Business Expenses = Free Holidays!

Today, in 3 minutes or less, you’ll learn:   

1. You can earn frequent flyer points on business expenses using a rewards credit card with great benefits.  
2. You can maximise rewards with sign-up bonuses, partner programs, and smart spending.   
3. You should only use this strategy if you can pay off your card in full at the end of each month to avoid interest charges that cancel out the benefits. 

Imagine booking a family holiday and only paying a fraction of the cost of flights. I recently did just that—twice! We spent only $300 for return flights for all four of us on two holidays ($600 total), and now I'm hooked on using frequent flyer points to fund travel.   

If you're running a business, you could earn points on every dollar you spend. Here's some essential tips I've learned so far:  

#1 Use a points-earning credit card: many business expenses (software, advertising, stock, subscriptions) can earn you points if you put them on a rewards credit card.   

#2 Make sure you can pay it off: if you don't pay your credit card off in full each month, this strategy isn't for you. The interest will wipe out any reward benefits.  

#3 Choose the right card: there are heaps of options, each with different fees, benefits, and point structures. Look for:   

• A generous sign-up bonus   
• A reasonable points-per-dollar rate on your usual spending   
• Benefits like lounge access or travel insurance   
• Flexibility with how you can use your points (across flight, accommodation and other travel expenses)   

#4 Be smart about sign-up bonuses: some cards offer thousands of bonus points if you meet a minimum spend within the first few months. Check if you can meet that spend with business expenses before signing up. Also, the credit card must be kept for at least 12 months after collecting the sign-on bonus to prevent future opportunities from being impacted.   

#5 Don't panic about annual fees: some cards have high fees, but when you factor in the included perks (like free accommodation, dining benefits, travel insurance or lounge access), they can be well worth it.   

#6 Be careful and research the impact on your credit rating: this is particularly important if you open multiple credit cards and are looking to take out a mortgage or other credit soon. I am still learning about this overall strategy myself and any potential pitfalls.    

In the early days of business, getting a business credit card can be tricky (most require $50K+ in business revenue). But you can use a personal rewards card for business expenses—keep a separate one to track spending.   

In Australia, you can collect points by:  

• Rewards-Linked Credit Cards: check out these lists for Qantas and Virgin Australia, which will show you some options. 

• Qantas Shop: you can buy gift cards through the Qantas shop and get 3x points per $1 spent (I use these for Woolworths, Amazon, and Bunnings spending).   

• Everyday Rewards: for every 2000 Everyday Rewards points (on spending at Woolworths and partner shops), you can get 1000 Qantas points.  

• Flybuys: for every 1000 Flybuys points (on spend at Coles and partner shops), you can get 500 Velocity points.  

Many great resources (Facebook groups, blogs, comparison sites) can help you maximise your points. Here are just a few that I have started following:   

• Pointhacks  

• The Points Wanderer

• Travel Mom Squad  

• Point Me to First Class  

It takes a little effort, but trust me—it's so worth it when you're flying for so little cost!  

Are you already using points for travel? I would love to hear any tips you have for me.