The points bonanza continues. Must spend $500 in first three months.
First year annual fee will be credited after 90 days, but $10 Qantas FF program charge will apply.
40,000 Qantas FF Points with Commbank Platinum Awards Credit Card ($10 First Year Fees)
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JohnHowardsEyebrows on 06/05/2015 - 18:09 commbank.com.au (11944 clicks)
Last edited 06/05/2015 - 19:30 by 1 other user
Last edited 06/05/2015 - 19:30 by 1 other user
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The annual fee will still be charged to your account but will be credited back to your account within 90 days. An additional annual $10 Qantas Frequent Flyer Direct opt-in fee also applies. After the first year, the then current standard annual fee applicable to your card type will apply. The additional annual $10 Qantas Frequent Flyer Direct opt-in fee will also continue to apply.
I've been flying heaps for business and only have like 4k points (or less)… I have a diamond CBA card as it is, can I still signup?
Do opal card top ups count as a purchase..?
Yes they should.
Just a silly question from a newby to QFF points: how much are the QFF points worth to convert to cash or gift cards?
I do not need them to fly and normally convert all my points to cash or gift cards.So for 10bucks you can buy 350 dollars of gift cards? not bad
Which card is better with $:pts? CBA or ANZ black?
Anyone if this is available for existing CBA customer?
Read through the T&C and doesn't seem to exclude existing customer.
I'm going to call them up today - will let you know!
I guess it is also valid for existing customer as it allows you to login to Netbank ?
How did you go with this?
Can't comment on this years offer, but last year they ran the same promotion with the same card. I already had a Platinum Rewards card, and was advised by their call centre who told me they couldn't give me the points on my existing card but I could just apply for another card and cancel the existing one.
So I did just that, applied for another card, had two of the exact same credit card active with them for a week or so before shutting down the original account. Received the bonus points on the new card about 6 weeks after activation from memory.
thanks
Does anyone know the minimum income and credit criteria?
I cannot see them on the linked summary page.Thanks :)
Resolved in comment earlier.
Applied and got approved for the minimum amount $6K.
I checked my credit score and it is below average, I have applied for multiple cards since last year. I have never had a default so not sure why my score is below average.
The definition of below average score is:
"BELOW AVERAGE
If your credit score is Below Average, you're in the bottom 20% of Veda's credit-active population, suggesting it's MORE LIKELY that you will incur an adverse event such as a default, bankruptcy or court judgment in the next 12 months."I have enough savings and no chance of facing any financial hardship or any of what they have mentioned. So how do I fix it?
court judgment
LOL
Maybe you can 'improve' your credit rating by only paying the minimum balance on your statements so the credit companies finally start making money out of you through interest, and perhaps they'll start appreciating you more… ;-P
You are probably right, I have been paying my balance on time and in full. It could be that they have been making $0 of me.
Lenders beware: we got an OzBargainer here
because veda score is BS
I agree. Just checked mine- "average". Can only be due to number of applications (all approved and no late payments etc)
Can this mean paying late improves your score?
My credit limit is $1000 so that isn't the minimum.
i got a diamond card, can i sign up for this offer too?
Thanks OP here we meet again.
Btw, I'm still waiting for the points from both Westpac and NAB…Anyone waiting for both as well?
I'm in the same situation as Muncan…
muncan and OP, you two seem to churn through credit cards. How many months do you guys try and leave between credit card applications? I try to leave at least 3 months. How many rejections do you guys tend to get?
Been rejected a couple of times. If you're going for a high end card (e.g. Black/Signature), make sure you do that application first. Three per six months will probably be OK, any more than that and they will start to reject (though $1000 limit cards will probably always be approved).
Should aim to have 3-4 to accumulate points, and you'll have few problems (though American Express can be tight with that).
No rejections (yet) but I agree with JHE - apply for the most premium card first, as it has the most perks (though don't apply if you know you're ineligible). I read somewhere on OzB that we slowly accumulate credit rating points for each day that we don't apply for credit. Not sure if that's true, but it seems to make sense (probably as part of some larger fomula).
I did stagger my previous 6x ANZ card applications, but only so that I knew I could reach the target spend on each of the FF cards ($1500 at the time) before each window closed. I applied for my last couple of ANZ cards simultaneously last year, as the offer was about to end. I probably could have applied for all of them at once, but might not have reached the minimum spend on all cards.
I would suggest applying only for the minimum credit amount on each card - don't make the same mistake I made with my first ANZ card and not specify an amount. Got blown away with the amount of potential debt they gave me!
Any drawbacks if cancel the credit cards once a year ?
The main drawback is the number of applications. Not sure if your apparent history of opening cards and quickly closing them is factored into their approval models.
Does anyone know if this promo will be coming back to Westpac anytime soon?
Nobody outside the promotions team at Westpac would know. Still plenty of other promos available with cheap, if not free, points.
Thanks for that
Probably won't see bonus points for about a year.
Status - Decision Pending
Damn!
Something about this application made me feel a bit nervous that it might be rejected. If that's the case, then so be it. I won't lose any sleep. Still have 100k bonus points since Christmas!
Has anyone actually got their points…
Uhhh it's a bit soon for that
When will I receive my bonus Qantas Points?
It will take up to 90 days from the date of meeting the spend criteria for the bonus points to be credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account provided that you are not in breach of the Credit Card Conditions of Use and your account remains open.
Thanks OP!
Conditionally approved and looking forward to paying off a huge chunk of HECS ($20k) then doing a balance transfer :)
https://www.citibank.com.au/AUGCB/ICARD/appnew/showCleanNext…
Not sure CBA will give you points on ATO payments, but good luck. :l
Even if it doesn't, with the Citibank option, I'm left 5% + CPI better off than paying what I am now. Conditionally approved for 10k and will be able to upgrade it later, previously been offered $25k which was odd I thought.
Just to clarify, the aim is to spend $500 in before 90 days and then cancel so avoid annual fees?
Correct. You'll get the fees charged, then credited back (less $10 QFF program fee) about the same time you get the points. Important thing is cancelling before first anniversary (the Amex is useful at 1.25 points per $).
Thanks!!
What is the best way to spend the QFF Points?
Upgrading to business class or spend for the lounge or….?I don't have Velocity nor QFF, I didn't believe in credit cards/flybuys point (Don't have flybuys too).
But seeing this kind of deals, make me change my mind.
Would you recommend to have all of them, Velocity AND Flybuys AND QFF?
Best value is straight business or first purchase. 280k will get you RTW business, 420k in first.
It's a lot of points to collect, so best to do QFF only. Velocity is a better program, but lacks the sheer number (and generosity) of points promotions among the banks.
Flybuys is whack.
Whatever you do don't buy gift cards. Worst value. You are better off selling your points at 1 cent each.
RTW First and Business explorer fares are really good value. But don't forget you have to pay taxes plus points for this. Not sure if the taxes are exactly the same for business compared to first though.@jdogg:
Thank you… I thought the gift cards were best value.Sorry for this silly question:
What do you mean RTW? Round the world? You meant, any flight, eg Melb to London? Buy the cheapest economy ticket, then upgrade using the points? or just buy literally straight using points to buy business class (@JHE)I will start register for QFF this weekend.
@Edsanwong: Figures I quoted were for straight purchase of RTW tickets (Aus-Dubai/Asia-London-US-Home).
If you try to upgrade, you'll be competing with a lot of others. You'll need to wait until you're confirmed, and you're unlikely to get it if you didn't pay a relatively high fare anyway.
RTW business/first is the best way by far to use points.
@Edsanwong: Here is my take on Gift Cards vs Business Class/First Class fares..
I always use gift cards as a measure of the value of points because you can say $100 at Coles/Woolies is a true $100 for everyone (i.e. you are bound to find a use for it where you're buying something you'd be buying anyway).
This is not the case if measuring the value of Business Class/First Class fares because there are too many variables, such as:- Sector(s) travelled: SYD-MEL Business Class is a 1.5 hour flight, and Business Class on a flight like this is very different compared to SYD-CDG
- Choice of Airline: You will be restricted to only being able to book with either the airline with which you hold the points, or an airline with which your airline has an alliance/partnership with (e.g. You have QFF Points, you can book with OneWorld airlines for a higher points cost than QFF). What this means is you might redeem a fare from SYD-CDG for 256,000 points in Business Class return which normally costs ~$8500 in cash, but if you were actually forced to pay cash, you would have flown Singapore Airlines because their fare costs ~$7200. This means your points value should be calculated using the $7200 and not the $8500 (i.e. 25% less valuable). It's also notable that QFF charge a premium on booking with their partners.
- Flexibility with Dates: You need to be somewhat flexible with dates because airlines generally set aside an allocation for point redemption tickets. You can also be "outbid" by a member of a higher status.
- Applicable Taxes: When redemption airfares are quoted by points, you still (AFAIK, always) need to pay taxes (fuel/airport). This will usually amount to several hundreds of dollars and varies depending on sector flown. You must factor this in to determine the value of your points
- As an elabaration of the point above, this is why it is generally considered better use of points to redeem tickets in Business Class/First Class, because the tax cost usually does not vary greatly between different classes of travel (again, dependent on sector).
- Perception of Value: It is arguable that you would want a longer transit/journey time to make the most of Business Class/First Class. This would most definitely be the case if comparing direct flights, but what if you have the option of flying SYD-DXB direct vs SYD-DXB via SIN? It is arguable that the stopover in SIN is preferable, as you have the option of having a break in the middle, during which time you are able to use a premium lounge. Transit as a Business Class passenger is simply not the same as it is for Economy Class.
So instead of paying ~$8500 for a Business Class fare for SYD-CDG return, you pay 256,000 points + $767.94 taxes.
This, compared to paying ~$2400 for an Economy fare for SYD-CDG return, or 128,000 points + $767.94 taxes.
See why it's "better value" to redeem the Business Class fare now?TLDR
- If you are someone that ACTUALLY values Business Class/First Class travel enough to pay (approx) double the economy airfare, then it is probably worthwhile.
- If you are not selective with your choice of airline, the value of points diminishes
- If you never travel/fly, or are happy to just get from A to B for the cheapest price possible, then the value of points is also diminished
Fantastic explanation.
I don't travel a lot. When I was single, I just bought the cheapest one from A to B.
Now, I am thinking it would be good to get nice things for my parents/inlaws/wife such business class airfare
Thanks everyone for your time explaining to me.
@Edsanwong:
I flied Qantas cattle class to China a few months ago. Got into Qantas business lounge using one of the passes come with my Visa signature card before boarding, which was nice.Anyway I requested for upgrade for the return leg about a week before return date, got approved 24 hours prior to departure time, then hopped online selected my seat.
Then everything was so smooth on the day, checked in at business lounge counter at airport without having to queue, rested at airport business lounge with the pass they provided at check in. Priority boarding, once boarded, Champagne offered as soon as I sat down, overcoat was taken to closet. Then a selection of wine,etc, Neil Perry inspired menu.
Almost flat seat(or bed maybe), the night was so easily passed , I basically slept through, till about an hour before landing. When flight attendant woke me up asking me whether still want my breakfast (which I requested to wake me up when ordering breakfast the night before).
Even better they handed out an express pass which I used to get through Customs counter without queuing (some others in queues stared at us, wondered that we were queue jumping maybe, a few tried to follow us but got knocked back by custom officers because they did not have the express pass). Too bad that I brought in some snack food and declared so needed to be inspected, otherwise I would be out of the airport in no time.
It cost me 48k points to upgrade one leg, however earned 7800 points for flying Qantas anyway. So end of day it only cost ~40k points, and it's definitely worth it. Will not doubt do that again, no more gift cards for me that's for sure.
flied
lol. Sorry I had to.
Anyway. Did you need to pay any taxes for upgrading?
That 48000 points would be worth about.. $320ish in gift cards, so sounds like a decent "upgrade price" for Qantas.
And also, how much was your Economy Fare? AFAIK you can't be on the cheapest ones (Savers).return economy fare cost my AUD1000 plus $20 credit card charge, which was fairly good price considering it was between Christmas and New Years day. It was actually cheaper than any other of these Chinese airlines during that period.
And no tax on upgrading at all.
Kinda recall that it would have cost me around 900-1000 AUS to upgrade with cash though.
@l2argain:
Never used points to book hotels but you can compare for yourself against using a promo code on a hotel website. Can't imagine it being good value though.
Can someone please confirm I have this correct, or more likely -correct me where I've gone wrong.
I've just received the 2 cards- I need to first activate them.
Then I need to spend $500. Do bill payments (ie bpaying rent, electricity) count as an eligable purchase?
Once $500 is spent, I then need to keep the account open for up to 90 days until I receive my Q ponts.
In the mean time, I will be charged $300, and after 90 days- this will be refunded? Will this incur any interest or can I effectively "ignore this fee"?
Qantas program will charge me $10 (when?). I need to pay this off.
Once I have my points, close the account?
Hopefully I'm on the right track here.
Cheers for any help!
Correct, other than the part about Bpaying rent. If the biller accepts credit cards, the purchases will qualify. If you have to log into the bank account to settle it (and it's treated as a cash advance), then it won't count.
Honestly though, you've got three months to spend the $500 - just use it for your supermarket shopping.
You have to pay the $280 upfront. You'll get it back in 90 days. Not paying it upfront will lead to interest charges.
Cheers for the reply!
With the 280, do I need to pay that off on my first statement?
If I do this, then when hey "credit it back", won't I be in credit $280 (assuming my account is balanced)?I just want to spend the $500, get the points, and then close.
I'm pretty confused over how to handle this $280 (I thought it was $300 lol..?)
You'll probably have to spend the $280 when you get it back. Though you could cancel and ask for a cheque (other posters have probably tried this approach?).
Remember the Amex is still pretty good (unless you already have a Westpac Black or other card offering 1.5 per $).Basically for you to avoid ANY interest charges whatsoever, always pay your closing balance in full. The $280 will just be treated as a regular purchase so you just have to treat it as one.
But yes you are correct. You will indeed be in $280 of credit but that's just how it is.
I don't know when you'll be charged the $10 for the Qantas program, and ususally they have T&Cs highlighting what are considered eligible purchases.
Could someone clarify at what stage we provide them with out QFF number. Thanks!
Probably when activating the card(s)
I am scratching my head trying to figure out where to enter QFF # too.
Activate the cards on the app without being prompted with anything related to QFFupdated - apparently you have to call to opt in for QFF - https://www.commonwealthawards.com.au/pointstransfer
"CommBank Awards customers wishing to redeem their points for Qantas Points* need to opt-in to Qantas Frequent Flyer Direct. Once you have opted in all CommBank Awards points will be automatically transferred to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account each month. To opt-in to Qantas Frequent Flyer Direct you need to call 13 1661, there is a $10 annual fee charged for opting in. Please note that all CommBank Awards points earned prior to the date you opt-in cannot be transferred to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account."
Hmm according to the FAQ on the OP link:
Do I have to opt-in to Qantas Frequent Flyer Direct?
You will be automatically opted-in to Qantas Frequent Flyer Direct as your rewards program (an annual $10 opt-in fee applies)#.https://www.commbank.com.au/personal/credit-cards/credit-car…
it says:
CommBank will request a customer's Qantas Frequent Flyer membership number directly from Qantas.
so I assume we do not need to do anything?
@gotcha: That sounds to be the case by the FAQ. It's a bit unorthodox to not provide your QFF number. At the top of the page it also says:
Remember, you need to apply via the links on this page to be eligible for this offer.
So it does seem that the OP link is a bit special.
Wait and see. Although I gotta contact them in order to decrease credit limit, silly me did not specify the amount when applying.
yeah, but anyway I would hold up not to use the card for now at least, just to ensure points earned not get wasted.
i called up, the agent just said that it would eventually happen in next few weeks. I asked if she can be more specific (any form to be filled, how they will get my qff number, etc) she couldn't provide those info.
Instead she offered Award points which is more worth instead of QFF, I said I've been collecting QFF points so..
Looks like you have to actively opt-in to QFF by calling or emailing them. That's when they charge you the $10 opt-in fee.
Otherwise you'll just collect some kind of Commbank awards points instead.
Has anyone got the card approved yet? It's been a week since I applied, decision still pending. Applied for an ANZ AMEX at the same time and received the card yesterday and started using it today. Pretty slow process by CBA.
My application was pending and I hadn't heard anything after a few days so logged in with the Client ID received during the application and saw that it has been approved. Never received an email though to let me know.
I still haven't hear back. Called them to ask thrice, they keep saying its going through Security checks. Complete BS. My credit rating is good as far as I have checked. Not sure whats happening.
grr it crashes half way through
Sorry!
This application form is temporarily unavailable.
Please try again later.
Reference: 563059f0-20df-4c2c-832e-688af2b7955d"Congratulations, your new CommBank credit card has been conditionally approved and is almost ready.
To finalise your application, we need a little more information from you."Sounds promising.
If you've uploaded your two documents and it still comes up with that message, don't worry about it.
Commonwealth has received it, just the "to finalise your application…" message will still show up. I've called them up and reported the bug.
This email was after my initial uploads and requested a specific document.
How much annual income does one need to be approved for the $6k minimum?
Re: the application process, for those who have been through it, approx. how long from approval to receiving the cards?
Also, were you able to 'track' your application via the CBA website? It mentions something about being able to track via netbank… but I can't see anything.
Check your application status via:
Login to NetBank > Offers & apply > My applicationsjust for your comparison, mine was a week, applied on the 7th, received in my mailbox yesterday
Hmm ok thanks guys!
Still can't see anything in netbank, but ill keep an eye out for the cards!
If it has disappeared from Netbank then it means it has been approved and the card is on its way. Silly way of doing it but that is how their system works.
So I applied for this card (through the links provided) and was approved. When the cards arrived, they were not the Platinum cards so I called CBA and they told me I didn't meet the criteria so approved me for a lower card, without any of the benefits this one has. Well done CBA. Need to call back and cancel/complain tomorrow. Thought I would let people know as this could happen to others I suppose.
that sucks
Wtf…. I haven't given them my payslip yet but my letter says awards credit card instead of platinum. Yours say the same?
Screw that. I'd rather they just reject me than give me a card I didn't request.
Yep, award card. Bottom of the rung. I'd prefer they reject me as well.
May I ask if you've applied for many lately? Is your Veda score good, average etc?
Just trying to gauge whether I risk falling into this trap, too.
Sure, my Veda is at the very good high end, but yeah, I've recently got another 3 approves in April (all for points). That would be it.
How many credit cards if too many?
I have 28degrees$1000 - had for years, only use OS.
Coles mc $1000 - card cut up and just use for weekly shop for free delivery.
ANZ black $15000 (most likely cancelled soon)
Nowhere near too many. :)
Anecdotally, it's how many apps you've done in the last 6mths.
I did exactly that last year to take advantage of 40,000 QFF points then.
I called them and asked about getting the offer applied to my existing Platinum Rewards card, they said no can do and said I could just apply for another card if I wanted. So I did and then cancelled the previous one when the new one was active.