With the prospect of international borders reopening in very late 2021 or early 2022, our minds at Points Brotherhood have started turning to our next oversea adventure. To ensure that we have sufficient frequent flyer points in the right currencies, it’s now time to start accumulating credit card sign on bonuses again.
Per Drew’s recent post on Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, a program that has traditionally had premium award seats to Europe even at peak times, the first question is around which currency to collect.
In this post:
ANZ Qantas Frequent Flyer Black VISA
Milton has gone down the traditional route of Qantas Frequent Flyer and signed up for the ANZ Qantas Black card for the generous 120,000 point bonus after $3,000 spend.
That is enough for a one way Business Class flight from Sydney to Los Angeles or roughly 80% of the way to a one way Business Class flight to London.
A net annual fee of $225 (usually $425, but with $200 cashback) is excellent value for the points haul, with the two Qantas lounge passes being a bonus.
NAB Rewards Signature Card
Drew has plenty of Qantas points so is building his KrisFlyer balance for additional redemption options. The 90,000 NAB points after $3,000 spend is a smart way to house points until they are ready to redeem with KrisFlyer (as there is a hard 3 year expiry on miles in that program).
A $295 annual fee is also excellent value, given this card is one of only a few ways to earn KrisFlyer points on Australian credit card spend. Read Drew’s review here.
What Is Your Required Run Rate For 2022?
I often get asked for frequent flyer points advice a few months out from travel, by which time it is too late to book those rare premium award seats to Europe and the US. Not to mention addressing the gap between the current and required points balances to make that first trip up front a reality.
With the booking window for early 2022 travel coming into view, it’s worth taking the time to figure out your own run rate for premium international flights on your next trip.
Bottom Line
There are plenty of generous bonus points offers on new credit cards from all the major banks and American Express. With international travel highly likely to return in 2022, get on the front foot and figure out your run rate and plan so you’re up front the next time you head overseas.
