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Your first-class ticketto points starts here.

New to frequent flyer points? Start here. The two sides of the points game, the golden rule for using them, and the three guides to read first.

Feeling overwhelmed by frequent flyer points, credit cards and status credits? You’re in the right place. The jargon can be confusing, and the “rules” seem to change constantly. But here’s the secret: the core principles are simple. This page is your roadmap. We’ll guide you step by step from earning your first point to booking your first incredible reward flight.

Step 1: the two sides of the points game

Earning points

This is how you collect your travel currency. The two main ways for beginners in Australia are:

  1. Flying: The traditional way. You fly, you earn points. Simple.
  2. Spending: The real game-changer. By using the right credit card for your everyday spending (groceries, petrol, bills), you can earn thousands of points without ever stepping on a plane. This is the foundation of a great points strategy — start with the Credit Card Launchpad.

Redeeming (burning) points

This is where the magic happens. You exchange your hard-earned points for rewards. But not all rewards are created equal. This is the most important lesson you’ll learn.

Step 2: the golden rule — flights, not toasters

Airlines will try to tempt you with gift cards, appliances and hotel stays. Ignore them. The single best way to get maximum value from your points is to redeem them for flights, specifically in Business or First Class.

The toaster trap (bad value)

This is the scenario airlines want you to fall for. It looks tempting, but the value just isn’t there.

  • The reward: You see a fancy $500 toaster in the Qantas rewards store.
  • The cost: It’s listed for 120,000 Qantas Points.
  • The maths: $500 ÷ 120,000 points = $0.004 per point.
  • Value unlocked: just 0.4 cents per point.

You’re getting less than half a cent of value for each of your hard-earned points. We can do so much better!

The Business Class win (amazing value)

This is the smart play. Using the same points for a premium travel experience multiplies their value enormously.

  • The reward: You book a one-way Business Class flight to Singapore.
  • The cost: It’s redeemed for those same 120,000 Qantas Points.
  • The maths: A ticket like this can cost over $4,000, so $4,000 ÷ 120,000 points = $0.033 per point.
  • Value unlocked: 3.3 cents per point!

Step 3: what’s next

You’ve taken the most important first step. Now let’s keep the momentum going.