Credit cards, redeeming points to upgrade or buy tickets on partner airlines

[Julietinozi]

I'm new, and sure these questions have been asked before...

Which is the best Oz credit card for accumulating points?

Can I use my Qantas ff points to upgrade a seat on JAL?

Can I use my Qantas ff to purchase a flight on a partner airline in the US?

Anyone got any tips for a good, easy to use international bank account [want to put money in whilst in the US at a branch, and withdraw here in OZ]

 

[toowongman]

Please use Australia, not "OZ".

 

[Dyslexic traveler]

Please use Australia, not "OZ".

OZ is a place, if you follow the yellow brick road you will get to the emerald city. And remember if you want to get back to Australia, all you have to do is click your ruby slippers together three times,and say there's no place like home.

 

[moa999]

Welcome to AFF....
Before answering such questions, searching can help..

I'm new, and sure these questions have been asked before...

As above, many have.

Which is the best Oz credit card for accumulating points?

Depends on your spend, the program you are trying to credit to, and whether you are willing to pay Annual Fees.
Amex Platinum was a good program for bonuses and insurance for Qantas, but has been devalued.
Woolworths Qantas MasterCard is pretty decent.
Other cards for other carriers.

Can I use my Qantas ff points to upgrade a seat on JAL?

No. You can only use QFF points to upgrade on Qantas metal with a Qantas flight number.
You can however redeem points for a JAL Business Seat

Can I use my Qantas ff to purchase a flight on a partner airline in the US?

Yes

Anyone got any tips for a good, easy to use international bank account [want to put money in whilst in the US at a branch, and withdraw here in OZ

Very difficult to open US bank accounts without a SSN.
Better searching for the thread on the 28 Degrees card, or look at some of the recently launched prepaid cards (including Qantas Cash)

 

[blu]

Don't know about an 'international bank account', but you would need to look carefully at the fees and commissions.
Because of those fees, many use this service to regularly deposit back into an Aus bank account (part of Ozfourex):
International Money Transfers - Low Fees, Great Rates - Send Money Overseas