Maximise Qantas Points on Overseas Spend with CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card
CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card makes every overseas dollar work harder for Qantas Points, with no foreign transaction fees, a top international earn rate and a waivable monthly fee
Why the CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card works for travellers
The CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card is built for Australians who travel and shop overseas. With no foreign transaction fees, every AUD you convert overseas keeps more value, and the card’s international earn rate means you rack up Qantas Points faster than many competitors.
International spend earns 1.2 Qantas Points per $1 on eligible transactions, so purchases on flights, hotels and overseas retailers directly boost your Qantas Points balance. If you fly with Qantas or book reward seats, that rate turns everyday spend into real trip value.
Fees, thresholds and what to watch for
The card carries a monthly fee which can be waived if you meet a $4,000 spend in the statement period, and there’s an annual fee for the Qantas Points option. Factor in the 20.99% p.a. purchase rate if you carry a balance; this card rewards discipline in paying off each month.
For frequent travellers the waivable fee makes the card cost-effective: hit the threshold and you keep the benefits without ongoing charges. Always check the current terms with CommBank before applying, since caps on Qantas Points and eligible categories can change.
Insurances and perks that protect trips and purchases
The CommBank Ultimate Awards Credit Card includes international travel insurance, purchase security and extended warranty cover, useful when you’re overseas or buying costly items at home. These protections reduce the need for separate policies and add practical everyday value to your card.
Having these insurances linked to your card means you can travel with more confidence: trip cancellations, lost luggage or emergency medical costs overseas may be covered when you pay with the card. Keep records of transactions and policies to make claims smoother.
How to maximise Qantas Points with everyday habits
Use the card for overseas holidays and for targeted domestic categories where it earns well, such as major supermarkets, department stores and petrol stations. Combining international 1.2 Qantas Points/$1 boosts with regular domestic spend helps you accumulate points faster for flights, upgrades or companion fares.
Pair the card with a disciplined repayment plan to avoid interest eroding rewards—pay the balance in full each month. Link your card to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account, monitor caps and statement-period thresholds, and use the waivable fee rule to keep costs low while earning strong Qantas Points returns.