Different earning rates often apply when using your credit card domestically or abroad. Today, we unravel the intricate domain of credit cards and the various types available with the aim of uncovering the best international earning rate from the leading international cards.
Note: Some of these cards have foreign transaction fees which may negatively impact the earn rate of your card of choice.
| Points/$ | Fee% for International transaction | Conversion rate | Benefits | |
| Coles Mastercard (Annual Fee $99) | 2 Flybuys for first $3000, rate is halved thereafter. | 0% | 2:1 to Velocity 1 Velocity pt/$ for first $3000 spent 0.5 pts/$ thereafter | – low annual fee – No international transaction fee – good earn rate for Velocity points |
| Commonwealth Bank Ultimate Rewards | 1.2 (Qantas points) | 0% | Directly credited to Qantas 1.2 Qantas pts/$ | – No Monthly card fee if you meet the spending requirement – No international transaction fee |
| American Express Platinum (Annual Fee $1,450) | 2.25 | 3% | 2:1 conversion to most major airlines and hotels (conversion drops to 3:1 to Singapore Airlines Krisflyer and Emirates Skyward in Oct 2023) | – $450 Travel Credit – Accor Plus Membership – Hotel Elite Status – Priority Pass |
| Qantas Premier Titanium (Annual Fee $1,200) | 2 (Qantas Points) | 3% | Directly credited to Qantas 2 Qantas points/$ | – Bonus Status credit on Qantas marketed flights – Qantas fare discount – 4 lounge passes |
| Citibank Prestige Credit Card (Annual Fee $700) | 3 | 3.4% | Velocity 2:1 Cathay/Krisflyer 2.5:1 Transfer to other programs not recommended | – 4th night free at selected hotels – Priority pass membership – Citi PayAll 0% fee offer and others |
Examining each card’s finer details.
The Coles Mastercard gets the crown in Velocity Frequent Flyer as it yields 1 point per dollar with 0 foreign transaction fees and a low annual fee.
Qantas Premier Titanium leads the pack for Qantas frequent flyers as it yields 2 points per dollar spent. This feature-packed card comes with numerous benefits with Qantas including discounted tickets, increased status points, first class lounge passes and more. However, you will incur a foreign transaction fee of 3% and an annual fee of $1,200.
The Commonwealth Bank Ultimate Rewards is a good option for Qantas flyers if you want a card with low fees. Although it yields a slightly lower earning rate of 1.2 points per dollar, but it does not attract foreign transaction fees and you can even have the monthly fee waived if you meet the spending requirement.
For those who cherish hotel benefits will appreciate the value of an Amex Platinum or Citibank Prestige Mastercard.
Conclusion
As you can see every card has its benefits and drawbacks, the card that’s right for you often depends on your spending pattern and personal choice. Regardless of the card you choose a Points Advisor expert can help you leverage the points you earn—call us, you’ll be happy you did.
