American Express

American Express is a global service company, providing customers with exceptional access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

American Express credit cards

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American Express Business Explorer Credit Card

On website

Apply by 3 October 2023

American Express Business Explorer Credit Card

Highlights

  • Enjoy a $0 Annual Card Fee (usually $149) in the first year when you apply online by 3 October 2023 and are approved for the American Express Business Explorer Credit Card. Available to new American Express Card Members only.
  • Enjoy two American Express Lounge passes per year at Sydney and Melbourne airports.
  • Includes Complimentary Travel Insurance when you pay for your return trip with your Card.

Pros

  • Earn up to 2 points per $1 spent.
  • No fee for up to 99 employee cards.
  • Up to 55 interest-free days.

Cons

  • There is no balance transfer offer for this card.
  • Cash advances are blocked, which might be inconvenient for some.
American Express Explorer Credit Card

On website

American Express Explorer Credit Card

Highlights

  • Receive 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply, are approved, and spend $4,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Amex Card Members only.
  • Receive a $400 Travel Credit each year towards any flights, hotels, and car hire when you book online with this card.
  • Includes complimentary domestic & international travel insurance.

Pros

  • The 50,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points when approved and reach spend requirement within the first 3 months.
  • Receive a $400 travel credit every year.
  • Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on purchases except for government bodies in Australia where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent (uncapped).
  • Get two complimentary entries per year to The Centurion® Lounge.

Cons

  • The $395 p.a. annual fee.
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

On website

American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

Highlights

  • $0 annual fee in the first year, saving you $195.
  • Earn 3 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations.
  • Enjoy $200 to spend on travel each year that can be used on eligible flights, hotels, or car hire when booked through American Express Travel.

Pros

  • $0 annual fee in the first year, saving you $195.
  • Receive $200 to spend on eligible domestic and international flights, hotels, or car hire with American Express Travel.
  • Smartphone Screen Cover for smartphone screen repairs up to $500.

Cons

  • The ongoing purchase rate of 23.99%.
The Qantas American Express Premium Card

On website

The Qantas American Express Premium Card

Highlights

  • Receive 30,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 in 3 months. New Amex Card Members only.
  • Relax with 2 complimentary Qantas Club invitations every year (conditions apply).
  • Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.

Pros

  • 30,000 bonus Qantas points for signing up and hitting the spending target.
  • Earn points on your everyday spend. Also earns points at a reduced rate on government spend.
  • Give up to 4 of your friends and family a card — at no extra cost — to earn more points.
  • $450 Qantas Travel Credit, which is fairly easy to trigger with your first Qantas purchase each year.
  • Comes with complimentary card purchase cover and travel insurance.

Cons

  • There is an annual fee of $249.
  • The purchase rate is quite high, but can be avoided with responsible use.
  • No balance transfer facility.
American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card

On website

New offerApply by 31 October 2023

American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card

Highlights

  • Receive 75,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 31 October 2023, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.
  • Earn 1.25 Qantas Points for every $1 spent on card purchases, except spend at government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
  • Get 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations each year.

Pros

  • Earn 75,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Excellent earn rates on everyday spending. Earns points on payments to the ATO.
  • Access to The Centurion® Lounge. after your first card spend on the card for Qantas products and services each anniversary year.
  • 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations each year.
  • $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year (conditions apply).
  • Add cards for up to four family and friends at no cost.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $450.
  • There is no concierge service, even though it's a high end card.
  • Balance transfers are not possible.
  • Transactions in a foreign currency attract a fee.
American Express Velocity Escape Card

On website

American Express Velocity Escape Card

Highlights

  • Earn Velocity Points and enjoy a $0 annual card fee.
  • Velocity Points earned on your card are transferred directly to your Velocity account each month and can be redeemed for a range of rewards including flights, accommodation, car hire, gift cards, and much more.
  • Earn 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent, except for government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent.

Pros

  • No annual fee, but still earn points.
  • Earn 1.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on purchases with Virgin Australia.
  • Get 0.5 points per $1 when paying tax to the ATO using the card.
  • 55 days interest-free on purchases when the previous balance has been cleared in full.

Cons

  • Doesn't come with complimentary travel insurance.
  • No complimentary lounge access.
  • No access to the concierge service.
  • There is no balance transfer offer for this card.
American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card

On website

New offerApply by 27 September 2023

American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card

Highlights

  • Receive 75,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply by 27 September 2023, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. Available to new Amex Card Members only.
  • Complimentary Virgin Australia return Economy domestic flight between selected cities each year after your first Card spend each anniversary year.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each anniversary year at selected domestic airports.

Pros

  • Receive up to 75,000 bonus Velocity Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Complimentary Virgin Australia return Economy domestic flight between selected cities each year after your first Card spend each anniversary year.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each anniversary year at selected domestic airports.
  • Receive 100 Velocity Frequent Flyer Status Credits, when you spend a minimum of $50,000 within your card membership year.
  • Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
  • Add up to 4 additional cardholders for free.

Cons

  • The interest rates applied to balances carried over is on the high end.
  • There is no balance transfer offer on this card.
American Express Platinum Business Card

On website

American Express Platinum Business Card

Highlights

  • Receive 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $8,000 on your card within the first 3 months. New American Express Card Members only.
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent.
  • Get exclusive Platinum travel, experience, and dining privileges.

Pros

  • The offer of 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent and 1 point per $1 spent at the ATO.
  • Access to more than 1,400 lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge.
  • Gold status match at Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Premium status at Radisson Hotel Group.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $1,750 p.a.
  • Since this is a charge card, the balance must be cleared every statement.
  • No balance transfer facility.
American Express Platinum Card

On website

New offer

American Express Platinum Card

Highlights

  • Receive 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $5,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Amex Card Members only.
  • Receive a $450 Platinum Travel Credit each year, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or car hire.
  • Enjoy up to $400 per calendar year when you dine from a curated collection of over 1,400 hand-selected restaurants both locally and abroad. Terms and Conditions apply.

Pros

  • Receive 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Receive a $450 Platinum Travel Credit each year.
  • Enjoy up to $400 Global Dining Credit per calendar year.
  • Access to more than 1,400 lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $1,450.
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card

On website

American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card

Highlights

  • Enjoy 100,000 bonus Qantas Points with the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card when you apply online, get approved, and spend at least $3,000 within 2 months of your approval date. Available to new American Express Card Members only.
  • Earn triple Qantas Points for your business when employees fly on eligible Qantas flights and pay using their American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card.
  • Two complimentary passes for the Qantas Club lounge every year.

Pros

  • Earn 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn triple Qantas Points for your business when employees fly on eligible Qantas flights and pay using their American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card.
  • Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on Qantas products and services, 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, and 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on government charges
  • Earn up to 1.25 Qantas Points on eligible spend (the up-to-message covers gov spend). Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on Qantas products and services
  • Two complimentary passes for the Qantas Club lounge every year.
  • A flexible Payment Option is available to spread costs over time for a portion of your balance.
  • Spend with Dell Technologies, and get up to $100 credit twice a year.

Cons

  • The $450 p.a. annual fee.
  • Balance must be repaid in full each month.
  • No concierge service.
  • Lounge passes are valid for Qantas Club and not the international business lounges.
Qantas American Express Discovery Credit Card

On website

New offerApply by 31 October 2023

Qantas American Express Discovery Credit Card

Highlights

  • Enjoy 0% p.a. interest on eligible purchases for 12 months. The promotional Interest Rate reverts to the standard purchase Interest Rate after 12 months. Terms and Conditions apply. New Card Members only.
  • Earn 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services.
  • Earn 0.75 Qantas Point for every $1 spent on Card purchases, except spend at government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
  • Pay no annual card fee.
  • Up to 4 Additional Cards for family members or friends with no extra fee.

Pros

  • The 0% p.a. interest on eligible purchases for 12 months.
  • Ongoing $0 annual fee, a rarity among rewards credit cards.
  • Earn 0.75 Qantas points per $1 spent and 0.5 Qantas points per $1 for government spend.
  • No cap on the number of points you can earn.
  • Add up to 4 additional cards for family members or friends with no extra fee.
  • Complimentary Card Purchase Cover and Card Refund Cover.

Cons

  • After 12 months, the promotional interest rate will revert to 23.99% p.a.
  • There is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
  • Lacks complimentary travel insurance.
  • There is no access to a concierge service.
The American Express Essential Credit Card

On website

The American Express Essential Credit Card

Highlights

  • Low 18.99% p.a. on purchases and up to 55 days interest-free when you clear the previous balance.
  • 0% p.a. annual fee.
  • Earn 1.25 Membership Rewards Gateway points for every $1 spent on everyday purchases, utilities, insurance, and telecommunications.

Pros

  • $0 p.a. annual fee with the ability to earn points on your everyday spend.
  • Membership Rewards points can be transferred to several airlines for greater choice when redeeming for flights.
  • Comes with up to $500 of Smartphone Screen Cover.

Cons

  • Doesn't come with travel insurance.
  • No access to concierge services.
  • There is no introductory balance transfer offer.
American Express Velocity Business Charge Card

On website

Apply by 8 November 2023

American Express Velocity Business Charge Card

Highlights

  • Receive 150,000 Bonus Velocity Points when you apply by 8 November 2023, are approved, and meet the minimum spend criteria of $3,000 within 2 months of approval. New American Express Card Members only.
  • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Virgin Australia services and up to 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases. Earn 0.5 points per $1 on ATO and government spending.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary single-entry passes to the Virgin Australia Lounge at selected domestic airports every year.

Pros

  • Receive 150,000 bonus Velocity Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Join the Virgin Australia Business Flyer program to jump direct to Tier 2 and receive a complimentary 12-month Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold if you meet the criteria.
  • Earn up to 2 Velocity Points per $1 spent.
  • No pre-set spending limit and up to 51 days to pay for purchases.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $249 p.a.
  • Each employee card costs $99.
The Low Rate Credit Card from American Express

On website

The Low Rate Credit Card from American Express

Highlights

  • Enjoy a low 10.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases.
  • $0 annual fee for as long as you have the card.
  • Up to 55 days interest-free.

Pros

  • Low 10.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases and $0 annual fee.
  • Comes with Card Purchase Cover and Card Refund Cover.
  • Up to 55 days interest free.

Cons

  • There are no rewards program for this card.

American Express money transfer

AMEX FX International Payments

AMEX FX International Payments

Highlights

  • Simple Online Enrollment.
  • 24-hour access to FX payment specialists, Monday to Friday.
  • Transfer to 110+ countries and 80+ currencies.
  • Receive Membership Rewards points, if enrolled (Terms and Conditions apply).

Pros

  • Supports a wide range of currencies and countries.
  • Offers different transfer options.
  • Earn rewards.

Cons

  • Other service providers may offer higher exchange rates.

Q&As

What financial services do American Express offer in Australia?

You'll know American Express from their iconic Centurion embellished cards. The American financial behemoth operate a number of credit cards and charge cards for personal customers, small businesses, and larger corporate clients which earn points and benefits in the Membership Rewards program.

In addition, the company also operates Amex Travel for hotel and flight bookings. And there's also Amex branded travel insurance and a American Express FX payments to send money overseas.