RBA Overhauls Credit Card Rewards Schemes Amid Exploitation Fears

Credit card users who strategically use rewards credit cards to maximize points may face longer wait times for redemption and higher spending requirements due to sweeping changes.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) new regulations, starting on Thursday, September 30, 2026, are aimed at addressing issues related to credit card rewards. Points hackers, as they're called, have been exploiting loopholes in the system to accumulate and redeem points quickly.

The changes will likely impact users' ability to earn points through daily spending limits and higher minimum spend requirements for redemption. This shift is a response to RBA's efforts to address concerns over credit card rewards schemes and ensure they align with fair market practices.