Emirates credit cards in Australia
American Express and Commbank are the only Australian credit card providers that let you convert their reward points to Emirates Skywards Miles.
Key takeaways
- Rewards credit cards from CommBank and Amex let you earn points on your spending and convert them to Skywards Miles, the Emirates loyalty program.
- You can convert 5 CommBank Award Points to 1 Skywards Mile, while 4 Amex Membership Rewards Points convert to 1 Skywards Mile.
- Compare rewards cards from both providers in the table below. Be sure to compare annual fees, earn rates and bonus points offers.
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How we picked these
How can I earn Emirates Skywards Miles with a credit card?
There are no Australian credit cards that let you earn Emirates Skywards Miles directly. But you can transfer rewards points from American Express Membership Rewards or Commbank Awards credit cards.
Reward point transfer rates
- 5 CommBank Awards Points = 1 Emirates Skywards Mile
- 4 American Express Membership Rewards Points = 1 Emirates Skywards Mile
How to transfer credit card points to Emirates Skywards Miles
Each rewards program has its own steps for redeeming points, but it's usually along these lines:
- Log in to your credit card rewards program account.
- Choose the frequent flyer point transfer option from the selection of rewards (or search for Emirates Skywards Miles).
- Confirm the details and follow the prompts to transfer your points.
How to compare Emirates credit cards
With only 2 credit card brands in Australia currently offering point transfers to Skywards Miles, here are some of the key details to think about.
- Bonus points offers. Introductory bonus points offers give you a way to get thousands of Skywards Miles on a new card when you meet the requirements. You'll usually need to be a new customer and spend a certain amount on the card in the first few months to be eligible for a bonus offer.
- Earn rate. Rewards credit cards typically let you earn between 1 and 2 points for every dollar you spend on the card. The higher the better, but make sure you factor in the conversion to Skywards Miles. If you earned 1 Commbank Awards Point, it converts to one fifth of a Skywards Mile. If you spent $500 on the card you'd earn 100 miles.
- Annual fee. Credit cards that offer point transfers to Emirates Skywards Miles typically have annual fees from around $108 to $1,750. Some cards also offer a reduced or $0 annual fee for the first year or for the life of the card. Ideally, the annual fee should cost less than the value you get from Skywards Miles and other perks.
- Purchase rates. This is the interest rate you pay on your spending if you don't repay the card balance in full. Rewards credit card interest rates are typically between 19% and 24%.
- Benefits and perks. Rewards credit cards often come with single-use lounge passes each year, complimentary international travel insurance, travel discounts and more.
Our expert says: Is an Emirates credit card worth it in Australia?
"If you regularly fly with Emirates, one advantage to getting a credit card that offers Skywards Miles transfers is that you can earn more miles for reward flights. But if you're unlikely to redeem Skywards Miles within the 3-year timeframe before they expire, another option is to consider a Qantas credit card. This would allow you to earn Qantas Points, which you can redeem for flights with Emirates or other partners through the Qantas Frequent Flyer program."
Compare a wider range of frequent flyer credit card offers available now.
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hi, I recently purchased emirates airfare and have skyward account, but I don’t have any card, I paid via debit card from commonwealth bank, do I can’t see any miles accumulate on my skyward, not sure how it works?
Hey Santosh,
Did you enter your skyward account number when you purchased the flight? If so, you’ll be credited with your frequent flyer points after you’ve completed the flight. If not, you can add your member number to your itinerary at any time (even at the airport when you’re checking in!). Your best bet is to find your skyward account number (perhaps check your emails?) so you can present it to the kiosk when you check-in for your flight, or you can contact customer service before your flight to add it.
Hope this helps!
I want to apply for a Skywards card as I am a frequent flyer. How do I apply? I want to use my points for my next flight in March on Emirates to Istanbul/Phuket/Dubai
Hello Linda,
Thank you for your comment.
According to Emirates, if you are an Emirates Skywards member already, there’s no need to have a physical card in order to enjoy all the benefits of membership. You can simply quote your membership number to continue to earn and redeem Miles. You also have an option to print a physical copy of your digital card by adding it to your Apple Wallet, or save it to your device’s photo or image library for quick access to your membership details.
Use your Skywards Miles to book flights to any destination across their network, in any class.
– Pay for the full cost of your ticket using your Skywards Miles
– Start from 15,000 Skywards Miles
– Saver and Flex Plus reward fares available. One-way rewards available on Flex Plus fares
– Simply choose Classic Rewards to pay with Miles when you book online
You may visit Emirates website for your redeeming needs.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
I have both HSBC and a Capital One cards which accrue points that supposedly can be used to book flights. Can either of these be used with Emirates? Thanks
Hi Doodles!
Thanks for getting in touch.
Unfortunately, you’re HSBC and Capital One credit cards don’t directly or indirectly earn Emirates rewards. Unfortunately, you cannot use the frequent flyer points that’s earn from your HSBC or Capital One cards.
Hope this clarifies!
Nikki
I have booked an Emirates flight with my Emirates credit card. However, I booked it through a travel company as it was much cheaper at the time. Can I access the chauffeur service? We have been Skywards members for a long time, and I use my Emirates card all the time. Thanks!
Hi Sharon!
As per Emirates Chauffeur-drive Terms and Conditions:
– Some special fare itineraries may have restrictions on the Chauffeur-drive service. Please check at the time of booking your flights.
You can contact Emirates Customer Service to confirm your eligibility for this particular travel.
Hope this clarifies.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Can i apply for a card if i live in Austria ?
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately, the credit cards that we feature on our website are only available to Australian residents. You may try getting one from a financial institution in your country.
Cheers,
Anndy