Best Credit Card Rewards

Choosing the best credit card rewards programs is no easy task. There is some good competition among Australian credit cards, and most every credit card rewards program reviewed here has its merits that could be important to individual users.

However, considering the points structure, the ability to earn points and the overall value of the associated credit cards, we think the following credit card programs provide some the best value on the market at the time of writing.

We have looked at the way you earn points against the amount you have to spend to redeem them for awards. In many cases, it's a case of comparing awards catalogues and viewing the difference between costs for common redemptions.

There's also a number of bonus points up for grabs, and the ability to transfer points or take advantage of travel booking programs to consider. Obviously, it's important to pick an overall credit card that still represents great value. Check out our top five picks for the best credit card rewards and use them to help determine the best credit card to suit your needs.

Once you are done here, it may be worth checking out our Rewards Program Tips to discover the secrets to using rewards credit cards.

Westpac Altitude Rewards Program

Altitude MasterCard or Visa - $1 Spent = 1 point
Altitude American Express - $1 Spent = 2 points
Minimum Spend to Earn a Reward* - $1700 (using Amex credit card)
Range of Rewards - High
Swap for Airline Rewards - Yes
Bonus Points - Yes
Maximum Points* - Unlimited
Value of Cards - Good

*Not including bonus points/special offers. Points are calculated per annum unless otherwise stated.

Westpac Altitude Platinum Rewards Program

Altitude Platinum MasterCard or Visa - $1 Spent = 1 point
Altitude Platinum American Express - $1 Spent = 3 points
Minimum Spend to Earn a Reward* - $1133 (using Amex credit card)
Range of Rewards - High
Swap for Airline Rewards - Yes
Bonus Points - Yes
Maximum Points* - Unlimited
Value of Card - Good

*Not including bonus points/special offers. Points are calculated per annum unless otherwise stated.

American Express Choices Rewards Program

$1 Spent = 1 point
Minimum Spend to Earn a Reward* - $1800
Range of Rewards - High
Swap for Airline Rewards - Yes (with exceptions)
Bonus Points - Yes
Maximum Points* - Unlimited
Value of Card - American Express Gold Choices Card - High

*Not including bonus points/special offers.

American Express Ascent Rewards Program

$1 Spent = 1.5 points (platinum cards)
Minimum Spend to Earn a Reward* - $1200
Range of Rewards - High
Swap for Airline Rewards - Yes
Bonus Points - Yes
Maximum Points* - Amex Platinum Credit Card = 150,000 ($100,000 spend) reverting to one point per $1 spent thereafter
Value of Cards - Amex Platinum Credit Card = Good (for those inclined to take advantage of features)

*Not including bonus points/special offers.

Commonwealth Bank Awards Program

$1 Spent = 1 point
Minimum Spend to Earn a Reward* - $4000
Range of Rewards - High
Swap for Airline Rewards - Yes
Bonus Points - Yes
Maximum Points* -

Awards credit card = 50,000 points
Gold credit card = 100,000 points
Platinum credit card = 150,000 points

Value Of Cards - Good

*Not including bonus points/special offers. Points are calculated per annum unless otherwise stated.

Details, terms and conditions are all subject to change without notice, so always double check information with the relevant financial institution. Any ratings are opinions of creditcardrewardprograms.com.au and may not take into account your individual requirements. Always perform your own research when selecting a credit card.