What are Velocity points? How can I earn them?

Velocity is the loyalty program of Virgin Australia, just like Qantas has its Frequent Flyer program. Qantas’ program usually gets more air time because it’s been around much longer and has more members.

Velocity works pretty much the same as any other frequent flyer program. Fly Virgin and earn points on eligible flights if you’re a member. Unlike Qantas however, it’s free to join the program. Aside from flying, there are loads of other ways you can earn points.

So, what are the best ways to earn Velocity points? Read on for 8 savvy strategies.

Do your groceries at Coles with Flybuys

Velocity is a Flybuys partner which means any time you swipe your Flybuys card at Coles, Kmart, Target, Bunnings and Officeworks, you can transfer them into Velocity points.

Switch to a Velocity credit card

Most major banks and financial institutions have a Velocity frequent flyer credit card. Every time you spend on your credit card, you’ll either earn Velocity points or credit card points you can exchange for Velocity points.

Usually banks will throw in bonus points for new sign ups. These are often very attractive with 100,000 bonus points on the table. But it comes with strings attached. You’ll need to spend a certain amount of cash in the first few months to earn them. If you’re getting yourself into debt you can’t pay off, it’s not worth it. 

Fuel up at Shell Coles Express

Collect one Flybuys point for every $2 spent at Coles Express across in-store and fuel purchases when you hand over your Flybuys card. Then convert them into Velocity points.

To earn bonus points, switch your 4c per litre supermarket fuel docket offer into 8 Flybuys points per litre every time you use your docket at Coles Express. To do so, login to your Flybuys account and toggle in your settings to choose points or cents off.

Grab a coffee at 7-Eleven

Some people swear by the coffee at 7-Eleven – cheap and effective. But basically most purchases at 7-Eleven allow you to earn points, just scan your My 7-Eleven app. For those who don’t have the app yet, you'll score 250 bonus Velocity Points on your first eligible 7-Eleven purchase when you download the My 7-Eleven app and link your Velocity account. Scan the app before you pay at 7-Eleven stores and fuel stations to collect points.

Choose Virgin Australia airline partners

Depending on the fare type, you can earn points if you’re flying with Virgin’s partners. Partner airlines include Singapore Airlines, Etihad, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airlines to name a few.

Stay in a partner hotel

There are a few ways you can earn Velocity points with its hotel partners. You can book directly into hotels including IHG, Crown Hotels, Accor, Shangri-La and Langham and earn up to three Velocity Points per $1 of eligible spend. Just add your Velocity membership number at the time of booking or upon hotel check-in. Otherwise, you can book a hotel through the Virgin Australia website.

Shop the store

Shop major brands like Dyson, Cotton On, Oroton, eBay, Chemist Warehouse, The Iconic, Saba, Bed Bath n’ Table, Samsung, Apple, Jo Malone and hundreds more through the Velocity eStore while earning points. 

Keep an eye on special offers

The Velocity store always has special offers with new and existing partners. From everything to bonus points for getting health insurance, signing up to Flybuys for the first time, hiring a car and even buying wine. Special offers usually attract bonus points which is a nice way to boost your balance.

Have a question about points? Drop Sabine an email at escape@news.com.au. Personal replies are unfortunately not possible.