The best ways to earn frequent flyer points

If you’ve ever wondered how people seem to rack up hundreds of thousands of frequent flyer points without constantly flying, this episode is for you. Earning points isn’t just about boarding passes and Business Class seats, it’s about knowing where those hidden opportunities are in your everyday life.

In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Loo and Chris Chamberlin to break down every way Aussies can start earning points right now from supermarket shops to 100k+ sign-up bonuses.

We cover:

• The essential first steps to start earning Qantas and Velocity Points, even if you’re a complete beginner
• Everyday earn hacks through supermarkets, fuel, Uber/Didi, hotels and wine stores
• How to multiply your points with bonus gift card offers and stacking techniques
• Why credit card sign-up bonuses are the fastest way to jump straight into Business Class
• Business and personal bill-paying platforms that let you earn points on things that normally don’t
• When (if ever) you should buy points outright vs. getting them via wine or transfer partners
• Retro-claiming loopholes: how far back you can go to recover missed points

Key Takeaways: frequent flyer points are everywhere

Getting into the world of points doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to start earning straight away, even on everyday expenses like groceries, fuel, and rideshares. From there, you can refine your strategy once you know which airline programs fit your goals.

Just get started. Sign up to Velocity, it’s free. Sign up to Qantas Frequent Flyer.  Search for our article to see how to do that for free. Don’t pay the $99 50 joining fee. – Chris Chamberlin

For serious points collectors sign-up bonuses remain the fastest route to premium cabin travel. Earning 100,000+ points from a single credit card offer can put a Business Class redemption within reach almost immediately.

The biggest and probably the easiest way for many people to earn points is through a credit card sign-up bonus. – Brandon Loo

American Express Velocity Platinum

Find Out More & Apply

Read the guide

Sign-up Bonus:

60,000 bonus Velocity Points*

Rewards Earn Rate:

1.25 Velocity Points earned per $1 on all eligible spend except for government bodies˜. 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on selected Virgin Australia purchases˜. 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 on Government spend˜

Annual Fee:

$440 p.a.

The American Express Velocity Platinum Card has 60,000 bonus Velocity Points* on offer for new American Express Card Members who apply, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of approval. Includes several perks such as Virgin Australia Lounge Access^ every time you fly domestically with Virgin Australia, 2 VA Guest Lounge Passes⁼ each year and a Complimentary Domestic Return Virgin Australia Flightˢ. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. New American Express Card Members Only.

Finally, don’t miss out on frequent flyer points from flights themselves, and always remember to link your account number to your boarding pass.

 It’s like, dude, you could have earned like 5,000-10,000 points just for this flight. Just put the number on the ticket! – Chris Chamberlin

Further reading and helpful links

Our updated list of point earning credit cards

How to join Qantas Frequent Flyer for free

Beginner’s guide to Qantas Frequent Flyer

Tips to earn Qantas Points on everyday spending

Best ways to earn Qantas Points in 2025

How to search for reward seats efficiently

Earning frequent flyer points on the ground

Weekly gift card offers and Flybuys/Everyday Rewards bonuses

Where to watch and listen

For the full experience, including additional tips and footage from our adventures, you can watch Point Hacks on our YouTube. We also publish our key takeaways on Instagram and TikTok.

Prefer to listen? Point Hacks is now available in your favourite podcasting app including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, iHeartRadio, and good old fashion RSS.