Point Hacks

By Point HacksSociety & Culture Leisure Places & Travel Aviation

Point Hacks episodes

February 09 The top Velocity Point earning credit cards for 2026
Looking for a Velocity Points-earning credit card but overwhelmed by bonus offers, lounge perks and confusing earn rates?
In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias and Brandon break down seven of the top Velocity Point earning credit cards available right now, comparing:
• Bonus point offers
• Annual fees
• Earn rates on everyday spend
• Lounge access perks
• Free flights & travel credits
If you’re trying to decide which Velocity card gives you the most value for your spending habits, this episode will save you hours of research.
⚠️ As always: this is general information only — not financial advice.
Always check the PDS and consider your own circumstances before applying.
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4rfGYWp
📰 See the latest Velocity Point earning credit cards - https://phk.ing/4a5PIst
💡 Point Hacks may receive a commission from the card issuer for each applicant of the cards mentioned. Read more - https://phk.ing/4rvQSU2
？Listener question: How to use the free flight benefit with the Amex Velocity Platinum - https://phk.ing/4rx3Twu
🎬 Credits:
Guest: Brandon Loo, Senior Content Producer
Produced and hosted by: Tobias Venus
Video and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #velocitypoints
26 min
January 25 Which is the best Qantas Domestic Business Lounge?
Which Qantas domestic business lounge is actually the best in Australia and which one really needs some love?
In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias Venus is joined by frequent flyer expert Chris Chamberlin to rank every Qantas domestic business lounge from worst to best. Between them, they’ve visited every lounge multiple times and break down what really matters: food, space, power points, views, service, and what makes a lounge actually feel premium.
We also explain exactly how to get access to Qantas Business Lounges, including eligibility via status, cabin class, partner airlines, and guest access rules.
Whether you’re chasing better lounge experiences, planning a status run, or just want to know if business lounge access is worth it, this one’s for you.
Subscribe for more conversations about earning and spending Qantas Points and Velocity Points, lounge access, and smarter travel strategies.
🎬 Credits:
Guest: Chris Chamberlin, Freelance Travel Journalist
Produced and hosted by: Tobias Venus
Video and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4rfGYWp
💳 See the latest Qantas point earning credit cards - https://phk.ing/3ZwB0EF
📖 The Ultimate Guide to Qantas Lounges - https://phk.ing/4r8qnUj
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #businessclass
19 min
January 09 Why you should be using ALL Accor + Explorer
Most travellers think about frequent flyer programs first but if you stay in hotels regularly, you might be leaving huge value on the table. In this episode, Tobias and Brandon discuss Accor hotel's range of loyalty programs, including how to maximise perks such as free nights, Qantas double-dipping, elite status, lounge access and more. If you’ve ever wondered how Accor hotel loyalty works, what points you can actually earn, or how to squeeze the most value out of status benefits, this episode is your guide.

🎬 Credits:
Guest: Brandon Loo, Senior Content Producer
Produced and hosted by: Tobias Venus
Video and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4sEtuFl
📰 See the latest point earning credit cards - https://phk.ing/4sryr41
🆓 How to join Qantas Frequent Flyer for free - https://phk.ing/3LshDsX
🎉 Our favourite birthday freebies - https://phk.ing/4b9FYhZ
📖 Brandon's guide to ALL Accor + - https://phk.ing/4sMxbJ8

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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantaspoints
34 min
December 28, 2025 How to regularly fly First Class (and the best cabins to pick)
First Class flights look outrageous on Instagram. Private suites, showers in the sky and champagne worth more than your weekly shop. But are they actually worth the points?
In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias Venus is joined by frequent First Class flyer, Chris Chamberlin, to break down the best First Class seats you can book from Australia, how many points they really cost, and when it actually makes sense to splurge.
From Singapore Airlines Suites to Emirates’ “Game Changer” First Class, we rank the top options, explain how to find reward availability, and share real strategies for booking First Class with points — even if you don’t have elite status.
🎬 Credits:
Guest: Chris Chamberlin, Freelance Travel Journalist
Produced and hosted by: Tobias Venus
Video and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4peBQk2
💳 See the latest point earning credit cards - https://phk.ing/44JPFj0
📖 Read Chris Chamberlin's First Class rankings - https://phk.ing/4bbnsFA
🛫 Read how Chris scored a free First Class upgrade with Cathay Pacific - https://phk.ing/3Lj5erj
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #firstclass
43 min
December 12, 2025 The top Qantas Point earning credit cards for 2026
Choosing a Qantas credit card can feel overwhelming but at Point Hacks we're thinking about this stuff every day!
In this episode, Brandon Loo joins Tobias to break down nine major Qantas-earning credit cards, their perks, earn rates and fees.
We also answer a great listener question: “Is there a limit to how many credit cards you can have?”
🎬 Credits:
Guest: Brandon Loo, Senior Content Producer
Produced and hosted by: Tobias Venus
Video and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/3XQ2apq
📰 See the latest Qantas Point earning credit cards - https://phk.ing/4oQ7kg3
💡 Point Hacks may receive a commission from the card issuer for each applicant of the cards mentioned. Read more - https://phk.ing/44R0P5u
✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇
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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pointhacks
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pointhacks
#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantaspoints
26 min
November 27, 2025 Are frequent flyer points worth it? I asked a finance expert.
Finance expert, author, and media personality Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon joins Tobias to unpack one of the biggest questions in money and travel:
As a finance expert, is collecting frequent flyer points actually worth it?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✈️ How Nicole flew herself and her kids to Disneyland for $600 total
💳 The “six-prong strategy” she used to earn 254,000 Qantas Points in a single day
🏦 The credit-card-plus-offset-account hack that can save you tens of thousands of dollars off your mortgage
📉 How credit card limits affect your home loan borrowing power and how to avoid pitfalls
🔄 How often you should apply for new cards (and when NOT to)
🛏️ How cashback platforms can slash your travel costs
🛒 Her smart shopping decision-tree to guarantee points or cash back
👶 Why kids should have frequent flyer accounts too
💡 Why most pleave money on the table and how easy it is to fix
🎬 Credits:
Guest: Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Produced, edited and hosted by: Tobias Venus
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/43WVg53
📰 Boost your points balance with the latest credit card sign ups - https://phk.ing/43T4oHW
💵 Get savvy, solvent then financially secure with Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon - https://www.nicolessmartmoney.com/

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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #personalfinance
43 min
November 19, 2025 How to earn Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles in Australia (it's easier than you think!)
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is one of the most popular programs for Australian travellers — but with changes rolling out, are the miles still worth collecting?
In this episode we break down how KrisFlyer works, the upcoming devaluations, the best sweet-spot redemptions, and how Aussies can earn miles more effectively.

🎬 Credits:
Guest: Brandon Loo, Senior Content Producer
Hosted, produced and edited by: Tobias Venus
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and bonus point offers - https://phk.ing/4i4ZJbC
💳 See the latest KrisFlyer Mile earning credit cards - https://phk.ing/43BiGgf
📖 Our comprehensive KrisFlyer Guide - https://phk.ing/4i78Et8
↔️ How to transfer Velocity Points to KrisFlyer - https://phk.ing/3LT1cG0
📼 What enough KrisFlyer Miles could get you - https://phk.ing/48k1jmN

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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #singaporeairlines #krisflyer
31 min
October 16, 2025 The best ways to earn Frequent Flyer Points
How easy is it really to earn Qantas and Velocity Points without flying Business Class every week?
In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias sits down with Brandon Loo and Chris Chamberlain to break down every way Aussies can start earning points right now, from supermarket shops to 100k+ sign-up bonuses.
We cover:
✅ The essential first steps to start earning Qantas and Velocity Points, even if you’re a complete beginner
✅ Everyday earn hacks through supermarkets, fuel, Uber/Didi, hotels and wine stores
✅ How to multiply your points with bonus gift card offers and stacking techniques
✅ Why credit card sign-up bonuses are the fastest way to jump straight into Business Class
✅ Business and personal bill-paying platforms that let you earn points on things that normally don’t
✅ When (if ever) you should buy points outright vs. getting them via wine or transfer partners
✅ Retro-claiming loopholes. How far back you can go to recover missed points
🎬 Credits:
Guests: Brandon Loo & Chris Chamberlain, Point Hacks
Vision Mixing: Sean Pereira
Camera Operation: Joshua Weckert
Produced, edited and hosted by: Tobias Venus
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/emails/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pod_5
📰 Boost your points balance with the latest credit card sign ups - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/credit-cards/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pod_5
🎓 All of our frequent flyer point guides in one place - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/guides/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pod_5
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas #velocityfrequentflyer
24 min
September 25, 2025 Would You Rather a Foot Spa or Four AFL Games? We Put Velocity Points to the Test
What’s the best way to spend 25,000 Velocity Points? A $119 foot spa or flights to four AFL games across three cities in one weekend?
In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Toby and Josh put the theory to the test.
We cover:
✅ Comparing 25,000 Velocity Points spent on a foot spa vs. on domestic AFL flights
✅ Why flights almost always beat merchandise redemptions in cents-per-point value
✅ The pitfalls of Virgin’s dynamic pricing on reward seats
✅ Booking tips: when to lock in the lowest redemption rates and how Business Class differs
✅ How newcomers can build up a points balance without credit cards
✅ Final cents-per-point calculations and what this says about the true “floor vs. ceiling” value of Velocity Points
🎬 Credits:
Guest: Josh Weckert, Customer Experience Specialist
Executive Producer: Caissie Dillon
Produced, edited and hosted by: Tobias Venus
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/velocity/how-i-flew-to-four-afl-games-velocity-points/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pod_4
📰 Read Josh's full article - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/emails/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pod_4
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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #virginaustralia #afl
14 min
September 10, 2025 The top 9 uses of 100,000 Qantas Points
Qantas raised classic reward prices, so what still delivers with 100,000 Qantas Points?
Brandon Loo joins Tobias Venus to re-rank 9 great redemptions post-devaluation.
We cover:
✅ What changed in the Qantas award devaluation (up to ~20%) and how it reshapes the value of 100,000 points
✅ Emirates First SYD–CHC: why it still punches above its weight
✅ Asia in Business with Cathay or China Airlines
✅ JAL Business: what’s great, what’s quirky
✅ Qantas A330 Business to Asia
✅ Qantas First SYD–SIN vs saving ~40k by booking Business instead
✅ When cash fares beat points for long-haul economy
✅ Short regional hops (~9,200 pts) that shine when cash spikes
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/emails/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pod_3
📰 Read Brandon's full article - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/qantas/best-uses-of-100k-points/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pod_3
💡 How Tobias earned Qantas gold using under 100k Qantas Points - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/qantas/unlocking-every-qantas-tier-2025/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pod_3
📖 Learn more about using American Express Membership Rewards Points to redeem Qantas Flights with British Airways - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/news/american-express-membership-rewards-british-airways-partnership/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pod_3
🎬 Credits:
Guest: Brandon Loo, Point Hacks Senior Content Producer
Executive Producer: Caissie Dillon
Vision Mixing: Sean Pereira
Audio Recording: Joshua Weckert
Produced, edited and hosted by: Tobias Venus
✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@pointhacks
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pointhacks
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pointhacksau/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pointhacks
22 min