Simplifying the world of points
Point Hacks has a vast range of guides to help you earn more rewards points, and use them with methods and tactics to get the most value from them – it’s at the core of what the site is about. We have a range of how-to’s relating to frequent flyer programs, bank rewards programs and hotel loyalty programs.
Beginners Guides
Earning Points – Getting Started
- Introduction to this series
- Get started with frequent flyer programs
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- The factors to consider when choosing a frequent flyer program.
- The factors to consider when choosing a frequent flyer program.
- Earning points from flying
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- The obvious way of earning points – but definitely not the only one.
- The obvious way of earning points – but definitely not the only one.
- Buying points and miles
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- Many overseas frequent flyer programs will let you buy points – this is why it’s worth considering.
- Many overseas frequent flyer programs will let you buy points – this is why it’s worth considering.
- Earning points from Credit Cards
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- The main way most people earn points – by using frequent flyer-linked credit cards to earn points from everyday spend.
- The main way most people earn points – by using frequent flyer-linked credit cards to earn points from everyday spend.
- Earning from Offers & Partners
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- Figure out the partners and offers that make sense for you to pick up bonus points.
- Figure out the partners and offers that make sense for you to pick up bonus points.
- Ask Questions and Keep Informed
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- How to stay informed and get answers to any points-related questions.
- How to stay informed and get answers to any points-related questions.
Using Points – Getting Started
- Who, What, When, Where and How?
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- Figure out some of the key constraints and goals you have when it comes to using your points.
- Figure out some of the key constraints and goals you have when it comes to using your points.
- Planning
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- Why and how planning ahead in using your points is important.
- Why and how planning ahead in using your points is important.
- Flexibility
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- The easiest way to start your planning is to look at the flights you want. Where do you want to go, and when? Flexibility is key.
- The easiest way to start your planning is to look at the flights you want. Where do you want to go, and when? Flexibility is key.
- Tools
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- Finding out which rewards are available can sometimes be the most difficult part of using your points – these are the tools that can help.
- Finding out which rewards are available can sometimes be the most difficult part of using your points – these are the tools that can help.
Managing Your Credit
Next Steps
- Join the Point Hacks ‘Earn More Points’ email course
- Which frequent flyer programs should you join first?
- Understand ‘flexible points programs’ – why flexible points currencies are great
- How to protect your frequent flyer account from hackers
- Everything you need to know to start earning points from your hotel stays
Frequent Flyer Program Guides
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Earning Qantas Points
- Qantas Frequent Flyer credit card offers
- The highest Qantas Point-earning credit cards
- Bonus point credit cards for spend with Qantas
- Qantas credit cards that allow point transfers instead of monthly direct earn
- How to sign up for free Qantas Frequent Flyer membership
- Earn Qantas Points with Hotel stays
- Earn points by shopping online using Qantas Online Mall
- Earn Qantas Points by completing surveys with Red Planet
- Earn Qantas Points with small business spend with Qantas Aquire
- Using Qantas Movies & Qantas Gift Cards for bonus points
- Earning Qantas Points by using Qantas Movies
- Earn points as a golfer with Qantas Golf Club
- Earn Qantas Points at Woolworths
- How to earn points when booking restaurants
- Earn Qantas points with Airbnb stays
- Earn Qantas Points with Deliveroo
- Earn Qantas points from Qantas EpiQure
- Earning Qantas Points with Qantas Assure
- Earning Qantas Points from hotel stays
- Earn Qantas Points with GoCatch Taxis & GoCar Drivers
- Earning Qantas points from car rentals
- Earning Qantas Points with Ingogo taxi bookings
- Guide to Qantas Cash
- Guide to bonus promotions from Qantas Frequent Flyer
- A list of Qantas Point bonuses for partner purchases
- A guide to Qantas Business Rewards promotions
- Guide to Qantas points transfer promotions from bank rewards programs
Using Qantas Points
- Best uses of Qantas Points
- How to maximise 100,000 Qantas Points
- Best ways to use 80,000 Qantas Points
- Six of the best uses of 60,000 Qantas Points
- Ultimate use of Qantas points
9 of the best uses of Qantas Points from Perth
- Use Qantas oneworld Classic Rewards for good value around the world flights
- How upgrades using Qantas Points are prioritised
- How to upgrade Qantas points bookings using Qantas Points
- Redeeming Qantas points for flights to the USA from Australia
- Save on taxes and fees by booking American Airlines redemptions instead of Qantas to the USA
- Use Qantas Family Transfers to combine Qantas Frequent Flyer balances
- Buy points from Starwood Preferred Guest to redeem for Qantas Business Class
- How to use Qantas Points with Fiji Airways flights to the USA
- Using Qantas points for flights with Qantas partners for beginners
- Using Qantas Points or Asia Miles for flights to the USA & Europe
- Beginners Guide – How to use Qantas Points for Emirates flights
- Fare class NOT to book with Qantas & Virgin Australia for points upgrade
- How to get a layover in a transit city when using Qantas Points
- How to redeem Qantas Points for Jetstar flights
- A guide to Qantas Economy Class redemption discount promotions
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Earning Velocity Points
- Velocity Frequent Flyer credit card offers
- The highest Velocity Point-earning credit cards
- Credit Cards that offer bonus points for spending with Virgin Australia
- Velocity credit card points transfer bonuses
- Intro to Velocity estore and earning Velocity points when shopping online
- Earn Velocity Points for hotel stays
- Flight and hotel package bookings with Virgin Australia Holidays to save money and earn points
- Current Virgin Australia discount / promo codes for domestic & international flights
- Earn Velocity points when renting a car
- Extend Velocity Status by using Velocity Parental Leave
- Trial Velocity Gold status for 3 months with points for small business with Virgin Australia Accelerate
- Combine Velocity points and status across accounts using Velocity family pooling or transfers
- Use Sendle to earn up to 100,000 Velocity points
- How to earn points when booking restaurants
- List of Velocity bonus points offers
Using Velocity Points
- How and why to transfer your balance between Velocity and KrisFlyer
- Best uses of Velocity points
- The best uses of 100,000 Velocity Points
- How to search for award seats on Virgin Australia and Velocity ‘award’ booking tips
- Use Velocity points for upgrades on Virgin Australia
- Use Velocity points with Alitalia for redemptions to Europe
- Redeem Velocity points for Business & First Class flights to the USA
- Redeem Velocity Points for Etihad’s A380 Business Studios and First Apartments
- Minimise taxes and fees when choosing between Velocity or KrisFlyer redemptions
- Fare class NOT to book with Qantas & Virgin Australia for points upgrade
- How to redeem Velocity points for Business & First Class flights to the USA from Australia
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Earning Asia Miles
Using Asia Miles
- The best uses of 100,000 Asia Miles
- Tips for booking Asia Miles points redemptions, award holds and pricing
- Use Asia Miles for great value round the world redemptions with oneworld airlines
- Use Asia Miles as a good value alternative for redeeming for flights to the USA
- Using Qantas Points or Asia Miles for flights to the USA & Europe
- Fare class NOT to book with Krisflyer & Asia Miles for points upgrade
- Using frequent flyer points on Cathay Pacific flights
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Earning KrisFlyer Miles
Using KrisFlyer Miles
- Best reasons to use KrisFlyer Miles
- 9 Ways to maximise 100,000 KrisFlyer miles
- Maximise KrisFlyer redemptions by using free or additional stopovers
- Minimise taxes and fees when choosing between Velocity or KrisFlyer redemptions
- How to take advantage of Singapore Airlines direct flight from Singapore to San Francisco
- Fare class NOT to book with Krisflyer & Asia Miles for points upgrade
- Can you put KrisFlyer awards on hold?
- How to combine travel on Singapore Airlines and its partners to maximise stopovers
- A guide to KrisFlyer’s Star Alliance Round The World Award
- How to use your points to book Singapore Airlines First Class Suites
Other Key Frequent Flyer Programs
American Airlines AAdvantage
- American Airlines AAdvantage introduction
- How to buy AAdvantage miles and top up an account for oneworld airline redemption
- Route & airline options using American Airlines AAdvantage miles to Europe from Australia / New Zealand
- Use the AAdvantage challenge as a shortcut to oneworld Sapphire status
- Use Starwood to convert Amex Membership Rewards points to AAdvantage miles
- Guide to using SPG to transfer your Amex points to AAdvantage miles
Etihad Guest
- Best uses of Etihad Guest miles – redeeming for travel on Virgin Australia Domestic Business Class and beyond
- How and why to transfer flybuys to Etihad Guest miles
- Earn flybuys by booking with flybuys travel
- Guide to Etihad and flybuys partnership
- How to top up your Etihad Guest miles
- Guide to buying Etihad Guest miles
Malaysia Enrich Miles
Emirates Skywards
Buying Points & Miles
Getting Started Buying Points or Miles
- Basics of buying airline and hotel points or miles – why & what you need to know
- Buy miles and points to redeem for domestic Business Class travel on Qantas & Virgin Australia
- Reality of buying points and miles from online brokers
Hotels
Airlines
- How to buy points to top-up your Qantas Frequent Flyer account
- Buy American Express Membership Rewards points for transfer to Velocity, KrisFlyer and other partners
- Buy Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for cheap Delta, American, Qantas & Cathay Pacific redemptions
- Buy Avianca Lifemiles for Star Alliance Business & First Class flights
- Buy Virgin America Elevate miles for Virgin Australia/Atlantic and Singapore Airlines redemptions
- Buy British Airways or Iberia Avios for oneworld airline redemptions
- Buy United MileagePlus miles for cheap Star Alliance Business & First Class redemptions
- Buy AAdvantage miles for oneworld airline redemption
- How to top up your Etihad Guest miles
- Guide to buying Etihad Guest miles
Hotel, Supermarket & Other Loyalty Program Guides
Hotels & Hotel Programs (LINK)
- Introduction to Hilton HHonors
- Introduction to the Shangri-La Golden Circle program
- Introduction to LeClub Accor Hotels
- Introduction to Club Carlson
- Introduction to ‘1865’, Langham’s loyalty program
- A quick intro to Small Luxury Hotels
- Earn points or discounts when booking hotels – how to choose between hotel rewards programs
- How Hotels.com can earn you a minimum 10% rebate with every stay – guide to Hotels.com Rewards
- Use Amex Travel for hotel bookings and bonus Membership Rewards points
- Earn Qantas Points with Hotel stays
- Earn Velocity Points for hotel stays
- Airbnb stays and points earning with Virgin America Elevate miles
- Earn Qantas points with Airbnb stays
- Guide to IHG Reward’s Accelerate quarterly points challenge
- InterContinental Ambassador membership – room upgrades, a free night and other benefits at InterContinental hotels
- InterContinental Hotels Ambassador upgrade policies at hotels across Asia Pacific
- Accor Plus – the Accor Hotels membership program with a free hotel night
- Guide to IHG Rewards Pointbreaks
- Want the lowest hotel rate? Use Online Travel Agents
- Earn bonus points or miles on hotel stays with Agoda PointsMax
- Earning points on One&Only Resorts stays
- Guide to the Hilton Honors Auction program
Starwood Preferred Guest (LINK)
- Introduction to Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG)
- Starwood Preferred Guest buying points guide
- Starwood Gold status after one stay with World MasterCards
- Introduction to SPG Moments
- Starwood and Design Hotels partnership
- Starwood Gold and Platinum Elite status guide
- Suite and premium room redemptions with SPG
- Bonus Starpoints by declining housekeeping with ‘Make a Green Choice’
- Earn Starpoints with the American Express Explorer
- Using SPG points for Marriott Hotel redemptions
- When should you use points vs cash at Starwood hotels across Australia & the Pacific?
- Our comprehensive list of Starwood bonus points and discount offers
Supermarkets
- Earning flybuys points
- How and why to transfer flybuys to Etihad Guest miles
- Earn Qantas Points with Woolworths Rewards
- Earn Qantas Points at Woolworths
- Coles or Woolworths for points at supermarkets
- Getting the most out of your flybuys balance
- How to earn flybuys for cheap travel
Car Rental
Credit Card Rewards Guides
American Express & Membership Rewards
- American Express Membership Rewards Ultimate Guide
- Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all spend with Amex Business Accelerator
- The difference between bank-issued and Amex-issued cards
- Bonus points with your favourite retailers with Amex Local Champion
- Bonus points by using the Amex referral program
- Buy American Express Membership Rewards points for transfer to airline and hotel partners
- Use Amex Offers for discounts and statement credits
- Use Amex Travel for hotel bookings and bonus points
- International points / account transfers with Amex
- How to maximise 100,000 American Express Rewards Points
- Refer friends and families and earn American Express Rewards Points
- Use the Hey You app to earn Amex MR points at cafes
- Earn Bonus Rewards points with Amex Travel
- Guide to using SPG to transfer your Amex points to AAdvantage miles
- Best uses of 100,000 American Express Gateway Membership Rewards points
American Express Platinum Charge
- American Express Platinum Charge full guide
- American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts guide
- Maximise car rental and other car/driving benefits with American Express Platinum Charge
- Priority Pass Lounge guide
- Using American Express Platinum Concierge
- American Express Elite Status Overview
- How Amex Travel Credits work
- The definitive guide to the Amex Centurion Lounge network
- American Express’ Centurion Lounges in the USA
- Guide to transferring Amex MR points to Qantas points
- Using the American Express Platinum Concierge for cheaper Virgin AU flights
- Introduction to Amex’s The Hotel Collection program
American Express Platinum Edge
Citi Prestige Visa
Other Credit Card Programs
Using & Managing Credit Cards
- Get your credit card annual fee reduced or waived
- Avoid Paypal’s foreign exchange fees to earn more points or save money
- Earn more points with SME payments using RewardPay and American Express
- Use Square for small businesses to accept credit card payments
- Tips and ideas on meeting credit card minimum spend
Deeper Case Studies, Analysis, Comparisons & Tools
Earning Points Case Studies
- Sam’s case study – earning enough Qantas Points to Europe in First & Business Class the lazy way
- Kellie’s case study – maximising points earned from everyday expenses
- Netflix case study – how to double dip for more points using gift cards
- Earning and using points effectively as a backpacker
- Practical tips for earning and using points as a backpacker
- How to earn flybuys for cheap travel
Using Points Case Studies
- How I used points to find & book 4 Qantas Business Class seats to the USA
- How to get the most value from your frequent flyer points – by flying in premium cabins
- Why I always use my points for travel – and for Economy flights
- How Nelson booked First Class tickets to Florence using points
- Backpacking on points
- Using points to travel with infants
Analysis & Comparisons
- How and why to value your points
- How major frequent flyer programs can make changes to their terms and potentially screw points-collectors in the process
- Comparison of frequent flyer and rewards point expiry policies
- Comparison of award flight / redemption cancellation policies across key frequent flyer programs
- When can a bank rewards or frequent flyer program kick you out and take all of your points?
- The terms and conditions of credit card rewards programs
- How airlines measure loyalty – different scoring metrics and factors used to rank you as a customer
- Comparison of rideshare and car booking services for earning points
- Using Etihad Guest miles vs Velocity Points for Virgin Australia flight redemption
- When should you use points vs cash at Starwood hotels across Australia & the Pacific?
- A comparison of pricing between Velocity and KrisFlyer
- What happens (to your points) after you pass away?
- How to determine cheap vs. expensive redemption options?
Earning & Managing Points Resources & Services
- Best apps and websites for tracking your points balances
- List of frequent flyer program phone details for faster research and booking
- How to use airfare alerts and save time when searching for cheap flights
- How to use ‘Where to Credit’ to calculate how many points your flight can earn
- List of paid Award Booking services who will help you find seats and use your points
- Introduction to AwardNexus
- Earn more points or miles on hotel bookings with Kaligo
- When and why to consider Expedia+ rewards to earn points for travel bookings
Using Points
Destination Guides
New Zealand
- Use points to get to New Zealand from East / South Australia
- Use points to fly to New Zealand from Perth / Western Australia
- Use points on Singapore Airlines’ Singapore – Canberra – Wellington route
- Six reasons why you should use points to visit New Zealand
USA & Central America
- Redeem Velocity points for Business & First Class flights to the USA
- Use Asia Miles as a good value alternative for redeeming for flights to the USA
- Mexico: How to get to Mexico using your frequent flyer points
- Mexico: Destination Guide
Africa
Europe
- Use Velocity points with Alitalia for redemptions to Europe
- Route & airline options when using American Airlines AAdvantage miles to get to Europe from Australia or New Zealand
- How to get to Italy using your Qantas, Velocity, Asia Miles or KrisFlyer points/miles
Round the World Flights
- Use Qantas oneworld Classic Rewards for good value around the world flights
- Use Asia Miles for great value around the world redemptions with oneworld airlines
Middle East, India & Asia
Targeting Specific Airlines, Hotels & Lounges
Qantas
- Use points from non-Qantas credit cards for Qantas flights
- Buy British Airways or Iberia Avios for short-haul Qantas redemptions
- Buy Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for cheap Qantas Premium Economy, Business & First Class
- Definitive guide to Qantas lounges
- A guide to the Qantas Club membership program
- Using frequent flyer points on Cathay Pacific flights
Virgin Australia
Emirates
Cathay Pacific
Etihad Airways
Qatar Airways
Air Canada
Lounges in Australia
Frequent Flyer, Hotel & Car Rental Status
Frequent Flyer Status
- Tips for earning, retaining and matching Gold Status
- Use United Star Alliance match and challenges for Gold Star Alliance Status
- Use the AAdvantage challenge as a shortcut to oneworld Sapphire status
- Cheapest ways of earning Qantas Gold Status
- Cheapest ways of earning Velocity Gold Status
- Beginner’s guide to Qantas Frequent Flyer status