In 2009, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) began accepting payments by credit card. Many Australians have to pay tax anyway, so they took the opportunity to pay by card and earn frequent flyer points in the process. Since then, the banks have slowly but surely removed this loophole by excluding government payments from earning points. Next week, St George Bank will become the final major Australian bank to stop awarding points for tax payments.

But Australians have made hay while the sun was shining - and few more so than the AFF member who goes by the username "cove". Cove estimates his family has earned 100 million points by paying taxes with credit cards since 2009. In this episode, Matt finds out how he did it! You'll also learn how to continue earning points for tax payments, even after St George closes this loophole.

Also in this episode, Qantas has launched a status match and Virgin Australia is now finally out of voluntary administration.

 

 

Episode contents:

1:14 - Fortnightly news round-up
8:18 - Virgin Australia is out of voluntary administration. What's next?
12:45 - Interview with "cove"
29:07 - How to continue earning points for tax payments in Australia

 

Links:

AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Virgin Australia to Relaunch Business Class
Half of Virgin Australia’s Lounges to Reopen
How to Earn Points for Paying Tax & Other Bills in 2020
Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: How COVID-19 Has Changed Travel: Planning for 2021 (9 December 2020)

 

Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

Bain Takes Control as Virgin Australia Exits Voluntary Administration
Extend Your Qantas Status By Booking One Flight
Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold Status Match
Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions
Velocity Global Wallet Shutting Down
How to Buy & Redeem Air Canada Aeroplan Points
Flybuys Removes Annual Velocity Points Transfer Limit
Qantas to Launch Strategic Partnership with Accor Hotels
ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures Card Withdraws Virgin Benefits