Best credit cards for free Qantas, Virgin frequent flyer points

Looking for a fast way to get your Qantas or Virgin Australia frequent flyer points soaring? These amazing credit card deals offer a sign-up bonus of up to 100,000 points to new applicants.

That's enough for a free business class flight from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Los Angeles; or ten business class upgrades from that cramped economy class seat on flights between  Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and Perth.

On top of that, you'll continue to earn Qantas or Virgin Velocity points every time you use your card for everything from day to day purchases – such as a quick tap-and-go payment for your morning coffee – through to grocery shopping, dining out and paying for airfares and hotel accommodation.

100,000 points: American Express Platinum Charge Card

The American Express Platinum Charge Card serves up 100,000 of AMEX's own Membership Rewards Ascent Premium points – which can be converted into 100,000 Qantas points or Virgin Australia Velocity points.

You'll just need to apply by May 1 2017 and spend at least $1,500 on purchases within the first three months to secure those points.

There's an annual card fee of $1,200 – but to ease that sting, AMEX provides a $300 Platinum Travel Credit every year which you can spend on flights, hotels and more, lowering the actual 'cost' of the card to $900.

You'll also collect up to three frequent flyer points for every dollar spent at most Australian restaurants; two points per dollar on most travel-related charges and on all overseas spend; and one point per dollar on almost everything else...

75,000 points: Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

The new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card throws in a bonus 75,000 Qantas Points plus 75 Qantas status credits when you book a return flight with Qantas by September 30 2017.

Just apply for the card by May 1 2017, pay an annual fee of $450 and spend at least $1,500 on everyday purchases within the first three months to unlock your serving of bonus points.

75,000 points: ANZ Qantas Frequent Flyer Black Visa credit card

The ANZ Qantas Frequent Flyer Black Visa Card also delivers 75,000 Qantas Points and 75 Qantas status credits, although there's a slightly higher spend of $2,500 on eligible purchases within the first three months. However, there's no annual fee to pay in the first year, either: a saving of $425.

50,000 points: American Express Velocity Platinum Card

The affordable American Express Velocity Platinum Card plonks 50,000 Velocity points on the table plus a free Virgin Australia domestic return flight every year, with just $349/year in fees.

Those bonus points are yours after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months. You'll also collect three Velocity points per dollar spent at most Australian restaurants and on Virgin Australia flight bookings.

40,000 points: NAB Rewards Visa Platinum credit card

NAB's brand new NAB Rewards Visa Platinum credit card makes its debut with a firm offer of 80,000 NAB Rewards points for eligible new customers, equal to 40,000 Velocity points when converted on a 2:1 basis.

You'll also pay no annual fee in the first year (usually $195), and can earn those bonus points when applying by May 31 2017 and spending at least $2,500 on purchases within the first 90 days.

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.