Ask Finder: When do I get frequent flyer points from my credit card?
If you get a credit card that offers frequent flyer points per $1 spent, how long will you have to wait before you can use them?
I got a frequent flyer credit card a few weeks ago so I could earn more Qantas Points. I've used it to pay for a lot since then but haven't seen any points added to my Qantas Frequent Flyer account. So I'm just wondering when I can expect that to happen? Is there a particular time period when points from credit cards get added to Qantas member accounts?
Thanks,
Goal Getter
While it does vary between credit cards, you can usually expect the points to be credited to your frequent flyer account once per month – around the same time that your card's statement is issued.
As you haven't mentioned a particular credit card, let's take a closer look at how this process works (and varies) for three popular Qantas Frequent Flyer cards.
For instance, with the American Express Qantas Ultimate card, points are credited each month and transferred around six days before the end of your statement period. This means that points earned in the last six days of a statement period may not be added to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account until the next statement period.
In comparison, the terms and conditions for the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black state that points are credited "after each statement period". You'll find similar timelines for the Qantas Premier Platinum credit card; however, the terms and conditions for this card also state that it will take up to 60 days after an eligible purchase is made before you'll see the points in your frequent flyer account.
As a way of factoring in these variations, the Qantas Frequent Flyer website has noted that "typically it can take up to 40 days for points to be credited to the Qantas Frequent Flyer account after making an eligible purchase". So, that fits with the general "once a month" guideline.
An important detail to note at this stage is that since you've just got your new credit card, it's a good idea to double-check that you've linked your Qantas Frequent Flyer details because that's essential for the transfer to go ahead.
You can do this by logging in to your credit card account or by calling the provider.
What about bonus points?
If you've signed up to a frequent flyer credit card that offers an introductory bonus, the points are usually credited to your account within 6 to 10 weeks of meeting the offer's requirements (such as spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months).
Some credit cards also offer additional points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services, including Qantas flights and Qantas Club membership.
If you've used your card to make this type of purchase, the points will typically be added to your frequent flyer account at the same time as those you earned on everyday purchases (once per month, around the end of your statement period).
But, if you're chasing points for a particular frequent flyer reward and are waiting to make the redemption, you may want to call your credit card company to get more specific details of when the points you've earned will be transferred. Otherwise, it's just a matter of keeping an eye out for your card's statement and checking your Qantas Frequent Flyer balance until it's updated.
Ask Finder is a regular column where Finder's expert writers answer your questions. All rates and fees are correct at the time of publication and we only give general advice.
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Hi, I’m wondering with a rewards credit card are points calculated daily like with interest? Or are they points just calculated using the closing balance?
I hope this makes sense
Thank you
Hi Eimear,
Points are calculated according to how much you spend.
At the end of your billing month the total earned will be transfered into your linked frequent flyer account.
Hope that helps,
Stephanie