I want to become a credit card points master in 2024: Here’s my plan
Join me on a short but potentially lucrative voyage into the world of credit cards, points and free flights.
One of my financial goals this year is to get a credit card and earn as many frequent flyer points as possible.
I have a young family, and I'm spending money on something essential every day, from fuel to utilities to nappies and groceries.
It's high time I take advantage of the points I can earn while shopping. By sticking with a debit card I'm basically leaving points (and therefore money) on the table.
What are my points goals?
As a total novice in the world of credit cards and frequent flying, I turned to Finder's editor-at-large and points guru Angus Kidman.
"My advice when starting with points is to always set a clear and attainable goal."
I want to earn as many points as possible, obviously. But my actual goal is pretty simple: I regularly fly to Sydney to visit family. I want to earn enough points to cover a few domestic reward flights each year.
This is the easy part. But what points program am I going to focus on?
Choosing a points program
There are 2 frequent flyer programs in Australia: Qantas and Velocity.
While the Qantas Frequent Flyer program offers a lot more international routes, my goal is just domestic flights. And I do 95% of my shopping at Coles.
The Coles Flybuys program is partnered with Velocity. Flybuys points, which I earn every time I shop, convert to Velocity Points at a rate of 2:1.
"Given you regularly shop at Coles, Velocity is a sensible target," says Kidman. "And if your goal is occasional trips back to Sydney, that's really attainable - flight reward availability on the Sydney-Melbourne route with Virgin is really good."
"Set up auto-transfer of your Flybuys so you're not tempted to use those points elsewhere. That also ensures regular activity - though the easiest way to do that is still via a Velocity-earning credit card."
This is reassuring. I'm on the right track. But I'm missing one vital component: a credit card.
The plan from here
I earn Flybuys when I do my grocery shopping. But I currently have a debit card. I haven't had a credit card in years.
This is where I'm missing out. Plenty of credit cards let you earn points when you spend, and they also offer generous bonus points offers when you sign up.
Without a credit card, my whole points plan is basically pointless.
Next week, I'm going to dive into the world of credit cards to find one that:
- Gives me a stack of bonus Velocity Points just for signing up.
- Lets me earn Velocity Points on my everyday spending.
- Doesn't hit me with a massive annual fee.
And with the card sorted, I'll finally need a quick plan to:
- Maximise the points I earn when spending.
- Make sure I pay the card off before I get charged any interest.
- Avoid the temptation to buy things I don't need.
I'm excited to get started.
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