Flybuys Credit Cards

To help you navigate the options, we've broken down our top picks into categories. For each card listed below, we'll provide an overview of its key features, earning rate, annual fee, and any current sign-up bonuses that could give your Flybuys balance a significant jumpstart.

Best for High Earners/Premium Rewards: These cards typically come with higher annual fees but offer accelerated points earning rates and often generous sign-up bonuses, making them ideal for those with significant monthly spending who can maximise the benefits.

Best for Everyday Spending: These cards offer a solid, consistent earning rate on most of your purchases without necessarily having the highest annual fees. They're great for general day-to-day use.

Best for Low Annual Fee/No Annual Fee: For those who are budget-conscious but still want to dip their toes into the world of rewards, these cards offer a way to earn Flybuys points without a hefty yearly cost. The earning rates might be lower, but the value can still be significant over time.

Pros and Cons of Using a Credit Card for Flybuys Points

Using a credit card to earn Flybuys points can be highly rewarding, but it’s important to consider both the benefits and the potential downsides. Like any financial product, credit cards should be used thoughtfully.

Being aware of these pros and cons can help you determine whether a Flybuys credit card is the right choice for your financial goals and spending style.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flybuys Credit Card

Choosing the right credit card to maximise your Flybuys points is about more than just the highest earn rate. It’s about matching card features with your spending habits and financial goals. Here are the main factors to weigh up:

Earning Rate: This is a key consideration for Flybuys collectors. Coles cards earn Flybuys points directly (e.g. 1 point per $1 spent), while others earn points in the bank’s own program (e.g. NAB Rewards, CommBank Awards). These can be converted to Flybuys points, often via Velocity Frequent Flyer. Always check the transfer rate to understand your effective Flybuys earn.

Bonus Categories: Look for cards that offer higher points on spending categories like groceries, fuel, or overseas purchases. If these align with your regular expenses, you can boost your points balance quickly.

Annual Fee: Most rewards cards come with an annual fee. Make sure the value of points and perks outweighs the cost. Some cards offer a first-year waiver to help you trial the product.

Sign-Up Bonus: A large sign-up bonus is a fast way to earn Flybuys points. Look for offers with high bonus points, but be sure you can meet the spending requirement (e.g. $3,000 in 3 months) without overspending. Watch out though, some transactions don’t count towards the spend threshold, such as cash advances and balance transfers.

Interest Rate & Fees: To get the most from a rewards card, always pay off your balance in full each month. Interest charges can wipe out any benefit from points earned. If you think you’ll carry a balance, consider a card with a lower interest rate. Watch out if there are any foreign transaction fees and late payment charges.

Extra Perks: Many Flybuys earning credit cards come with useful extras

• Travel Insurance: Often includes overseas travel insurance, but check the terms and conditions carefully (e.g., activation requirements, coverage limits).
• Purchase Protection/Extended Warranty: Useful for covering damage or theft on new items.
• Other perks: This can include access to airport lounges and Concierge Services that can assist with bookings, event tickets, etc.

Application Requirements: Ensure you meet these and any other eligibility requirements before applying.

Balance Transfer Offers (Optional): Some cards include 0% balance transfer deals. While helpful for debt consolidation, these usually shouldn’t be mixed with rewards goals. Avoid new spending on a balance transfer card if you're focused on repaying debt.

Maximising Your Flybuys Points Earnings

Getting a Flybuys credit card is only the beginning. To make the most of it, you need a strategy that boosts your points balance and helps you unlock rewards sooner.

Pay your bill on time and in full: Interest charges and late fees can quickly outweigh any value you gain from Flybuys points. To avoid this, treat your credit card like a debit card. Only spend what you can afford to repay each month.

Make the most of sign-up bonuses: These are often the fastest way to earn a large stash of points.

• Meet the spend requirement: Use your card for regular expenses to meet the required spend within the promo period. Avoid making unnecessary purchases just to qualify.
• Track your spending: Monitor your progress to ensure you’re on track to earn the bonus.

Use bonus categories strategically: Some cards offer more points for spending on specific categories like groceries or fuel.

• Focus your spending in these areas using the relevant card.
• Example: If your card earns 2 Flybuys points per dollar at supermarkets, use it for all Coles shops.

Activate Flybuys offers: Flybuys regularly sends targeted offers, such as "5x points at Coles".

• Activate these offers in the Flybuys app or your online account before shopping.
• Then use your Flybuys credit card at checkout to combine bonus points from both sources.

Stack points at partner stores: At Coles, Kmart, Target, Liquorland and other Flybuys partners:

• Scan your Flybuys card or app before paying.
• Pay using your Flybuys-earning credit card. This double-dip approach earns points from both the retailer and your card.

Card churning (advanced strategy): Some experienced points collectors apply for new credit cards to collect sign-up bonuses, then close the cards after a suitable period.
Important disclaimer: Card churning should only be considered by those with strong credit discipline and a good credit score. Many banks have restrictions on how often you can earn bonuses. This tactic can affect your credit and is not suitable for everyone.

Important Considerations & Disclaimers

Before applying for any credit card, it’s important to understand the responsibilities involved. While earning Flybuys points is rewarding, managing your credit responsibly should always come first.

Eligibility criteria: Each credit card has its own set of requirements, typically including:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Residency: Most cards require you to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Income: Banks often set minimum income thresholds.
• Credit history: Your credit report and score are assessed to determine your creditworthiness. A good credit history improves your chances of approval, especially for premium rewards cards.

Interest rates and fees: Using your credit card responsibly is essential.

• Avoid debt: If you carry a balance, interest charges can quickly cancel out any rewards. Aim to pay your statement balance in full by the due date.
• Read the fine print: Understand all potential fees, including annual fees, cash advance charges, overseas transaction fees, late payment penalties and over-limit charges.

Impact on your credit score: Applying for a new credit card affects your credit record.

• Each application results in a "hard inquiry", which may temporarily lower your score.
• Opening several accounts in a short period can raise red flags with lenders.
• On the flip side, responsible use (paying on time and keeping balances low) can improve your credit score over time.

Offers change regularly: Credit card deals are updated frequently.

• Verify information: Always check the card provider's website for the most current terms before applying. While accurate at the time of writing, information in guides like this can become outdated.

Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS): The PDS contains full details about a credit card’s terms and conditions, fees, interest rates, insurance policies, and eligibility criteria. You are responsible for reading and understanding this document before applying.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Flybuys Companion

Choosing a Flybuys credit card can seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can maximise your points and benefits.

We've covered how various cards can boost your Flybuys earnings, what to look for when comparing cards, and strategies for making the most of your spending. Remember, the best credit card isn’t just about points – it’s the one that suits your lifestyle, spending habits and financial goals.

Above all, use credit cards responsibly: pay off your balance in full each month, understand the fees involved, and only apply for cards that meet your needs. That way, you can enjoy the perks of Flybuys without the risk of debt.

Ready to turn your everyday purchases into valuable Flybuys rewards? Use this guide to compare the top Flybuys credit cards and take your next step towards smarter, more rewarding spending.