What are eligible purchases on a rewards card?
Most everyday spending is eligible to earn points, including groceries, petrol, retail items and travel. Transactions that don't usually earn points include cash advances, BPAY payments and spending with government bodies.
Compare other products
We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked theseBest rewards cards
- Best overall rewards credit card: NAB Rewards Platinum Card
- Best AMEX rewards credit card: American Express Platinum Card
- Best Big 4 Bank rewards card: ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card
Top rewards credit card offers
Here are some of the top rewards cards this month, based on their Finder Scores:
- The American Express Corporate Platinum Card has a Finder Score of 9.9.
- The Bankwest More World Mastercard has a Finder Score of 9.9.
- The American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card has a Finder Score of 9.79.
- The American Express Platinum Business Card has a Finder Score of 9.4.
- The American Express Platinum Card has a Finder Score of 9.62.
- The Bankwest More Platinum Mastercard has a Finder Score of 9.15.
- The MyCard Prestige has a Finder Score of .
Updated March 2026 by Finder's senior money editor Richard Whitten.
What is a rewards credit card?
Rewards credit cards let you earn points for every dollar you spend. Some cards also offer hundreds of thousands of bonus points if you spend a certain amount after opening the card.
You can get rewards points with a reward program like CommBank Awards, ANZ Rewards or AMEX Membership Rewards. And there are supermarket rewards points like Flybuys and Everyday Rewards that function in a similar way (and you can earn Flybuys with a Coles credit card).
How can I use these points?
You can redeem rewards points in different ways:
- Cashbacks and gift cards
- Hotels, flights and accommodation
- Retail goods like cosmetics, electronics and homewares
- Frequent flyer points (usually at a rate of 2:1 or 3:1).
Some cards offer cashback instead of points. Some cards offer both.
You can redeem the points via your bank or reward program's store (for example, the NAB Rewards Store).
Do you need a rewards credit card?
Rewards credit cards are suited to bigger spenders, frequent flyers and people who shop a lot. You get rewarded because you're spending money. These cards are not budget or entry level credit cards because the rates and annual fees are higher.
Pros
- Points for spending. The most obvious perk of these cards is that you earn rewards of your choice, for money you were going to spend anyway. Why not get a reward for spending?
- Bonus points offers. New cards usually offer a bunch of bonus points when you spend a certain amount in the first few months. These points offers should have a dollar value that's greater than the cost of the card's annual fee.
- Perks. Rewards credit cards often come with extra perks like complementary travel insurance, purchase insurance, concierge services and lifestyle and entertainment offers.
Cons
- Higher rates. To pay for the points and perks, these cards typically charge higher ongoing interest rates than other cards. But if you pay off your balance in full each month there's no interest.
- Annual fee. Rewards cards come with an annual fee that can cost several hundred dollars.
- Temptation to overspend. The promise of rewards points can lead you to spend more than you usually would.
- Rewards limitations. Some rewards cards cap how many points you can earn.
Types of credit card rewards in Australia
Credit card rewards can be separated into 3 main categories: rewards points, frequent flyer, and cashback cards.
Rewards points programs
Many rewards credit cards in Australia earn points that you can redeem for different types of rewards, including gift cards, retail items, credit on your account, travel or point transfers to other loyalty programs. These flexible rewards programs include:
Frequent flyer rewards
If you're a member of a frequent flyer program, you can use a credit card to earn more Qantas or Velocity Points or miles in 2 ways:
1. Frequent flyer points per $1 spent
Credit cards that directly partner with a frequent flyer program let you earn frequent flyer points on your spending.
2. Reward point transfers to frequent flyer programs
Some rewards credit cards let you transfer points to different frequent flyer programs. This gives you more flexibility because you're not locked into one program.
It's also a way to earn points with programs that don't have co-branded cards in Australia, including Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and Emirates Skywards.
But rewards points usually convert to frequent flyer points at a rate of 2:1 or even 3:1. So 100,000 rewards points might only get you 50,000 Qantas Points.
Cashback credit cards
These credit cards give you a way to get cash rewards for your spending, either in the form of credit back on your account or vouchers you can spend.
Some cashback credit cards give you a set percentage of your regular spending as cashback on your account (capped to a max amount), while other cards have introductory offers that provide a one-time account credit or voucher when you meet the spend requirements.
"Before you even compare credit cards, why not look at the rewards programs out there? Work out what you actually want. If you specifically want Qantas Points you might be better off with a card that earns Qantas Points directly. But if you're interested in gift cards and retail items, look at the rewards stores for different reward programs and see what's on offer."
How to compare rewards credit cards
Here's what you need to look at when comparing rewards credit cards:
- How can I earn points? How many points will you earn per dollar spent? A bonus points offer can give you a huge amount of value when you get a new card. Some cards have caps on how many points you can earn.
- What's the value of the rewards? What is 1,000 points actually worth? Every rewards program is different. If you need 12,000 points to get a $50 gift card and your credit card has an earn rate of 1 point per $1 spent. You would need to spend $12,000 before you could redeem the $50 gift card.
- Are there any complimentary extras? Many cards offer sweet perks, like complimentary international travel insurance, airport lounge access, complimentary flights and travel credits, extended warranty cover and concierge services.
- What will the card cost me? The annual fee is the biggest reward card cost. Some rewards credit cards offer no annual fee for the first year or ongoing. The value of the rewards you redeem should be higher than the cost of the annual fee to make it worthwhile. Don't forget the card's interest rate either. You can avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full each statement period.
How much do you need to spend to get rewards?
To give you an idea of the potential value of rewards, we've compared the amount of points you need to redeem a $100 gift card through major rewards programs that are linked to credit cards.
| Rewards program | Points needed for $100 gift card | Popular card and ongoing annual fee | Spend required for $100 gift card |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards | 20,000 | Amex Explorer: $395 | 2 points per $1: $10,000 |
| Flybuys | 20,000 | Coles Rewards Mastercard: $99 | 2 points per $1: $10,000 |
| ANZ Rewards Program | From 22,225 | ANZ Rewards Platinum: $149 | 1.5 points per $1: $14,817 |
| CommBank Awards | From 20,650 | CommBank Awards Card: $96 (charged as a monthly fee of $8) | 1 point per $1: $20,650 |
| HSBC Rewards Plus | 24,000 | HSBC Platinum: $199 | 1.5 points per $1: $16,000 |
| Bendigo Bank Rewards | 37,040 | Bendigo Bank Platinum Rewards: $89 | 1.5 points per $1: $24,694 |
Fees, points and redemption values correct as of January 2026.
Based on this table, the minimum spend required for a $100 gift card (or equivalent) is $10,000 with American Express Membership Rewards or Flybuys if your credit card offers 2 points per $1 spent.
How the Rewards Card Finder Score works
- 9+ Excellent - These cards offer the best ongoing earn rates and sign up offers, coupled with attractive annual fees and perks.
- 7+ Great - Reasonable rewards cards but may offer slightly lower ongoing or signup offers.
- 5+ Satisfactory - These cards may offer lower ongoing and sign up points, and fewer perks, but probably have lower annual fees.
- Less than 5 – Basic - Entry level rewards cards, that offer consumers basic sign up offers and ongoing earn rates.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Ask a question
110 Responses
Read more on Rewards Credit Cards
-
Credit card churning in Australia — churn, baby, churn
Well-known among frequent flyers and point chasers, this controversial strategy involves taking advantage of bonus point offers on different credit cards.
-
How to pay the ATO by credit card and earn rewards points
Find out which credit cards offer points for payments to the ATO and how much the rewards are really worth.
-
Amplify Rewards Program
Learn how you can build points with St.George and Amplify Rewards to redeem them for gift cards, wine, travel and more.
-
MYER one rewards program
Get rewarded with shopping credits and a $20 Reward Card when you regularly spend at Myer stores and at any participating affiliate partners.
-
Flybuys vs Everyday Rewards: Which is better?
Compare Coles Flybuys or Everyday Rewards to find out which one can offer you more rewards on your grocery shop.
-
Gift cards sold at Coles and Woolworths
Learn about Woolworths and Coles gift cards and what you need to know when buying and using them.
-
Points calculator: estimate the value of Qantas Points, Flybuys + more
Credit card rewards and other loyalty programs have the potential to offer you extra value for your spending – here’s how to work out if you are getting it.
-
Flybuys credit cards
Use your credit card to earn up to 2 Flybuys points per $1 spent on everyday expenses and redeem a variety of flight and shopping rewards.
I was hoping you could crunch the numbers and let me know the best value reward credit card available.
I currently have a Jetstar Platinum MasterCard
Spending approx $60k pa
I receive 2 points per dollar (2%) return
1 point = $1 when redeemed so about $1200 only catch is have to use as Jetstar flights.
Annual fee is $49 + additional card $39 so $88 annual fee
Can you suggest a card to offer me better value or the same that has more flexible rewards.
Many thanks
Alan
Hi Alan,
Thank you for your inquiry.
It is good that you’re trying to do the math and see which one would be a better option. Regrettably, we can’t provide specific recommendations for you. Thankfully, you can always compare your options on this post. We have listed some of the best rewards credit cards available in the market today.
Alternatively, you can also check our list of frequent flyer credit cards if in case you want to explore other programs.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Need a replacement card as mine is almost beyond being usable
Hi Brian,
Thanks for your comment.
May I know what type of card you are currently holding so I can assist you?
Alternatively, you can also try logging into your account on your bank’s website and check if there is a feature for requesting replacement cards.
Cheers,
Anndy
I wish to be sent a new rewards card as mine is the old style & I was informed that the old style card will become extinct shortly.
I will send my address when I hear from you.
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for your comment.
You have come through to finder.com.au we are an Australian financial comparison website and general information service and is not a credit card company.
I’m afraid you’ll need to contact your card issuer directly to request for a replacement of your old rewards card.
I apologise I couldn’t be of more help.
Regards,
May
How do i access my savings
Hi Ejay,
Thanks for your question.
To allow us to assist you further could you please state which credit card you are using?
Cheers,
Ysa
Hi,
Which provider is the most beneficial for us clients ?
We accumulate a lot of points however with the current provider we need to redeem a lot of points (which I believe is extremely excessive)in order to receive.
Example 500,000 points gets you 2 return tickets to Europe
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Your choice of rewards credit cards highly depends on your personal situation and needs. It would still be best to compare the different options available to ensure that you choose the most ideal product for you.
That said, you may want to take a look at the credit card options compared on the comparison of rewards credit card or consider the options on the following page:
Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Ally