Point Hacks

From 1 October 2026, Australia’s credit card landscape changes significantly. Surcharging will disappear on designated eftpos, Mastercard and Visa payments, while lower interchange fees could put further pressure on credit card bonus points, earn rates and perks.
In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias Venus sits down with finance expert and author Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon to unpack what the changes could mean for Australian points collectors.
They cover falling sign-up bonuses, reduced earn rates, annual fees and card benefits, why bank change notices matter more than ever, the role of business credit cards, and how too many credit-card applications can affect your credit profile.
For anyone earning Qantas Points, Velocity Points or flexible rewards through a credit card, this is a practical guide to understanding the new points landscape.
Disclaimer: This episode contains general information only. Consider your own circumstances before applying for or changing a credit product. Point Hacks is affiliated with Pay.com.au.
🎬 Credits:Guest: Nicole Pedersen-McKinnonProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au
💳 See the latest point earning credit cards here - https://phk.ing/4zxL41h📊 Running a business? See the full list of available credit cards here - https://phk.ing/45lppvl💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4xEkjq1💵 More from Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon - https://www.nicolessmartmoney.com/▶️ Watch Nicole's Minted Kids Podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/@nicolessmartmoney2197
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #creditcard

We go behind the scenes in Japan for a first look at ANA’s new Boeing 787 cabin, including The Room FX Business Class suite, updated Premium Economy and a more spacious Economy seat.
Brandon and Toby test the mock-ups, talk through the biggest upgrades, and explain what makes The Room FX different from ANA’s existing “The Room” Business Class on the Boeing 777. Expect sliding doors, a 24-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth audio, USB-C charging, wireless charging, improved storage and a sofa-style seat that folds into a fully-flat bed.
We also look at ANA’s refreshed Premium Economy, including 40 inches of pitch and extra recline, plus the new Economy seat with more usable knee room.
The big question: will these upgraded Boeing 787s eventually fly to Australia?
🎬 Credits:Guest: Brandon Loo, Editor in Chief, Point HacksProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au
🎓 Learn more about Travel Booking via the CommBank app - https://phk.ing/4xNxgPk💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4gyWv1p📖 Read Brandon’s full article: https://phk.ing/4vXn6tp
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Qantas’ Project Sunrise could change how Australians fly to Europe, with nonstop Sydney to London flights planned on specially configured Airbus A350 aircraft.
In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias Venus speaks with Brandon Loo after his Project Sunrise media briefing and Airbus factory visit. They cover why London appears to be the obvious launch route, how Qantas is thinking about premium travellers, what makes the new First Class cabin different, and whether a 21-hour flight is really worth the time saving.
For points collectors, the key question remains reward seat access. We discuss what travellers should watch as Qantas moves closer to launch.
🎬 Credits:Guest: Brandon Loo, Editor-in-ChiefProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au 
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and bonus point offers - https://phk.ing/4giE4OA📰 See the latest point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4vNHxcS📖 Qantas adjusts Project Sunrise Economy Seats - https://phk.ing/4b2a5Xw📖 Project Sunrise Inaugural Route Announced - https://phk.ing/4fiCpXd❓ Ready to book? Read this first - https://phk.ing/4xUXP4V
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas #projectsunrise

Tobias and Brandon recently visited Hong Kong and came away convinced it’s one of the top destinations for Australian points collectors. In this episode, we cover:
• Why Hong Kong works so well as a stopover city• How to use points to get there• The best airport lounges and aviation experiences• Why Hong Kong is ideal for short stays• Our top 10 things to do around the city
Whether you’re planning a quick transit or a longer stay, this episode is packed with practical tips for making the most of Hong Kong with points.
Disclaimer: Tobias and Brandon travelled to Hong Kong using their own frequent flyer points and money. Tobias received two complimentary Peak Tram tickets from Hong Kong Tourism, which had no editorial input into this podcast episode.
🎬 Credits:Guest: Brandon Loo, Editor in Chief, Point HacksProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au 
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and bonus point offers - https://phk.ing/3RVA9Na📰 See the latest point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4fvzyf2📖 Brandon's experience lounge hopping in Hong Kong Airport - https://phk.ing/43n7Qd7✈️ Learn more about Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - https://phk.ing/4wLf08x
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #hongkong

 
Credit card surcharges are being scrapped in Australia, but what does that mean for frequent flyer points? In this episode, Toby Venus and Wilson McTaggart break down the RBA’s changes to surcharges and interchange fees, why they matter, and how they could affect sign-up bonuses, earn rates, annual fees and travel perks on popular rewards cards.
They also look at why business credit cards may hold up better than personal cards, what this could mean for Qantas and Velocity, and how points collectors can adapt. This episode is general information only and is not financial advice.
🎬 Credits:Guest: Wilson McTaggart, Australian Frequent FlyerProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/42bnk3b📰 See the latest Qantas and Velocity Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4sA89M2📖 RBA Changes Explained - https://phk.ing/4mD1Buz🙋Join the discussion on AFF - https://phk.ing/4tJDs7Z
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#pointhacks #FrequentFlyer #CreditCardRewards

Cherry blossom season in Japan is one of the most popular travel experiences for Australians. In this episode, we cover where to go, when to book and how to use points effectively. Tobias also recounts his previous (and somewhat disastrous) visit to chase cherry blossoms in 2025.
We also answer a listener question about points expiry. Learn why transferring points doesn’t extend expiry in most cases, plus the simple ways to keep your balance active with Qantas and Velocity.
🎬 Credits:Guest: Brandon Loo, Editor in Chief, Point HacksProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au 
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4skBGt3📰 See the latest Qantas and Velocity Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/3NLUzqw📖 When do points expire? - https://phk.ing/4dPeH5q🌸 Point Hack your next cherry blossom adventure - 
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #JapanTravel

Qantas has announced the biggest overhaul of its Frequent Flyer program in years, and it’s going to change how Australians earn status, redeem points and engage with the airline.
In this episode Brandon and Tobias break down everything we know about the upcoming changes rolling out between 2026 and 2027.We cover the new Classic Reward search tool, the introduction of status credits on the ground, the end of Points Club and Green Tier, and the controversial changes to status earning and loyalty bonuses.Some frequent flyers may benefit from the changes but others could find it much harder to maintain status in the future.
We also answer a listener question about how to use Qantas lounge passes properly, including where you’ll get the most value and the simple mistakes that could get you turned away at the door.
If you collect Qantas Points or chase frequent flyer status, this episode will help you understand what’s changing and how to prepare.
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/3P3aaCk📰 See the latest Qantas Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4lu7REz📖 Read more about the upcoming Qantas Changes - https://phk.ing/4bsugxr
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🎬 Credits:Guest: Brandon Loo, Senior Content ProducerProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au 
#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas

Qantas Double Status Credits are back — and this is your fast track to Gold or Platinum.
In this emergency episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, we break down the newly announced Double Status Credits promotion and show you exactly how to turn it into elite status.
We explain how the offer works and the smartest ways to plan a status run — whether you’re paying cash, using points, or leveraging Qantas Points Club.
We also walk through real strategies that have previously taken us all the way to Platinum, including how to use connections, distance bands and reward tables to your advantage — plus why this promo can unlock hard-to-find reward seats (hello, Japan).
If you’ve ever wanted lounge access, better upgrade chances and priority treatment across the Qantas and oneworld network, this is the promotion to pay attention to.
Got questions about your own status run? Drop them in the comments.
🎬 Credits:Guest: Brandon Loo, Senior Content ProducerProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au 
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/3MmHfZ2📰 See the latest Qantas Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4tOMYHB📖 Read more about Qantas double status credits - https://phk.ing/4ruW6zz🥇 How Toby used points to earn Gold - https://phk.ing/4avbeXQ
 ✈️ Qantas Earning TablesCash fares - https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/earn-points/airline-earning-tables/qantas-and-jetstar-earning-tables.htmlPoints Club - https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/earn-points/airline-earning-tables/classic-flight-rewards.html
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas

In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, we’re answering one of the biggest questions for Velocity members:What’s the best way to spend Velocity Points in 2026?
Brandon joins Toby to break down the top reward flight redemptions, from long-haul Business Class sweet spots to clever partner airline hacks that unlock outsized value. We cover real-world availability, fees, recent program changes and which options are actually worth your hard-earned points.
You’ll learn how to turn a six-figure points balance into experiences like Qatar Airways Qsuites to Doha and Europe, ANA Business Class to Tokyo, United Polaris to the USA, Singapore Airlines premium cabins via KrisFlyer and more.
We also answer a listener question on why reward seats need to be booked so far in advance, and share practical strategies for finding them — whether you’re planning a year ahead or hunting last-minute availability.
And if you’re still building your balance, we run through the fastest ways to earn Velocity Points in Australia right now, from sign-up bonuses to everyday partner hacks.
Whether you’re new to Velocity or sitting on a big points stash, this episode will help you extract maximum value from your next redemption.
🎬 Credits:Guest: Brandon Loo, Senior Content ProducerProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au 
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/3ZFGayw📰 See the latest Velocity Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/3MAiQyX📖 Read The best uses of 150,000 Velocity Points in 2025 - https://phk.ing/4rWMBcp👶 New to Velocity Frequent Flyer? Start here - https://phk.ing/46cFRPd
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #velocityfrequentflyer

Looking for a Velocity Points-earning credit card but overwhelmed by bonus offers, lounge perks and confusing earn rates?
In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias and Brandon break down seven of the top Velocity Point earning credit cards available right now, comparing:
• Bonus point offers• Annual fees• Earn rates on everyday spend• Lounge access perks• Free flights & travel credits
If you’re trying to decide which Velocity card gives you the most value for your spending habits, this episode will save you hours of research.
⚠️ As always: this is general information only — not financial advice.Always check the PDS and consider your own circumstances before applying.
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4rfGYWp📰 See the latest Velocity Point earning credit cards - https://phk.ing/4a5PIst💡 Point Hacks may receive a commission from the card issuer for each applicant of the cards mentioned. Read more - https://phk.ing/4rvQSU2？Listener question: How to use the free flight benefit with the Amex Velocity Platinum - https://phk.ing/4rx3Twu
🎬 Credits:Guest: Brandon Loo, Senior Content ProducerProduced and hosted by: Tobias VenusVideo and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au 
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #velocitypoints