American Express Membership Rewards

Compare American Express credit cards that earn points with the American Express Membership Rewards program.

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Updated 20 Jun 2025   |   Rates updated regularly

Comparing 6 of 6 American Express Membership Rewards cards

FeaturedApply by 4 November 2025

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2.25 Membership Rewards Points

Sign up bonus

300,000 Membership Rewards Points

Annual fee

$875.00 for 1st year

Details

  • Get 300,000 bonus Membership Rewards points by applying before 4 November 2025, getting approved, and spending $12,000 on your card within the initial 3 months. Exclusive to New American Express Card Members.
  • Reduced first-year annual fee of $875 (regularly $1,750 per year).
  • Earn up to 2.25 pts per $1 spent.
  • Enjoy exclusive Platinum travel, experience, and dining privileges.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • The offer of 300,000 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.
  • Add up to 99 employee cards at no extra cost.
Cons
  • The annual fee of $1,750 p.a. after the initial year.
  • Since this is a charge card, the balance must be cleared every statement.
  • No balance transfer facility.

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2 Membership Rewards Points

Sign up bonus

50,000 Membership Rewards Points

Annual fee

$149.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Earn 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend at least $3,000 within 3 months of approval. Exclusive to new American Express Card Members.
  • Includes 2 Centurion Lounge passes per year at Sydney and Melbourne airports.
  • Receive complimentary travel insurance when you book your return flight with your card.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Earn up to 2 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spend on ATO and government transactions.
  • Use your points to pay off transactions, utilities, annual fee and more.
  • Redeem your rewards for flights, hotel reservations, or car rentals.
  • Transfer points to Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand and Hilton Honors.
  • Shop with your points at Apple, Ikea, JB Hi-Fi and more.
  • No fee for up to 99 employee cards.
  • Up to 55 interest-free days.
  • With the Amex App, you can Monitor business spend and activity 24x7.
  • Manage your account anytime and anywhere with Live Chat Service
Cons
  • There is an annual fee of $149.
  • A 3% foreign transaction fee is in effect.
  • There is no balance transfer offer.
  • Cash advances are blocked, which might be inconvenient for some.
Apply by 7 October 2025

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.50 Membership Rewards Points

Sign up bonus

200,000 Membership Rewards Points

Annual fee

$395.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Receive 200,000 Membership Rewards bonus points by applying before 7 October 2025, getting approved, and spending $5,000 on your card within the initial 3 months. Exclusive to New American Express Card Members.
  • Receive up to $550 credit back for spend with Xero, Google Ads, Meta, Amazon Web Services and Dell. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Xero, Google Ads, Meta, Amazon Web Services and Dell, up to 2 points per $1 spent on AccessLine, 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday spend, and 1 point on government spend.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Receive 200,000 bonus Membership Reward points when you meet the criteria.
  • Earn unlimited points with no cap, and your points never expire.
  • Membership Rewards points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners, including Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, and Hilton Honors.
  • You can also redeem your points for gift cards from top retailers like Apple, IKEA, JB Hi-Fi, and more.
  • Add 2 employee cards at no extra cost.
  • Experience enhanced flexibility with no pre-set spending limit.
  • A flexible Payment Option is available to spread costs over time for a portion of your balance.
  • Travel worry-free with complimentary domestic and international travel insurance, covering trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and more.
  • Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • Once a total of 200,000 points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday business earn rate will change from 3 to 1 point per $1 spent.
  • The $75 fee for every additional card added.
  • Doesn't offer airport lounge access.
  • No access to concierge services.
American Express Explorer Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2 Membership Rewards Points

Sign up bonus

110,000 Membership Rewards Points

Annual fee

$395.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Get 110,000 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.
  • Get a $400 Travel Credit each year to use on flights, hotels, and car rentals when booking online.
  • Includes complimentary domestic and international travel insurance coverage.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Get 110,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you meet the criteria.
  • 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).
  • Transfer Membership Rewards points to 11 Airline Partners and 2 Hotel Partners.
  • Convert points into gift cards or pay for charges on your account.
  • Get two complimentary entries per year to The Centurion® Lounge at Sydney International Airport or Melbourne International Airport.
  • Get up to $500 for front screen repairs if your phone breaks.
  • Shop with confidence knowing your purchases are protected. Get up to 12 months of extended warranty on eligible items, coverage for theft or damage, and a refund guarantee if a store won’t accept your return. You’re also safeguarded against unauthorized transactions with a Fraud Protection Guarantee.
  • Includes comprehensive travel insurance, covering trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and more—so you’re covered when plans don’t go as expected.
  • Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • The annual fee is $395 p.a., which could be worthwhile if you take advantage of the card’s perks and rewards.
  • The interest rate on purchases is 23.99% p.a., so it’s best suited for those who pay off their balance in full each month to avoid high charges.
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1 Membership Rewards Point

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$0.00 for 1st year

Details

  • No annual fee in the initial year, saving you $195.
  • Earn 3 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations.
  • Earn 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent overseas and online, and 1 point on all other purchases.
  • Get a $200 annual travel credit for eligible flights, hotels, or car rentals booked through American Express Travel.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Includes comprehensive travel insurance, covering trip cancellations, travel delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and more—giving you peace of mind when you’re on the go
  • Comes with a Smartphone Screen Cover for repairs up to $500.
  • Transfer earned points to an Airline or Hotel partner program like Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, and Hilton Honors.
  • Or Book travel with points online at American Express Travel or Webjet.
  • Plus you can also Use your points to shop online at Myer or redeem for gift cards.
  • Includes Refund and Purchase Cover for extra protection on eligible purchases
  • Split eligible purchases over $100 or part of your balance into equal monthly instalments. Choose from 3, 6, or 12-month terms with no interest—just a fixed monthly fee.
  • Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • After the first year, a $195 annual fee applies. If the card’s perks align with your spending, it could still be worth keeping.
  • The ongoing purchase rate of 23.99%.
  • No complimentary lounge access.
  • No access to the concierge service.
Apply by 8 July 2025
American Express Platinum Card

Not available for application via this website

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2.25 Membership Rewards Points

Sign up bonus

200,000 Membership Rewards Points

Annual fee

$1,450.00 p.a. ongoing

Details

  • Earn 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply by 8 July 2025, get approved, and spend $5,000 on your new Card within the initial 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
  • This card includes comprehensive travel insurance, covering trip cancellations, travel delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and more—giving you peace of mind when you’re on the go.
  • Receive a $450 Platinum Travel Credit annually for flight, hotel, or car rental bookings.
  • Get up to $400 each year to use at over 1,400 carefully selected restaurants worldwide, making dining out a little more rewarding.

Pros & cons

Pros
  • Get 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.
  • Transfer points to 12 major Airline Reward Partner programs, including Qantas Frequent Flyer, Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer, and Air New Zealand Airpoints.
  • You can also transfer points to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
  • Receive a complimentary Accor Plus membership valued at $399
  • Access to more than 1,400 lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge.
  • Shop with confidence knowing your purchases are protected. Get up to 12 months of extended warranty on eligible items, coverage for theft or damage, and a refund guarantee if a store won’t accept your return. You’re also safeguarded against unauthorized transactions with a Fraud Protection Guarantee.
  • Use the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.
  • Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Cons
  • The annual fee is $1,450, which may seem high, but for those who maximize the card’s premium perks—like travel insurance, dining credits, and purchase protections—it could be a worthwhile investment.
  • A 3% fee applies to overseas transactions and online purchases.

Membership Rewards is a credit card loyalty program operated by American Express for its cardholders. AmEx has the largest range of credit and charge cards in Australia, with all cards earning loyalty points.

If Membership Rewards doesn't suit your needs, you can easily compare more frequent flyer credit cards with other reward programs.

Why choose American Express Membership Rewards?

  • American Express offers many cards, some with higher earning rates for certain categories, such as travel or supermarkets.
  • Regular offers for statement credits or spending bonus points exist for certain retailers.
  • Points remain active as long as your Membership Rewards account with American Express is active.
  • Accrue points in a flexible program and transfer them to different airline or hotel partners as needed.
Hans Mast of Golden Rule Travel

Hans Mast, a travel expert from Golden Rule Travel and a savvy point collector who once earned 1 million Delta miles in a single deal, praises American Express Membership Rewards as the ultimate in credit card loyalty programs.

According to Mast, "American Express Membership Rewards are the pinnacle of credit card points worldwide. Their breadth of transfer partners is unmatched, covering all major alliances with multiple choices. They excel both in how many points you earn per dollar and the value of their transfer bonuses. In short, you cannot consider yourself a true travel credit card guru unless Amex MR forms the cornerstone of your points strategy."

Where can I transfer Membership Rewards Points to?

Membership Rewards has many direct transfer partners, including Velocity Frequent Flyer, KrisFlyer, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and Etihad Guest. Certain premium cards also provide Qantas Frequent Flyer as a transfer partner.

For most transfer partners, two Membership Rewards points convert to one frequent flyer point (or mile). American Express lists most transfer partners and their current conversion rates.

You can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to a range of other international frequent flyer programs, enhancing the Membership Rewards scheme's versatility.

How Membership Rewards credit cards work

Membership Rewards credit cards are issued by American Express and are only available in Australia. Not every AmEx card earns Membership Rewards points; some are linked with Qantas Frequent Flyer or Velocity Frequent Flyer programs.

Enrolling in Membership Rewards is free, but these credit cards typically have an annual fee. One significant benefit of earning Membership Rewards points is the ability to transfer them to other airline rewards programs, providing flexibility and enhancing the value of your points.

How to compare Membership Rewards credit cards

When comparing Membership Rewards credit cards, consider more than just the points you can earn. Evaluate the value of complimentary benefits like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and purchase protection, which can be worth hundreds of dollars. Not all cards offer the same benefits, so comparing the details of each card is essential to find the best fit for your needs.

Membership Rewards earn rate

The rate at which Membership Rewards points are earned varies by card. This rate is usually expressed as a ratio of one point per dollar spent on eligible purchases. Premium cards with higher annual fees typically have higher earning rates. Some cards, like the American Express Shop Small, may offer higher or lower rates depending on the purchase type or promotional offers.

Sign-up bonus points

Occasionally, AmEx offers large sign-up bonuses for new customers who apply for specific cards. These bonuses usually require meeting a spending target within the first three months, such as 80,000 bonus points for spending $1,500 in the first three months.

Membership Rewards earning caps

Unlike many competitors, AmEx cards do not have monthly earning caps or thresholds. The advertised points earning rate remains consistent throughout the month, regardless of spending levels. This allows cardholders to make significant purchases, such as technology or travel, knowing they will earn points at the initial rate.

Membership Rewards tiered earn rates for specific spending types

The points earning rate can vary by card and spending type. Cards with higher annual fees typically earn points faster. Some AmEx cards offer tiered earning rates based on where you spend, such as 3.0 points per dollar at supermarkets, 2.0 points at petrol stations, 0.5 points for government and telco spending, and 1.0 point for other purchases.

Earn points for government purchases

AmEx cards award points for government spending, unlike many rewards cards. However, the rate for government purchases, such as ATO payments or local government rates, is typically lower, usually 0.5 Membership Rewards points per dollar.

Help choosing an American Express Membership Rewards credit card

Discover what American Express Membership Rewards credit cards offer.

  • FAQs

Are Membership Rewards credit cards hard to get?

Given the limited range of credit cards that earn Membership Rewards points and their relatively high minimum criteria, getting approved for a Membership Rewards credit card can be more difficult.

Do Membership Rewards points expire?

Unlike many competitors, AmEx does not set an expiration date for Membership Rewards points. You can keep your points until you are ready to use them or have accumulated enough for your chosen redemption.

Do balance transfers earn Membership Rewards points?

No, balance transfers, which American Express seldom offers, do not earn Membership Rewards points.

Do cash advances earn Membership Rewards points?

No, cash advances or any transactions classified as cash advances, such as buying foreign currency, do not earn Membership Rewards points.

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