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Your credit card could earn double rewards points this long weekend

Alex Ritchie avatar
Alex Ritchie
- 3 min read
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Whether you’re stretching out your long weekend for a big American road trip, or jetting off to Bali with the family, you’ll want your credit card to work harder for you.

RateCity research has revealed that if you’re planning on turning your long weekend into an excuse for an overseas holiday, there are some credit cards that offer you a double dose of rewards points.

There are currently 15 credit card products available where the earn rate for international purchases is higher than domestic purchases.

While ordinarily shopping may earn you, say, 1 rewards point per dollar spent with your standard credit card rewards program, there are some credit card products that offer up to three times as more when you’re using your card overseas – including from the big four banks.

Credit cards with higher international earn rates than domestic rates

Company

Product

International spend

Everyday generic spend (domestic)

Citi

Prestige (Citi Rewards Program)

3

1

Citi

Prestige (Qantas Rewards Program)

1.5

0.5

Citi

Emirates World Mastercard

1.25

1

HSBC

Premier World Mastercard (Rewards Plus)

1.5

1

NAB

Rewards Platinum Card

3

1

American Express

Platinum Edge Credit Card

2*

1

HSBC

Platinum Credit Card

2

1

NAB

Rewards Signature Card

3.75

1.25

Qantas Money

Qantas Premier Titanium

2

1.25

Qantas Money

Qantas Premier Everyday

1

0.75

Qantas Money

Qantas Premier Platinum

1.5

1

Westpac

Altitude Platinum Bundle (Altitude Rewards)

3

2

Westpac

Altitude Platinum Bundle (Qantas Rewards)

1.5

1

Westpac

Altitude Black Bundle (Altitude Rewards)

5

3

Westpac

Altitude Black Bundle (Qantas Rewards)

2

1.25

*AMEX New Membership Rewards point earn rate from 15 April 2019

Source: RateCity.com.au, rates accurate as at 5/03/19.

Some of these rewards credit cards also offer additional perks for overseas travellers, including international travel insurance, access to airport lounges, complimentary nights at partnering hotels or luxury airport transfers.

However, it’s crucial that you research and compare rates and fees associated with these credit cards, including annual fees and the number of interest free days.

Credit cards with rewards programs often cost more in fees and interest, so it may be wise to choose a rewards card only if you can pay off your balance in full each month. Also, consider whether these benefits will outweigh the cost of the membership itself.

What could you spend your rewards points on?

Higher value: Flight upgrades – these typically give you the highest dollar value for your points.

Medium value: Flights – particularly international flights as they tend to provide greater dollar value for points than domestic.

Lesser value: Gift vouchers & products — these tend to give the lowest dollar value for points redeemed.

Disclaimer

This article is over two years old, last updated on April 12, 2019. While RateCity makes best efforts to update every important article regularly, the information in this piece may not be as relevant as it once was. Alternatively, please consider checking recent credit cards articles.

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Product database updated 28 Nov, 2024

This article was reviewed by Property & Personal Finance Writer Nick Bendel before it was published as part of RateCity's Fact Check process.