Reward Points to Velocity / Qantas Points?

cintamami on 25/08/2017 - 13:40
Last edited 26/08/2017 - 09:02

Hi Guys

I just got into the points craze and looking for opinions please.

I have 340,000 Citibank reward points, this is from before I got introduced to Amex Explorer and see what I can get with Amex Points vs Citibank Rewards Points.

I was going to convert my 340k citibank reward points to $1,500 DJ gift card for the mrs to shop.

However looking at Amex Points conversion, it would be almost a waste to convert the above 340k to $1,500 worth of DJ Gift Card (at least I feel that way).

I have the option of converting that to 170k velocity points or maybe 110k qantas point (subject to a check with Citibank).

Is velocity a lot better than qantas? I know this is very subjective and depends on your travel plan.

But generally, we have the following travel pattern:
1. We frequent SE Asia quite often - Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur.
2. We are planning a trip to Japan soon, depending when the mrs falls pregnant.
3. Hongkong/Taiwan/Korea in the coming year perhaps.
4. Perhaps 4-5 years from now, another Europe Trip.
5. America is at the back of our mind for now, will probably visit, but definitely wont be in the next 5 years.

With our above travel pattern, which of the frequent flyer program will benefit us more?

Between me and the mrs, we also have accumulated about 300,000 amex points within these last 2 months, which we will definitely use that for the marriott stay and asia miles bonus. Just waiting for the Japan trip confirmation and hopefully the promotion hasnt run out by then.

Thank you in advance.

I have tried to look and put in various travel dates in those 2 velocity and qantas website, but perhaps some of the gurus here can better help me.

Kind regards

Financial

Comments

  • carwashhair on 25/08/2017 - 14:23

    Not sure what amex points coversion has to do with regards to the 340k citibank rewards points in this case. Unless you're just comparing the value of points and the program?

    For your travel patterns, If you are able to convert 340k citibank rewards to 170k velocity vs 110k qantas, I'd suggest Velocity. You can link a Singapore KrisFlyer account to your velocity, and that would get you just under 126k krisfklyer points.KF are good for Asia and even Europ; Velocity can sometimes be good for redemptions too if you know the few pockets of value.

    If you then start going for Amex points, you can put them direct into Velocity or KF at the same rate as each other (from memory) as needed (i.e. not like the different VA/QF redemptions in your example). Check first if your amex rewards is gateway or ascent, as these can have different transfer values to the programs (i.e. 1:1 vs 4:3).

    Or you could look at transferring to Amex Starwood for even greater portability (specifically the chance to move to AA via https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/323368)

    • cintamami on 25/08/2017 - 14:48

      I meant to say that I get a lot more value by exchanging gift card from the amex points that I have instead of sacrificing my current citibank reward balance.

      Amex explorer is gateway points I think.

  • starburstyellow on 25/08/2017 - 22:56
    +1

    Are you based in Perth? If so I personally would transfer the Citibank to Krisflyer as would get 136K (2.5ct:1kff). with 136K you could go to Taiwan/Hong Kong for the two of you 65K * 2. And yes, that would be more worth then $1.5K in gift cards.

  • starburstyellow on 25/08/2017 - 23:30
    +1

    Actually why are you so worried about Qantas? none of your points i.e. Citi nor Amex Gateway, can be converted to Qantas anyway.

    • cintamami on 26/08/2017 - 09:01

      Yes I am in Perth.

      I was reading on pointhacks that Citibank Signature Visa do convert to Qantas but you must do something and advise Citibank I think.

      I am going to give them a call on Monday to see whether this is possible.

      Between velocity and qantas, we feel that qantas flying partners are more aligned to our future travel needs.

      What I am going to do:
      1. Try to find ways to transfer any points that I can salvage to qantas points, if not, we will go with Krisflyer, thank you for that insight for travel to Taiwan/HK.
      2. I am going to replace my daily cc card with a qantas ff credit card for point accumulation going forward. It does not take long for us to build points.

      I thought you can convert your explorer points to qantas with a 4 - 3 conversion?

      Thank you.

      • starburstyellow on 26/08/2017 - 17:49
        +1

        Regarding the citibank to Qantas, what they mean is that you convert program between citirewards to Qantas (with a fee) ie you cannot convert already earned points from one to another.

        You cannot transfer any of the above programs to Qantas. The only program that allows it, is the Amex Accent Premium. Which comes with the Amex platinum.

        One advice I can give you with krisflyer vs Qantas, you need less points on SQ than QF. Eg Perth to Japan is 116k krisflyer where as to Qantas is 150k.

        Fyi I'm from Perth too :)

        • starburstyellow on 26/08/2017 - 17:53
          +1

          Oh also in case I wasn't clear, the points to HK/TW was for business.

        • cintamami on 26/08/2017 - 20:04

          @starburstyellow:

          Thanks!!! Much appreciated.

          What back up card do you use? I meant beside your Amex. Whats your secondary card ?

          Business travel? how so, I was playing around with the date, even the low season was asking for $650 ish return on economy per person?

          Are you meant to say that we need to hunt early for the award saver rate?

        • starburstyellow on 27/08/2017 - 12:07

          @cintamami: As a back up currently, I have the Westpac Black card. Im taking advantage of the 80K Qantas points + SPG Gold (after 1 night stay at an SPG hotel). As well as the Citibank Signature card.

          I suggest perhaps you should do bit more reading on travel websites like pointshack as I'm bit confused as to why you would bring up cash i.e. $650 econ return when discussion was about points.

        • cintamami on 27/08/2017 - 12:10

          @starburstyellow:

          I think I am confusing myself too. LOL.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/08/2017 - 11:13
    +1

    Get Velocity Points and trade them for Qantas points on the classifieds. Quite simple really as you can do a 1:1 trade and end up with 170k Qantas points rather than 110k.

    • cintamami on 26/08/2017 - 12:38
      +1

      Shite, never know the classified is full of it! LOL.

      Thank you.

      I will just have to juggle between converting it to krisflyer for 2x return ticket to HK/Taiwan or getting it traded to an equal amount of qantas point from velocity.

      Thank you again.

  • Stewardo on 26/08/2017 - 16:42

    Doesn't citybank have a rewards travel agent?
    Why exchange points and lose some in the process when you could just book using the cards fravel agent.
    As for which alliance to pick I think you need a Qantas a Velocity and a Star Alliance, I like Kris flyer.

    • cintamami on 26/08/2017 - 20:05

      Never really thought about that.

      I am checking it now.

      • Stewardo on 26/08/2017 - 21:00

        I have a boq card that's run by citi
        You can book flights and hotels direct thru rewards page
        Prices were reasonable

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