Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

A frequent flyer credit card is just a credit card from a financial provider. The difference is, a frequent flyer credit card is linked to your frequent flyer scheme and will provide a certain amount of frequent flyer points for every dollar spent.

Frequent flyer credit cards often have an annual fee, which can vary from as little as $35 to, a more substantial, $1,200. The fee charged is generally directly related to the rewards given, as well as other services which the card may offer.

Frequent flyer credit cards work just the same as other cards, the only difference is that when taking out the card, you may have provided details of the frequent flyer scheme that you’re a member of. Then, each time you make a purchase, points will be added to your frequent flyer balance.

The amount of points you earn per dollar varies. Generally, but not always, earning more points per dollar can involve paying a higher annual fee. So, you need to work out if the value of the points you’ll earn exceeds the dollar value of the annual fee.

If you have a frequent flyer credit card, then your redemption options will be limited to what’s offered by your frequent flyer program. Some of them have options to purchase goods from them with your points. That’s a good option if it’s unlikely you’ll be flying anywhere in the near future.

Other rewards credit cards give you options to use your points, these include things like:

• gift cards;
• retail merchandise;
• household items;
• technology; and
• movie or entertainment vouchers.

The choice you make will depend on just how important earning extra frequent flyer points is to you. For some, it will be just nice to know that the rewards are going to something they care about, others may have a serious goal to earn as many points as they can.

• What is the interest rate on purchases made, if not paid off on-time?
• How many points do you earn per dollar with a given card?
• What is the annual fee and is a higher fee worth the extra points?
• A frequent flyer credit card may have higher interest rates than some. Can you budget to pay off your balance within the interest-free period each month?
• Does the credit card come from a provider who you are happy to deal with?
• Are the points offered per dollar likely to change over time?
• Can you earn points if you transfer a balance from a previous credit card?
• What is the minimum repayment required each month?
• Is there a fee for transferring an existing balance to your new credit card?
• Is there a fee for atm withdrawals with your card?

Banks and other credit card providers will often offer incentives to encourage you to sign up with them. One of the most popular schemes is linking your card to your preferred frequent flyer scheme. These rewards can be very attractive, but can also come with a cost, so it’s wise to know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.

Banks and other credit card providers will often offer incentives to encourage you to sign up with them. One of the most popular schemes is linking your card to your preferred frequent flyer scheme. These rewards can be very attractive, but can also come with a cost, so it’s wise to know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.

If you’re ready to compare frequent flyer credit cards, let iSelect be your pilot.* Start here with us online to see the range of providers by simply clicking on an option that suits you to begin your application.

If you’re ready to compare frequent flyer credit cards, let iSelect be your pilot.* Start here with us online to see the range of providers by simply clicking on an option that suits you to begin your application.