Are frequent flyer points worth it? I asked a finance expert

We love earning and burning points here at Point Hacks but how can we do it in a way that is financially responsible? Are frequent flyer points even worth it? Is all of this for nothing??
This week I put these questions (and many more) to finance expert, author, TV commentator and fellow podcaster Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon.

Nicole has spent decades teaching Australians how to build wealth and make smarter financial decisions. In this episode, she reveals how frequent flyer points can fit perfectly into a responsible financial strategy.

From earning over 200,000 points in a single day, to shaving tens of thousands off a mortgage, Nicole breaks down how she cleverly integrates points with everyday money habits to get her family flying further and more often.

Of course, I had to ask the ultimate question in the point hacking world — “are frequent flyer points worth it?”
Watch the video below to find out.

Key Takeaways

“I never sign up for a card that doesn’t pay for itself… the points are literally the bonus on top.”
“If you don’t trust yourself with spending, then a credit card is absolutely not for you.”

While credit cards often offer the highest points bonuses, the rewards need to outweigh the risks.

“We’re all doing things every day on which we should be earning points.”
“Why wouldn’t you get something for nothing? It makes no sense.”

When asked if points are worth it Nicole is clear: points aren’t a gimmick, they’re a leverage tool. Most people simply don’t take advantage of them.

“I earn all my points on the ground, and I burn them all in the air.”

Nicole’s strategy is simple: collect through everyday spending and partner deals, then redeem for flights, where the value is typically the highest.

Further reading and helpful links

Keep up to date with the latest bonus point offers by bookmarking this page.

Earning points on everyday spend is key to Nicole’s point-earning strategy. Read how to earn points without ever stepping foot on a plane. Qantas | Velocity

If you loved Nicole’s insight you can find plenty more of her work on her website or by following Nicole on Instagram.

Qantas American Express Ultimate

Find Out More & Apply

Read the guide

Sign-up Bonus:

Up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points¹

Rewards Earn Rate:

1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible everyday purchases. 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Point per $1 at government bodies in Australia. After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.

Annual Fee:

$450 p.a.

Offer expires

13 January 2026

Earn 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional 20,000 Qantas Points when you spend a minimum of $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card Fee¹. (Offer ends 13 January 2026. New Amex Card Members only. T&Cs apply.) This card includes an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit, two Qantas lounge passes, complimentary international travel insurance, and Qantas Wine Premium Membership (valued at $99). Earn 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 on everyday spend, 2.25 on Qantas purchases, and 0.5 on government payments. The annual fee is $450.

Want to try and beat Nicole’s record of over 200,000 Qantas Points in a day? Try starting with a Qantas Point earning credit card.

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 channel. 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.