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 would like to apply for a emirates credit card. I would also like to know which airlines emirates is partnered with. can the skywards points be transferred to other airlines and can i upgrade if i have sufficient points to do so.
can you please send me the necessary form to fill in.
regards
fawzia
Hi Fawzia,
Thanks for your question.
If you’re interested in applying for this credit card you can click ‘go to site’ on the page above to fill out an online application form. Emirates has quite a few partners through which you can earn and redeem miles. Points can’t be transferred, but as mentioned, you can use your Emirates Miles for flights with other airlines programs. For a full list of partners you can check on the Emirates website, but some notable Australian ones are Qantas and Jetstar.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
The withdrawal of the lounge in Dubai and reduction in points earned per dollar spent. this card sis not good any more
Hello, I’m the secondary cardholder of a Emirates platinum citibank card. If I have booked an international flight from Sydney to Dubai using the credit card but I’m travelling without the primary cardholder can I still use chauffeur and Sydney lounge access services ? Many thanks
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your question.
On the Emirates website, it states that “as a First Class or Business Class traveller, or as an Emirates Skywards Platinum or Gold member, you’re welcome to unwind in our dedicated world-class lounge facilities at select destinations across the globe.”
As long as you hold an eligible class ticket or you hold a platinum or gold membership, then you should be able to access these lounges.
Chauffeur services are available for first class and business class passengers.
Cheers,
Shirley
I am cancelling my card – i can no longer use it to buy goods or services for my business. Be aware of this before signing up.
Hi, Caroline.
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
To the best of my knowledge there has been no changes to this card in respect to business transactions and points earning. Have you been notified in writing by the bank?
According to the terms and conditions Skyward Miles are earnt on retail purchases only. I also had a look at the Citibank Emirates Platinum card as they appeared in 2012, and it also states there that the Skyward Miles are earnt on retail purchases only as well.
I’m keen to hear more about this. Can you please provide more information about your question.
Regards.
Jacob.
Why has lounge access in Dubai been withdrawn? I took this card out particularly for this feature as I often travel alone with my young children and lounge access makes the journey so much easier.
Very disappointed with this change.
Hi Tonya,
Thanks for your question.
The complimentary lounge access was offered through MasterCard. We can’t comment on why this benefit has been removed for Australian Platinum MasterCard holders. If you would like to compare credit cards with complimentary lounge access, please use our comparison table to help you find the card that suits you.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jacob