How to Earn Qantas Points Without Flying in 2026
In 2025, the landscape of frequent flyer programs has evolved dramatically. Qantas Frequent Flyer remains one of the most valuable loyalty programs in Australia, but you no longer need to be a frequent flyer to rack up points. Whether you’re a grounded traveler, a savvy shopper, or someone looking to maximize everyday spending, there are numerous ways to earn Qantas Points without stepping onto a plane. This comprehensive guide explores the best non-flight methods to accumulate Qantas Points in 2025, from credit cards and shopping portals to insurance, energy, and even walking.
With the cost of living rising, Australians are increasingly turning to loyalty programs to stretch their dollars further. According to a 2024 report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), over 70% of Australian households are members of at least one loyalty program, with Qantas Frequent Flyer being the most popular. The program has expanded its partnerships significantly, making it easier than ever to earn points on the ground. Let’s dive into the strategies that can help you build your Qantas Points balance without leaving home.
The Power of Qantas Points in 2025
Before we explore the methods, it’s important to understand why Qantas Points are worth collecting. In 2025, Qantas Points can be redeemed for more than just flights. While Classic Flight Rewards remain the sweet spot for value—offering business class seats to Europe for as little as 100,000 points one-way—you can also use points for upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and even products from the Qantas Store. However, the best value still lies in flight redemptions, where points can be worth 2-5 cents each, compared to less than 1 cent for merchandise.
Qantas has also introduced Points Plus Pay, allowing members to use points to partially offset the cost of flights, albeit at a lower value. In 2025, the program continues to innovate with new partners, including digital gift cards and subscription services. The key to maximizing your points is to earn them strategically and redeem them wisely.
Earning Qantas Points Through Credit Cards
Credit cards remain the most lucrative way to earn Qantas Points without flying. In 2025, the Australian credit card market offers a range of options, from cards that earn Qantas Points directly to flexible rewards cards that transfer to Qantas. Here’s what you need to know.
Direct-Earn Qantas Credit Cards
Many Australian banks and financial institutions offer credit cards that earn Qantas Points per dollar spent. These cards typically have an annual fee but come with generous sign-up bonuses, which can be a quick way to boost your balance. For example, the American Express Qantas Ultimate Card (as of early 2025) offers 1.5 Qantas Points per dollar on everyday purchases and up to 2.5 points per dollar on Qantas spend, with a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points when you meet a minimum spend requirement. Similarly, the Westpac Altitude Qantas Black card earns 1 point per dollar up to a certain limit, with bonus points on select categories.
When choosing a card, consider the earn rate, annual fee, and any caps on points. In 2025, regulatory changes by the Reserve Bank of Australia have reduced interchange fees, leading some banks to lower earn rates or introduce caps. Always check the latest terms on the bank’s official website.
Flexible Rewards Cards
If you prefer flexibility, consider a card that earns points in a bank’s own program, which can then be transferred to Qantas Frequent Flyer. The American Express Explorer Card is a standout, earning 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar, which transfer to Qantas at a 2:1 ratio (effectively 1 Qantas Point per dollar). The sign-up bonus can be substantial—often 50,000 Membership Rewards points (25,000 Qantas Points). Other options include the ANZ Rewards Black and the Commonwealth Bank Awards program, though transfer rates vary.
Tips for Maximizing Credit Card Points
- Pay bills with your card: Use your credit card for utilities, insurance, and subscriptions to earn points on expenses you’d pay anyway. Just ensure you pay off the balance in full to avoid interest.
- Meet minimum spends for bonuses: Sign-up bonuses are the fastest way to earn points. Plan large purchases (like annual insurance premiums) around new card applications.
- Avoid foreign transaction fees: If you travel or shop online internationally, choose a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid eroding your points’ value.
For a detailed comparison of current Qantas-earning credit cards, visit the official Qantas credit card page: Qantas Credit Cards.
Shopping Your Way to Qantas Points
Online shopping portals are a goldmine for earning Qantas Points without extra effort. By starting your shopping journey through a Qantas-affiliated portal, you can earn points per dollar spent at hundreds of retailers.
Qantas Shopping Portal
The Qantas Shopping portal is the primary platform, offering up to 5 points per dollar at popular Australian and international stores. In 2025, the portal features categories like fashion, electronics, travel, and homewares. Retailers include The Iconic, Myer, eBay, and Apple. Points are awarded on the ex-GST amount, and rates vary by retailer. For example, you might earn 2 points per dollar at Woolworths or 4 points per dollar at Nike.
To use the portal, simply log in with your Qantas Frequent Flyer number, click through to the retailer, and shop as usual. It’s important to disable ad blockers and ensure cookies are enabled, as the portal relies on tracking to credit points. Points typically appear within 30 days.
Qantas Wine
Wine lovers can earn points through Qantas Wine, which offers curated cases with bonus points. In 2025, Qantas Wine often runs promotions like 5,000 bonus points per case. Even if you’re not a big drinker, these can be great for gifts or events. The points earned can offset the cost significantly, especially when combined with a credit card that earns points on the purchase.
Other Shopping Partners
Beyond the portal, Qantas has direct partnerships with retailers like BP, where you can earn 2 points per litre of fuel (up to a cap) and 1 point per dollar on in-store purchases. Simply scan your Qantas card at checkout. Similarly, Coles Supermarkets allow you to convert Flybuys points to Qantas Points at a rate of 2 Flybuys points to 1 Qantas Point, effectively earning 0.5 Qantas Points per dollar spent at Coles, with bonus offers throughout the year.
For the latest offers, check the Qantas Shopping portal: Qantas Shopping.
Everyday Spending: Insurance, Energy, and More
Your daily and monthly expenses can become a steady stream of Qantas Points. In 2025, Qantas has expanded its partnerships across essential services, allowing you to earn points on insurance, energy, health, and even home loans.
Qantas Insurance
Qantas offers a range of insurance products through its partnership with Auto & General, including car, home, travel, and pet insurance. By taking out a policy, you can earn up to 20,000 Qantas Points as a sign-up bonus, plus 1 point per dollar on premiums. For example, a comprehensive car insurance policy might earn 10,000 points upon purchase and 1 point per dollar on the annual premium. Always compare policies to ensure you’re getting competitive coverage, but the points can add significant value.
Qantas Energy
Through Qantas Energy, in partnership with Red Energy, you can earn points on your electricity and gas bills. In 2025, the offer typically includes 15,000 bonus points when you sign up, plus 2 points per dollar on your energy spend. This is a set-and-forget method that can earn thousands of points annually for an essential service.
Qantas Wellbeing App
Health-conscious members can earn points through the Qantas Wellbeing app, which rewards you for staying active. By linking a compatible fitness tracker or smartphone, you earn points for steps, active minutes, and completing challenges. In 2025, the app offers up to 15,000 points per year for meeting daily activity goals. It’s a fun and healthy way to boost your balance.
Qantas Home Loans
If you’re in the market for a mortgage, Qantas Home Loans (through partnerships with lenders like ME Bank) offer significant point bonuses. For instance, a $500,000 home loan might earn 100,000 Qantas Points at settlement. While this is a major financial decision, the points bonus can be a nice perk if the loan terms are competitive.
For details on insurance and energy, visit: Qantas Insurance.
Earning Points Through Dining and Entertainment
Dining out and entertainment can also earn you Qantas Points. In 2025, Qantas has partnerships with several dining programs and entertainment providers.
Qantas Restaurants
The Qantas Restaurants program allows you to earn points when you dine at participating restaurants. By booking through the platform, you can earn up to 250 points per person. The program includes a wide range of venues across Australia, from casual eateries to fine dining. Simply search for a restaurant, make a reservation, and show your booking confirmation upon arrival. Points are credited after your meal.
Entertainment and Gift Cards
Qantas partners with entertainment providers like Ticketek and Event Cinemas, where you can earn points on ticket purchases. Additionally, you can buy gift cards through the Qantas Store or Qantas Shopping portal for retailers like JB Hi-Fi, Uber, and Airbnb, earning points on the purchase. This is a great way to double-dip: earn points when you buy the gift card, and then use the gift card for your spending.
Qantas Frequent Flyer Program Updates
In 2025, Qantas continues to update its program to keep it competitive. According to a statement from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on loyalty programs, consumers should regularly review their points earning and redemption options to maximize value. Qantas has also introduced more digital integration, allowing you to track points in real-time through the Qantas app.
Advanced Strategies for Earning Points
To truly maximize your Qantas Points, you need to think beyond individual transactions. Here are some advanced strategies for 2025.
Stacking Offers
The most effective way to earn points is to stack multiple offers. For example, you could: 1、 Pay for a Qantas Insurance policy with a Qantas-earning credit card · Earn the sign-up bonus (e.g., 10,000 points) · Earn 1 point per dollar on the premium · Earn credit card points on the spend (e.g., 1.5 points per dollar with Amex Ultimate) 2、 Shop through the Qantas Shopping portal during a bonus points promotion · Pay with a Qantas credit card · Use a linked Qantas Wellbeing app to earn points for steps while you shop 3、 Buy Qantas Wine during a 5,000-point bonus offer · Pay with a Qantas credit card · Earn portal points if purchased through the Qantas Shopping portal
Annual Points Planning
Create an annual plan to maximize your points earning. Consider the following timeline: 1、 January · Review credit card sign-up bonuses and apply for a new card if needed · Set up Qantas Energy for your home 2、 April · Renew insurance policies through Qantas Insurance · Book winter holiday activities through Qantas Restaurants 3、 July · Take advantage of end-of-financial-year sales via the Qantas Shopping portal · Buy gift cards for upcoming birthdays 4、 October · Stock up on Qantas Wine for the holiday season · Use Qantas Wellbeing challenges to earn bonus points 5、 December · Redeem points for next year’s flights during Qantas’s frequent flyer sales · Review your points balance and set goals for the new year
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While earning points is exciting, avoid these common mistakes: 1、 Overspending to earn points · The value of points should never justify unnecessary purchases 2、 Letting points expire · Qantas Points expire after 18 months of inactivity, so ensure you earn or redeem at least once every 18 months 3、 Ignoring fees · Credit card annual fees and interest can quickly outweigh the value of points earned 4、 Not comparing prices · Sometimes a non-Qantas partner offers a better price, even after accounting for points value
Comparing Point-Earning Methods
To help you prioritize your efforts, here’s a comparison of the key methods based on earning potential and effort required. 1、 Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses · Earning Potential: 50,000–100,000 points · Effort: High (requires meeting minimum spend) · Best For: Large one-off boosts 2、 Qantas Insurance · Earning Potential: 10,000–20,000 points · Effort: Low (set and forget) · Best For: Annual policies 3、 Qantas Energy · Earning Potential: 15,000 points + ongoing · Effort: Low (set and forget) · Best For: Ongoing household bills 4、 Qantas Shopping Portal · Earning Potential: 1–5 points per dollar · Effort: Medium (requires clicking through) · Best For: Regular online shopping 5、 Qantas Wellbeing App · Earning Potential: Up to 15,000 points per year · Effort: Low (passive tracking) · Best For: Health-conscious individuals 6、 Qantas Wine · Earning Potential: 5,000+ points per case · Effort: Low (one-off purchases) · Best For: Wine lovers and gift-givers 7、 Qantas Restaurants · Earning Potential: Up to 250 points per person · Effort: Low (booking required) · Best For: Dining out 8、 Qantas Home Loans · Earning Potential: 100,000+ points · Effort: High (major financial decision) · Best For: Home buyers
The Future of Earning Qantas Points
Looking ahead, the trend is clear: Qantas is making it easier to earn points without flying. In 2025, we expect to see more digital partnerships, including with subscription services like streaming platforms and meal delivery. The ACCC’s ongoing scrutiny of loyalty programs means Qantas will likely continue to improve transparency and value for members.
One exciting development is the integration of Qantas Points with the sharing economy. For example, you can now earn points on Airbnb bookings through the Qantas Shopping portal, and rumors suggest a direct partnership with Uber may be on the horizon. Additionally, Qantas is exploring blockchain technology to allow members to earn points on peer-to-peer transactions, though this is still in early stages.
Conclusion
Earning Qantas Points without flying in 2025 is not only possible but highly rewarding. By leveraging credit cards, shopping portals, insurance, energy, and even your daily steps, you can accumulate thousands of points each year. The key is to be strategic: stack offers, plan your spending, and always pay off your credit card balance in full. With the right approach, you could be sipping champagne in a Qantas business class seat before you know it—all without stepping onto a plane until redemption day.
Remember, the value of Qantas Points lies in how you redeem them. Focus on flight redemptions for the best value, and use the methods in this guide to build your balance steadily. Happy earning!