Commonwealth Bank Reduces Credit Card Transfer Partners to One Airline

Commonwealth Bank has announced significant changes to its CommBank Awards program, removing most transfer partners from October 1, 2025. As first reported by Matt Graham at Australian Frequent Flyer, these changes will affect all CommBank Awards credit cardholders.

What's Changing

Starting October 1, 2025, CommBank will remove 14 of its 15 points transfer partners. Velocity Frequent Flyer will be the only remaining airline transfer option. Current cardholders have until September 30, 2025 to transfer existing points to other programs.

Transfer Partners Being Removed

Airlines (10 partners):

• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue
• AirAsia Rewards
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Emirates Skywards
• Etihad Guest
• EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• United MileagePlus

Hotels (4 partners):

• IHG One Rewards
• Wyndham Rewards
• Accor ALL
• Marriott Bonvoy

What Options Remain

After October 1, 2025, CommBank Awards members will have:

• Velocity Frequent Flyer - The only transfer partner
• Qantas Points Direct Earn - Available with $90 annual fee opt-in
• Cash rewards and gift cards - Standard redemption options

Impact on Cardholders

This change reduces the flexibility of the CommBank Awards program considerably. International airline transfers will no longer be available, and hotel redemption options will be eliminated entirely. Members who value program flexibility may want to consider their options.

Actions to Consider

For Current Points Holders:

• Review your CommBank Awards balance
• Transfer points to preferred partners before September 30, 2025
• Consider which programs align with your travel plans

Alternative Programs to Consider:

If transfer flexibility is important, here are programs that maintain multiple partners:

• American Express Membership Rewards - 11 airline partners plus hotels
• ANZ Rewards - Transfers to KrisFlyer, Velocity, and Asia Miles
• NAB Rewards - Multiple airline partners
• Westpac Altitude Rewards - Several transfer options

Key Dates to Remember

• September 30, 2025: Last day to transfer points to current partners
• October 1, 2025: New program structure takes effect

My Analysis

This represents a significant shift in CommBank's rewards strategy. The reduction from 15 transfer partners to just one airline option fundamentally changes the program's value proposition. For those who primarily fly with Virgin Australia and Velocity partners, the impact may be minimal. However, cardholders who valued access to international airline programs and hotel transfers will need to reassess their credit card strategy.

The change follows a broader trend in Australian banking where rewards programs are being simplified, often at the expense of flexibility. Point Hacks described the move as "gutting" the program, while Australian Frequent Flyer members have expressed disappointment about the reduced options.

Next Steps

1. Check your current CommBank Awards balance
2. Identify which transfer partners you want to use
3. Complete transfers before the September 30 deadline
4. Evaluate whether the simplified program meets your needs

For those seeking more transfer options, I'd suggest researching alternative credit card programs that maintain broader partner networks. The Australian credit card market still offers several flexible points programs, though this change from CommBank reduces the overall choices available.

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Have questions about these changes? Feel free to share your thoughts or ask about alternative credit card strategies in the comments below.

Last updated: January 2025