Qantas Frequent Flyer has launched a rare limited-time promotion that allows members to earn up to 110 Qantas Status Credits without stepping foot on a plane. For frequent flyers used to chasing tier status in the skies, this is an unusual opportunity. But the question is, how much effort is it really worth for a relatively small status earn?

The Details of the Promotion

To participate, you’ll need to register on the Qantas website by 31 October 2025. Once registered, you can earn Status Credits on the ground by accumulating at least 1,000 Qantas Points in each of eight different categories between 1 October and 31 December 2025.

Each category earns either 10 or 20 Status Credits, and you can only earn them once per category:

• Cards & Banking - 20 Status Credits (Qantas Points-earning credit cards, Qantas Pay, home loans, etc.)

• Insurance - 20 Status Credits (Qantas Insurance products, OnePath, Miga)

• Utilities & Services - 20 Status Credits (Red Energy, Solargain)

• Hotels & Travel - 10 Status Credits (Qantas Hotels, Airbnb, Qantas Holidays, Qantas Cruises, Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, etc.)

• Fuel & Cars - 10 Status Credits (BP, Avis, Budget, Uber, Qantas Valet)

• Food & Wine - 10 Status Credits (Everyday Rewards, Qantas Wine, HelloFresh, YouFoodz)

• Shopping - 10 Status Credits (David Jones, Kogan, Qantas Marketplace, Hype, Adairs, and more)

• Health, Leisure & Entertainment - 10 Status Credits (Binge, Kayo, HOYTS)-

If you manage to earn in all eight categories, you’ll collect the maximum 110 Status Credits. Qantas will credit these 6–8 weeks after your activity qualifies, with points needing to land in your Qantas Frequent Flyer account by 31 March 2026.
It’s also worth noting that these Status Credits will count towards Lifetime Status, but not towards Loyalty Bonuses or Status Challenges.

Putting the Numbers in Perspective

On paper, 110 Status Credits might sound like a big win. But when you put it into context, the value looks much smaller.

• Australian Travellers will receive 120 Qantas status credits for a one-way Discount Business Class fare from Sydney to Singapore (in a non-promotional period).

• To add greater perspective, to progress from Bronze to Gold, you need to earn 700 Status Credits within your membership year.

That means, if a customer were to try to complete the entire promotion, it adds up to just 15% of the way to Gold. Even for tier renewal, it’s still a relatively small contribution. In other words, while 110 Status Credits is nothing to dismiss, it’s not going to transform your status journey on its own.

The Trade-Off: Is It Worth Switching Providers for 10 Credits?

Here’s where this promotion gets tricky. Yes, earning Status Credits without flying is rare, but Qantas is trying to shift buyer behaviour and is asking you to make big lifestyle or purchasing changes for relatively small returns.

• Switching energy or insurance providers for 20 Status Credits? A relatively big decision for a small earn.

• Shopping at a specific retailer for 10 Status Credits? That’s unlikely to move the needle unless you were already going to shop there.

• For frequent flyers who primarily earn Status Credits through Business Class or premium airfares, chasing 10-20 credits on the ground by making major spending shifts may not add much value.

Where This Promo Does Make Sense

That said, there are some easy wins. If you’re already earning points through your Qantas credit card, or you were planning to sign up for Binge or Kayo, then the extra Status Credits are a welcome bonus. Similarly, transferring Everyday Rewards points to Qantas or booking a hotel through Qantas Hotels are simple, natural ways to tick off categories without much effort if they were already on your radar.

Think of it as topping up your Status Credit balance, rather than as a pathway to status in itself.

A Smarter Approach for Frequent Flyers

The best way to use this promotion is strategically:

1. Review your current status progress - Are you close to Silver, Gold, or Platinum renewal?

2. Map your upcoming flights - See how many Status Credits you’re already likely to earn in the next few months.

3. Identify where these small top-ups could make a difference - Sometimes 10 or 20 extra credits are exactly what’s needed to renew your tier or tip you into the next level.

For example, if you’re sitting at 695 Status Credits and need 700 to reach Gold, an easy 10-credit earn from Binge could save you from booking an unnecessary domestic flight.

The Bottom Line

Qantas' ground-based Status Credit promotion is a clever way to encourage members to engage more with partners beyond flights. But for most serious flyers, it won’t replace the tried-and-true method: booking flights that deliver significant Status Credits in larger quantities for obtaining or retaining status levels.

At QFlyer, our experienced airfare consultants specialise in helping travellers maximise both Qantas Points and Status Credits through smart flight bookings across Qantas and oneworld partners. Whether you’re looking to retain your current tier or climb towards the next level, Talk to our team to help you unlock the most value from your travel or browse our latest airfare deals here.

If you’re already collecting points through everyday spend, this promotion is a nice bonus. At the end of the day, flying remains the most effective way to climb the status ladder. This promotion is best seen as a supplementary tool that might make a difference at the margins of your membership year. Because while Status Credits on the ground are a handy bonus, the fastest way up the Qantas Frequent Flyer ladder will always be ‘in the air’.