Qantas is now running a points transfer promotion, offering a 25% bonus on top of the usual transfer rates. So that means, for every 5000 DBS points transferred, you will get 12,500 Qantas points instead of the usual 10,000.

The baseline number of points will usually show up within a couple of days (DBS says it will take up to 7 working days, but in reality it’s usually quite fast), and you will receive the bonus points by 14 November 2019.

Qantas first partnered up with DBS earlier this year in March 2019, and offered a launch offer of 20% bonus. Back then, I transferred 30,000 points to Qantas, and the bonus showed up that very weekend.

Should you transfer your points to Qantas?

If you are familiar with the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme, you will know that the points are generally worth less than an equivalent mile on other programmes such as Krisflyer and Asia Miles, so transfer bank points to Qantas points is usually not a worthy endeavour.

Even with a 25% bonus, you will still come up short as compared to some other programmes such as Asia Miles and British Airways’ Executive Club for similar itineraries.

For instance, for Singapore-Hong Kong Cathay Pacific one-way business class seat, these are the miles required for each programme:

Programme	Miles/Points required	Fees
British Airways Executive Club	22,000	S$70.50
Asia Miles	25,000	HKD400 (~S$70.50)
Qantas Frequent Flyer	43,800	S$70.50

So even with the 25% bonus (or an effective 20% discount), you are still burning through more points than you would on Asia Miles or British Airways Executive Club.

What is good for Qantas points is the ability to redeem on Emirates and Jetstar services.

You can redeem Emirates business class and first class flights using Qantas points, although the surcharges are pretty expensive. For instance, a first class one-way redemption from Singapore to Melbourne on Emirates will set you back by a whopping 102,600 Qantas points and $402.60 in fees. Ouch.

But given the lack of options to earn or credit to Emirates Skywards, this is probably your best option to have a drink at the famed Emirates A380 in-flight business class bar.

For Jetstar award tickets, in my opinion they are good for short haul destinations out of Singapore. For instance, if you need a quick and cheap ticket to Bangkok, a return redemption ticket on Jetstar along with 20kg checked baggage comes at 19,200 Qantas points and $86.10 in fees.

Final thoughts

Despite being one of the most poor-value transfer partners for credit card points, Qantas has most recently devalued their points further in September making their premium cabins even more expensive to fly on with points.

Having said that, Qantas Frequent Flyer programme is not one to write off, especially if you fly alot on oneworld airlines. They are still one of the easiest way to get status on and gives you a hell lot of points when you fly on Qantas and Jetstar.