Multiple Credit Cards / Programs, How to Combine

MementoMori on 15/03/2018 - 14:41

Hi guys,

As part of my banking packages, I had a Westpac Black AMEX + MC and an ANZ Travelers Rewards AMEX fee free. I've accumulated 150k 'bank' points in each one, which can be converted to a variety of frequent flyer programs.

My banking has moved to BOM/STG where I have a new fee free Amplify Visa, and I'm wondering what to do with these WBC and ANZ points (I have no planned travel).

What do people usually do?
1. Just pick the 'most likely' frequent flyer program (perhaps KrisFlyer?) and covert the points and close the cards down?
2. Or do they pay the annual fee (perhaps downgrade to a cheaper rewards card in the same range) to keep the points going until you need them?

If 1, which would be a good program to change to? I thought KrisFlyer as Singapore business class is nice, has good options to Europe and Asia and the points can also transfer to Velocity (at a loss). Unsure if KrisFlyer points expire or not or if there is a better choice here.

FYI I am planning on getting the AMEX Explorer card from AMEX directly for future Amex spend.

Thank you!

Travel Reward Points

Comments

  • MathNerd on 15/03/2018 - 16:55
    +2

    Unsure if KrisFlyer points expire or not

    Yes they do, they expire exactly 3 years since earning them, regardless of whether you earn more points during this period (I think QFF 'resets' the clock everytime more points are earnt into the account, so you effectively have unlimited 'life' on QFF points as long as you have some sort of activity happening in your account).
    You are allowed to 'extend' the expiry of your miles (for a cost), and depending on your KF status, this could be 6 months or 12 months.

    What do people usually do?

    If I was in your situation, I'd convert the points to KF, and when I get the Explorer, set a goal for a number of points to earn, then send those points to KF too and then do a booking for a trip.

  • djkelly69 on 15/03/2018 - 17:17

    Asia Miles might be a good option, same advantages as KF above other than the Velocity transfers, but can be used to book QF flights. Not sure on the expiration situation with them though.

    Otherwise Velocity could be an option. Do bank points allow transfers to SPG or other hotel programs?

    • bohn on 15/03/2018 - 18:26
      +1

      "Asia Miles are valid for three years from the month the miles are credited"

      If you are considering transferring to KF but have no immediate plans, you can always transfer to Velocity and then transfer from Velocity to KF later.
      That is one way to keep points alive for awhile. Also, you will lose some points, but if your KF points are expiring, rather than lose them (if you can't use them) - transfer them to velocity. It will cost you to transfer them, and to transfer them back, but it's better than losing them altogether.

  • MementoMori on 16/03/2018 - 15:53

    Just found this - https://www.pointhacks.com.au/points-expiry-policies-roundup…

    Looks like Velocity might be a go. Can I use Velocity to buy upgrade to Business Class on Singapore Air? (I wonder when Velocity has their next 15% bonus deal, is it the same time every year?).

    If not - then I'm thinking transfer to KF, set an alarm for 3 years and make sure to transfer to Velocity if I don't use them.

    • bohn on 16/03/2018 - 20:56

      Just remember that Singapore Air flights open up to KF first, before Velocity.
      To be honest I am not sure how much this impacts upgrades, but it definitely matters for business class seat redemption.

  • points4life on 16/03/2018 - 18:30

    I would go with Kris Flyer, if you don't manage to redeem before they expire you can always transfer to VA. 1VA will cost you 1.35KF points.
    Otherwise go with Asia Miles, you can always redeem them for some trips on Qantas in Australia.

  • MementoMori on 09/04/2018 - 09:55

    Hmmm OK… many people suggesting Kris Flyer, I was thinking Velocity.

    Is this because KF miles are generally harder to earn as an Aussie? Does KF have been options flying out of Australia than Virgin?

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