Point Hacks Australia

Ever wonder how that random person on your flight ended up in 1A while you’re back in 42B… and they didn’t pay more than you?

Yeah. Us too. So we did something about it.

Point Hacks is the Aussie-grown guide to turning points (yes, those mysterious credit card or flight program ones) into actual, lie-flat-seat, champagne-in-the-sky, luxury-travel moments.

We’re not here to sell you anything. We’re here to show you:

✈️ how to fly Business instead of begging for an exit row 💳 which cards give you the best points (and how to use them for things other than a toaster) 📬 where to find the reward flights before everyone else does 📊 and how to make those 87,000 Qantas Points do more than sit in your account collecting dust

Founded by a guy who was too tall to fly economy with a toddler (true story), Point Hacks has grown into a team of frequent flyers, journalists, and strategy nerds who just want to help you hack the system. Legally, of course.

We break things down. We cut the fluff. We drop weekly tips to 70,000+ subscribers who’d rather fly smart than rich.

If you’ve got points, we’ll help you use them. If you don’t, we’ll show you how to get them. And if you’re still paying full price for flights... we have to talk.

Join the points side. It’s comfier here. 🧠 www.pointhacks.com.au

Think you need to fly to earn frequent flyer points? Actually, some of the best Velocity Points earners haven’t boarded a plane all year. Here’s how to rack up points from your everyday spend — no boarding pass required.

For a deeper breakdown of everyday strategies, see our five top ways to earn Velocity Points without flying. Let’s walk through what’s possible — with real numbers.

Here are five of the best ways to earn Velocity Points without flying:

💡 1. Flybuys + Coles• Earn 1 Flybuys point per $1 at Coles, Kmart, Target & more • Convert 1,000 Flybuys = 500 Velocity Points • Wait for Flybuys transfer promos (bonus 15–25%) • Gift card hacks during 20x points promos = fast earn

💳 2. Vehicle + Fuel Spend• 7-Eleven = 1–2 Velocity Points per litre (fuel), 2 pts/$ on snacks • DiDi = 1 Velocity Point per $1 • Flexicar = 2 pts/$ • Car hire with Sixt, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz, etc. = 3+ pts/$ 💡 Stack this with a Velocity-earning credit card for double-dip value.

🛏 3. Accommodation & Cruises• Rocket Travel = 3–12 Velocity Points per $1 • Hotel partners like Accor, IHG, Shangri-La = direct earn or points transfer • Cruisepilot = 3 pts/$ (or more with elite Velocity status)

📦 4. Insurance + Utilities• Medibank = Up to 80,000 Velocity Points (health insurance) • Pet insurance = 15,000 bonus points • AGL = Up to 20,000 Velocity Points for gas/electricity plans 💡 Always compare policies and rates — points are a bonus, not a substitute for value.

💳 5. Velocity-Linked Credit Cards• Many cards offer 90k+ bonus Velocity Points • Use on Coles, 7-Eleven, Rocket Travel = double dip• Ongoing earn = 1+ point per $1 • Example: The Citi Premier Credit Card offers up to 110,000 bonus points with 2 pts/$ on eligible spend.

The best part? You can stack multiple earn methods at once.

Fuel up at 7-Eleven with a points-earning credit card, activate a Flybuys promo at Coles, then check into a hotel booked via Rocket Travel — and watch your Velocity balance climb.

Start your earn strategy today:

Qantas:

➤ “Classic Flight Reward” label = red ribbon = ✅ best option ➤ “Classic Plus Reward” = blue ribbon = dynamic pricing ➤ “Points Plus Pay” = avoid unless absolutely necessary

Velocity:

➤ “Reward Seat” = fixed rate ➤ “Any Seat” = burns points like cash — not ideal

Pro tips for booking great value reward seats:

Use the multi-city tool on Qantas for calendar view — it’s the easiest way to spot true reward availability day-by-day. You can also set up Reward Seat Alerts with Point Hacks to be notified when those hard-to-find Business seats drop.

💡 Booking tip: If you’re collecting points via credit card rewards, pairing those bonuses with proper reward seats unlocks the best value. One sign-up bonus, like the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black, can cover an entire Business Class leg — if booked correctly.

Ever searched for a Business Class flight and seen it priced at 900,000 Points? Here’s the secret: it’s not a true reward seat. It’s probably Points Plus Pay or Classic Plus — and it’s costing you way more than it should. 💸

✅ True reward seats (Classic Flight Rewards on Qantas, Reward Seats on Velocity) are fixed in price, offer amazing value, and are bookable with a relatively small co-payment.

If you want to understand the booking side of the equation, our guide on how reward seats work explains how to find, secure, and maximise those coveted seats before they’re gone.

💡 Example: Sydney to Singapore in Business on Qantas

Classic Reward: 82,100 Qantas Points + ~$270 Classic Plus Reward: Often 100,000–250,000 points

Points Plus Pay: 300,000+ points (sometimes more than 900k!)

100,000 Qantas Points sounds impressive — but what’s that balance really worth? Quite a lot, if you deploy it wisely. From lie-flat beds to First-Class showers, here’s how to turn six figures of points into outsized travel perks.

👑 Great redemptions that beat cash every time

Emirates First-Class suite SYD → CHC – 65,300 points. Why it wins: A380 shower spa + Qantas First Lounge access. Set a free Reward Seat Alert and pounce when seats drop.

Qantas Business to Tokyo – 98,400 points. Why it wins: Private suites, modern comforts and Japanese-themed dining.

One return A330 Business hop (e.g. SYD ↔ PER) – 87,200 points. Why it wins: Domestic flatbeds and direct aisle access — great for FIFO schedules or luxury weekends.

Up to 16 domestic upgrades (Flex fares) – from 6,200 points each. Why it wins: Turn work trips into lie-flat naps; check upgrade charts via the Point Hacks Generator™.

Ten short flights (SYD ↔ MEL, etc.) – 9,200 points each. Why it wins: Spread value across family visits or short breaks — use the Generator™ to build multi-city runs.

💡 Tip: Speed up your next redemption by funnelling supermarket earn from Everyday Rewards — estimate the boost in seconds with the Points Earn Finder.

🚀 Fast-track top-ups with high-bonus credit cards

Compare all live offers in one glance via the Credit Card Master Table, but these four consistently super-charge balances:

Qantas Premier Platinum – 70k bonus points; dining, grocery & travel earn boosts

Westpac Altitude Qantas Black – up to 120k; travel insurance + Qantas Club passes

NAB Qantas Rewards Signature – 120k + Qantas Club access; 1 pt per $1 earn

Fly to London in Economy? Fine.

But why not unlock Qatar Qsuite, ANA, or United Polaris — all on points — for less than you’d think?

💥 150k Velocity Points = lie-flat luxury, not just domestic hops.

➡️ American Express Velocity Platinum – Lounge access + Velocity bonuses ➡️ Citi Premier Card – 110k bonus + 2 pts/$ overseas ➡️ Virgin Money High Flyer – 80k + strong domestic earn ➡️ Westpac Altitude Velocity Black – Up to 120k + Priority Pass

💳 Stack with Amex Platinum Edge (3 pts/$ at supermarkets) Use the Points Earn Finder to match your spend to the right Velocity-earning card. Compare all card perks side-by-side in the Credit Card Master Table

Top Business Class on points redemptions:

✓ Qatar Qsuite PER → Doha: 89,500 pts ✓ Perth → Europe via Doha: 119,500 pts ✓ United Polaris SYD → LAX: 102,000 pts ✓ ANA SYD/PER → Tokyo: 82,000 pts ✓ Virgin Atlantic Upper Class LHR ↔ JFK: 103,000 pts return ✓ Up to 9 short-haul VA Biz flights or 25 Economy hops (from 5,900 pts each)

✓ Shop via Qantas Shopping for 1–10 points per $1 at stores like Myer, Apple, and The Iconic ✓ Buy wine through Qantas Wine — some cases come with 30,000 bonus points ✓ Switch to Red Energy and score up to 15,000 points upfront, then 2 points per $1 ongoing ✓ Use Qantas Pay overseas to earn 1.5 points per AU$1 ✓ Complete Red Planet surveys while bingeing TV and earn easy points

Want the ultimate multi‑stack? Buy a discounted gift card at Woolworths, pay with your Qantas-earning credit card, and redeem it through a bonus-point offer via Qantas Shopping. That’s triple the points.

This is the new way to fly Business Class on points. You don’t need to jet around the world to earn miles — just live your everyday life smarter and let the points roll in.

Big Business/First Class energy — no plane ticket required. Seriously. If you’re still waiting until your next flight to earn Qantas Points, you’re missing the biggest hack of 2025. Here’s how we'd stack 150,000+ frequent flyer points in just a few months — without flying once.

The not‑so‑secret weapon? Credit card rewards. Cards like the Qantas American Express Ultimate, ANZ Frequent Flyer Black, and Westpac Altitude Qantas Black are dishing out 90k+ bonus Qantas Points just for spending on everyday stuff like groceries, fuel, or Netflix.

Example use case: Tokyo in Business Class using points and miles

Find ANA Business Class from Sydney to Tokyo via United.com.

Note down the dates and times of the preferred flights

Then search & book it with Velocity Points, on the Virgin Australia website Pair this with a 110,000‑point sign‑up bonus from the Citi Premier Card, or boost with everyday spend using the Amex Platinum Edge — 3 pts/$ at supermarkets!

🧠 More reward seat booking tips: ✓ Use the Point Hacks Generator™ to find which program is better ✓ Subscribe to Reward Seat Alerts for Business Class notifications ✓ Search partner airline sites (e.g. American Airlines for Qatar, Singapore Airlines for KrisFlyer Saver seats)

Don’t waste hours clicking through day‑by‑day searches. Smarter tools = faster redemptions = more time for planning your trip (or opening that bonus bottle from Qantas Wine 🍷).

Spent hours refreshing the Qantas or Virgin site trying to find reward flights? You’re not alone — and there’s a smarter way. Welcome to the ultimate time‑saving hack for finding reward seats with Qantas Points or Velocity Points.

💡 Tip: The airline’s website is rarely the best place to start. Try these independent tools first — they’ll show you when and where reward seats are actually available.

✅ Seats.aero (free + paid) Supports Qantas Frequent Flyer, Velocity Frequent Flyer, and 14+ programs ✓ Free for short‑term searches ✓ Paid plan = calendar view + alerts Use it to find reward seats anywhere, like Europe on Qatar or across the US with United.

✅ ExpertFlyer (US$5–$10/month)

For the data nerds: this tool tracks upgrade space, alerts, and seat maps.

To qualify you’ll need to:

Include at least two oneworld carriers (beyond Qantas)

Keep total distance under 35,000 miles

Limit yourself to five stopovers—so make each one count

Along the way you’ll enjoy:

✓ Lounge access at every airport (when in Business Class) ✓ Priority check‑in and boarding ✓ No extra points for distance or airline—just smart use of miles

Planning is easy with the Point Hacks Generator™, which lets you plot routes and see precisely how far your points will take you. Many readers have reported saving $30,000+ in Business‑Class fares using this trick.

Crunch the numbers before you book

Want to be sure the oneworld Classic Reward beats a straight award ticket? Run the flights through our Card Value Calculator or compare alternative cards in one glance via the Credit‑Card Master Table.Need more points first? See which everyday spends will accelerate your balance using the Points Earn Finder, and double‑check your coverage with our Credit‑Card Insurance Summary before you jet off.

One return flight to London in Business Class = 332.6k points. Or… fly to five cities around the world instead for just 365.8k points. Similar cost. 5× the value. 💥

If you’ve got a stash of Qantas Points, you could be reclining in a lie‑flat seat with champagne in hand—on five continents. Thanks to the oneworld Classic Flight Reward, you can cover up to 35,000 miles and 16 flights in Business Class for just 365,800 points + taxes. That’s a better return than almost any standard reward‑flight booking.

Still paying to join Qantas Frequent Flyer? You’re not alone — but you don’t have to. There are several ways to skip the $99.50 joining fee in 2025, with no catch and no spend required. Most smart frequent-flyer strategies start here; if you’re paying to join, you’re already missing value.

Why you should care

✓ Qantas normally charges AU $99.50 to join ✓ But six legitimate free methods still work in 2025 💡 Pro tip: You don’t need to be an existing customer of these brands — just use their special join link and register

What you gain beyond the $99.50 saving

You’re not just avoiding a fee — you’re getting a started on a journey for Business Class travel with points, smarter reward flight booking, and maximum value from day one. Here’s how Point Hacks helps with that:

Model your first redemption or points goal in the intuitive Point Hacks Generator™

Use the Card Value Calculator to check the cents-per-point value of any redemption idea

Track high-earning everyday buys with the Points Earn Finder

Review your complimentary cover in the Credit Card Insurance Summary

Set and forget with Reward Seat Alerts so premium seats ping your inbox the moment they drop

Stay ahead of flash deals via our insider email list

Swap tips with 65k+ experts in our community forum

1. Credit-card rewards: Apply for a Qantas-earning card such as the Qantas Premier Platinum or the high-value Westpac Altitude Qantas Black. Both waive the joining fee and offer up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points. You can compare every sign-up bonus side-by-side in the Credit Card Master Table.

2. Family referral: Already know a QFF member? Ask them to send you their invite link — instant free membership.

3. Joey Club: Kids under 13 join for free, perfect for family travel planning.

4. Red Energy: Switch your utility bill, earn up to 15,000 Qantas Points, and pay no join fee.

5. Everyday Rewards: Link your Woolworths account, convert points 2,000 : 1,000, and Qantas waives the fee.

When it comes to frequent flyer points, having choices matters, and with Virgin Australia’s new services, there are even more options for you to amass and utilise those hard-earned points. Here are the standout perks:

EARNING AND REDEEMING VELOCITY POINTS

Boost Your Balance: Earn Velocity Points by flying these routes as they are officially Virgin Australia flights, which means your family holiday just got a bit closer.

Booking with Points Made Easier: Redeem Velocity Points for a one-way Business Class ticket from the east coast for 119,500 points, or 89,500 from Perth. Economy class seats are available for 56,000 and 42,000 points respectively.

💡 Remember, taxes, fees, and charges apply based on your route and choice of class.

LANDING UPGRADES

💡 Beginning 1 July 2025, reward your travel with upgrade opportunities on these new services using your Velocity Points – a first when it comes to Qatar-operated flights. Simply get in touch with Virgin Australia's call centre to explore seat availability and upgrade options.

THE IMPACT ON AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS

This partnership represents more than just a new route—it's about enhancing choice and accessibility for Australians far and wide. With new daily services, Virgin Australia is empowering more passengers to embark on journeys that align conveniently with personal schedules, thereby swelling the holistic reach of travel from Aussie shores.

OPENING THE WORLD

Having another daily flight choice means you could find the perfect departure time that reduces layovers or opens up unconventional routes. Choose what fits best for your plans, not what already exists—a transformative choice for those eager to optimise travel time.

INCREASED COMPETITION = BETTER DEALS

Competition heats up, and the cost of flying frequently dips. The aviation market responds dynamically to shifts in competitive pressure, meaning good news for airfare prices. Both in terms of filling seats and offering enticing pricing models, these new flights stand to benefit diligent point hunters always scouting the latest deals.

POINT HACKS ADVANTAGE: HARNESS THE FLIGHTS

Given the new services enriching Australia's aviation tapestry, now's never been a better time to consult Point Hacks' powerful tools, deals, and strategies to supercharge your point-collecting journey. Welcome to a world where your points stretch further for more luxurious seats, globe-trotting adventures, and unforgettable experiences.

Use the Point Hacks Generator™ – with its suite of calculators and planners, it tailors your points strategy to help you get the most out of flights like Virgin's new Doha services. Think of it as your personal guide to turning those points into worldwide exploration!

Exciting new routes. Unique point-earning opportunities. Unlock the world with just a few clicks.

There’s an undeniable thrill that accompanies the anticipation of a new journey – the hum of the airport, the gentle nudge towards your destination signposted by glittering departure boards. And now, for Australian travellers and avid points-collectors, that buzz just got more exciting! Virgin Australia's launch of flights to Doha in collaboration with Qatar Airways marks an exciting era of expanded connectivity, and the skies are shimmering with potential for savvy travellers. This is not just an increase in flight options; it's a new array of opportunities to make the most of your frequent flyer points and credit card rewards. This world is finally within reach, whether it's Business Class comfort on points or seamlessly connecting to alluring destinations beyond Qatar. Let's unpack how this can elevate your flight strategies to unprecedented heights.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA SOARS HIGH WITH QATAR AIRWAYS

For a while now, Qatar Airways has had its own bustling presence flying from major Australian cities like Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to the vibrant heart of Doha. However, limitations on the number of flights they could operate meant a fresh approach was needed to meet the ever-growing demand. This is where Virgin Australia, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, steps in – and, thanks to the ingenious 'wet lease' agreement, more seats are now on offer. Unlike a codeshare where Qatar's flights retained their identity, this deal is a collaborative arrangement, thrusting Virgin into the spotlight while Qatar provides the aircraft and crew. It’s officially a Virgin Australia flight, so expect great Virgin service with the precision and luxurious touch of Qatar Airways.