CommBank is preparing for one of the biggest changes to its rewards ecosystem in years, driven by upcoming changes to surcharging and interchange rules. As banks adjust their credit card rewards programs, CommBank is going further. It’s revamping its entire approach and folding its standalone Awards program into an expanded, more flexible version of CommBank Yello.
CommBank Yello will reward customers for more than just credit card spend. Under the new structure, you’ll earn Yello Points across a wider banking relationship, including debit and credit cards, home loans, insurance, travel, and partner offers. It’s designed to make everyday banking more rewarding, not just high‑value transactions.
The refreshed program will also introduce a new set of points transfer partners. Existing options like Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer will remain. In addition, CommBank Yello will add new partners such as Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Everyday Rewards and MYER one. This will give customers more ways to convert points into travel, retail and everyday value.
While CommBank have released some details of the changes, there is still more to come. In this article, I will take a look at what we know so far.
CommBank Yello Tiers
As at present, membership in CommBank Yello will rely on meeting eligibility criteria. In addition, there are a number of tiers within Yello, each with their own eligibility criteria. The current eligibility crieria will remain in place and are not changing.
| Tier | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| CommBank Yello | – Have an eligible CommBank transaction account – Make 5+ eligible transactions from eligible account/s |
| CommBank Yello Plus | – Have an eligible CommBank transaction account – Make 15+ eligible transactions from eligible account/s – Keep an eligible balance of $500 for any 15 days (or more), unless under 26 |
| CommBank Yello Gold | – Have an eligible CommBank transaction account – Make 15+ eligible transactions from eligible account/s – Keep an eligible balance of $50,000 for any 15 days (or more) OR hold CommBank combined funded home loan/s < $1M (most recent funded amount) |
| CommBank Yello Diamond | – Have an eligible CommBank transaction account – Make 15+ eligible transactions from eligible account/s – Keep an eligible balance of $250,000 for any 15 days (or more) OR hold CommBank combined funded home loan/s ≥ $1M (most recent funded amount) |
CommBank Yello Earnings
CommBank Yello will expand into a points program, where you’ll be able to earn points doing your general banking. That everyday banking will include things such as your home loan, savings, insurance and cards. There will be variations on earn rates depending on exactly what cards you hold, and which CommBank Yellow tier you qualify for.
In some cases, these points will replace the existing cashback offers provided by Yello. For example, the monthly cashback on the World Debit Mastercard will no longer be provided. Any existing Smart Awards points will be folded into the CommBank Yello program
Transfer Rates
You will be able to transfer points to a number of transfer partners. The following table shows the transfer partners that will be available at the launch of the program.
| Participating Brand Partner | Points Conversion Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| MYER one | 2 Yello Points : 1 MYER one Point | — |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 2.5 Yello Points : 1 Avios | — |
| Velocity Frequent Flyer | 2.5 Yello Points : 1 Velocity Point | $99 annual fee applies. |
| Everyday Rewards | 3 Yello Points : 2 Everyday Rewards points | — |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 3 Yello Points : 1 Qantas Point | $149 annual fee applies. Must hold an eligible CBA credit card Further details to come |
Updated CommBank credit cards
CommBank keeps the Ultimate Awards and Smart Awards cards in market, but it’s actively reshaping how they work. Both cards are being renamed (Ultimate and Smart) and the spend‑based fee waivers are being removed.
Instead of waivers, CommBank introduces new travel and dining credits that directly offset the monthly fees. The cards also shift to a single, standardised earn rate, now tied to your Yello tier. That change puts your broader banking relationship at the centre of how quickly you earn rewards.
CommBank To Launch A New Premium Card
CommBank is looking at expanding its card range in 2027 with a new premium charge card built for travellers and high‑engagement rewards users. The bank is also exploring the use of Discover’s global payment network to create a card tailored for Australian customers, backed by Discover’s international reach.
The new charge card will work alongside CommBank’s Smart and Ultimate credit cards. Customers must repay the full balance each statement period, giving them another way to pay without carrying debt.
The premium charge card will offer higher points‑earning rates, no international transaction fees, and built‑in travel insurance. Cardholders will also enjoy airport lounge access and concierge support designed to elevate their travel experience.
CommBank says the card will strengthen Yello’s rewards ecosystem. It will create a more connected experience that aligns with how customers already bank, spend and travel.
Final Words
CommBank is reshaping its rewards ecosystem, moving beyond traditional credit card points and expanding its program into a broader, relationship‑based model under CommBank Yello. Customers will earn Yello Points across more everyday banking, from debit and credit cards to home loans, insurance, travel and partner offers.
The program keeps its existing tier structure, with eligibility tied to having an eligible transaction account, meeting minimum transaction requirements and maintaining certain balances or home loan thresholds. These tiers now directly influence earn rates across CommBank’s updated card lineup.
CommBank is also refreshing its transfer partner network. Alongside Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer, new partners such as Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Everyday Rewards and MYER one will broaden redemption options.
The Ultimate Awards and Smart Awards cards will be renamed, with spend‑based fee waivers removed and replaced by travel and dining credits. Earn rates will be standardised and tied to your Yello tier.
Looking ahead, CommBank plans to launch a new premium charge card in 2027, offering higher earn rates, no international transaction fees, travel insurance, lounge access and concierge support, further strengthening the Yello ecosystem.
