Compare American Express Credit Cards

Compare American Express credit cards to start earning thousands of points for free flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more.

By   |   Updated 23 Apr 2024

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Comparing American Express credit cards

The Low Rate Credit Card from American Express

On website

Featured

The Low Rate Credit Card from American Express

Highlights

  • Benefit from a competitive 10.99% p.a. interest rate for purchases.
  • Enjoy a perpetual $0 annual fee with card ownership.
  • Access up to 55 days interest-free.

Pros

  • Benefit from a competitive 10.99% p.a. interest rate for purchases.
  • Enjoy a perpetual $0 annual fee with card ownership.
  • Access up to 55 days interest-free.

Cons

  • There are no rewards program for this card.
American Express Explorer Credit Card

On website

American Express Explorer Credit Card

Highlights

  • Obtain 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points upon application approval and spending $4,000 on your new Card within the initial 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
  • Enjoy a $400 Travel Credit annually for flights, hotels, and car rentals when booked online using this card.
  • Benefit from complimentary domestic and international travel insurance coverage.

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 Card

On website

Apply by 25 June 2024

American Express Platinum Card

Highlights

  • Acquire 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points by applying before 25 June 2024, getting approved, and spending $5,000 on your new Card within the initial 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
  • Utilize a $450 Platinum Travel Credit annually for flight, hotel, or car rental bookings.
  • Indulge in up to $400 per calendar year when dining at a curated selection of over 1,400 hand-picked restaurants, both domestically and internationally. 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.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $1,450.
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

On website

American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

Highlights

  • No annual fee in the initial year, saving you $195.
  • Accrue 3 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations.
  • Access $200 allocated for annual travel expenses, applicable towards eligible flights, hotels, or car rentals 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

  • Obtain 20,000 bonus Qantas Points upon online application approval and spending $3,000 within 3 months. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Qantas Club invitations annually (conditions apply).
  • Benefit from complimentary domestic and international travel insurance coverage.

Pros

  • 20,000 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

Apply by 28 May 2024

American Express Qantas Ultimate Credit Card

Highlights

  • Acquire 60,000 bonus Qantas Points by applying before 28 May 2024, getting approved, and spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Card Members.
  • Receive 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations annually.
  • Access a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year (conditions apply).

Pros

  • Earn 60,000 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.
  • 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.
Qantas American Express Discovery Credit Card

On website

Qantas American Express Discovery Credit Card

Highlights

  • Acquire 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services.
  • Earn 0.75 Qantas Point for every $1 spent on Card purchases, except for spending at government bodies in Australia, where you will earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
  • Enjoy no annual card fee.
  • Obtain up to 4 Additional Cards for family members or friends with no extra fee.

Pros

  • 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

  • There is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
  • Lacks complimentary travel insurance.
  • There is no access to a concierge service.
American Express Business Explorer Credit Card

On website

Apply by 23 July 2024

American Express Business Explorer Credit Card

Highlights

  • Experience $0 Annual Card Fee (usually $149) in the first year when applying by July 23, 2024, and getting approved for the American Express® Business Explorer Credit Card. T&C’s apply. Exclusive to New American Express Card Members.
  • Benefit from two American Express Lounge passes per year at Sydney and Melbourne airports.
  • Receive Complimentary Travel Insurance when paying for your return trip with your Card.

Pros

  • $0 annual fee on the first year.
  • Earn up to 2 points per $1 spent.
  • No fee for up to 99 employee cards.
  • Up to 55 interest-free days.

Cons

  • Annual fee reverts to $149 after the initial year.
  • There is no balance transfer offer for this card.
  • Cash advances are blocked, which might be inconvenient for some.
American Express Platinum Business Card

On website

Apply by 25 June 2024

American Express Platinum Business Card

Highlights

  • Obtain 350,000 bonus Membership Rewards points by applying before 25 June 2024, getting approved, and spending $12,000 on your card within the initial 3 months. Exclusive to New American Express Card Members.
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent.
  • Enjoy exclusive Platinum travel, experience, and dining privileges.

Pros

  • The offer of 350,000 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.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.

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 Gold Business Card

On website

American Express Gold Business Card

Highlights

  • Acquire 75,000 bonus Membership Reward points upon application approval and spending $1,000 on your card within the initial 2 months. Exclusive to New American Express Card Members.
  • Earn up to 1.5 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent.
  • Experience enhanced flexibility with no pre-set spending limit.
  • Benefit from Travel Insurance covering up to $2.5 million in medical emergency expenses.

Pros

  • Receive 75,000 bonus Membership Reward points when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn up to 1.5 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent.
  • No cap on how many points you can earn.
  • No pre-set spending limit means more flexibility.
  • Spend with Dell Technologies to receive up to $75 credit until 31 December 2024.
  • Membership Rewards points can be transferred to a number of airlines, giving you options when booking travel.

Cons

  • The $119 fee for every additional card added.
  • Doesn't offer airport lounge access.
  • No access to concierge services.
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card

On website

Apply by 25 June 2024

American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card

Highlights

  • Obtain 170,000 bonus Qantas Points with the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card when applying by 25 June 2024, getting approved, and spending at least $6,000 within 3 months of approval. Exclusive to new American Express Card Members.
  • Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on Qantas products and services, up to 1.25 points per $1 spent on everyday spend, and 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on government spend, utilities, and insurance.
  • Once a total of 500,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday business earn rate will change from 1.25 to 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent. *For Card Members who applied for the Card between July 1, 2023, and January 9, 2024, this change will take effect from July 10, 2024.

Pros

  • Earn 170,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the criteria.
  • 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.
  • Power up your business – Spend with Dell Technologies and get up to $100 credit.

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.
American Express Velocity Escape Card

On website

American Express Velocity Escape Card

Highlights

  • Acquire Velocity Points while benefiting from a $0 annual card fee.
  • Points accrued on your card seamlessly transfer to your Velocity account monthly and are redeemable for various rewards such as flights, lodging, car rentals, gift cards, and beyond.
  • Earn 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent, except for transactions with Australian government entities, where you'll 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

Apply by 15 May 2024

American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card

Highlights

  • Get 100,000 bonus Velocity Points upon applying by May 15, 2024, getting approved, and making $3,000 in eligible purchases with your new Card within the initial 3 months. Offer valid for new Amex Card Members exclusively.
  • Receive a complimentary Virgin Australia return Economy domestic flight between specified cities annually following your first Card spend each year.
  • Benefit from 2 complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each year at selected domestic airports.

Pros

  • Receive up to 100,000 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.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.
  • 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 Velocity Business Charge Card

On website

Apply by 15 May 2024

American Express Velocity Business Charge Card

Highlights

  • Get 200,000 Bonus Velocity Points upon applying by May 15, 2024, getting approval, and fulfilling the minimum spending requirement of $5,000 within 2 months of approval. Offer valid for New American Express Card Members exclusively.
  • Accumulate 2 points for every $1 spent on Virgin Australia services and up to 1 point per $1 spent on other transactions. Earn 0.5 points per $1 on ATO and government expenditures.
  • Benefit from 2 complimentary single-entry passes to the Virgin Australia Lounge at chosen domestic airports annually.

Pros

  • Receive 200,000 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.

American Express (Amex) is celebrated for its substantial rewards and benefits. In Australia, American Express provides credit cards compatible with the Qantas Frequent Flyer, Velocity Frequent Flyer, and Amex Membership Rewards schemes. It features a low-rate card option alongside various choices tailored for business proprietors.

Benefits of American Express credit cards

American Express credit cards come with a host of benefits that set them apart from other credit card providers. Some of the key advantages include:

  • Membership rewards: American Express offers a robust rewards program that allows cardholders to earn points on their everyday purchases. These points can be redeemed for frequent flyer airmiles, shopping, dining, and more, providing added value to cardholders.
  • Exclusive access: Card members enjoy access to a range of exclusive perks, such as lounge access at airports, travel insurance coverage, concierge services, and invitations to special events.
  • Customer service: American Express is known for its excellent customer service, with dedicated support for card members available 24/7 to assist with any queries or issues.

Types of American Express credit cards

American Express offers various credit cards to cater to different needs and preferences. Some of the popular types of American Express credit cards include:

  • Platinum card: Known for its premium benefits and elite status, the Platinum Card offers luxurious travel perks, complimentary airport lounge access, and generous rewards points.
  • Qantas Points cards: American Express partners with Qantas to offer co-branded credit cards that allow cardholders to earn Qantas Points on their purchases, which can be redeemed for flights and upgrades.
  • Everyday cards: These cards are designed for everyday spending and offer reward points on various purchases, making them ideal for those looking for a versatile credit card option.

How to earn rewards with American Express credit cards

Earning rewards with American Express credit cards is easy and straightforward. Cardholders can accumulate points using their cards for everyday expenses such as grocery shopping, dining out, online purchases, and more. American Express offers promotional offers allowing card members to earn bonus points on specific spending categories or eligible purchases, similar to other reward credit cards.

Tips for maximising American Express credit card rewards

To make the most of your American Express credit card rewards, consider the following tips:

  • Take advantage of bonus points offers: Keep an eye out for special promotions that offer bonus points for specific purchases or spending thresholds.
  • Redeem points wisely: Consider the value of your points when redeeming them and look for opportunities to maximise their worth, such as transferring points to airline loyalty programs or using them for high-value purchases.
  • Utilise travel benefits: If your American Express card offers travel perks like lounge access or travel credits, be sure to take advantage of these benefits to enhance your travel experience and save money on trips.

Help choosing an American Express credit card

Find your ideal American Express card with expert guidance.

  • FAQs

  • Pros & cons

What are the annual fees associated with American Express credit cards?

The annual fees for American Express credit cards vary depending on your chosen card. Some cards offer no annual fee, while others may charge a fee that reflects the card's premium benefits and rewards. It's important to review the details of each card to understand the associated annual fee.

How can I apply for an American Express credit card?

To apply for an American Express credit card, visit the American Express website and navigate to the credit cards section. Here, you'll find a variety of cards to choose from, each with its own benefits and features. Once you've selected the card that best suits your needs, you can complete the application process online by providing the necessary personal and financial information.

Do American Express credit cards have foreign transaction fees?

American Express credit cards may charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside your country. However, some cards are designed specifically for travellers and do not include these fees. It's advisable to check the terms and conditions of your specific card to see if foreign transaction fees apply.

Can I transfer my existing credit card balance to an American Express card?

American Express are not typically known for their balance transfer offers, so while there may be the occasional offer, check against what's available from other banks first since there may be more competitive offers to consider.

What kind of purchase protections do American Express credit cards offer?

American Express credit cards offer a range of purchase protections that can provide peace of mind. These protections may include extended warranty coverage, purchase protection against theft or accidental damage, and return protection. The specific protections offered depend on the card, so reviewing the benefits guide for your American Express card is recommended.

Are there any eligibility requirements for applying for an American Express credit card?

There are eligibility requirements for applying for an American Express credit card, which typically include a minimum age, a good to excellent credit score, and a stable income. Some cards may have additional criteria based on the card's target demographic and benefits. It's important to check the specific requirements for the card you're interested in before applying.

Pros

Excellent rewards program

American Express offers generous rewards programs with various perks such as travel rewards, cashback, and points that can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits.

Comprehensive travel benefits

Cardholders often enjoy extensive travel benefits including travel insurance, airport lounge access, concierge services, and exclusive travel offers, making it an attractive choice for frequent travelers.

Global acceptance

American Express cards are widely accepted worldwide, providing convenience and flexibility for international travelers or those who frequently shop online from international merchants.

Outstanding customer service

American Express is renowned for its exceptional customer service, providing 24/7 support to cardholders. Their responsive and helpful customer service team assists with any queries or issues promptly.

Exclusive offers and events

Cardholders gain access to exclusive offers, events, and experiences, including presale tickets for concerts, sporting events, and dining experiences, enhancing the overall value of holding an American Express card.

Cons

More limited merchant acceptance

Despite global acceptance, some merchants in Australia may not accept American Express cards, limiting usage in certain establishments, particularly smaller businesses or local vendors in regional areas.

Higher annual fees

American Express cards often come with higher annual fees compared to other credit cards in Australia, which may deter some users, especially those seeking more budget-friendly options.

Foreign transaction fees

Cardholders may incur foreign transaction fees when using their American Express card for purchases made in foreign currencies, which can add up significantly for frequent international travelers.