For travellers who know the value of a well-earned Qantas Point and the benefits of their Status Tier, the recent changes to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program might be something you’ve been keeping a close eye on. Qantas has now confirmed when several of its biggest upcoming changes will take effect, including new ways to earn Status Credits on the ground, the ability to roll Status Credits into your next membership year and valuable information about point earning through Qantas Credit Cards before the RBA changes take effect. If you want to learn more about the changes that Qantas previously announced in February 2026, read our article here.
From 8 December 2026, eligible members will be able to roll over up to 50% of the Status Credits earned in their previous membership year, giving frequent flyers a valuable head start towards maintaining or improving their status.
The maximum amount that can be rolled over will depend on your tier:
Importantly, these rollover Status Credits can be used towards retaining your current status or reaching a higher tier in your next membership year.
For members who strategically plan their travel around earning and maintaining status, this provides greater value from Status Credits that may previously have gone unused at the end of a membership year.
Also launching from 8 December, Qantas has now confirmed that members will be able to earn up to 140 Status Credits per membership year without flying.
Qantas previously confirmed there would be 10 different earning categories and has now provided further examples of how this will work. Members will be able to earn 20 Status Credits through eligible Qantas Points-earning credit cards, while everyday shopping can contribute another 10 Status Credits, including through Everyday Rewards at Woolworths.
These Status Credits can be used towards earning and retaining Qantas status and will also count towards Lifetime Status, making everyday spending more valuable for members working towards long-term status goals.
Qantas Loyalty and Customer CEO Andrew Glance said the status changes better reflect how members live and travel today. Glance also stated “Earning Status Credits on the ground will give members more ways to climb our tiers, while driving even greater engagement for our 700 coalition partners across banking, retail, insurance, travel and more.”
The Points Club and Green Tier programs will officially close from 8 December 2026, as Qantas moves towards its new Frequent Flyer status structure stating that the benefits valued most by our members will be integrated into the core program in 2027.
Members can still qualify for Points Club or Points Club Plus up until 8 December and, if achieved, will retain their benefits for the remainder of their current membership year and the following membership year, up until 31 July 2027.
Qantas has also reaffirmed that credit cards will remain a key way for members to earn Qantas Points, with more than 30 Qantas Points-earning cards continuing to be available and earn rates of up to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.
This is particularly relevant as upcoming RBA changes to credit card fees have already contributed to several banks reviewing or reducing their rewards offerings. Qantas says it has extended agreements with its major financial partners to help maintain the value of earning Qantas Points through credit cards. Later this year, a select Qantas Points-earning card will also allow members to earn Status Credits on Classic Reward seat bookings for the first time, with more details to come.
For most Frequent Flyers, the latest announcement doesn’t fundamentally change what Qantas revealed in February. Instead, it provides an important date to put in the calendar and some additional clarity around how members will earn and use Status Credits under the new system.
For a complete breakdown of all the changes, including the new status qualification requirements and what they mean for Silver, Gold and Platinum members, read our original Qantas Frequent Flyer program update.
Chat to one of our Rewards Specialists today about maximising your reward point value or booking your next flight!
the Points Traveller Club
For general enquiries, use the form below. If you would like to make a travel booking enquiry, please use our Booking Enquiry Form.
By submitting you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Sign up and gain access to the Inner Circle. You’ll receive reward seat alerts, hotel spotlights, and more straight to your inbox!
Unlock exclusive tips on how you can craft the ultimate luxury holiday – be it with or without reward points.
