There are many third-party payment platforms in the market today. All of these offer the ability to earn the full value of frequent flyer points when using either a Visa/Mastercard or American Express card, or both. Given that many card providers exclude certain transactions from earning points, this is a great benefit.
Pay.com.au is a payment platform that not only offers this but more. The full value of credit card reward points when using any type of point-earning card plus the opportunity to earn even more points. And this opportunity is also available on bank transfers.
Plus, new users can get 20,000 Bonus PayRewards points when they transact $10,000 or more in their first month of using an eligible payment method. Terms and Conditions apply.*
Don’t have a credit card? No worries! You can still earn points even then.
Read on to see how you can get your business’ points balances ready for take-off.
Disclaimer: Point Hacks is affiliated with Pay.com.au
What is pay.com.au?
Pay.com.au or Pay, is a third-party payment platform that made its debut on the market over a year ago. Pay provides businesses with the option to earn full reward points on all bank transfer transactions made through the platform. These included all transactions that are normally excluded from earning points through most credit cards, or at best the earning rates are heavily slashed.
Such expenses include payments to government bodies or the ATO. These types of expenses are usually the largest expenses that businesses face, which is why the Pay platform is so rewarding for businesses.
Pay has since expanded to now also include BPay transactions, introduced its own rewards program and allows businesses to earn points on bank transfer transactions.
How much does Pay cost?
The fees charged through Pay are dependent on the type of payment card that you use, along with the Pay Plan that you are currently on.
| Free | Regular | Premium | |
| Monthly Fee | Free | $85 | $165 |
| Payment Processing Fee: Mastercard* | 1.00% | 0.90% | 0.80% |
| Payment Processing Fee: VISA* | 1.20% | 1.10% | 1.00% |
| Payment Processing Fee: American Express* | 2.10% | 2.05% | 1.90% |
| Payment Processing Fee: Bank Transfer | Free | Free | Free |
As with most other B2B payment processors, fees are exclusive of GST. Businesses will need to pay GST on the payment fees upfront, but may be able to claim a portion of it (and the payment fee itself) back through the ATO. This is general advice only – consult a qualified accountant or financial adviser for personalised information.
How does Pay compare to its rivals?
The table below shows how Pay compares with other similar platforms. These include B2BPay, RewardPay and Payment Logic. Here is a quick comparison of the services offered.
 Pay.com.au | Payment Logic | RewardPay | B2BPay | |
| All major credit cards | ✓ | – | – | ✓ |
| Cheapest rates | ✓ | – | – | – |
| Points Concierge | ✓ | – | – | – |
| Seamless customer interface with accounting integrations | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Travel bookings & points redemption service | ✓ | – | – | – |
| Flexible Rewards Currency | ✓ | – | – | – |
As you can see, Pay is very competitive against its major rivals. But what makes it stand apart from the rest is an additional feature that is unique to Pay. And that is PayRewards.
What is PayRewards?
PayRewards is the loyalty program for Pay. It is what makes Pay stand out from other third-party payment platforms in the market.
In addition to earning reward points from your point-earning payment card, Pay customers can also earn additional points through PayRewards, known as PayRewards points. So, any savvy points collector can see that there is a double-dip opportunity here!
Any PayRewards points earned can then be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including transferring to frequent flyer partners. Currently, there are three transfer partners:
Eligible Pay customers also have exclusive access to a luxury concierge service that will help you fulfil your every reward request.
How can I earn PayRewards points?
You can earn PayRewards points with all transactions made through Pay, regardless of the payment method that you use. Using a credit card, debit card, or just transferring funds from a bank account can earn you PayRewards points.
However, you must select a PayRewards points earning tier at the time of finalising your Pay transaction in order to be eligible to earn PayRewards points. The eligible tiers are VIP and VIP Premier which earn you 1 point and 2 points per dollar respectively.
Obviously, to double-dip on your points, you will also need to use a points-earning payment card in addition to selecting a VIP or VIP Premier tier.
The number of PayRewards points you earn per dollar processed through Pay, along with the tier cost, is as follows:
| 1. No PayRewards tier selected | 2. VIP | 3. VIP Premier |
| No PayRewards points earned | 1 PayRewards point per $1 | 2 PayRewards points per $1 |
| No cost | 1.0% ex GST on top of your Pay processing fee | 1.8% ex GST on top of your Pay processing fee |
Eligible expenses are those that require payment through BPay or bank transfer. Clearly, the higher the PayRewards tier selected, the more PayRewards points earned. Looking at it purely through a mathematical lens, the VIP Premier tier offers the best value for money. Selecting this tier provides you with 1 PayRewards point per $1 at a cost of 1% ex GST versus 1.8% ex GST with the VIP tier.
Where can I redeem my PayRewards Points?
There are two main ways to redeem PayRewards points, as shown below.
1. Convert your PayRewards points to major partners
Currently, you can transfer your PayRewards points to three partners, Qantas Business Rewards, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Virgin Australia Business Flyer.
This means PayRewards is a flexible points program. These programs are great as they allow members to direct their reward points to multiple partners. In addition, it allows members to transfer their rewards points to a partner program at a time of their choosing, and not through an automatic direct sweep every month.
The conversion rate from PayRewards to transfer partners is:
- 2.5 PayRewards points = 1 Qantas Point, 1 KrisFlyer mile, or 1 Velocity Point
So in effect, the effective Qantas Points or KrisFlyer miles earn rate for every $1 processed through Pay is as follows:
| No PayRewards tier selected | VIP | VIP Premier |
| No frequent flyer points/miles | 0.4 frequent flyer points/miles | 0.8 frequent flyer points/miles |
We will update this guide for effective earn rates as new partners come on board. Learn more about earning KrisFlyer miles with PayRewards.
2. PayTravel
Should you want some assistance redeeming your frequent flyer points into flight rewards, then the PayTravel team can assist.
PayTravel helps Pay customers to get the best value out of their frequent flyer points. The team can help you redeem your frequent flyer points for reward seats, especially those in Business and First Class. And if your travel itinerary is complex, the PayTravel team can help there too.
For example, if you have multiple flights or stopovers, or if you’re looking to travel part of your itinerary on the road and require more complicated open-jaw tickets, help is at hand.
Note that the service is not just limited to points you earn through PayRewards. All your points balances that you own can be used. The great news is that PayTravel is open to all members. The number of travel bookings offered on a complimentary basis per year is dependent on your Pay subscription plan as follows:
| 1. Free Plan | 2. Regular Plan | 3. Premium Plan |
| Pay per single PayTravel service with no ongoing subscription. ✓ Access PayTravel for International and Domestic bookings at $250 per person. | $500/worth of value ✓ 1 annual International travel booking ✓ 1 annual Domestic travel booking | $1000/worth of value ✓ 2 annual international travel booking ✓ 2 annual domestic travel booking |
3. Convert your PayRewards points through PayConcierge
This is where you can get creative! Pay has partnered with global luxury concierge service Quintessentially to provide a range of tailored rewards to meet your every desire.
Fancy a First Class trip to Santorini? No worries. How about a new Rolex watch to add to your collection? It’s just a phone call away. And a Porsche 911 as a new addition to your garage? Surely not? But most definitely, yes!
The above rewards are just a few examples. Throw in last-minute restaurant reservations and sold-out sporting events into the mix. As well as in-home support or assistance in sourcing the perfect gift for a loved one.
In other words, PayConcierge will look to cater to your every whim. And it is available to all eligible Pay members.
In order to be eligible for the PayConcierge, you must put a $5,000 transaction through the platform. The service is then valid for 30 days from that date. Of course, put multiple $5,000 transactions through, and the validity date keeps extending.
Should I opt-in to PayRewards?
There are two types of Pay customers. The first are those that have low to modest Qantas Points, Velocity Points or KrisFlyer miles balances and are looking to supercharge their balances.
The second are those that have more frequent flyer points than they know what to do with. These customers might be less inclined to want Qantas points or KrisFlyer miles, rather would seek other rewards, or in other words, ‘cash equivalent’ rewards.
Depending on which group you fall into will determine which form of payment type and PayRewards tier (if any) you should select.
Let’s take a look at an example
We’ll assume your business puts through $7 million of expenses into Pay. The table below compares the net value created after taking into account the value of points earned and associated fees for three scenarios.
Firstly, the table is split into 5 columns incorporating the different payment methods and PayRewards tier (if any) combinations available. These include using:
- American Express Platinum Business Card
- Bank Account or Debit Card as a VIP member
- Bank Account or Debit Card as a VIP Premier member
- American Express Platinum Business Card as a VIP member
- American Express Platinum Business Card as a VIP Premier member
Secondly, the table shows the net estimated values for all 5 combinations above. This includes when members convert their American Express Rewards or PayRewards points (whichever is relevant) into Qantas Points or KrisFlyer miles (third line from bottom). Also, when members convert their American Express Rewards or PayRewards points (whichever is relevant) ‘cash equivalent rewards’ (bottom line).
| American Express Platinum Business Card only | Bank Account or Debit Card – VIP member | Bank Account or Debit Card – VIP Premier member | American Express Platinum Business Card – VIP member | American Express Platinum Business Card – VIP Premier member | |
| Supplier payment amount ($) | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 |
| Processing fee (% rebate, ex GST) | 1.9 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 3.7 |
| Gross processing fee ($) | 133,000 | 70,000 | 126,000 | 203,000 | 259,000 |
| Net processing fee ($)~ | 93,100 | 49,000 | 88,200 | 142,100 | 181,300 |
| Points earn (pts/$) | 2.25 Amex Points | 1 PayRewards point | 2 PayRewards points | 2.25 Amex Points + 1 PayRewards point | 2.25 Amex Points + 2 PayRewards points |
| Amex Points | 15,750,000 | N/A | N/A | 15,750,000 | 15,750,000 |
| PayRewards points | N/A | 7,000,000 | 14,000,000 | 7,000,000 | 14,000,000 |
| Converted to Qantas Points, Velocity Points or KrisFlyer miles | 7,875,000 | 2,800,000 | 5,600,000 | 10,675,000 | 13,475,000 |
| Effective cost per Qantas Point, Velocity Point or KrisFlyer mile ($) | 0.012 | 0.018 | 0.016 | 0.013 | 0.013 |
| Estimated Value in Qantas Points or KrisFlyer miles ($)* | 275,625 | 98,000 | 196,000 | 373,625 | 471,625 |
| Net estimated Value for Qantas Points or Krisflyer miles conversion ($) | 182,525 | 49,000 | 107,800 | 231,525 | 290,325 |
| Estimated Value when converted to ‘cash equivalent’ conversion ($)^ | 78,750 | 56,000 | 112,000 | 134,750 | 190,750 |
| Net Estimated Value for ‘cash equivalent’ conversion ($) | -14,350 | 7,000 | 23,800 | -7,350 | 9,450 |
The above table shows that the preferred combination of payment platform and PayRewards membership is certainly dependent on what type of PayRewards customer you are.
Are you chasing as many Qantas Points or KrisFlyer miles as possible?
Select: Points-earning payment card and VIP Premier tier
If maxing out your points-earning potential is your main goal, then using a points-earning payment card and selecting the VIP Premier tier is your best bet. This is because it gives you the greatest net value when converting your credit card and PayRewards points, after factoring in all associated costs.
In the example above, your company processing $7 million in expenses through Pay would come out with an estimated net value of $290,325 based on our assumptions. This is far greater than any other options displayed.
Or are you looking for more ‘cash equivalent’ rewards
Select: Bank Account or Debit Card and VIP Premier tier
If, however, your Qantas Points or KrisFlyer miles balances are not in need of a serious points injection, at least for now, then another combination is the better option for you. And that option is the Bank Account or Debit Card and VIP Premier tier. This is because you get the greatest net value when converting your points to a ‘cash equivalent’ reward.
In fact, based on our example, your net value gained is $23,800 based on our assumptions, compared to lower net values for other combinations.
Summing up
The advent of third-party platforms into the market has been a boon for businesses and points chasers alike. Expenses that previously had no chance of being points-earning were now very much that!
And there are a number of third-party payment platforms out there. But pay.com.au has taken it a step further. The introduction of PayRewards allows customers to earn even more rewards points on top of their normal credit card points. As such, customers can tailor their points-earning options to get the maximum value based on their points-earning goals.
So, there is no time like the present to get your business’s reward points soaring.
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer PayRewards points to an airline partner?
Pay.com.au is a platform for savvy business owners that allows you to pay all your business expenses using your credit card and bank account. When you use pay.com.au to pay all your business expenses, you earn points for every dollar spent and gain access to PayRewards – our exclusive reward program.
Any business with an ABN. Just sign up, enter your ABN and a few other bits of information; add your credit card to the digital wallet and link your bank account; add payee information and you are ready to go.
All major credit cards (Mastercard, VISA and American Express).
When you use pay.com.au to pay your business payments you gain access to their rewards program PayRewards. This is a flexible rewards program where you can earn PayRewards points on your business transactions using the Pay platform.
Their flexible points currency PayRewards points allows members to access the PayRewards store to purchase luxury items or transfer to one of their airline partners.
With PayRewards, you will receive access to Pay’s exclusive concierge service and their luxury reward store. Another added bonus of the exclusive platform is that you can transfer your points to major Australian and international airline points.
PayRewards allows members to earn PayRewards points when making a payment through Pay. At the time of transaction you can select a tier of PayRewards – VIP or VIP Premier, pay a small percentage on top of your transaction and earn PayRewards points.
This can be done on top of the rewards points you are earning on your credit card, or finally earn rewards points on bank transactions.
Examples of the two tiers:
VIP – Earn 1 PayRewards point for every $1 you process through pay.com.au. Pay only 1.0% ex GST on top of your pay.com.au processing fee.
VIP Premier – Earn 2 PayRewards points for every $1 you process through pay.com.au. Pay only 1.8% ex GST on top of your pay.com.au processing fee.
In each tier, you get access to different benefits, including Pay’s partnership with Quintessentially on VIP Premier.
Whether you need to pay your rent, that looming ATO tax bill, a supplier invoice or your employee’s superannuation, you earn points.
You are automatically enrolled in PayRewards when you sign up to pay.com.au. Your points are earned in the name of the account holder (not the business).
The Pay x Quintessentially concierge service will free up your time, providing unparalleled access to the best things in life, enabling you to spend more time doing what you love. Whether it’s booking a hatted restaurant or a last-minute getaway, the program takes care of all the details, so that you don’t have to.
As a Pay VIP member, you will have access to an exclusive network of partners and suppliers. Pay x Quintessentially can help achieve the impossible, whether it’s access to prestigious events and sporting finals or planning a weekend away. All you have to do is ask!
PayRewards points are the points currency of the PayRewards program.
By utilising pay.com.au you earn reward points through your rewards credit card or bank account.
This is done through earning PayRewards points, when you are making a payment at the time of transaction you can select a tier of PayRewards – VIP or VIP Premier, pay a small percentage on top of your transaction and earn PayRewards points.
This can be done on top of the rewards points you are earning on your credit card, or finally earn rewards points on bank transactions.
You can also double-dip by earning points on your rewards credit card and earning PayRewards points on top.
1. Login to pay.com.au
2. Go to PayRewards Menu
3. Connect your rewards account
4. Then you go to ‘convert points’ and ‘single conversion’
5. Select how many points you want to convert and which program
6. Double-check you’ve selected the right amount
7. Press continue
- pay.com.au customers receive 20,000 Bonus PayRewards points when $10,000 or more is processed their first month with an eligible payment method.
- Payments must be made within the first month as a pay.com.au account holder.
- Eligible payment methods on the pay.com.au payments platform are credit card transactions or bank transfers where PayRewards are earned.
- The bonus PayRewards points will be allocated to your pay.com.au account within 30 days of qualifying for the offer.
- Offer only valid for existing customers who sign up with referral code – PHACKS22
- pay.com.au reserves the right to refuse to redeem for anything that is deemed prohibited, subject to Terms and Conditions.
- pay.com.au reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time without notice.
- Offer limited to one business per user.
- Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.
Disclaimer: Point Hacks is affiliated with Pay.com.au
As for value, it really depends on how much you value points, but without the assumptions of tax deductibility and redemption value, you will be paying around 2.25 – 2.5 cents per point, which is on the steep end, but obviously depends on your circumstances.