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Frequent flyer programs: Complete guide & comparison

Frequent flyer memberships that are free

Discover which frequent flyer programs you can join for free and how you can avoid paying for those that do charge a fee.

Shirley Liu
Shirley Liu

Last updated:

Frequent flyer programs can be a great way to get rewards for every mile you fly with an airline, and for every dollar you spend with other program partners. However, sometimes these benefits come at the cost of a membership fee. In this guide, you can compare the frequent flyer schemes that are free to join and discover how you can dodge fees when joining programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer.

Frequent flyer and loyalty programs that are free to join

The following airline loyalty programs don’t charge a fee when you sign up:

How to join Qantas Frequent Flyer for free

The Qantas Frequent Flyer program is Australia’s most popular airline loyalty program. However, you usually have to pay a fee of $99.50 to join. Luckily there are a few ways you can join the Qantas Frequent Flyer scheme for free.

Want to compare more ways to sign up for free? See our guide to getting a free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership for more ideas.

These are just some of the programs that you can sign up for without forking out a fee. If you have your eyes set on another program that charges a membership fee, you should weigh up the value you’ll get from the program to determine whether you can justify paying the fee first.

Compare frequent flyer credit cards with no annual fee

Rates last updated August 23rd, 2019
Name Product Bonus Points Rewards Program Rewards Points per $ spent Purchase rate (p.a.) Annual fee Product Description
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
1
19.99% p.a.
$0 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($79 p.a. thereafter)
Save with a $0 first year annual fee and a long-term balance transfer offer. Plus, complimentary travel insurance.
Go to site More info
Qantas American Express Discovery Card - Exclusive Offer
Exclusive
Qantas American Express Discovery Card - Exclusive Offer
10,000 bonus points
Qantas Frequent Flyer
0.75
20.74% p.a.
$0 p.a.
Finder Exclusive:
Earn 10,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply before 17 September 2019 and spend at least $750 within the first 3 months of card approval.
Go to site More info

Compare up to 4 providers

Pictures: Shutterstock, Qantas

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48 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    margaretOctober 24, 2016

    How do I sign up? I can see the sample but where do I actually fill in the form Thank you.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      SallyOctober 25, 2016Staff

      Hi Margaret,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      Just to confirm, you have come through to finder.com.au, not a frequent flyer website. However, if you can confirm which frequent flyer program you were hoping to sign up with (e.g. Qantas Frequent Flyer or Virgin Australia’s Velocity program), we can send the registration link to you.

      Cheers,

      Sally

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    SandraOctober 17, 2016

    There are 4 people in my family who travels together. My husband, myself and 2 children 19 and 15. Can I apply for one membership and incorporate their flight travel on this membership or do I have to open separate membership for each of us.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      SallyOctober 18, 2016Staff

      Hi Sandra,

      Thanks for your question.

      While some frequent flyer memberships do allow family pooling (where you can link up separate family member’s accounts and pool all of the points in one account), you’d still need to sign up each family member individually.

      Did you have a particular frequent flyer program in mind? If so, we might be able to provide you with more information if you let us know which one it is.

      I hope this has helped.

      Cheers,

      Sally

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    DMcKinlayAugust 22, 2016

    can a nursing home have a rewards card in their name.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      SallyAugust 22, 2016Staff

      Hi DMcKinlay,

      Thanks for your question.

      Usually, frequent flyer memberships need to be under one name. Depending on the program, some let you have more than one person under the one account in a pooling system. However, this is usually only permitted between family members.

      Cheers,

      Sally

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    ChrissieJune 10, 2016

    Can I join a frequent flyer programme, as I am travelling more often using Australian domestic Jetstar flights

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      SallyJune 10, 2016Staff

      Hi Chrissie,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You can browse frequent flyer programs you can join here. You can usually join these frequent flyer programs by signing up online.

      I hope this has helped.

      Cheers,

      Sally

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    JBFebruary 7, 2016

    I am looking for the credit card (uses in Australia) which earn Thai Airways Point please introduce me as many card as available in Australia or International.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      SallyFebruary 8, 2016Staff

      Hi JB,

      Thanks for your question. At the moment, no Australian credit cards earn direct rewards with Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus. Currently, the American Express Membership Rewards program is the only rewards program that allows you to transfer your points or miles to the Thai Airways rewards program.

      You can compare American Express credit cards here.

      I hope this has helped.

      Cheers,

      Sally

      Reply
  6. Default Gravatar
    lovattJanuary 4, 2016

    Can I join a frequent flyers club that gives me air miles?
    If so – How do I do it

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      SallyJanuary 4, 2016Staff

      Hello Lovatt,

      Thanks for your question. Most frequent flyer programs and credit cards allow cardholders to earn points or miles with a specific program rather than with Air Miles.

      As Air Miles is a Canadian-based rewards program, you won’t find any Australian frequent flyer credit cards that are connected to this program.

      Sorry we couldn’t be of more assistance.

      Cheers,

      Sally

      Reply
  7. Default Gravatar
    IDecember 29, 2015

    How we can apply .

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      JodieDecember 31, 2015

      Hi there,

      You have come through to finder.com.au a comparison website and general information service.

      If you would like to apply for any of the frequent flyer programs mentioned on this page please visit their official website where you can fill out an application form or contact them directly to discuss the application process.

      Regards
      Jodie

      Reply
  8. Default Gravatar
    ajayOctober 13, 2015

    I want to join frequent flyer programme guide me.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      SallyOctober 13, 2015Staff

      Hi Ajay,

      If you could please confirm which frequent flyer program you’re interested in, we can provide you with further assistance.

      Thanks,

      Sally

      Reply
  9. Default Gravatar
    BeatrizOctober 4, 2015

    I don’t know if I am in your program? And if not where do I get in?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      SallyOctober 6, 2015Staff

      Hi Beatriz,

      Thank you for your question.

      Just to confirm though, you have come through to finder.com.au, not a frequent flyer program.

      If you could confirm which program you’re interested in, we could forward you the relevant contact details so you can confirm if you’re already an existing member.

      I hope this has helped.

      Thanks,

      Sally

      Reply
  10. Default Gravatar
    LilySeptember 28, 2015

    Hi. I am wondering whether I am an existing member.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      SallySeptember 29, 2015Staff

      Hi Lily,

      Thanks for your question.

      Just to confirm, you have come through to finder.com.au, not an airline frequent flyer program.

      As such, we’re unable to confirm the status of your membership. You’ll need to get in touch with your relevant frequent flyer program to confirm these details.

      I hope this has helped.

      Thanks,

      Sally

      Reply
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