Which FF program is the best value

[robertjbruce]

Hello all,

I am keen to work out the best credit card for redeeming domestic travel. My trusty amex gives me a point per dollar spent, but I am not sure of the value of the points. Someone on this site has suggested around 0.5 c of travel per dollar spent.

My Macquarie Platinum Visa gives me 1.25 points per dollar spent, and then charges 12,500 points for each $100 of travel they book for me. This means a value of 1 cent of travel per dollar spent.

This seems like an OK deal (realising its all relative and the only way to really get points is to pay for flights).

Can anyone tell me if there is a better deal to convert credit card expenditure into domestic air travel?

Thanks Rob

 

[simongr]

Hey Rob
Most people will actually advise that you not bother with domestic travel on FF point awards. As you have to pay the fuel surcharges you will find that it is almost as cheap to pay cash for the flights.
Cheers
S

 

[robertjbruce]

I am sure you are right, but I figure I might as well get the best value out of using my credit card and since I dont need anything else that can be redeemed (business class o/s travel is a thing of the past) I am keen to work out what the best of a bad lot is.

Cheers, Rob

 

[NM]

I am sure you are right, but I figure I might as well get the best value out of using my credit card and since I dont need anything else that can be redeemed (business class o/s travel is a thing of the past) I am keen to work out what the best of a bad lot is.

Cheers, Rob

Then you may want to weigh up the benefits of paying an annual fee for a credit card rewards program compared with just buying the domestic flights you want. When you include the limited availability of award flights, the co-payment of fuel fines and taxes, and the unknown quantity of the forthcoming program enhancements, the benefit may be quite marginal.

Of course there are ways to reduce or remove the annual fees on some credit cards. Have a look at the long thread about Citibank Fee Free for Life Gold Visa card.