Australian Credit Cards That Actually Make Travel Better
My Current Favourite: the Amex Qantas Card
Points, Perks & Travel Insurance Explained
When planning a big trip, the right credit card can make a genuine difference — not just through points, but through travel insurance, lounge access, and travel credits that reduce out-of-pocket costs.
With so many Australian credit cards on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are actually worth it. Below is a practical overview of Australian travel credit cards, what to look for, and why the American Express Qantas cards are popular among frequent and long-haul travellers.
What Makes a Good Travel Credit Card?
Not all points cards are created equal. If you travel regularly, these are the key features to look for:
1. Frequent Flyer Points
- Earn points on everyday spending
- Bonus points for flights or travel purchases
- Ability to redeem points for flights, upgrades, or hotel stays
2. Complimentary Travel Insurance
Many premium cards include free international and domestic travel insurance, which can save hundreds of dollars per trip.
Typical coverage includes:
- Medical emergencies and hospital cover
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
- Flight delays and travel inconvenience
Important: In most cases, you must pay for your flights or accommodation with the card to activate the insurance. It is important to look at the policy to ensure it suits your travel needs.
Travel Extras
- Airport lounge passes
- Annual travel credits
- Reduced foreign transaction fees
- Hotel or airline benefits
Spotlight: American Express Qantas Credit Cards
The American Express Qantas range is particularly popular with Australians who fly Qantas or its partner airlines.
Amex Qantas Ultimate Card – Best for Frequent Travellers
This is one of the strongest Qantas-linked cards on the market if you travel at least once a year.
Key benefits include:
✔ Qantas Points
- Large sign-up bonus (varies by promotion) – I just received 70, 000 points which is currently equivalent to return flights Australia to LA
- High points earn rate on everyday spending
- Higher earn rate on Qantas flights
✔ Annual Qantas Travel Credit
- A generous annual travel credit (often close to the annual fee)
- Can be used on eligible Qantas flights
- Makes the card very cost-effective if you already fly Qantas
✔ Lounge Access
- Complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations each year
- Access to American Express lounges in Australia
✔ Travel Insurance
- Complimentary international and domestic travel insurance
- Covers medical emergencies, cancellations, luggage, and delays
- Activated when eligible travel is paid for with the card
Things to consider
- Higher annual fee (best value if you use the travel credit)
- American Express is not accepted everywhere, particularly in small businesses or overseas — many travellers pair it with a Visa or Mastercard
A Note on Travel Insurance
Credit card travel insurance can be excellent value — but it’s important to read the policy details.
Most policies:
- Have age limits and exclusions
- Require travel to be purchased on the card
- May limit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
- Require you to activate insurance before departure (for some banks)
If you’re relying on credit card insurance for a major trip, it’s worth reviewing the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully.
Tips to Maximise Value from Your Travel Credit Card
- Always pay your balance in full — interest quickly outweighs rewards
- Use the card for flights, accommodation, and tours to activate insurance
- Take advantage of lounge passes and travel credits
- Choose points that match how you actually travel (Qantas vs flexible points)
- Watch for sign-up bonus offers — these can be the biggest value
A good travel credit card doesn’t just earn points — it can reduce travel stress, protect you when things go wrong, and add comfort to your journey.
For travellers who regularly fly Qantas, the American Express Qantas cards — especially the Ultimate — can offer strong overall value when used well. For others, a Visa or Mastercard with travel insurance may be a better fit.
