Do you want a multi-currency travel money card that lets you earn reward points? Consider Qantas Cash.
Qantas Cash functions as a prepaid reloadable MasterCard that lets you carry multiple currencies at the same time. Unlike most other travel money cards, Qantas Cash lets you earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points as you spend. You can use the card wherever MasterCard is accepted, meaning millions of locations around the world.
| Available Currencies | AUD, AED, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, THB, USD |
|---|---|
| Multiple Currencies on One Card | Yes |
| Number of Cards Issued | 1 |
| Minimum Load Amount | $50 |
| Maximum Load Amount | $20,000 |
| Maximum Annual Load Amount | $100,000 |
| 24 Hour ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit | $3,000 |
| 24 Hour POS Transaction Limit | $15,000 |
| Card Issue Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Initial Load Fee | $0 |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | AUD 1.95, CAD 2.00, EUR 1.50, GBP 1.25, HKD 15.00, JPY 160, NZD 2.50, SGD 2.50, USD 1.95, THB 70.00, AED 6.50 |
| Reload Fee | $0 |
| Monthly Inactivity Fee after 12 months inactivity | $0 |
| Transaction Fee for Purchases | $0 |
| Card Replacement Fee | $0 |
| BPay Reload fee | $0 |
| Minimum Age | 16 |
|---|---|
| Available To Temporary Residents | No |
Currencies and loading funds
Which currencies can I load on the card?
You first have to load the card with Australian dollars, which you then use to purchase and hold up to 11 different currencies. When making a payment or withdrawal, the card looks for required funds from the relevant currency balance automatically.
Supported currencies
The currencies you can purchase and hold on your card include:
- Australian dollars (AUD)
- United States dollars (USD)
- British pounds (GBP)
- Euros (EUR)
- Thai baht (THB)
- New Zealand dollars (NZD)
- Singapore dollars (SGD)
- Hong Kong dollars (HKD)
- Canadian dollars (CAD)
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- United Arab Emirates dirham (AED)
Using the card
You can use this card to withdraw cash from any ATM that displays the MasterCard logo. You can also use it to make payments through Point of Sale (POS) terminals at restaurants, shops and other businesses, provided you see the MasterCard symbol, and for online shopping.
Owing to specific sanctions, you cannot use this card in Crimea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.
In some instances, you may not have enough funds in a particular currency for a transaction. This can be in case of an unsupported currency or because you don’t have adequate funds in the required currency. In both cases, the card draws funds from another currency in accordance to its default order of priority. The order is:
1. AUD
2. USD
3. GBP
4. EUR
5. THB
6. NZD
7. SGD
8. HKD
9. CAD
10. JPY
11. AED
Rewards
This card is linked to the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program. You earn one Qantas Point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases in foreign currency, and one Qantas Point for every two dollars spent on eligible purchases within Australia. You can redeem your points through the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program for flight rewards, travel rewards and a range of other options.
How much will the card cost me?
The Qantas Cash card is free for Qantas Frequent Flyer members. If you’re not an existing member, you’ll have to become one first, for which a one-time joining fee may apply.
| Fees for using Qantas Cash | |
|---|---|
| Load fee | $0 |
| Reload fee | $0 |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | If you withdraw cash from an ATM outside Australia, an international ATM withdrawal fee applies. Depending on where you withdraw money, the fee charged is in different currencies, as listed:AUD 1.95, CAD 2.00, EUR 1.50, GBP 1.25, HKD 15.00, JPY 160, NZD 2.50, SGD 2.50, USD 1.95, THB 70.00, AED 6.50 |
| Overseas transaction fee | $0 |
| Cash out fee | $0 |
| Currency conversion fee | $0 |
Managing your card
The Qantas Cash online platform gives you an easy way to manage your account.
- Ordering your card. Qantas Cash comes as a built-in facility with the Qantas Frequent Flyer membership card. However, it is not active when you receive your card. You can apply for this service only as a Qantas Frequent Flyer member who is over 16 years of age. You can join the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program by submitting an online application. Once you receive your card, apply for the Qantas Cash facility online.
- Activating your card. While your Qantas Frequent Flyer card comes with the Qantas Cash facility, you have to activate it. You can apply for this facility online, by visiting the Qantas Cash website. Approval is subject to the acceptance of your application, which includes successful verification of your identity.
- Managing your card online. The secure Qantas Cash online platform simplifies how you manage your account. You can turn online to change personal details, view balances and transaction history, load funds, transfer funds between currencies, transfer funds to other Qantas Cash users, change your default currency or activate and deactivate your card.
- Change your card PIN. You can update your card PIN at rediATM's in Australia.
- Security. Your card is protected by a chip and PIN and you’re covered by MasterCard Zero Liability policy if your card is used for unauthorised transactions. If your card has been lost or stolen or you’d like to report fraudulent activity, you can contact MasterCard Qantas Cash Global Support on 1300 825 302, or +61 1300 825 302 if overseas.
Perks and considerations
Pros
- Rewards. Unlike most other travel cards, you can use the Qantas Cash card to earn rewards points as you spend.
- No online booking fees. If you use your Qantas Cash card to book Qantas flights, the online booking fees will be waived.
Considerations
- ATM withdrawal fees. You’ll be charged each time you use your Qantas Cash card for overseas ATM withdrawals, though domestic fees don’t apply.
The Qantas Cash card is one of the only prepaid travel currency cards that can earn you points as you spend, so that is a definite advantage to the card. As most of its other features are shared by other travel money cards on the market, you’re better off comparing a few before applying.
You can load and hold up to eleven currencies on the Qantas Cash MasterCard with a locked-in exchange rate. A travel card to be used at home as well as overseas, rack up Qantas Points on all eligible purchases with no cost to open the account or keep the card. Back to topFrequently asked questions about the Qantas Cash Card
How do I get a Qantas Cash Card?
To get the Qantas Cash Card, and you’re not a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, click the link on this page and follow the prompts till you get the Complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer Membership page. It’s a matter of entering your personal, and contact details, confirming conditions and accepting terms to join the programs. Once this is all done, you’ll receive a Qantas Cash Card, which also acts as your frequent flyer membership, in the mail.
When you receive the card, it will need to be activated before it can be used. You will need your driver’s licence, passport or medicare card to complete the activation process. The card is activated through the Qantas Cash website. There’s a link in the top right hand corner of the webpage.
How to load the Qantas Cash
Loading via Bank Transfer
This is the quickest way to load funds onto your Qantas Cash card. You can access the funds in up to 1 business day when you transfer money directly from your bank account using Bank Transfer before 2pm AEST/AEDST (depending on your bank).
When on the Qantas Cash website select ‘Load funds’ from the menu. Enter the Australian dollar amount you want to load onto the card and select a currency to purchase. You can see how much foreign currency you’ll get after the transfer from Australian dollars. Select ‘Bank Transfer’ as you method of payment, and an email will be sent to your inbox with your unique payment details. Use this information to complete your payment by logging into your personal online banking account or via phone banking.
Load Via BPAY
Loading via BPAY is done in the same way loading via Bank Transfer is carried out on the Qantas Cash website, only select ‘BPAY’ as your method of payment instead. Follow the prompts to receive your unique payment details via email before completing the transfer from your personal online banking account or via phone banking.
Be conscious that payments made via BPAY take time to process, so plan when you load funds onto your card and allow up to 3 business days for the BPAY payment to clear and for the funds to become available on your card.
When will the points I earn using Qantas Cash appear in my Qantas Frequent Flyer account?
Qantas updates the points balance monthly, so wait for a bit if you don't think your points balance reflects your spending.
Protection against fraud?
All payments that are processed by the MasterCard payment system are 'protected' by the MasterCard Zero Liability Guarantee. This is more or less a money back guarantee if you've been the victim of fraud.
How to report an unauthorised transaction?
If you've been the victim of card fraud, OR IT'S LOST OR STOLEN, you only need to call the Qantas Cash customer service team. They will guide you through the process.
Qantas Cash Service Centre:
- 13 11 31 or 61(2) 9433 2329, if overseas.
Qantas Cash Card is lost or stolen
Call the number below to have your card blocked if it' reported stolen or suspended if it's reported lost.
Qantas Cash Service Centre:
- 13 11 31 or 61(2) 9433 2329, if overseas.
Can I get a second or Supplementary card?
One Qantas Cash Card per person.
Getting the Qantas Cash PIN
Call the Qantas Cash Service Centre to get your PIN, or you can retrieve your PIN online through the Qantas Cash website.
To change your pin visit any rediATM in Australia.
Qantas Cash Service Centre:
- 13 11 31
Hi,
I’m an Australian citizen but have been working and living in Canada for the last couple of years and will be travelling through Asia on my way back to Australia.
If i activate my frequent flyer card as a multi currency card to use in Asia can i load Canadian dollars from my Canadian bank account onto the card or can you only load from Australian banks with Australian dollars?
Hi Remy,
Thanks for your inquiry.
If you wish to use your Qantas Cash card and load funds onto it, you will need to load the card first with Australian dollars and then use the funds to purchase and hold Canadian dollars on your card. You can do the reloading through BPAY or bank tranfer (from your Australian bank account) on the Qantas Cash website.
Cheers,
May
My frequent flyer card is out of date how do I get a current one so I can use it as a mastercard
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for your question.
If you need a card replacement, please get in touch with Qantas Cash customer support. Their number is listed above, just click on the question “Getting the Qantas Cash PIN” under the FAQs section.
Cheers,
May
Hi if your card expires, do you permanently lose access to your available funds? It do Qantas reissue a new card prior to the expiry date?
Thank you
Hi Toby,
Thanks for your question.
If you’re still a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, Qantas Cash will send a new card before your old card expires. You need to activate your new card through Qantas Cash website before it can be used.
Cheers,
Anndy
Is Qantas cash only available for silver frequent fliers (and above) though?
Since my card was issued I’ve dropped down to Bronze, and might still be Bronze come the expiry date of my current card.
Thank you
Hi Toby,
Thanks for your follow-up question.
The Qantas Card with Qantas Cash is available to Qantas Frequent Flyer members. As long as you remain a member of the frequent flyer program, you’ll be able to activate or renew your card.
Cheers,
Anndy
I’m thinking of using qantas cash as a general purpose card in Australia, mainly paywave purchases and utility bills to earn points. Is this a good idea? Any traps?
Hi Damien,
Thanks for your question.
As a financial comparison service, we’re unable to suggest any specific products to our users as the best option will always depend on your individual circumstances.
The Qantas Cash card can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted. Please note that you’ll be charged a fee of AUD$1.95 every time you use the card for ATM withdrawals in Australia. You’ll also be charged 1% of the total load amount when you make an instant reload.
You should be able to earn Qantas Points on all eligible purchases excluding money orders, traveller’s cheques, gambling chips or purchasing foreign currencies in cash. Purchases that are reversed, refunded or charged-back are also ineligible.
Aside from those fees and limitations, the Qantas Cash card should work the same as any other prepaid or debit card when used in Australia.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Can you please explain the “default currency”? I will be spending 5 days in the UAE and then about 3 weeks in Italy. Should the default currency be set to Euros? I look forward to your reply. Many thanks.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your question.
On a prepaid travel card, the default currency refers to the order in which funds are withdrawn from your card. If you don’t have funds loaded in the local currency on your card, your travel card will take the money from your loaded currency wallets in a specific order.
The Qantas Cash card has the following default currency order:
1. AUD,
2. USD,
3. GBP,
4. EUR,
5. THB,
6. NZD,
7. SGD,
8. HKD,
9. CAD,
10. JPY, and
11. AED.
You can choose to change your default currency order via the Qantas Cash website.
As the United Arab Emirates dirham isn’t available on the Qantas Cash card, it won’t really matter what your default currency is while you’re travelling there. However, when you’re in Italy, you might want to change your default currency to Euros, so your money is automatically taken from your Euros account. Otherwise, if you have funds in your Australian dollars account, your funds might be taken from there and converted into Euros rather than using the preloaded Euros and the exchange rate that was in place when you first transferred your AUD into Euros.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Can i load my card with cash and if so where can i do it, i live in western Australia thanks
Hi G Matthew,
Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, Qantas Cash Card can only be loaded through bank transfer or BPay.
Bank Transfer is the fastest way to load funds onto your Qantas Cash card, where you can access the funds in up to 1 business day when you transfer money directly from your bank account using Bank Transfer before 2pm AEST/AEDST (depending on your bank).
As for via BPay, it’s done in the same way loading via Bank Transfer is carried out on the Qantas Cash website, only select ‘BPAY’ as your method of payment instead and then follow the prompts. It will take 3 business days before you can access your money when loading through BPay.
Cheers,
May
i am a frequent flyer member. how do i get my card?
Hello James,
Thanks for your question,
If you are residing in Australia and New Zealand You may obtain your frequent flyer card if you have applied online and provided your delivery info and you may receive it via post. If you are residing outside of these 2 countries you will only be provided with a frequent flyer number. You may visit Qantas official website for more info.
I hope this helps.
Cheers!
Chester
Does the ATM fees apply when you use the card at a POS
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your question.
The ATM fees only apply when you’re using the card to make an ATM withdrawal. Other fees, such as currency conversion fees, may apply when you’re using the card at an EFTPOS machine.
Cheers,
Sally
I have left over cash in my account after an overseas holiday. I have transferred back to AUD. How can I withdraw cash in Australia without an ATM fee? I tried Woolies and card was declined. NAB ATM wanted me to pay a fee to withdraw. Are any ATMs in Australia free to withdraw cash?
Hi Mia,
Thanks for your question.
If you have money left on your Qantas Cash facility at the end of your trip, you can cash out funds by transferring them to your nominated personal Australian bank account through the Qantas website. You can also withdraw your money via an ATM with a MasterCard logo. The bank will not charge you with ATM withdrawal fee within Australia but third party ATM operator may charge a fee.
Cheers,
Anndy
Can I set up the cash card on my bank’s online payment system, i.e. as a biller payment, so I can transfer money from my bank account straight over to the cash card?
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your question.
As long as you have the details of your Qantas Cash card, you should be able to set up automatic loads and reloads from your regular bank account.
Please note that online bank transfers will take up to one business day to appear in your account.
Cheers,
Sally