Velocity Frequent Flyer is Virgin Australia's loyalty program, allowing members to earn points on flights, everyday spending, and through partnerships. Maximizing your Velocity points accumulation through credit card spending is a savvy strategy for frequent flyers. This guide explores the best credit cards for earning Velocity points in 2024, helping you choose the right card to accelerate your rewards.
| Credit Card | Key Features | Earning Rate (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| American Express Velocity Platinum | High earning potential, annual Virgin Australia domestic return flight, complimentary travel insurance, bonus Velocity Points upon signup, access to Amex Offers. | Up to 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases (varying rates apply based on spend category); Bonus points for new cardholders. |
| ANZ Rewards Black | High earning potential, complimentary travel insurance, access to ANZ Rewards program (can transfer to Velocity), bonus points upon signup, concierge service. | Up to 1.25 ANZ Rewards Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases (varying rates apply based on spend category); ANZ Rewards points can be converted to Velocity Points at a specific rate. |
| NAB Rewards Signature Card | Good earning potential, complimentary travel insurance, access to NAB Rewards program (can transfer to Velocity), bonus points upon signup, purchase protection insurance. | Up to 1.0 NAB Rewards Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases (varying rates apply based on spend category); NAB Rewards points can be converted to Velocity Points at a specific rate. |
| Westpac Altitude Black | Solid earning potential, complimentary travel insurance, access to Altitude Rewards program (can transfer to Velocity), bonus points upon signup, concierge service, purchase security insurance. | Up to 1.25 Altitude Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases (varying rates apply based on spend category); Altitude Points can be converted to Velocity Points at a specific rate. |
| Virgin Money High Flyer Card | Specifically designed for Velocity Frequent Flyers, competitive earning rates, bonus Velocity Points upon signup, purchase protection insurance, access to exclusive Velocity member offers. | Up to 0.66 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases; Bonus points for new cardholders. |
| American Express Velocity Escape Card | Lower annual fee option, Velocity points earning, access to Amex Offers, suitable for those seeking a more affordable Velocity points-earning card. | Up to 1 Velocity Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases (varying rates apply based on spend category); Bonus points for new cardholders. |
| Citi Premier Card | Flexible rewards program, ability to transfer points to various airlines including Velocity, competitive interest rates, travel insurance, purchase protection. | Earn Citi Rewards Points on eligible purchases, which can be converted to Velocity Points at a specific rate. Earning rates vary based on spend category. |
| HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card | Earn Star Alliance points (transferable to various airlines, including some Velocity partners), travel insurance, purchase protection, competitive interest rates. | Earn Star Alliance points on eligible purchases, which can potentially be transferred to Velocity partners (check specific partnerships and transfer rates). Earning rates vary based on spend category. |
Detailed Explanations
American Express Velocity Platinum: This card is a powerhouse for Velocity points earning. Its high earning rate across various spend categories, coupled with a yearly Virgin Australia domestic return flight voucher, makes it a compelling choice for frequent flyers. The included travel insurance and access to Amex Offers further enhance its value. The high annual fee is a factor to consider.
ANZ Rewards Black: The ANZ Rewards Black card offers a flexible rewards program where earned ANZ Rewards points can be transferred to Velocity Frequent Flyer. While the direct earning rate might be lower than some Velocity-branded cards, the flexibility to choose where you transfer your points (including other airline partners) can be advantageous. The transfer rate from ANZ Rewards to Velocity is a crucial factor when evaluating this card.
NAB Rewards Signature Card: Similar to the ANZ Rewards Black, the NAB Rewards Signature card lets you earn NAB Rewards points that can be converted to Velocity Points. Its earning rate is competitive, and the card comes with complimentary travel insurance and purchase protection. Again, understanding the conversion rate between NAB Rewards points and Velocity Points is essential.
Westpac Altitude Black: The Westpac Altitude Black card provides another avenue to earn Velocity Points via its Altitude Rewards program. The card's travel insurance, concierge service, and purchase security insurance add to its appeal. As with other bank rewards programs, the transfer rate to Velocity needs to be considered.
Virgin Money High Flyer Card: Designed specifically for Velocity enthusiasts, the Virgin Money High Flyer Card boasts a competitive earning rate and offers bonus Velocity Points upon signup. Its direct connection to Velocity makes it a straightforward option for earning points. However, the earning rate might be lower than some premium cards.
American Express Velocity Escape Card: This card provides a more accessible entry point to earning Velocity Points with a lower annual fee compared to the Velocity Platinum card. While the earning rate might be slightly lower, it's a good option for those who want to earn Velocity Points without a hefty annual fee. The Amex Offers program still provides valuable savings.
Citi Premier Card: The Citi Premier Card is a flexible rewards card that allows you to transfer your Citi Rewards points to various airline programs, including Velocity Frequent Flyer. This flexibility can be beneficial if you want to diversify your points earning strategy. Be sure to check the transfer rate to Velocity before applying.
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card: This card earns Star Alliance points, which can be redeemed on flights across the Star Alliance network. While not directly earning Velocity Points, it's worth considering if you frequently fly with Star Alliance airlines, as these flights can contribute to your Velocity status. Also, some Star Alliance partners might have indirect partnerships with Velocity, allowing for points transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for earning Velocity Points? The best card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. The American Express Velocity Platinum generally offers the highest earning potential, while the Virgin Money High Flyer card is a good option for those prioritizing a direct Velocity connection.
How do I transfer points from a bank rewards program to Velocity? Log in to your bank's rewards portal, select Velocity Frequent Flyer as the transfer partner, and specify the number of points you want to transfer. Allow a few business days for the transfer to complete.
What is a good Velocity Points earning rate? A good earning rate is typically considered to be 1 Velocity Point or more per dollar spent on everyday purchases. Premium cards often offer higher earning rates on specific categories like travel or dining.
Are there any annual fees associated with these cards? Yes, most of the cards listed have annual fees, ranging from moderate to high. Consider the annual fee in relation to the potential points you can earn.
Can I earn bonus Velocity Points when I sign up for a new card? Yes, many credit cards offer bonus Velocity Points as a signup incentive. These bonuses can significantly boost your points balance.
How can I maximize my Velocity Points earnings? Use your credit card for all eligible purchases, take advantage of bonus points offers, and consider using co-branded Velocity services like car rentals and hotel stays.
What are the benefits of having a Velocity Points credit card? Benefits include earning points on everyday spending, accelerating your journey to free flights and upgrades, and accessing exclusive Velocity member offers.
How do I redeem Velocity Points? You can redeem Velocity Points for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and other rewards through the Velocity Frequent Flyer website or app.
What should I consider when choosing a Velocity Points credit card? Consider the earning rate, annual fee, bonus points offers, included benefits (like travel insurance), and your spending habits.
Do Velocity Points expire? Velocity Points will expire if you don't earn or redeem any points within a 24-month period. Keep your account active to avoid losing your points.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Velocity Points requires careful consideration of your spending habits, travel preferences, and tolerance for annual fees. By comparing the earning rates, benefits, and signup bonuses of different cards, you can select the option that best aligns with your needs and maximizes your Velocity Points accumulation. Remember to consistently use your chosen card strategically and take advantage of bonus offers to quickly reach your travel goals.