Business Traveling Newbie

[jamesmcd03]

Hello Everyone,

Very impressed with the quantity of info on the site. Mind boggeling actually.

I just started a new project flying Perth to Adelaide return every week for the next year. I have to fly the cheapest route Monday & Friday which so far has been with Qantas. Looking for some help on choosing the best overall rewards card. I am also Canadian and would like to fly home once a year on points if possible... but am open to cashback, or other reward cards if they end in better value.

I spend 2000+ a month on flights plus about 1000/month on food and other personal items. + any random larger purchases eg. vacation, cloths, entertainment.

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated

Cheers,

James

 

[nlagalle]

hi James, welcome to AFF!
Personally i'd look at an amex card. Better point earn.

Nick

 

[MAX_1]

Hi James and welcome to AFF,

Consider a CitiBusiness Gold Card.
You have a potential card spend of approximately $50000 per annum.With CitiBusiness this will earn 62500 points that can be transfered to your Qantas FF. and together with the points you will earn from flying could possibly get you a return flight to the USA once a year.
This card costs $79 for the first year,then $149 per year thereafter.CitiBusiness is capped at 80000 points earn per year.

 

[JetLagged]

hi James, welcome to AFF!
Personally i'd look at an amex card. Better point earn. Nick

I'd support that view - on both points of view!

 

[nlagalle]

Probably should give you some more details:

look at the Amex plat card. 1.5 points per dollar up to $100,000 pa so $50,000 per year would give you 75,000 FF points. there is also a QF maximiser card which would give you bonus points for booking QF flights on it too.

 

[jamesmcd03]

I had a look at the AMEX ultimate QFF and you get 2.5 points for qantas bookings and 1.5 QFF points on normal spends. $450 & free flight.

But.. if I don't fly qantas i only get QFF points and can't switch airlines.

The plat AMEX you suggest is 1.5 points but can be transfered to multiple airlines.$395 plus flight or hotel stay.

Hmmm....

CITI business is not bad for 1.25 points for 79 bucks

Any other ideas??

 

[jamesmcd03]

or the AMEX business for $160 pays 2points to $1

 

[MAX_1]

I agree Amex is the best earn, except that it is not accepted in many places and if accepted they hit you with twice the fee as a Master/Visa card.

With a low yearly spend of $50,000 using only have Amex would be frustrating and inconvenient.

Keep in mind that if what you purchase is tax deductable , then any surcharge is also tax deductable.

 

[cove]

I would go Amex Ultimate at 2.5 points per QF dollar.The free side trip offered could get you to the best departure point (and return) from Australia for your overseas flight. If you have to do groceries the 2 biggest take Amex.All entertainment,fuel and taxes could get paid as well.

 

[cosi]

I had a look at the AMEX ultimate QFF and you get 2.5 points for qantas bookings and 1.5 QFF points on normal spends. $450 & free flight.

I would supoort this recommendation.

Over a year, I average 120,000 FF points through the AMEX ultimate card

 

[jamesmcd03]

Never had an AMEX only a VISA. Cosi do you find you ever have trouble using it for everyday things?

 

[cosi]

Never had an AMEX only a VISA. Cosi do you find you ever have trouble using it for everyday things?

Yes, you still need to carry a visa card, because many restaurants, shops etc do not take AMEX.

All my big ticlet items, like airlines and hotels take AMEX.

 

[jamesmcd03]

I worked it out and I would be spending 18,000 on qantas flights for the remaining for the project. so with the QFF ultimate card that would give me only 18000 points more then the regular platinum amex reward points that can be used on webjet (most airlines), etc. Looks like the normal platinum is the less risk choice.

Any better cards from banks that offer a visa/MC and an AMEX with good point earn?