Starting fresh in Australia, help with FF program & credit card advice

[global_nomad]

Hello all,

I recently relocated to Melbourne from Europe and am really excited to have found this fantastic forum. I've downloaded a few guides (the credit card one is great!) and done some reading, and now wanted to pose a few questions. Essentially, since I'm "starting fresh", I could use some advice on choosing the 'best' credit card and rewards programs. My goals are to travel domestically, to Asia, and (long-term) somewhere in the Pacific e.g. Fiji or Vanatu.

In terms of programs, I've concluded that aiming to earn in KrisFlyer would be great for Asia, and perhaps Velocity for domestic, since I could also transfer intro KrisFlyer? I travel quite regularly (but not consistently) for work. Unfortunately, when I first arrived in Sept I signed up for Qantas (not knowing the landscape), and am now up to 210 status credits & 14k. I think I might as well go for Silver and then switch to Velocity, or should I not even bother?

In terms of credit cards, I travel regularly and was thinking of one with no foreign fees or high points on international spend (e.g. BW Qantas Platinum or Citi Signature). I don't have particularly high domestic expenses but estimate I could pay ~3k on credit (rent being a big one), so maybe another card for that? I don't want to get carried away! I have a Diners card for business travel and can keep the rewards points, but would rather not use it for personal expenses. Maybe I'm wrong, but there aren't many options for a Visa/MC with good Velocity or KrisFlyer earn?

I also don't know how likely I am to be approved, after only living here for 3 months & on a 457 visa. But Bankwest, where I have an account, said I had a good chance after 3 salary cycles and perhaps already having the Diners in my name helps.

I hope this isn't too long (& rambling) and thanks in advance for anyone willing to share their advice!

 

[Deleted member]

Not sure why you would aim of QF silver and then switch. I would have thought QF Gold would be more meaningful.
Some ( like me) credit to just one FF program. Mainly because I don't fly often enough. But it sounds like you have a pretty good handle on things already.

 

[andye]

Personally I don't think QF Silver is worth chasing particularly if you plan to switch to VA/SQ.

With a limited residence history I wouldn't go hell for leather on CC applications. Bankwest, who are your best chance of acceptance (given you have an account with them) only pair with QF though. Maybe try a NAB Velocity card-the bank then has the option of giving you the standard card rather than the Platinum if they are twitchy.

Would definitely think about checking your Veda score a few months after getting your first CC

You mention rent- I wasn't aware of a way of paying by CC unless you pay a surcharge to an intermediary

 

[andye]

If you are spending your own money overseas, worth thinking about a Citi debit card. No points but no fees and no Veda check

 

[Deleted member]

Not sure why you would aim of QF silver and then switch. I would have thought QF Gold would be more meaningful.
Some ( like me) credit to just one FF program. Mainly because I don't fly often enough. But it sounds like you have a pretty good handle on things already.

And the edit feature still doesn't work!....,

My reasoning around going for gold vs silver is more about lounge access. Silver doesn't give you that. Also redemptions are easier ( more successful ) as a gold.

 

[drross]

Welcome to AFF and As GPH says. also Velocity will status match when you get to gold if you're determined to stay with Virgin

 

[global_nomad]

Not sure why you would aim of QF silver and then switch. I would have thought QF Gold would be more meaningful.
Some ( like me) credit to just one FF program. Mainly because I don't fly often enough. But it sounds like you have a pretty good handle on things already.

Thanks, good point. I thought maybe for priority check-in, but frankly I can handle a wait in line. I guess it would make more sense to switch to Velocity, the sooner the better.

You mention rent- I wasn't aware of a way of paying by CC unless you pay a surcharge to an intermediary

Another good point, which made me check the fine print and discover a 1.5% surcharge for VISA/MC. So looks like I'll be sticking to debit... Also good idea to check Veda, it's entirely new to me!

 

[global_nomad]

Welcome to AFF and As GPH says. also Velocity will status match when you get to gold if you're determined to stay with Virgin

Thanks for the welcome! Didn't even think of the status match, that could be a good option too if I continue with QFF.

I've been relying on low-cost carriers in Europe for so long that it's a nice change to be earning points