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Choosing an Amex card that offers a complimentary flight or travel credit can help offset the annual fees that come with these premium options. For example, the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card has a $450 annual fee and offers a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year.
Whether you’re interested in getting a new Amex card or already have one that offers a flight or travel credit, use this guide to compare your options and find out how you can get the most out of this premium perk.
If you get an Amex card with a complimentary flight, you can only use the benefit for eligible domestic or international flights. In comparison, Amex cards that offer a travel credit allow you to put a fixed amount of money towards travel you book through American Express. As well as flights, this includes hotels, car hire or experiences (ie travel tours), which gives you more flexibility in how you use the benefit. Check out our guide for full details and steps to redeem American Express travel credit.
With the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, you’ll get $450 towards either a domestic or international booking with Qantas. Put simply, you can use the credit towards any flight with a QF flight number.
American Express and its partner airlines have a few important conditions that you should be aware of before you redeem your complimentary flight, which we've outlined below. It also reserves the right to change any of these terms and conditions.
American Express credit cards with complimentary flights or travel credit give you a simple way to balance out the annual fee, while also enjoying premium travel benefits and rewards. Just make sure you keep the terms and conditions in mind, so that you always get as much value as possible from this perk. If you’re still choosing a card, you can also compare these Amex options with other credit cards that offer flights or travel credit to help you find the right one for you.
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Back to topEarn flexible rewards points as you spend and enjoy a big 100,000 bonus points offer with the Citi Rewards Credit Card.
This card offers 0% interest on balance transfers for 36 months, a discounted $29 first year annual fee and platinum benefits including airport lounge passes and complimentary insurance covers.
Enjoy 100,000 bonus Velocity Points, a reduced first-year annual fee and points per $1 spent with the Citi Rewards credit card.
How to find out your credit score using this free tool.
The American Express Velocity Business Card earns points per $1 spent and offers complimentary travel insurance and two complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each year.
The American Express Business Card offers reliable service, a wide range of benefits, additional features, and competitive fees.
The Amex Qantas Business Rewards Card offers 150,000 bonus Qantas Points, no pre-set spending limit and platinum perks including complimentary insurances.
Pay 0% interest on balance transfers and get a $50 Kogan.com Credit with a new Kogan Money Black Card.
Earn Altitude rewards with Westpac’s Altitude Platinum credit card, while enjoying the benefits and privileges of platinum status.
I am seeking clarification on the complimentary flight on offer. Can the first redemption be within the 1st year of owning the card or does this perk kick in after 366 days? The wording on the AMEX Velocity Plat card offering the 100k bonus points is unclear.
Hi Tim,
Thanks for your question.
The complimentary flight offer on American Express Velocity Platinum Card is available after your first card spend in the first year, and then after your first card spend each year after the anniversary of your Membership.
Cheers,
Anndy
I have an American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card and wish to use my free flight. Can I fly from Sunshine Coast to Maroochydore and if so, as soon as this weekend, ie Thursday/Friday 1 & 2nd September to Monday or Tuesday 5th & 6th September 2016
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for your inquiry. Please note that you’ve come through to finder.com.au we are an Australian financial comparison website and general information service, not actually AMEX.
I suggest that you get in touch with AMEX directly to book your complimentary flights.
Cheers,
May
Can I fly from Sydney to Maroochydore on my Platinum free flight?
Thank you
Hi David,
Thanks for your question.
If you are holding an American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card or American Express Velocity Platinum Card, you may take a free flight from Sydney to Maroochydore on Virgin Australia.
You can book a flight by directly calling AMEX.
Cheers,
Anndy
Qantas American Express Card…does my free annual flight be booked only with Qantas Airlines??
Can I book my free flight? I want to travel from Canberra to Adelaide and return.
Hi Pete,
Thanks for your question.
If you have a Platinum Edge and Velocity Platinum American Express card, you can take advantage of a free domestic flight with Virgin Australia.
You can book return flights between Canberra and Adelaide.
You’ll just need to book the Saver Fare flight with your American Express card.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
I have ultimate amex card ..can i book my free flight from Canberra to Adelaide return. .thanks
Hi Pete,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately, if you are flying from Canberra, Adelaide is not on the list of possible destinations for your card’s free flight offer.
Cheers,
Anndy
Hi John,
Thanks for reaching out.
Kindly note that finder.com.au is an online comparison service and does not represent any credit card issuer such as AMEX.
Nonetheless, their bank page states that it is possible to use earned points for a one way, return or multi-destination Classic Flight Reward on over 50 partner airlines and their affiliates to over 1,000 destinations worldwide, depending on which AMEX Qantas card you use.
For more information, I have emailed you a link to their Qantas series page where you can find the available AMEX Qantas cards and their detailed features. I have forwarded their customer service team’s contact number to you as well, in case you wish to seek direct assistance.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Ally
Would like to know if I have a complimentary flight outstanding?
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your question. As you’ve come through to finder.com.au, not American Express, we’re unable to confirm whether you’re eligible for the complimentary flight.
You might like to contact American Express on 1300 132 639 to confirm this information.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Can I fly from Melbourne to Coffs Harbour using my Amex complimentary flight?
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your inquiry.
While Coffs Harbour is not a listed destination for the AMEX complimentary flight, you may like to consider other frequent flyer cards and offers. You can select the “Go to Site” button of your preferred credit card to proceed with your application. You can also contact the provider if you have specific enquiries. A gentle reminder, please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions to ensure that you got everything covered before you apply.
Cheers,
Jonathan
can I fly out of Cairns?
Hi Noeleen, thanks for your inquiry!
Unfortunately Cairns is not on the list of eligible destinations.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Why is Townsville not on the list?
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for your question!
Townsville is not on the list of available destinations that American Express have provided. The list of eligible destinations for your complimentary flight is available on our guide to the American Express complimentary flight.
Cheers,
Jonathan
How do I transfer my rewards points to my Frequent Flyer account?
Hi Bob,
Thank you for your question.
Transferring Membership Rewards points to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program is no longer supported by American Express. However, rewards points can be used for purchasing flights from AMEX travel agency partners.
You may refer to our list of credit cards with frequent flyer program.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi
Have some of the features changed on the platinum reserve credit card? For example the free night hotel instead of complimentary free flight and also international destination selection? I can not find it on the American express website anymore.
Thanks
Hello Chrissy,
Thanks for your question.
The American Express Platinum Reserve credit card is no longer available for new applications as of 1 October 2014.
You may need to contact American Express directly to confirm what the updated features are.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Sally