’s ABN and traveller’s Qantas Frequent Flyer number must be quoted at the time of booking to earn Qantas Points for both the business and the traveller. The maximum number of Qantas Points that can be earned from flying by a business with the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card is 4,000,000 per membership year as per the Triple Qantas Points for business benefit terms.
  4. A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points for business. Membership and the earning of Qantas Points as a business are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions. Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions. Your business will earn 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 of everyday spend, which does not include annual fees, late payment fee and fees and charges for foreign currencies. Your business will earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent at participating merchants classified as ‘utilities’ including gas, water and electricity providers; ‘government’ including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation, federal/state and local government bodies; and ‘insurance’ excluding insurances offered by American Express. Industry specific earn rate may apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to Local Government bodies processed through a payment aggregator may earn rates at the government earn rate. Your business will earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on the following Qantas Products and Services purchased on the Qantas merchant account (i.e. directly from Qantas): Qantas passenger flights (with a QF flight number), Qantas Holidays, Qantas Branded non-airfare products, and Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club membership joining and annual fees. Excludes Jetstar. For the full list of exclusions, please refer to the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions.
  5. Employee Card Members must be over 18 years of age. The Business and the Primary Card Member are jointly and severally liable for all Employee Card spending. Each employee is entitled to only one (1) Employee Card.
  6. The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs.

    This insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy of insurance held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Access to this insurance is provided solely by reason of the statutory operation of section 48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Card Members are not a party to the group policy, do not have an agreement with Chubb and cannot vary or cancel the cover. American Express is not the insurer, does not guarantee or hold the rights under the group policy on trust for Card Members and does not act on behalf of Chubb or as its agent. American Express is not an Authorised Representative (under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) of Chubb.
  7. From 10 January 2024, once you have earned a total of 500,000 Qantas Points on your Card Account in a calendar year, your earn rate of 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent will change to 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday business purchases. All other earn rates (Qantas products, services and government, utilities and insurances spend) will remain unchanged. The points threshold is based on eligible Qantas Points earned during a calendar year and will be reset on 1 January each year. Qantas Points earned by all Card Members on a Card Account contribute to the 500,000 points threshold each calendar year. Bonus points earned from Acquisition bonus offers and marketing campaigns are excluded from the threshold.
  8. A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points. A one-off joining fee of $89.50 usually applies, however this will be waived for any business that has an existing American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card. Membership and the earning of Qantas Points as a business are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions. Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions.
  9. In order to transfer Qantas Points from a Qantas Business Rewards account to an individual’s Qantas Frequent Flyer account, the business account must have a balance of at least 3,000 Qantas Points. You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. We recommend you consult your accountant or tax adviser to ensure you understand possible tax implications, for example fringe benefits tax (if applicable).
  10. Extend your cash flow by up to 51 days: Depending on your method of payment, when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued and whether or not you are carrying forward a balance on your account from your previous statement period. If you pay by direct debit, your payment will be processed 10 days after your statement is issued.
  11. With Flexible Payment Option, you will be charged interest if you do not pay your Closing Balance in full by the due date each month. Please refer to your monthly statements for the current interest rate. Please refer to the full Flexible Payment Option Terms and Conditions.
  12. Unless Amex tells you otherwise, your American Express Charge card comes with flexible spending power, also known as no-pre-set spending limit. This means that the amount you can spend is dynamic and can adapt based on your transaction patterns, your business’ credit rating, and other factors. The way you use your Card can help your spending power grow, particularly in the first few months. To help maximise your spending power, make regular transactions and don’t miss any payments.
  13. Savings are available exclusively to Qantas Business Rewards Members on the base fare of selected fares only and do not apply to taxes, fees and carrier charges. Availability is limited. Member Deals are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions.
  14. MYOB bank feed is available to American Express Cards issued by American Express Australia Limited with the exception of American Express Corporate Cards. The Card must be active at the time of enrolment.

Earn double Velocity Points on flights booked via the app

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Virgin Australia is back with one of its regular double points promotions – a great way to boost your balance if you have a trip in mind. 

To be eligible for the promotion you must

  • have activated this offer via the Velocity app
  • book an Eligible Flight between 12.01am AEST 3 April 2025 and 11.59pm AEST 10 April 2025 (Promotion Period) and enter a valid Velocity membership number at the time of booking
  • complete travel on the Eligible Flight by 31 December 2025.

An Eligible Flight is any Domestic, Trans-Tasman or International Short Haul Virgin Australia marketed and operated flight for travel between 3 April 2025 and 31 December 2025 (inclusive) that normally earns Velocity Points.

Reward bookings and codeshare services marketed or operated by partner airlines are not eligible.

Happy travels!

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Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points + an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit with the Qantas Amex Ultimate Card

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Customer notice: this article provides general information only and does not consider personal circumstances. We may receive a commission if you apply for a card via our Amex partner link (read more in our Cards Disclosure). Thank you for your vital support!

If you love to travel, right now you can get 50,000 bonus Qantas Points with Amex’s most popular and rewarding Qantas card: the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card.

Our readers consistently tell us that this is their favourite Qantas card. It’s packed with perks, including a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year, a strong points earn rate on spend, four airport lounge entries per year, comprehensive travel insurance, and more.

You’ll also receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online via our Amex partner link by 1 July 2025, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months (T&Cs apply; new Amex Card Members only).¹

Qantas Points don’t expire so long as you keep your Qantas Frequent Flyer account active by earning or redeeming at least one point every 18 months. Plus, points bookings are refundable if your plans change.

Here’s an overview of the benefits you can enjoy with this card.

1. Earn piles of points and fly with top airlines

You’ll turbocharge your points balance by earning 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases² – one of the highest Qantas Points earn rates in Australia.

You’ll receive 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia³, and 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent with government bodies⁴.

After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent⁵.

Hundreds of thousands of merchants accept Amex in Australia, and that number is growing, so there’s no shortage of places where you can earn points with this card.

There’s no limit on the number of points you can earn⁶.

You can use those points to fly with Qantas and an array of international partners, including top airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Japan Airlines, and more.

With so many partners to choose from, the whole world is within reach.

2. Take off with a $450 Qantas Travel Credit every year

You’ll get a $450 Qantas Travel Credit at the start of each card membership year⁷, including when you first receive the card, which effectively offsets the card’s $450 annual fee.

The travel credit is redeemable for Qantas flights online at American Express Travel. It’s valid for 12 months and you can book any available flight in the future (i.e. a travel credit issued now would be valid to early 2026 for travel to early 2027).

The travel credit is also very flexible. While you need to use it in a single booking, that can be for one or more people, travelling one way or return, and on domestic or overseas flights. Plus, the booking can be in anyone’s name and doesn’t have to include you.

Eligible flights are standard Qantas flights with a QF flight number, so you’ll have plenty of routes to choose from.

Take off with a Qantas Travel Credit every year

And here’s a tip for how you could use two consecutive travel credits to shave $900 off a single trip: just before a travel credit expires at the end of your card membership year, use it to book a one-way flight, then when you get the next travel credit a few days later, use it to book the return journey. Or use the first travel credit to book a return fare for yourself and the second travel credit for a companion.

3. Enjoy four airport lounge entries each year

Relax before your next flight in style, even if you’re flying economy.

Each year, you’ll receive two Qantas lounge invitations valid for both domestic Qantas Clubs and Qantas International Lounges in Australia and overseas⁸.

These invitations will be activated in your Qantas Frequent Flyer account after your first card spend on selected Qantas products and services, such as flights.

You can use one of the Qantas lounge invites to bring in a guest, or transfer one or both invites to another Qantas Frequent Flyer member.

Relax in the lounge before you fly

You’ll also receive two entries each year to Amex’s exclusive The Centurion Lounge at Sydney Airport international or Melbourne Airport international⁹, which are the two airports in Australia that have Amex lounges so far.

Simply present your physical card at the door to get in, and you may use one of the entries to bring in a guest (children under the age of 17 get in for free).

4. Travel securely with domestic and overseas travel insurance

You’ll receive complimentary travel insurance cover when you pay for a domestic or international return flight with your card or use Qantas Points or the $450 Qantas Travel Credit to book.¹⁰

This cover extends to your domestic partner and dependent children up to the age of 25 when they are travelling with you.

You’ll receive cover for:

  • inconvenience – flight delays, cancellations or missed connections, and delayed luggage
  • medical emergency expenses
  • damaged, destroyed, lost or stolen baggage, money or documents
  • trip cancellation and amendment costs
  • personal liability
  • COVID-19 related changes and costs.

If you’re currently paying for travel insurance and this cover meets your needs, you could save money by relying on it.

5. Enjoy a range of other benefits

There are many more perks to enjoy with this card, including:

  • up to 4 complimentary Additional Cards for family members or friends¹¹ – an easy way to earn points faster
  • complimentary premium membership to Qantas Wine¹² (worth $99) – get free delivery Australia-wide¹³ and earn 3 points per $1 spent
  • up to 44 days interest free¹⁴ on purchases
  • ‘buy now, pay later’ with American Express Plan It™ Instalments¹⁵: pay off your card balance in equal monthly instalments with 0% interest and a fixed monthly fee
  • use your card with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay
  • Amex Offers: save money and earn bonus points via regular offers with top brands
  • American Express Experiences: access sought-after events like music, theatre and film, including via pre-sale tickets, and enjoy exclusive lounges at selected events.

Plus 50,000 bonus Qantas Points

Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online via our Amex partner link by 1 July 2025, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months (T&Cs apply; new Amex Card Members only).

This offer is only available to new American Express Card Members. That means you must not have held an American Express card in the last 18 months. However, you are eligible if you’re an Additional Card Member on someone else’s account (including a corporate account).

Amex no longer specifies a minimum income to be eligible for this card.

It’s very simple to apply, including on mobile devices.

To read more and apply on Amex’s website, click here.

* Terms & Conditions – Click Here To View

Important: This article is not intended to suggest that you should apply for a card. You should seek independent, professional advice and consider your personal circumstances before deciding to apply for a card.

Cards are offered, issued, and administered by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085, Australian Credit Licence No. 291313.

American Express income and credit approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Interest rates, fees and charges apply. All interest rates are quoted as an Annual Percentage Rate. All information, including fees, charges and interest rates are correct as at 4 September 2024 and are subject to change. Applicants must be 18 years of age or over to apply for the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. They must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident or hold a long term visa. Long term means 12 months or more and does not include a student visa.

  1. Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 1 July 2025, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months from the Card approval date. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion This offer is only available to new American Express Card Members. If you previously held a David Jones American Express Card and have not held any other American Express Card(s) in the past 18 months, you will be eligible for the offer. All other Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for this offer. Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the Qantas American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions. 50,000 bonus Qantas Points will be awarded to the eligible Card Member’s account 8-10 weeks after the spend criteria has been met. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership and the earning and redemption of points are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available at qantas.com/terms. The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card has an annual Card fee of $450. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.
  2. You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and the earning and redemption of points are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available at qantas.com/frequentflyer. Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the Qantas American Express Cards Points Terms and Conditions, and exclusions apply. Eligible purchases do not include annual Card fees, cash advances, interest, fees and charges for traveller’s cheques and foreign currencies – these do not earn Qantas Points. For the full list of exclusions, please refer to the Qantas American Express Cards Points Terms and Conditions.
  3. Selected Qantas products and services are Qantas passenger flights with a QF flight number purchased directly from Qantas.com.au; Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club membership joining and/ or annual fees. Subject to Qantas American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions.
  4. You will earn 0.5 point per dollar spent with Merchants classified as ‘government’, including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post), Federal/State and Local Government bodies, including where you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant.
  5. From 10 January 2024, once you have earned a total of 100,000 Qantas Points on your Card Account in a calendar year, your earn rate of 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent will change to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on everyday purchases. All other earn rates (Qantas products and services and government spend) will remain unchanged. The points threshold is based on eligible Qantas Points earned during a calendar year and will be reset on 1 January each year. Qantas Points earned by all Card Members on a Card Account contribute to the 100,000 points threshold each calendar year. Bonus points earned from Acquisition bonus offers and marketing campaigns are excluded from the threshold.
  6. As long as your account remains current and in good standing.
  7. Qantas American Express Ultimate Primary Card Members are eligible for an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit, subject to the full Qantas Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/qantasultimate-travelcreditterms. The Qantas Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking for Qantas Flights (i.e. a QF flight number on your ticket) by selecting the Qantas Travel Credit when you checkout. All Qantas Flight travel is subject to Qantas Conditions of Carriage. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. The Qantas Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date. To check the expiration date of your Qantas Travel Credit if you have not already redeemed it, please visit americanexpress.com.au/travel; log in and click ‘Travel Credit’. If your booking is cancelled, and your Qantas Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Qantas Travel Credit benefit and American Express may reverse the statement credits issued. You need to be able to spend on the Card to access the Qantas Travel Credit benefit and it should be credited to your Card Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. Your account must be in good standing and you must have paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date. If you cancel your Card, change your rewards program or Card type, you will no longer be eligible for the Qantas Travel Credit.
  8. Provided you are a Qantas Frequent Flyer and have registered your Qantas Frequent Flyer number with your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, you are eligible to receive two Qantas Club Lounge Invitations each anniversary year of your Card Membership after purchasing on selected Qantas products and services using your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. Selected Qantas products and services are Qantas passenger flights with a QF flight number purchased directly from Qantas.com.au; Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club membership joining and/ or annual fees. Subject to Qantas American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions. Within 2 weeks of purchasing selected Qantas products and services, you will receive an email from Qantas confirming the Qantas Club Lounge Invitations are available for use. Login to the Complimentary Invitations Portal using your Frequent Flyer details to access your invitation, link it with an eligible Qantas flight booking or find out more information. Qantas Club Lounge Invitations are valid for a single visit by one guest to a Qantas Club Lounge and must be used prior to their expiry. Invitations are subject to the Qantas Club Terms and Conditions and are not valid for Qantas International First Class Lounges, the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge, Qantas Domestic Business and or oneworld® alliance partner or associated lounges. Qantas Club Invitations cannot be carried forward to any subsequent year and must not be sold, they may only be transferred as allowed by Qantas. Invitations may be revoked or withheld if your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card account is not in good standing, if the selected Qantas products and services are refunded in full or if you have not complied with these Qantas Club Invitation Conditions, the Credit Card Terms and Conditions or the Qantas Club Lounge Access Terms and Conditions.
  9. Entry into The Centurion® Lounge is governed by the full Terms and Conditions available at amex.com.au/airportlounge. All entrants must adhere to the General Conditions of Entry. Qantas American Express Ultimate Card Members are entitled to a total of two (2) entries into The Centurion® Lounges in Australia per calendar year (1 January to 31 December). Complimentary access is available for the Card Member’s children 17 years and younger. Card Members wishing to bring additional guests may be subject to a charge that is to be processed on the Card Member’s American Express Card.
  10. The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs. This insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy of insurance held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Access to this insurance is provided solely by reason of the statutory operation of section 48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Card Members are not a party to the group policy, do not have an agreement with Chubb and cannot vary or cancel the cover. American Express is not the insurer, does not guarantee or hold the rights under the group policy on trust for Card Members and does not act on behalf of Chubb or as its agent. American Express is not an Authorised Representative (under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) of Chubb.
  11. Additional Card Members must be 16 years of age or over. The Primary Card Member will be liable to pay for all transactions made by Additional Card Members. Earning of points is subject to the terms and conditions of the Rewards Program the Primary Card Member is actively enrolled. All points earned on Additional Card Member spend will go to the Primary Card Members Account. The Primary Card Member cannot add an Additional Card under their own name or email address and cannot add an Additional card under the name or email address of a previously approved Additional Card application on the Account.
  12. Qantas Wine Premium Membership and its benefits are subject to the Qantas Wine Terms and Conditions. To join or purchase from Qantas Wine, you must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member aged 18 years or older and have an Australian delivery address. An annual Membership fee usually applies for Qantas Wine Premium Membership, but this will be waived so long as you continue to hold your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. Complimentary joining gift is not available with this offer. Qantas Wine Premium Membership will be automatically applied within 2 weeks of Qantas Points being credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account from your first spend on your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. You will receive email confirmation from Qantas about your Qantas Wine Premium Membership enrolment. Qantas Wine Premium members will earn 3 Qantas Points per dollar on qantas.com/wine. Liquor Act 2007: It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Licence Number: LIQP770016736.
  13. Delivery is subject to the Qantas Wine Terms and Conditions and available within Australia only.
  14. You will have up to 44 days interest free on purchases provided you pay the full closing balance of your monthly statement by the due date each month. There is no interest free period on balance transfers or if you carry forward a balance from the previous statement period. The total of interest free days will depend on when you make the purchase and when your statement is issued.
  15. You can create an Instalment Plan as long as your account is in good standing. We may limit the amount that can be transferred to an Instalment Plan. Each Instalment Plan will begin from the date it is successfully created, as communicated to you in your Online Account. Payment of your first Monthly Instalment will be due in your next payment cycle. You will be charged a Monthly Plan Fee for each Instalment Plan created. This fee will be charged each month your Instalment Plan is active and will be notified to you before you create the Instalment Plan. View the full Plan It Instalments Terms and Conditions here.

Get double Qantas Points or Status Credits on new bookings

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Great news, Qantas frequent flyers!

Qantas has launched its ever-popular promo offering double Qantas Points or Status Credits on new bookings.

This is a great opportunity to boost your points balance or accelerate your journey towards elite status.

To take advantage of this offer, you must register either via the Qantas app or website and choose either double points or status credits.

You can’t get both bonuses – so choose wisely.

Then, book any Qantas marketed and operated flight by 18 March 2025 for travel between 19 March 2025 and 24 February 2026 (excludes codeshare and partner airline flights).

The booking must be one where Qantas Points or Status Credits are normally earned (ie. not a reward booking, unless you are a Points Club member in which case you will earn status credits).

You can book as many flights as you like, but make sure each person travelling on the booking registers independently.

Plus, when you register for either reward, you’ll automatically earn double Qantas Points on Qantas Hotels and Holiday packages booked by 18 March 2025. That’s 6 points for every $1 spent on your choice of over 500,000 hotels worldwide. This offer is available on top of your selected flight rewards and available regardless if you book an eligible flight. Simply register by 18 March 2025.

Happy travels!

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Qantas announces upgrade of Boeing 737 cabins

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Qantas has announced a major cabin overhaul for its Boeing 737 aircraft – the mainstay of its domestic and short-haul international fleet – aiming to provide a next-generation inflight experience for passengers.

This upgrade aligns with the airline’s broader fleet renewal strategy and ensures that existing aircraft remain competitive with modern features and amenities.

The upgrade program will see 42 Boeing 737 aircraft receive a comprehensive interior refresh, including:

  • New Business Class seats
  • New Economy Class seats
  • Larger overhead lockers with up to 50% more space
  • Full cabin enhancements, including new carpets, sidewalls, and mood lighting
  • Fast and free Wi-Fi across all upgraded aircraft

The first refurbished aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027. These planes operate on key domestic routes, as well as trans-Tasman services and flights to destinations such as Bali, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

The new seats on the upgraded 737s are expected to match those featured on Qantas’ forthcoming Airbus A321XLR, set to enter service in June 2025, with the familiar 2-2 recliner layout in business class and 3-3 in economy.

A321XLR Business Class seat

A321XLR Economy Class seat

Seats in both cabins are likely to feature device holders and USB-A and USB-C charging, with wireless charging also in business class.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasized that this initiative complements the airline’s historic fleet renewal program, which includes the phased introduction of new aircraft like the A321XLR and A220.

“Investing in our fleet is one of the most significant ways we can transform the flying experience for our customers and ensure we consistently deliver a great journey,” said Ms Hudson.

“With more new aircraft entering our fleet, we’re also making our existing aircraft look and feel brand new,” she added. “This investment in cabins will also support our people who are dedicated to providing the best inflight experience to our customers.”

All 737s are planned to be retired. The refurbished 737s are the youngest in the fleet and will be the last to be retired when the final batch of A321XLRs and A220s are delivered.

Earn 1,000 bonus Velocity Points with DiDi

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In 2024, the rideshare firm DiDi partnered with Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program to offer riders the chance to earn Velocity Points with every DiDi ride they take.

To benefit from this partnership, users must download the DiDi app, create an account, and link their Velocity Frequent Flyer or Virgin Australia Business Flyer membership number.

Both new and existing DiDi users who link their accounts can receive a one-time bonus of 1,000 Velocity Points.

Following this, you’ll earn one Velocity Point for every dollar spent on DiDi rides within Australia.

This program imposes no cap on the number of points one can earn, thereby enhancing the potential rewards for frequent travellers.

For more info on this opportunity, click here.

The best uses of Velocity Points [2025]

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Velocity Points are one of Australia’s most popular rewards currencies, giving travellers access to not just Virgin Australia flights but also those of partners like Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, ANA and Qatar Airways.

If you’re sitting on a stash of Velocity Points, you’re probably wondering what’s the best way to use them.

Our answer is always that you’ll get the best value by redeeming them for flights and upgrades. While these can be tricky to secure, if you figure out how the system works and are flexible with your travel plans, your Velocity Points can take you almost anywhere in the world.

Here are some tips to help you out.

Virgin Australia long-haul flights to Doha

Qatar Airways has taken a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. As part of the deal, Virgin will launch flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Doha (Qatar Airways’ home base) later in 2025.

From Doha, travellers will be able to access Qatar Airways’ extensive global network.

These Virgin flights will be operated by Qatar Airways crew and aircraft. That means travellers will enjoy the excellent Qsuites in business class.

Qatar Airways Qsuite – soon to be on Virgin Australia flights to Doha

Virgin Australia has just begun releasing reward seats on this route. We saw a big batch become available on 21 Jan 2025, and now we’re going to monitor availability to see if there’s a pattern with releases. Stay tuned!

Reward seats to Doha now available

At the time of writing, Velocity Points can’t be used to upgrade on Doha flights.

Virgin Australia domestic business class

With Australia’s second largest domestic network at your disposal and good reward seat availability, travelling around the nation in business class is a fantastic use of points.

Virgin’s all-Boeing 737 domestic fleet features a small business class cabin at the front of the plane, with two rows of recliner seats arranged in a 2-2 layout.

The fleet is currently being refurbished with wider business class seats, which also feature leg rests with extendable footrests, storage compartments, tablet/device holders and water bottle holders.

New Virgin 737 business class seats

When you fly business class with Virgin Australia domestically, you also get lounge access when departing from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports.

(Pro tip: if you want Virgin Australia lounge access every time you fly, it’s now complimentary with the fantastic American Express Velocity Platinum Card.)

You can also use points to upgrade from economy to business class on domestic and short-haul international flights. Availability is limited, of course – and status holders get first dibs. You can see how many points you’ll need on Velocity’s website here.

Business or first class with Singapore Airlines

One of our most popular articles is our guide for using Velocity Points to fly in style with Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines’ business and first class products are among the best in the world. Passengers not only enjoy comfortable and spacious seats, but the airline is also renowned for its excellent dining and customer service.

Try a ‘once in a lifetime’ first class flight

There are two ways to use Velocity Points to fly with SQ: either by booking via Virgin Australia or transferring your points to SQ and booking direct. Read our guide for more info.

Flying with other partner airlines

Aside from Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines, Velocity Points can also be used to fly with a range of other partner airlines.

These include Air Canada, United Airlines and ANA, which can be booked on the Velocity website.

You can also use points to fly with Hawaiian Airlines, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic, but these three can only be booked by calling Virgin.

Flying economy also provides solid value

While many people focus on using points for business and first class seats, flying economy is also a great option.

Sometimes, it’s the only option, given how rare premium reward seats are.

Rest assured, you are still getting good value from your points when redeeming them for economy seats. That’s especially the case since airfares remain relatively high following the pandemic.

This is a far better use of points than redeeming them for gift cards.

Tips for success

Book in advance: Award seats often sell out quickly, particularly during peak periods like school holidays. Plan as far ahead as possible to snag the best routes and dates.

Or … book last minute: If you’re in the fortunate position of being able to fly at relatively short notice (within the next 30 days), many airlines release reward seats late in order to help fill their planes. This is a great way to get sought-after business and first class seats.

Familiarise yourself with partner award charts: Each partner airline has its own redemption rates. Check the Velocity website to see how many points you’ll need for your chosen route.

Pool your family’s points: Got multiple family members collecting Velocity Points? Velocity’s Family Pooling feature allows family members to pool their points and status credits into one account, accelerating your ability to redeem for award flights.

Accelerate your points earn on everyday spend: Consider holding a Velocity-branded credit card. For example, you can earn 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 on everyday spend plus get a complimentary domestic flight each year, complimentary lounge membership, and other benefits, with our favourite Velocity card: the Amex Velocity Platinum Card.

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