American Express credit cards offer the prestige, perks and points you'd expect from Amex, available for every budget.
American Express offers credit cards to suit a range of lifestyles and goals, including frequent flyer and reward points, no annual fees and low interest rates. You can use this guide to compare American Express cards, discover the benefits of Amex and learn how to apply.
American Express Credit Card Offer
American Express Explorer Credit Card
Receive 100,000 bonus
Membership Rewards points
Offer ends 7 January 2019
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
American Express Credit Card Offer
The American Express Explorer Credit Card offers 100,000 bonus points, a yearly $400 Travel Credit, up to 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent and more.
- Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $1,500 within the first 3 months.
- Bonus Membership Rewards points offer available to new American Express Card Members only.
- Receive a $400 Travel Credit each year to spend on flights, hotels, experiences and more booked through Amex Travel.
- Transfer your points to 8 Airline Rewards Partner Programs including Velocity Frequent Flyer and Emirates Skywards.
- Earn up to 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, uncapped.
American Express Credit Cards Comparison
American Express Credit Cards Trending Now
Compare the details of these popular American Express credit cards available in Australia:
- American Express Velocity Escape Card. Pay no annual fee and earn uncapped Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases with this card.
- Qantas American Express Discovery Card. Earn Qantas Points on your everyday spending and redeem points for flights and more on this no annual fee rewards card.
- American Express Explorer Credit Card. This Amex credit card comes with travel credit each year and earns Membership Rewards points per $1 spent.
- American Express Essential Credit Card. This no annual fee credit card earns points per $1 spent and has a unique and handy feature: Smartphone screen insurance.
- American Express Platinum Card This high-end card comes with 80,000 bonus points and an annual fee of $1,450 p.a..
- American Express Platinum Edge This card comes with travel credits to offset an annual fee of $195 p.a..
* The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products finder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms "Best" and "Top" are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your personal financial circumstances when comparing products.
Types of American Express credit cards
American Express issues credit cards to suit both personal and business needs. Amex is renowned for its platinum products and competitive rewards options, but it offers low rate and low fee options as well. You can compare the different credit cards you can get with American Express below to find the right one for you.
Rewards credit cards
American Express rewards credit cards are linked to its Membership Rewards programs. You can use these cards to earn Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. Some boast big bonus points offers for new Amex customers, which can sometimes be as high as 120,000 points when you meet the spend requirement.
You can use your Membership Rewards to 'pay with points' and shop online at David Jones or Ticketmaster. You can also use them to book a holiday through American Express Travel or redeem them for gift cards with big brands including Coles, Myer, Bunnings and Country Road.
You can exchange your Membership Rewards for points or miles with partner airline schemes including Virgin Australia Velocity, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Check out finder's guide to Amex Membership Rewards for more tips for earning and spending your points.
As well as rewards, these cards often offer extra perks including complimentary travel insurance, American Express Lounge invites to use at Sydney and Melbourne airport and access to Amex Invites.
These rewards cards typically charge higher annual fees and interest rates than cards with fewer extra features.
Frequent flyer credit cards
American Express offers frequent flyer cards that are linked to the Qantas and Velocity Frequent Flyer programs. These cards regularly have bonus points offers and can be used to earn points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. You can then redeem your points for flights, travel packages and more through your preferred frequent flyer program.
Some of these cards come with extra features including complimentary travel insurance, complimentary flight vouchers and airline lounge passes. These extra features can help justify paying a higher annual fee or purchase interest rate to use one of these cards.
Low rate credit cards
If you want to save on credit card costs, you can consider an American Express credit card with a low interest rate. Card such as the American Express Essential credit card and the American Express Low Rate credit cards both charge competitive purchase interest rates. These cards often sometimes come with low or no annual fees. Some low rate American Express cards are linked with the Membership Rewards program, although they'll usually have less competitive earn rates than platinum products.
Balance transfer credit cards
You can pay off your existing debt with 0% on balance transfers for a promotional period with some American Express credit cards. The interest-free offer may last for up to 12 months and any remaining debt will collect a higher interest rate once this introductory period ends. Some of these cards may charge an annual fee and a balance transfer fee, so it's important to factor these into your comparison. See our step-by-step guide on how to complete a balance transfer with American Express for further information.
Store credit cards
The David Jones American Express credit cards offer exclusive benefits with the department store, such as complimentary gift-wrapping and complimentary delivery options through David Jones online. You can use these cards to earn either Membership Rewards or Qantas Rewards for purchases at David Jones and elsewhere.
Business credit cards
American Express offers business credit cards that come with useful features including additional cardholders to manage employee spending and tools to track your business expenditure. Some Amex business credit cards earn Membership Rewards, Qantas Points or Velocity Points on business spending. Business cards generally have higher credit limits than products designed for personal use.
The benefits of banking with American Express
From rewards programs to exclusive perks, here are some of the extra features and benefits you can expect with an American Express credit card.
Membership Rewards
If you have an American Express Membership Rewards card, you can earn points per $1 you spend on eligible purchases. These cards regularly offer competitive bonus points and earn rates. Plus, you can redeem your points for a variety of rewards from cashback on your account to gift cards and frequent flyer points.
As long as you keep your account in good standing, your American Express Membership Rewards points won't expire. This means you need to make all required payments by the due date on your account statements.
Exclusive perks with Amex Invites and Amex Offers
You can access presale tickets to concerts and other events with American Express Invites. When you present your Amex card at the entry, you can relax in style before your next concert at American Express Invites lounges at select entertainment venues in Sydney and Brisbane.
Amex cardholders can enjoy exclusive discounts and cashback promotions with partnered brands including THE ICONIC, Woolworths, David Jones and more thanks to Amex Offers. Check out the current offers on the American Express website and register the deal to your card.
Airport lounge passes
A few American Express credit cards come with complimentary lounge entry invitations each year. Depending on the card, you could take advantage of the perks at a Qantas or Virgin Australia Lounge or one of the American Express lounges at Sydney and Melbourne airport. Check out our review of the American Express Lounge at Sydney airport for more details of what you can expect.
Digital wallets and contactless payments
American Express is one of the few card issuers in Australia that's partnered with all three major digital wallets: Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay. You can add your card details to the relevant digital wallet app and use your smartphone to make contactless payments at the terminal.
How to apply for an American Express credit card
If you've compared American Express credit cards and found one you like, you can apply online in around 15 minutes. Before you apply, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements and have all the relevant documents and details you need on hand.
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria varies between American Express cards but usually includes the following:
- Age. Applicants must be at least 18 years or older.
- Residential status. Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of a current Business Long Stay Visa can apply.
- Minimum income. You'll need to meet the minimum annual income requirement to apply.
- Credit history. Applicants must have a good credit rating.
Required documents
Make sure you have the following information and documents ready before you apply:
- Personal information. You need share personal details including your name, email address, phone number, residential address and a valid form of ID, such as your driver's licence number.
- Income and employment. This includes your current job, your employer’s contact information or your accountant's details if you’re self-employed. You'll also need to provide details of your annual income, including any income generated from assets like property or shares, and whether you have any savings.
- Debts and liabilities. You need to provide information about your ongoing expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, your weekly food budget, loan repayments and any existing credit card debts. If you want to get a balance transfer, you'll need to provide details of your existing card and the debt you want to transfer to your new American Express card.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a question about American Express credit cards? Check the FAQs below for answers to common questions about Amex credit cards. If you can’t find the question and answer you’re looking for, get in touch with us using the form at the bottom of this page.
How long do you need to be in a casual job before attemting to do a balance transfer?
Hi Andre,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
As long as you have steady income and proof of it, you may be eligible for a balance transfer regardless of how long you have been a casual employee. Before you apply for a balance transfer credit card, you can look at the eligibility requirements to determine your chances of approval. This eligibility criteria may include a minimum income requirement and good credit history. There are also eligibility requirements pertaining to the balance transfer as well. For example, you may only be able to transfer debts from another institution up to a percentage of the approved credit limit (for example, up to 80% of the credit limit).
We have an article on how to ensure a successful balance transfer application if you click HERE. Good luck! :)
Cheers,
Joel
hi! I just wanted to know how long i have to wait to get approved. I applied qantas amex discovery credit card and I believe i tick all the requirements to be eligible for it. this is my first time applying for credit card though.
thank you!
Hi Monique,
Thanks for your question.
After you have filled in the online form and submitted the requirements, American Express will still assess your application. There is no definite time frame for the approval period. Once approved, you will typically receive your credit card within 1-2 weeks.
Cheers,
Anndy
I am a NZ citizen living in Australia under a SCV which enables NZers to live and work in Australia for as long as they want. Normally we are considered permanent residents for tax purposes but am I able to apply for an American Express credit card if I don’t technically hold permanent residency?
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your question.
Usually, for AMEX credit cards, the bank would require that you’re an Australian citizen or hold a Business Long Stay Visa (subclass 457). Although other eligibility requirements may be outlined for individual cards. I suggest that you contact AMEX to be sure if you’re eligible to apply for an AMEX card.
Cheers,
May
Hi,
Just wondering if you could tell me if I can load up my Qantas frequent flyer AMEX credit card with my own money as my current credit card limit won’t be sufficient for the amount of purchases I want to make on the card at one time.
Is this okay to do and if so will I still earn Qantas frequent flyer points?
Thank you.
Hi Mark,
You wouldn’t be able to load the card with more funds than the credit limit. Instead, you may need to contact American Express to request a credit limit increase. You can request a credit limit increase by contacting the American Express customer service team directly or by completing and submitting a credit limit increase form via the American Express website.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Can I transfer my British airways American express avios points to Qantas American express card?
Hi Piyadasa,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Please note that you have come through finder.com.au, not American Express. Unfortunately, British Airways Avios Points can’t be transferred to Qantas Points, however you can use them to redeem a flight on Qantas.
Please refer on this page for more details about Qantas Frequent Flyer Program.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
I have had an American Express card for many years, and have had a secondary person with a card able to use it, I am looking at changing to the low rate card, is it possible to have separate accounts with new
cards if transferring and if so is it easy or a lot of running around.
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please note that you have come through to finder.com.au, not American Express. However, we can confirm that American Express only allows you to transfer balances from accounts under your name. Once you apply for an AMEX Low Rate card and have been approved, the approval process for your balance transfer will immediately start commencing 72 hours after card approval.
Please refer to this page for more information on balance transfers.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Where can I use my Amex Qantas discovery card in Australia? I received my card but when I looked where I can use it I noticed it’s a bit limited because some places only take mastercard or visa, would appreciate any help!
Thanks, Julie
Hi Julie, thanks for getting in touch with us!
You can use your AMEX card at any EFTPOS terminal which accepts a credit card in Australia, except for merchants that only accept Mastercard or Visa cards.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I’m currently hold an ANZ Qantas FF VISA and American Express card. I want to know if I could join American Express reward program using my ANZ American Express card? Because the point earning value in American Express reward program is better and Qantas point.
Thank you.
Hi Hy,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately transferring rewards programs isn’t an option with this credit card. If you’re looking at taking out a card that is linked to the American Express Membership Rewards program, you can compare a range of cards on this page.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Can I reconnect a old card and account. I would like to get a amx card with you again.
Hi Glen,
Thanks for your question.
If you’ve closed your previous credit card account, you’ll need to apply again for another one.
After you’ve chosen the card you want to apply for, you can click ‘go to site’ to be taken to the application page.
Cheers,
Shirley
I STAY IN THE COOK ISLANDS RAOTONGA HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CARD
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately to be eligible for most Amex credit cards you need to be an Australian resident or citizen. I’d recommend that you get in touch with Amex directly to discuss your options.
Please note that online applications are available as well.
Cheers,
Shirley