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 - 

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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #JapanTravel

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

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🎬 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

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

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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas

In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, we’re answering one of the biggest questions for Velocity members:
What’s the best way to spend Velocity Points in 2026?

Brandon joins Toby to break down the top reward flight redemptions, from long-haul Business Class sweet spots to clever partner airline hacks that unlock outsized value. We cover real-world availability, fees, recent program changes and which options are actually worth your hard-earned points.

You’ll learn how to turn a six-figure points balance into experiences like Qatar Airways Qsuites to Doha and Europe, ANA Business Class to Tokyo, United Polaris to the USA, Singapore Airlines premium cabins via KrisFlyer and more.

We also answer a listener question on why reward seats need to be booked so far in advance, and share practical strategies for finding them — whether you’re planning a year ahead or hunting last-minute availability.

And if you’re still building your balance, we run through the fastest ways to earn Velocity Points in Australia right now, from sign-up bonuses to everyday partner hacks.

Whether you’re new to Velocity or sitting on a big points stash, this episode will help you extract maximum value from your next redemption.

🎬 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/3ZFGayw
📰 See the latest Velocity Point earning cards - https://phk.ing/3MAiQyX
📖 Read The best uses of 150,000 Velocity Points in 2025 - https://phk.ing/4rWMBcp
👶 New to Velocity Frequent Flyer? Start here - https://phk.ing/46cFRPd

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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #velocityfrequentflyer

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

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

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

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

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

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#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantaspoints

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

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