Traveling is a great way to see the world and experience new cultures, but it can be expensive. Fortunately, there are travel credit cards that can help you save money on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Travel credit cards offer rewards such as points for every dollar spent or discounts on hotel stays.
Other perks can include things like free checked bags or priority boarding. There are many types of travel credit cards available in Australia, and each offers its own unique benefits. Before booking your next trip, look into your options. With this in mind, let’s explore Australia’s top travel credit cards and more.
martin-dm/GettyWhat Is a Travel Credit Card?
A travel credit card is a type of credit card specifically designed with travelers in mind. Travel credit cards offer the same features as regular credit cards but with additional benefits tailored to the needs of travelers. Benefits can include earning airline miles and hotel points.
As a result, using a travel credit card can be a way to help cut travel costs and earn travel-related perks. Those who travel and want a rewards credit card should have travel credit cards on their radar. They can be a good way to make traveling even more rewarding.1
How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?
Travel credit cards often work by allowing cardholders to earn miles or points for every dollar they spend. Depending on the card, cardholders may earn some points everywhere they use the card and more at participating retailers. For example, some cards may be structured in a way that you earn more points when you book flights or hotel stays.
Points are then redeemed for discounted or free travel-related expenses.2 The credit card company may directly deposit points and miles into an account you have with a participating loyalty program with an airline or hotel, or they may have their own online travel rewards portal you can use to exchange points for travel-related rewards.
Common Travel Credit Card Benefits
Travel credit cards offer a range of benefits for Australians who like to explore the world. From sign-up bonus offers to earning miles and points, no foreign transaction fees, built-in travel insurance, and access to airport lounges, travel credit cards offer plenty of advantages.3
- Sign-up Bonus Offers: Travel credit cards often offer new customers an attractive sign-up bonus for free travel. These deals can range from cash back rewards or free miles and points for discounts on airfare and hotels.
- Earning Miles and Points: Many travel credit cards have programs that allow you to earn miles or points when you make purchases with the card. Typically, these can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, or other travel-related expenses.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Sometimes, travel credit cards don’t charge any foreign transaction fees when used abroad. This makes them ideal for international travel as you won’t have to worry about incurring significant extra charges.
- Built-in Travel Insurance: Some travel credit cards come with built-in coverage for trip cancellation, lost or delayed luggage, and medical expenses while traveling. This perk can be a great way to save money on insurance premiums.
- Access to Airport Lounges: You may get extra perks like access to premium airport lounges with your travel credit card. If you spend much time in airports, then this advantage can make it a more relaxing experience.
In addition to these benefits, many travel credit cards come with additional perks such as rental car discounts, free checked bags, and priority boarding. While researching the best travel credit cards in Australia, comparing the benefits can be a way to pick the right card for you.
Types of Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards can be a great way to save money on your next vacation and to get the most out of your travels. Several types of travel credit cards are available, each with unique features and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of common options.
- General travel credit cards are the most common type of travel credit card and offer a variety of benefits to make your travels more enjoyable. These cards often come with sign-up bonuses, rewards points, and additional perks such as discounts on flights, hotels, car rentals, and other vacation-related expenses.
- Airline- and hotel-specific travel credit cards are another option. They’re usually offered by major airlines and hotel chains, providing cardholders with additional perks and discounts when flying or staying with their preferred carrier or hotel chain. With this type of card, you can often earn miles or points for each flight or hotel stay you book and redeem them for future flights or stays.
- Premium travel credit cards are designed for frequent travelers. They usually come with higher annual fees in exchange for additional rewards and benefits. Premium travel credit cards often come with more generous rewards points programs and access to exclusive travel deals.
- Flat-rate credit cards are an alternative to traditional travel credit cards, offering a simple way to earn rewards on every purchase. Rather than having to keep track of specific spending categories, cardholders earn points or miles on each purchase they make with a flat-rate card.
When selecting a travel credit card, consider which type of card offers the most value for you, such as bonus points or miles, exclusive perks, or any other features and benefits. Keep in mind the type of traveler you are and the features that fit your needs.
Top Travel Credit Cards To Consider
Australians are fortunate to have access to great travel credit cards that offer rewards, special benefits, and more. Here are some of the top travel credit cards to consider in Australia.
- ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Credit Card offers frequent flyer points for everyday purchases, 110,000 bonus Qantas Points if you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months, and complimentary travel insurance. Redeem points for domestic flights, international flights, and travel upgrades.
- Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card is another choice for Australians. With this card, earn up to 80,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months. Cardholders can also take advantage of discounted companion airfares, complimentary travel insurance, and a dedicated concierge service.
- Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card is also worth considering. It provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and complimentary travel insurance. For example, it offers overseas travel insurance and interstate flight inconvenience insurance. Other features include an interest-free period and installment purchase plans.
Since these are just a handful of the great travel credit cards Australians have as options, consider them a jumping-off point as you search for the right travel credit card for you.
Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card for You
Australians have a lot of great travel credit cards to consider before their next trip. With the right card, Australians can access valuable benefits like frequent flyer miles and other rewards that make trips more affordable and enjoyable.
While researching your options, compare features and read the fine print carefully so that you understand all terms associated with it. Also, note the sign-up offers — you may be able to earn free travel points when you open a card.
