CommBank Smart Awards credit card review for Aussies earning up to 75,000 points with lounge access and no foreign transaction fees
CommBank Smart Awards credit card shows Aussies how to earn up to 75,000 points, enjoy airport lounge access and travel with no foreign transaction fees while making the $19 monthly fee worth it
Overview for Aussies
The CommBank Smart Awards credit card is a strong choice for Australians who want a practical rewards card built around travel perks and everyday use. Aussies who travel regularly will like the mix of up to 75,000 bonus CommBank Awards points on introductory spend, a Points Boost on your highest eligible purchase each statement, and straightforward redemption options.
For local users the $19 monthly fee stands out compared to annual fees on other cards; it’s simple to understand and can be waived if you hit the $2,000 spend in a statement period. If you prioritise lounge access, flexible points and no foreign transaction fees, the CommBank Smart Awards credit card is worth a close look.
How to earn up to 75,000 points
The current offer on the CommBank Smart Awards credit card delivers 25,000 bonus CommBank Awards points or 10,000 Qantas Points each month you spend $1,500 for the first three months, totalling up to 75,000 Awards points or 30,000 Qantas Points. On top of that you earn up to 1.5 CommBank Awards points per $1 on eligible spend and the Points Boost on your biggest eligible purchase every statement period.
To maximise earning, put large purchases like flights, accommodation or electronics on this card and use it for ongoing bills and groceries so you meet the waiver threshold for the monthly fee. Converting CommBank Awards points to frequent flyer programs or using the Awards Store gives real value for Aussies aiming to travel more.
Travel perks: lounge access and no foreign transaction fees
One of the biggest travel advantages of the CommBank Smart Awards credit card is lounge access, which makes long domestic connections and international layovers more comfortable. Aussies who value a quieter airport experience will enjoy complimentary lounge passes depending on the card’s current benefits and partner access rules.
Equally important is the absence of foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases, a genuine saving for travellers who often pay international merchant fees on other cards. Using the CommBank Smart Awards credit card overseas or for online international shopping keeps costs predictable while still earning CommBank Awards points on purchases.
Fees, tips and whether it’s worth it
The $19 monthly fee can be a dealmaker or dealbreaker depending on your spending patterns; if you consistently hit the $2,000 statement threshold the fee is waived, which makes the card effectively fee-free for active spenders. Keep an eye on interest rates for balances and avoid carrying debt to ensure the rewards outweigh costs.
Practical tips for Aussies: concentrate big-ticket items on the card to leverage the Points Boost, add authorised users to boost points collection for family spend, and monitor CommBank promotions for extras. If you travel, like lounge access and want no foreign transaction fees, the CommBank Smart Awards credit card is a competitive, easy-to-manage option to earn serious CommBank Awards points and travel rewards.