What credit score do I need to get the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card?

If you’re considering the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card, which allows you to earn highly desirable Qantas Frequent Flyer Points plus bonus points, you may be wondering what kind of credit score you will need to be a successful applicant, and what other eligibility criteria you need to meet.

You’ve come to the right place to get all the information you need.

NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card

Balance transfer

12 months at 0% p.a.

Purchase rate

20.99% p.a. ongoing

Annual fee

$295.00 for 1st year

Highlights

• Gain up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points. Acquire 90,000 bonus points upon spending $3,000 within the initial 60 days from account approval date and an additional 30,000 bonus points upon maintaining your card open for over 12 months. Terms and conditions apply.
• Benefit from 0% on balance transfers for 12 months with a 3% Balance Transfer Fee.
• First-year annual fee reduced to $295 p.a. from $395 p.a. (saving you $100).

In this guide

• Who is the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card for?
• What credit score is needed for the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card?
• How hard is it to get the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card?
• Key features and perks
• Fees
• Pros and cons
• How do I apply?
• Alternatives
• FAQs
• The bottom line

Who is the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card for?

The NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card is for those on the lookout to derive extra rewards and travel perks from their regular spending. Earn 1.0 Qantas points on eligible purchases up to $5,000 per month, and 0.5 points for further spending up to $20,000 in a monthly cycle. A significant number of bonus points can also be earned, and both regular travellers and shoppers will benefit from the complimentary insurance policies.

What credit score is needed for the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card?

While NAB does not specify a required score for this card, typically you will be expected to have a good credit score to be eligible for most credit cards. Premium cards like this one are usually granted only to those with a score classified as ‘good’ or better.

This is what a good score is, according to the three main Australian credit scoring bodies:

You can check your credit score using Finty’s free credit score service.

How hard is it to get the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card?

You qualify for the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card if you:

• Are 18 years or older;
• Have a regular income;
• Are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian Permanent Resident;
• Are a non-resident, but hold an acceptable Temporary Residency Visa.

Key features and perks

• Earn Qantas Points at a very acceptable rate (but note that there is a points threshold beyond which the earn rate declines, and also an absolute cap which is so high it shouldn’t be a problem for most cardholders).
• Easily qualify for a large number of bonus Qantas Points.
• Six complimentary insurance policies, including purchase protection and overseas travel insurance.
• 0% p.a. balance transfer regularly offered for a promotional period.
• High minimum credit limit.
• Interest-free period on purchases up to 44 days.
• NAB concierge service.
• Visa Premium access.

Fees

• High annual fee (reduced in first year).
• High interest rate on purchases and cash advances.
• No reward program fee charged
• Late payment fee.
• Cash advance fee.
• Foreign exchange fee.
• Additional card: $0.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Bonus Qantas Points and ongoing Qantas Points.
• High points cap so you can earn more points.
• Benefits including travel insurance, extended warranty and purchase protection.
• Balance transfers at 0% p.a. for an introductory period are offered regularly.
• Access to Visa Premium discounts and privileges.
• Concierge service.
• Fraud protection and lost/stolen card emergency assistance.
• Account alerts provided by SMS.

Cons

• High annual fee even after discount.
• Earning the full amount of bonus Qantas Points is subject to an initial spending target and keeping the card beyond 12 months.
• Higher interest rates compared to some other NAB cards.
• Monthly points threshold (beyond which the earn rate declines) and points cap (beyond which no points can be earned).

How do I apply?

You can apply online and the process takes about 15 minutes if you have all your documentation to hand. Once completed, you will get a response within 60 seconds. Your application will then be verified and NAB may ask for additional information and documentation to complete the process.

If your credit card application is approved, you will get the physical card within five working days. You need to activate it via the NAB app or NAB Internet Banking or by calling the bank or visiting a branch.

Documents you will need

• Details of employment and employer details for the past three years.
• Your financial information including income, assets, debts and expenses.
• An idea about the credit limit you want for your card.
• Recent financial documents like payslips or bank statements.
• If you are new to NAB or do not have an active NAB account, provide one form of identification such as an Australian driver’s licence, Australian or international passport or a Medicare card.
• Existing NAB customers will be asked for their NAB ID.

Alternatives

It’s always worthwhile comparing credit card options before applying for a credit card, to find out if there are similar cards which might suit you better. If you’re looking for a premium card with rewards points, bonus points, and travel perks, take a look at the following:

Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card (Altitude)

Highlights

• Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points. Receive 100,000 Altitude bonus points by spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 120 days of card approval. Additionally, get 50,000 points after your first eligible purchase in year 2. Exclusions apply.
• Initial $150 p.a. annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter), applicable to new cardholders only.
• Earn 6 Altitude points per $1 on Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates flights bought in Australia, subject to eligibility criteria.

Pros

• Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points when you meet the criteria.
• Additional savings with the $150 first-year annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter).
• Earn 1.25 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
• Get 2 complimentary lounge passes each year with Priority Pass.

Cons

• The high annual fee of $295 p.a. after the initial year.

American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card

Highlights

• Get 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. Terms and Conditions apply.
• Receive 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations annually.
• Access a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year (conditions apply).

Pros

• Earn 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
• Excellent earn rates on everyday spending. Earns points on payments to the ATO.
• Access to The Centurion® Lounge. after your first card spend on the card for Qantas products and services each anniversary year.
• 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations each year.
• Add cards for up to four family and friends at no cost.

Cons

• The annual fee of $450.
• There is no concierge service, even though it's a high end card.
• Balance transfers are not possible.
• Transactions in a foreign currency attract a fee.

The Qantas American Express Premium Card

Highlights

• Receive 20,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 in 3 months. New Amex Card Members only.
• Relax with 2 complimentary Qantas Club invitations every year (conditions apply).
• Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.

Pros

• 20,000 bonus Qantas points for signing up and hitting the spending target.
• Earn points on your everyday spend. Also earns points at a reduced rate on government spend.
• Give up to 4 of your friends and family a card — at no extra cost — to earn more points.
• $450 Qantas Travel Credit, which is fairly easy to trigger with your first Qantas purchase each year.
• Comes with complimentary card purchase cover and travel insurance.

Cons

• There is an annual fee of $249.
• The purchase rate is quite high, but can be avoided with responsible use.
• No balance transfer facility.

American Express Explorer Credit Card

Highlights

• Obtain 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points upon application approval and spending $4,000 on your new Card within the initial 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
• Enjoy a $400 Travel Credit annually for flights, hotels, and car rentals when booked online using this card.
• Benefit from complimentary domestic and international travel insurance coverage.

Pros

• The 50,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points when approved and reach spend requirement within the first 3 months.
• Receive a $400 travel credit every year.
• Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on purchases except for government bodies in Australia where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent (uncapped).
• Get two complimentary entries per year to The Centurion® Lounge.

Cons

• The $395 p.a. annual fee.

St.George Amplify Signature Credit Card (Amplify)

Highlights

• Up to 150,000 Bonus Amplify Rewards Points earned upon spending $12,000 on eligible purchases within the first 12 months from card approval.
• Initial card fee of $199 for the first year ($295 p.a. thereafter).
• Comes with complimentary overseas travel insurance coverage for up to 6 months.

Pros

• The 150,000 bonus Amplify Rewards Points.
• Save $96 with the $199 card fee for the first year.
• Enjoy 2 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year when you enroll in Priority Pass.
• Comes with concierge services.

Cons

• After the initial year, the annual fee is $295 p.a.
• There is no promotional balance transfer offer at the moment.

FAQs

My credit score is ‘bad’. What should I do?

There are two ways in which you can get a bad credit score:

• As a result of your own financial actions;
• As a result of errors in your credit report.

If your credit is damaged due to your own actions (or inaction), cultivating positive money management habits would help you get out of debt, repair your credit and relieve your financial stress.

Here are some steps you can take to mend your damaged credit:

• Read our article on how to improve your credit score.
• Review your credit reports. First, check your credit score free of charge. You also have the right to get a free credit report from any of the Australian credit reporting agencies every year. Find out what is bringing your score down. If there are any errors, contact the agency to have them rectified.
• Get your bill payments under control.
• Get your spending under control. Understand what triggers your spending.
• Create a personal budget and try to stick to it. Not adding onto existing, unmanageable debts will help you whittle away at the big debts.
• Aim to use around one third or less of your available credit.
• Avoid multiple new credit (credit card and loan) applications which result in 'hard’ enquiries which can further erode your credit score.
• Seriously consider debt consolidation measures to buy time to pay off loans and credit card balances.
• Keep monitoring your credit to track your progress.

What is a 'good' credit score in Australia?

Here's how the credit reporting bodies define good, very good and excellent credit scores for Australians:

What should I check for when I get my credit report?

Your credit record is yours even though it is managed and held by credit reporting bodies. It is not unusual to have errors and fraud happen, which can then affect your credit score through no fault of your own.

Here's what to check for when you get your credit record:

• Make sure that all the credit enquiries and applications listed are actually ones you have initiated.
• Check to ensure that all the listed defaults and repayment history information is correct.
• Make sure that your personal and contact details have been correctly recorded.

If there are inaccuracies, outdated, incomplete, misleading or irrelevant information in your credit report, you have the right to get them corrected free of charge under the provisions of The Privacy Act 1988.

How do I get my credit report corrected?

The first step is to use internal dispute resolution, which means contacting the relevant credit provider. Law requires them to deal with the matters noted in your complaint. You can use their complaint handling process for free.

You may get external parties involved if the internal resolution fails. All the credit reporting bodies and all lenders (credit providers) in Australia are required to be members of a free and independent dispute resolution service called the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

You can get in touch with the AFCA:

• Through their website
• Email: info@afca.org.au
• Telephone: 1800 931 678 (free call)
• In writing: Australian Financial Complaints Authority, GPO Box 3, Melbourne, VIC 3001.

What credit reporting bodies does NAB use?

NAB uses information from a number of credit reporting bodies including the following, and also shares information with them:

What is the minimum income for NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card?

NAB has not specified the minimum income requirement for this credit card. However, you can be sure they will factor it in when they are verifying your application, and allocating a credit limit if your application is approved.

What are ‘everyday purchases'?

Everyday purchases are general living expenses that people regularly spend their money on. They can include:

• Your weekly groceries;
• Fuel expenses for your car;
• Telephone, gas and electricity bills;
• Water rates and council rates;
• Theatre and movie tickets;
• Shopping for clothes;
• Subscriptions and memberships for internet, mobile phone plans, magazines, gym, etc.;
• Insurance for health, life, car, home, pets.

Is this card available to temporary residents?

If you hold an acceptable Temporary Residency Visa you can apply for this card.

However, people holding the following visa categories are not eligible:

• Visitor visa (except a Special Category Visa for NZ Citizens, which is acceptable)
• Working holiday visa
• Student visa
• Exchange/gap year visa
• Transit/short stay/seasonal/bridging visas

You can find more information about applying for a credit card on a temporary residency visa here.

The bottom line

The NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card is best suited for applicants with a relatively high income level and high monthly spend, who are looking for a credit card that brings them maximum rewards and perks to suit a travelling lifestyle.

Before making your decision about which credit card best serves your needs, earning capacity and lifestyle, do your own due diligence by comparing cards for their fees, features, rewards and privileges.

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