Point Hacks

Point Hacks
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  • Places & Travel
  • Twice monthly

Demystifying the world of frequent flyer points one podcast at a time. Point Hacks show you how to turn everyday spending and credit card rewards into unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a Business Class seat to Europe, a luxury family getaway, or simply never paying full price for a flight again, we provide the insider tips, tools, and confidence to reach your points and status goals faster. Join Tobias Venus as he learns from the best in the business on earning and burning frequent flyer points in Australia.

  1. 3 days ago

    Credit Card Rewards are already falling. Here's how to stay ahead - w/Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon

    From 1 October 2026, Australia’s credit card landscape changes significantly. Surcharging will disappear on designated eftpos, Mastercard and Visa payments, while lower interchange fees could put further pressure on credit card bonus points, earn rates and perks. In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias Venus sits down with finance expert and author Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon to unpack what the changes could mean for Australian points collectors. They cover falling sign-up bonuses, reduced earn rates, annual fees and card benefits, why bank change notices matter more than ever, the role of business credit cards, and how too many credit-card applications can affect your credit profile. For anyone earning Qantas Points, Velocity Points or flexible rewards through a credit card, this is a practical guide to understanding the new points landscape. Disclaimer: This episode contains general information only. Consider your own circumstances before applying for or changing a credit product. Point Hacks is affiliated with Pay.com.au. 🎬 Credits: Guest: Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon Produced and hosted by: Tobias Venus Video and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au 💳 See the latest point earning credit cards here - https://phk.ing/4zxL41h 📊 Running a business? See the full list of available credit cards here - https://phk.ing/45lppvl 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4xEkjq1 💵 More from Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon - https://www.nicolessmartmoney.com/ ▶️ Watch Nicole's Minted Kids Podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/@nicolessmartmoney2197 ✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇 TikTok - https://go.pointhacks.com/yt-tiktok Instagram - https://go.pointhacks.com/yt-instagram Facebook - https://go.pointhacks.com/yt-facebook X (formerly known as Twitter) - https://go.pointhacks.com/yt-twitter #pointhacks #frequentflyer #creditcard

  2. 23 Jul

    We tried ANA’s new Business Class suite before it flies

    We go behind the scenes in Japan for a first look at ANA’s new Boeing 787 cabin, including The Room FX Business Class suite, updated Premium Economy and a more spacious Economy seat. Brandon and Toby test the mock-ups, talk through the biggest upgrades, and explain what makes The Room FX different from ANA’s existing “The Room” Business Class on the Boeing 777. Expect sliding doors, a 24-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth audio, USB-C charging, wireless charging, improved storage and a sofa-style seat that folds into a fully-flat bed. We also look at ANA’s refreshed Premium Economy, including 40 inches of pitch and extra recline, plus the new Economy seat with more usable knee room. The big question: will these upgraded Boeing 787s eventually fly to Australia? 🎬 Credits: Guest: Brandon Loo, Editor in Chief, Point Hacks Produced and hosted by: Tobias Venus Video and audio produced by: TOBY TV PTY LTD | tobytv.com.au 🎓 Learn more about Travel Booking via the CommBank app - https://phk.ing/4xNxgPk 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4gyWv1p 📖 Read Brandon’s full article: https://phk.ing/4vXn6tp ✈️ 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 Disclaimer: This video is brought to you in collaboration with Commonwealth Bank. Travel Booking is provided by Hopper Inc (Hopper). Must hold an eligible CommBank retail or business credit or debit card, StepPay card or Travel Money Card. T&Cs and ongoing CommBank Yello eligibility requirements apply. #pointhacks #FrequentFlyer #Velocity #Commbank #ad #PaidPartnership

  3. 2 Jul

    Everything you need to know about Qantas Project Sunrise

    Qantas’ Project Sunrise could change how Australians fly to Europe, with nonstop Sydney to London flights planned on specially configured Airbus A350 aircraft. In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias Venus speaks with Brandon Loo after his Project Sunrise media briefing and Airbus factory visit. They cover why London appears to be the obvious launch route, how Qantas is thinking about premium travellers, what makes the new First Class cabin different, and whether a 21-hour flight is really worth the time saving. For points collectors, the key question remains reward seat access. We discuss what travellers should watch as Qantas moves closer to launch. 🎬 Credits: Guest: Brandon Loo, Editor-in-Chief 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 bonus point offers -  https://phk.ing/4giE4OA 📰 See the latest point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4vNHxcS 📖 Qantas adjusts Project Sunrise Economy Seats - https://phk.ing/4b2a5Xw 📖 Project Sunrise Inaugural Route Announced - https://phk.ing/4fiCpXd ❓ Ready to book? Read this first - https://phk.ing/4xUXP4V ✈️ 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 #pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas #projectsunrise

  4. 22 May

    Why Hong Kong Is One of the Best Cities for Points Travel

    Tobias and Brandon recently visited Hong Kong and came away convinced it’s one of the top destinations for Australian points collectors. In this episode, we cover: • Why Hong Kong works so well as a stopover city • How to use points to get there • The best airport lounges and aviation experiences • Why Hong Kong is ideal for short stays • Our top 10 things to do around the city Whether you’re planning a quick transit or a longer stay, this episode is packed with practical tips for making the most of Hong Kong with points. Disclaimer: Tobias and Brandon travelled to Hong Kong using their own frequent flyer points and money. Tobias received two complimentary Peak Tram tickets from Hong Kong Tourism, which had no editorial input into this podcast episode. 🎬 Credits: Guest: Brandon Loo, Editor in Chief, Point Hacks 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 bonus point offers -  https://phk.ing/3RVA9Na 📰 See the latest point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4fvzyf2 📖 Brandon's experience lounge hopping in Hong Kong Airport -  https://phk.ing/43n7Qd7 ✈️ Learn more about Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - https://phk.ing/4wLf08x ✈️ 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 #pointhacks #frequentflyer #hongkong

  5. 14 Apr

    How Australia’s New Card Surcharge Rules Could Affect Points Earners

    Credit card surcharges are being scrapped in Australia, but what does that mean for frequent flyer points? In this episode, Toby Venus and Wilson McTaggart break down the RBA’s changes to surcharges and interchange fees, why they matter, and how they could affect sign-up bonuses, earn rates, annual fees and travel perks on popular rewards cards. They also look at why business credit cards may hold up better than personal cards, what this could mean for Qantas and Velocity, and how points collectors can adapt. This episode is general information only and is not financial advice. 🎬 Credits: Guest: Wilson McTaggart, Australian Frequent Flyer 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/42bnk3b 📰 See the latest Qantas and Velocity Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4sA89M2 📖 RBA Changes Explained - https://phk.ing/4mD1Buz 🙋Join the discussion on AFF - https://phk.ing/4tJDs7Z ✈️ 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 #pointhacks #FrequentFlyer #CreditCardRewards

  6. 29 Mar

    Japan and Beyond: The Point Hacks Guide to Cherry Blossoms

    Cherry blossom season in Japan is one of the most popular travel experiences for Australians. In this episode, we cover where to go, when to book and how to use points effectively. Tobias also recounts his previous (and somewhat disastrous) visit to chase cherry blossoms in 2025. We also answer a listener question about points expiry. Learn why transferring points doesn’t extend expiry in most cases, plus the simple ways to keep your balance active with Qantas and Velocity. 🎬 Credits: Guest: Brandon Loo, Editor in Chief, Point Hacks 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/4skBGt3 📰 See the latest Qantas and Velocity Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/3NLUzqw 📖 When do points expire? - https://phk.ing/4dPeH5q 🌸 Point Hack your next cherry blossom adventure -  ✈️ 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 #pointhacks #frequentflyer #JapanTravel

  7. 16 Mar

    Are Qantas Status Hacks Dead?

    Qantas has announced the biggest overhaul of its Frequent Flyer program in years, and it’s going to change how Australians earn status, redeem points and engage with the airline. In this episode Brandon and Tobias break down everything we know about the upcoming changes rolling out between 2026 and 2027. We cover the new Classic Reward search tool, the introduction of status credits on the ground, the end of Points Club and Green Tier, and the controversial changes to status earning and loyalty bonuses. Some frequent flyers may benefit from the changes but others could find it much harder to maintain status in the future. We also answer a listener question about how to use Qantas lounge passes properly, including where you’ll get the most value and the simple mistakes that could get you turned away at the door. If you collect Qantas Points or chase frequent flyer status, this episode will help you understand what’s changing and how to prepare. 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/3P3aaCk 📰 See the latest Qantas Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4lu7REz 📖 Read more about the upcoming Qantas Changes - https://phk.ing/4bsugxr ✈️ 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 🎬 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  #pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas

  8. 23 Feb

    How to hack the Qantas Double Status Credits promotion

    Qantas Double Status Credits are back — and this is your fast track to Gold or Platinum. In this emergency episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, we break down the newly announced Double Status Credits promotion and show you exactly how to turn it into elite status. We explain how the offer works and the smartest ways to plan a status run — whether you’re paying cash, using points, or leveraging Qantas Points Club. We also walk through real strategies that have previously taken us all the way to Platinum, including how to use connections, distance bands and reward tables to your advantage — plus why this promo can unlock hard-to-find reward seats (hello, Japan). If you’ve ever wanted lounge access, better upgrade chances and priority treatment across the Qantas and oneworld network, this is the promotion to pay attention to. Got questions about your own status run? Drop them in the comments. 🎬 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/3MmHfZ2 📰 See the latest Qantas Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/4tOMYHB 📖 Read more about Qantas double status credits - https://phk.ing/4ruW6zz 🥇 How Toby used points to earn Gold - https://phk.ing/4avbeXQ  ✈️ Qantas Earning Tables Cash fares - https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/earn-points/airline-earning-tables/qantas-and-jetstar-earning-tables.html Points Club - https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/earn-points/airline-earning-tables/classic-flight-rewards.html ✈️ 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 #pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas

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About

Demystifying the world of frequent flyer points one podcast at a time. Point Hacks show you how to turn everyday spending and credit card rewards into unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a Business Class seat to Europe, a luxury family getaway, or simply never paying full price for a flight again, we provide the insider tips, tools, and confidence to reach your points and status goals faster. Join Tobias Venus as he learns from the best in the business on earning and burning frequent flyer points in Australia.

Information

  • Creator
    Point Hacks
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Point Hacks

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