American Express credit cards offer the prestige, perks and points you'd expect from Amex, available for every budget.
The American Express cards available in Australia also come with variety of complimentary extras, from purchase and travel insurance to concierge services, airport lounge passes and travel vouchers. Use this guide to compare American Express credit card offers, features and costs and decide if there's one that's right for you.
American Express Credit Card Offer
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
Receive 55,000 bonus
Qantas Points
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
American Express Credit Card Offer
The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card offers 55,000 bonus Qantas Points, complimentary travel benefits and up to 2.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Receive 55,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 on your new card in the first 3 months.
- Receive a yearly $450 Qantas Travel Credit to spend on eligible international or domestic Qantas flights booked via Amex Travel.
- Get 4 complimentary airport lounge invitations per year (2 Qantas Club and 2 American Express Airport Lounge passes).
- Earn 1.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent (0.5 points on government spend) and 1 additional point on Qantas Australia spend.
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 credit card earns points per $1 spent and has a unique and handy feature: Smartphone screen insurance.
* 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 for personal and business use. It also offers a small selection of premium charge cards. Charge cards have similar features and benefits to credit cards but require you to pay the account balance in full by the statement due date (instead of letting you carry a balance and charging interest). Here, you can compare the range or American Express cards available in Australia based on the type of product you're looking for.
Balance transfer credit cards
If you're struggling to repay an existing debt because of high interest, you could transfer your old balance from another provider to an American Express credit card with a 0% p.a. balance transfer rate for 12 months. This gives you the chance to pay off your debt faster and save on interest charges during the introductory period. Please note that a one-time balance transfer fee may apply. See our step-by-step guide on how to complete a balance transfer with American Express for further information.
Low rate credit cards
The American Express Essential Credit Card offers an ongoing variable purchase rate of 14.99% p.a. It also offers up to 55 days interest-free when you pay your balance in full by the due date on each statement, as well as a $0 annual fee for the life of the card.
Rewards credit cards
American Express offers a variety of rewards cards linked to the American Express Membership Rewards program. These cards give you a way to earn points per $1 spent on eligible purchases, which you can use for rewards such as travel, frequent flyer points, gift cards and merchandise. Depending on the card and when you apply, you could also earn between 10,000 and 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards on signup if you meet the spend requirement after being approved for one of these cards.
Frequent flyer credit cards
American Express offers a selection of credit cards linked to the Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer programs. With one of these cards, you'll earn Qantas Points or Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. You could also earn up to 100,000 bonus frequent flyer points on signup when you meet the spend requirement. While some of these Amex cards have a $0 annual fee, others have annual fees up to $450.
Other American Express frequent flyer options
If you want to earn frequent flyer points through a program other than Qantas or Velocity, American Express credit cards that earn Membership Rewards also give you the option of transferring points to many different frequent flyer programs, including Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Velocity. This could also give you more flexibility if you're a member of a few different frequent flyer programs. Check out our guide on transferring reward points for more details.
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. These cards also give you the choice of earning either Membership Rewards or Qantas Rewards for purchases at David Jones and elsewhere.
Business credit cards
The range of American Express credit cards designed for businesses come with a range of useful features and benefits, including additional cardholders to manage employee spending and tools to track your business expenditure. There are also Amex business credit cards that earn Membership Rewards, Qantas Points or Velocity Points on business spending.
The benefits of banking with American Express
Here are some of the features you could enjoy if you get an American Express credit card.
Membership Rewards — frequent flyer transfer partners
American Express Membership Rewards points can be used to book travel directly through Amex. You can also transfer your points to Frequent Traveller Partners such as Velocity Frequent Flyer, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Etihad Guest, Emirates Skywards and Air New Zealand Airpoints. Alternatively, you can redeem Membership Rewards for cashback on your account, gift cards with the likes of iTunes, BP, David Jones and Bunnings (to name a few) or shop with points at David Jones and Ticketmaster.
Mobile contactless payments
American Express has a range of cards that are compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, which means you can use your mobile device to make payments at the checkout.
Exclusive access to tickets and events
You can use your Membership Rewards points to pay for bookings with with Ticketmaster. The ticketing service provides special offers and discounts for American Express members, so you could save on big ticket sporting events and concerts. American Express Invites also puts you first in line for selected lifestyle events and experiences.
Amex Offers
This complimentary program gives you access to exclusive offers from some of the biggest brands, allowing you to save money on everything from fashion and dining to movie tickets and supermarket shopping.
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 also 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 also 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