From today, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn coveted Status Credits without flying – a first-of-its-kind offer at this scale.

Status Credits are essential for members to retain or upgrade their tier in the program, and are harder to earn than Qantas Points.

By registering for the offer, members can unlock up to 110 Status Credits – typically only earned on Qantas flights – by earning 1,000 Qantas Points through purchases across eight categories.

These categories are Banking and Cards, Utilities, Insurance, Hotels and Travel, Fuel and Car Hire, Food and Wine, Retail and Shopping, and Entertainment and Leisure.

Qantas has launched the initiative to help members fast-track their annual status and boost their balances before year-end.

To participate, members must sign into their Qantas account and activate the offer under the ‘My offers’ tab by 31 October.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance confirmed it is the first time members can earn Status Credits on the ground at this scale.

‘While flying will always be at the core of the program, this offer is about expanding the ways we recognise our members both in the air and on the ground,’ he said.

‘Whether members are using their points-earning credit card, shopping with favourite retailers or booking a hotel stay, this offer now makes those everyday activities even more rewarding.

‘Members are already earning two-thirds of their Qantas Points on the ground, and we expect this will be particularly appealing to our “frequent buyers” who might not fly as often but are very engaged with the program and our hundreds of partners.’

To reach Silver status, members must earn 300 Status Credits; Gold requires 700.

Under the offer, 20 Status Credits will be awarded for every 1,000 Qantas Points earned in the Cards and Banking, Utilities and Services, and Insurance categories.

10 Status Credits will be granted for every 1,000 Points earned in Hotels and Travel, Fuel and Car, Food and Wine, Retail and Shopping, and Leisure and Entertainment. Status Credits can only be earned once per category.

Participating partners include the likes of Woolworths Rewards, Airbnb, Uber, HelloFresh, Qantas Wine, David Jones, Hoys, and Binge.

This latest offer builds on other initiatives introduced in the past year to help members boost their frequent flyer status, responding to growing challenges in earning credits.

Last month, bonus Status Credits were also awarded to every active member as a thank you for their loyalty.