This guide reflects how I personally chose to earn and spend points during my university years. While point-collecting might not be ideal for everyone, it allowed me to travel extensively on a student budget without dipping too deeply into my savings. I worked full-time during COVID and strategically accumulated points to turn otherwise costly trips into affordable experiences.
For those considering this approach, keep in mind that it requires careful planning and discipline. Collecting points can also pose risks, such as overspending and privacy concerns. However, when used effectively, points can make a significant difference—as demonstrated by my savings on the following trips:
Flight Redemptions and Savings
Route | Points Spent | Cash Value (AUD) | Fees Paid (AUD) | Savings (AUD) |
Syd - Cairns (2 people, one way) | 36,000 | $600 | $100 | $500 |
Syd - San Francisco (return) | 83,800 | $1,800 | $300 | $1,500 |
Syd - Portland (return) | 83,800 | $1,800 | $300 | $1,500 |
Syd - Johannesburg (return) | 75,200 | $1,600 | $300 | $1,300 |
Syd - Port Macquarie (2 return trips) | 23,000 | $600 | $200 | $400 |
Syd - Perth (2 return trips) | 72,000 | $2,000 | $400 | $1,600 |
Syd - New Zealand (return) | 28,800 | $800 | $300 | $500 |
Syd - Fiji (return for 2 people) | 36,000 | $1,500 | $300 | $1,200 |
Jakarta - Syd (business class, one way) | 68,400 | $2,500 | $150 | $2,350 |
Total | 507,000 | $13,200 | $2,650 | $11,050 |
How I Earned My Points
I employed a range of strategies to earn points consistently, leveraging everyday purchases, special offers, and rewards programs:
Everyday Rewards Points through Woolworths: I have Everyday Rewards Plus, which doubles the points earned on eligible purchases. Boosting points with the Woolworths Everyday Rewards app significantly increased my balance. Frequent bonus offers allowed me to earn extra points on regular grocery shopping.
Maximising Credit Card Points: I utilised credit cards with high point-earning rates, including platforms like 'RentPay' to pay rent and earn points. This approach made a substantial difference in accumulating points.
Joining Qantas Wellbeing: By enrolling in Qantas Wellbeing and maintaining Qantas Health Insurance, I boosted my balance through additional point-earning opportunities.
Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses: Timing credit card applications with large sign-up bonuses helped me earn significant points quickly. Sites like Point Hacks provided valuable information on the best deals.
Online Shopping Portals: The Qantas Shopping Portal offers bonus points for purchases with participating retailers. This portal became a consistent source of extra points.
Qantas Shopping Points-Prompter: The Qantas Shopping Points-Prompter browser extension made earning points even easier by alerting me when a retailer offered Qantas points.
Risks and Downsides of Collecting Points
While point-collecting has clear benefits, it’s essential to be aware of its potential pitfalls:
Overspending: Loyalty programs are designed to encourage higher spending. Without careful management, it’s easy to overspend in pursuit of points.
Privacy Concerns: By participating in these schemes, you share personal data about your spending habits. This information is often used for targeted marketing or sold to third parties.
Point Devaluation: Over time, airlines and credit card providers may increase the points required for redemptions, reducing their value. Points also don’t accrue interest, so letting them sit unused can diminish their worth.
Limited Flexibility: Availability of reward seats can be restricted, requiring flexibility in travel dates to maximise point value.
My Strategy for Spending Points
While I didn’t always redeem points for the highest possible value, my priority was to travel as frequently as I could. For example, while short-haul flights may not offer the best value per point, they allowed me to explore more destinations during university breaks.
If you only have limited annual leave and want a luxury experience, redeeming points for business class on long-haul routes offers better value. However, with fixed university holidays and limited flexibility, my focus was on using points to maximise travel opportunities rather than optimise for luxury.
Redeeming Points Wisely
Some routes offer better value for point redemptions than others. For example, Sydney to Johannesburg provided excellent value because only Qantas operated the route at the time, resulting in inflated cash fares. Additionally, flying regionally within Australia can be prohibitively expensive due to limited competition. Using points on routes like Sydney to Port Macquarie, where fares can exceed $400 return, offered significant savings.
It’s also important to remember that points lose value over time, and they don’t earn interest. Airlines may devalue points by increasing redemption rates, so using them strategically and without delay is crucial.
Tips for Maximising Points and Savings
Redeem Wisely: Focus on routes and redemptions that provide the best value for your points, especially long-haul flights and premium cabins.
Factor in Fees: Even when using points, taxes and fees still apply. My international flight fees averaged $150 per leg, while domestic flights were around $50 per leg.
Plan in Advance: Booking early increases the likelihood of finding reward seats, particularly on popular routes.
Use Partner Airlines: Partner airlines often provide better availability and unique route options. For example, I redeemed points for flights on Fiji Airways, which opened up new travel opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Through a combination of disciplined point-earning and strategic redemptions, I saved over $11,000 AUD on travel during university. While this approach may not suit everyone, it enabled me to explore more destinations without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student or someone looking to travel on a budget, points can unlock incredible travel opportunities if managed carefully.
Have questions about earning or redeeming points? I’d be happy to share more insights based on my experience!
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