If you want to get rewards such as flights and upgrades, a frequent flyer credit card can help by offering you points for your everyday spending. While most of these cards come with an annual fee, this could save you anywhere from $70 to $700 or more.
HSBC Credit Card Offer
HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card
0% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers $0 annual fee for the first year
Offer ends 31 December 2019
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
HSBC Credit Card Offer
Save with a first year annual fee waiver, a long-term balance transfer offer, plus earn up to 1 point per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
$0 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($79 p.a. thereafter).
19.99% p.a. on purchases
0% p.a. for 12 months with 0% BT fee on balance transfers
Compare frequent flyer credit cards with no annual fee
Rates last updated October 21st, 2019
What’s the deal with no annual fee frequent flyer credit cards?
These credit cards give you a way to earn frequent flyer points or reward points that you can transfer to a frequent flyer program. They also help you save money on account costs, with two different no annual fee options.
$0 annual fee in the first year
Some frequent flyer credit cards will offer to waive the standard annual fee in the first year you have the card as part of an introductory offer. After the first 12 months, you’ll be charged a standard annual fee for the account.
This means you have time to test out the card (and enjoy perks such as bonus point offers or complimentary lounge access) without paying an annual fee. If you decide the card is worth it, you can then keep it and pay the fee once it’s applied. If not, you can cancel it before the first year and avoid being charged any annual fee.
The catch is that you may not have as many extra features, such as complimentary travel insurance or lounge access. It’s also less common for frequent flyer cards that offer no annual fee for life to have huge introductory bonus point offers. But if you get one of these cards and pay the balance off each month, it does give you a way to earn frequent flyer points per $1 spent without paying any account fees.
Is a no annual fee frequent flyer credit card right for me?
These cards are for people who want to earn frequent flyer points using a credit card but don’t want to pay an annual fee for the service. They can also be a good starting point if you are new to the world of frequent flyer programs and credit cards because they give you a chance to test the waters without paying any upfront costs.
However, if you're a big spender, a card with an annual fee and a higher earn rate could give you more value than the savings you'd get from a $0 annual fee.
How can I compare frequent flyer credit cards with no annual fee?
Weigh up these features when you’re looking for a credit card that earns frequent flyer points and has no annual fee.
Annual fee details. Before choosing one of these frequent flyer credit cards, check whether the $0 annual fee is for the first year only or an ongoing feature of the card so that you know exactly what you’re getting in the long run.
Bonus points. Many frequent flyer credit cards offer thousands of introductory bonus points when you meet the spending requirements as a new cardholder. This could give you a huge amount of value in the first year – especially without an annual fee. Just remember that this value is temporary, so you’ll still need to think about the costs that could apply beyond the first 12 months if you plan to keep the card.
Points per $1 spent. The amount of points you’ll earn per $1 can help you figure out how much value you’ll get from the card based on your typical spending. Keep in mind that although you’ll earn points for most everyday purchases, you usually won’t get any for transactions such as cash advances, BPAY payments and government charges.
Interest rates. These types of frequent flyer credit cards typically have high interest rates, which could offset the value of the no annual fee if you carry a balance.
Additional cardholders. If you want to boost your frequent flyer point balance by sharing the account with a partner or family member, check whether they’ll also get the option to have a card with no annual fee. Otherwise, you could end up paying more for the account than what you earn in points.
Complimentary extras. Weigh up the value of any perks, such as complimentary insurance, lounge passes or annual travel credit. If the card offers a $0 annual fee in the first year, also consider whether these benefits will outweigh the cost of the standard annual fee once that applies.
What's next?
If you’re interested in a frequent flyer credit card with no annual fee, start by comparing different options currently on the market. You can also compare a wider range of frequent flyer credit cards if points are your priority, or look at other no annual fee cards if your goal is to save on account costs.
FAQs about no annual fee frequent flyer credit cards
Want to know more about frequent flyer credit cards that offer no annual fees? We’ve answered some of the most common questions people ask us about them. If you have a question of your own, you can also get in touch with us using the comment box below.
Currently, the Qantas American Express Discovery Card is the only card that earns Qantas Points and has a $0 annual fee for life. You can also compare current introductory offers to see which Qantas Frequent Flyer credit cards offer a waived or reduced annual fee in the first year. Remember to consider the other costs and benefits available so that you can find a card that works for you.
Yes, it is possible to do this. Just make sure you pay the card off in full and cancel it before 12 months has passed. You may even want to call the provider and check what date the annual fee will be charged so that you can be sure you close the account before then.
Amy is an editor and writer at finder.com.au with more than 10 years experience covering credit cards, personal finance and various lifestyle topics. When she’s not sharing her knowledge on money matters, Amy spends her time as an actress.
You can apply for this card even if you are not yet a member of the Qantas frequent flyer program. However, to receive points, you need to sign up for Qantas membership.
Please note that you’ve come through finder.com.au, an online comparison service and we are not in the position to recommend any specific products or services.
However, if you are considering other credit card options for your next trip, please refer to our Travel Money Credit Cards page.
Please see this page for a list of credit cards which include free airline lounge passes and access. Please refer to this page for a list of Frequent Flyer cards & Airline Rewards. The airline lounges benefits will vary from card to card, generally possessing higher annual fees for the benefits. More information on each Frequent Flyer program including lounge benefits is available on the page.
I have WPAC MC & AMEX cards with $4000 limit, for which I pay an annual fee. These are linked to QFF for which I also pay a fee. I pay full amount owing every month & would like to change to a no annual fee card and probably cancel QFF before next annual fee. Annual income is approx $30,000. Can you suggest best options?
Unfortunately we can not suggest the best options; you’ll need to look through the minimum income requirements of the cards, to determine which one will best suit your needs.
Our page on credit cards with a $35,000 minimum income requirement may also help.
My husband & I are on the aged pension so our income is under $35,000. We pay the majority of our bills on our ANZ QFF Visa card & pay the full balance each month so do not attract interest.
How can we switch to another card eg. Virgin which may be may be of more benefit to us?
Please have a look at our credit card comparison page for a range of credit cards that may be suited to your needs. If you would like to change your current credit card to another provider, you can close your existing account (call your card issuer and let them know you would like to close the account once it has been paid in full) and then apply for another card through the application links provided on our credit card review pages. If you have a balance on your current card, you can apply to transfer this balance to your new card under a balance transfer promotion.
* The credit card offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of credit
cards finder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative
of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular
order or ranking. The use of terms 'Best' and 'Top' are not product ratings and are
subject to our disclaimer.
You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your own
personal financial circumstances when comparing cards.
Feedback
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of major banks, insurers and product issuers.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product. You should consider whether the products featured on our site are appropriate for your needs and seek independent advice if you have any questions.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or "Advertisement" are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options and find the best option for you.
The identification of a group of products, as 'Top' or 'Best' is a reflection of user preferences based on current website data. On a regular basis, analytics drive the creation of a list of popular products. Where these products are grouped, they appear in no particular order.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
I was going to apply for the new Qantas Premium Credit card but I need to have a Frequent Flyer card first, is that right?
Hi John,
Thanks for your question.
You can apply for this card even if you are not yet a member of the Qantas frequent flyer program. However, to receive points, you need to sign up for Qantas membership.
Cheers,
Anndy
Are there credit cards that are better to use when travelling? I used a credit card when I travelled previously and found the costs quite high.
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for your question.
Please note that you’ve come through finder.com.au, an online comparison service and we are not in the position to recommend any specific products or services.
However, if you are considering other credit card options for your next trip, please refer to our Travel Money Credit Cards page.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Ysa
Hi, which frequent flyer card allows use of airline lounges? as well as accumulating points. Or is a different program (card) REQUIRED. Thanks Steve
Hi Steve, thanks for your inquiry!
Please see this page for a list of credit cards which include free airline lounge passes and access. Please refer to this page for a list of Frequent Flyer cards & Airline Rewards. The airline lounges benefits will vary from card to card, generally possessing higher annual fees for the benefits. More information on each Frequent Flyer program including lounge benefits is available on the page.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I have WPAC MC & AMEX cards with $4000 limit, for which I pay an annual fee. These are linked to QFF for which I also pay a fee. I pay full amount owing every month & would like to change to a no annual fee card and probably cancel QFF before next annual fee. Annual income is approx $30,000. Can you suggest best options?
Hi Jane,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately we can not suggest the best options; you’ll need to look through the minimum income requirements of the cards, to determine which one will best suit your needs.
Our page on credit cards with a $35,000 minimum income requirement may also help.
Cheers,
Shirley
My husband & I are on the aged pension so our income is under $35,000. We pay the majority of our bills on our ANZ QFF Visa card & pay the full balance each month so do not attract interest.
How can we switch to another card eg. Virgin which may be may be of more benefit to us?
Hi, M.
Thanks for your question.
Please have a look at our credit card comparison page for a range of credit cards that may be suited to your needs. If you would like to change your current credit card to another provider, you can close your existing account (call your card issuer and let them know you would like to close the account once it has been paid in full) and then apply for another card through the application links provided on our credit card review pages. If you have a balance on your current card, you can apply to transfer this balance to your new card under a balance transfer promotion.
I hope this has answered your question.