Compare American Express credit cards with features including bonus points, 0% interest offers, travel vouchers and premium extras.
American Express Credit Cards Comparison
Types of credit cards from American Express
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 extras but, instead of letting you carry a balance and charging interest, they require you to pay the account balance in full by the statement due date. You can compare the range or American Express cards below 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 card with a 0% p.a. balance transfer rate for 12 months. This means that you'll have the chance to repay your debt faster and without the extra cost of interest while the promotional period is in place. 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 Low Rate Credit Card is no longer available to new customers in Australia. Instead, you might want to consider the American Express Essential Credit Card which has an ongoing variable purchase rate of 14.99% p.a.
Rewards credit cards
American Express offers a variety of rewards cards linked to the American Express Membership Rewards program. With one of these cards, you'll earn points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. You can then redeem your accumulated points for rewards such as travel, frequent flyer points, gift cards and merchandise. Depending on the card, 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.
Learn more about Rewards Credit Cards
Frequent flyer credit cards
American Express offers frequent flyer cards linked to the Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer programs. These cards earn either Qantas Points or Velocity Points for your eligible spending and may offer offer up to 100,000 bonus points on signup when you meet the spend requirement. While some of these cards have a $0 annual fee, others have annual fees up to $450.
Learn more about Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
Store credit cards
David Jones American Express credit cards offer exclusive in-store benefits with the department store and also allow you to earn Membership Rewards or Qantas Rewards for purchases at David Jones and elsewhere.
Business credit cards
With additional cardholders to manage employee spending, the opportunity to earn Membership Rewards, Qantas Points or Velocity Points on business spending and tools to track your business expenditure, American Express credit cards offer many features that could benefit your business' finances.
Learn more about Business Credit Cards
The benefits of banking with American Express
Membership Rewards — frequent flyer transfer partners
American Express Membership Rewards points can be used to book travel directly through Amex. They can also be transferred to Frequent Traveller Partners such as Velocity Frequent Flyer, Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer, Etihad Guest, Emirates Skywards and Air New Zealand. Alternatively, you can redeem Membership Rewards for cash back on your account, gift cards with the likes of iTunes, BP, David Jones and Bunnings (to name a few) or shop with them at David Jones and Ticketmaster.
Contactless payments
American Express credit cards come with contactless payment technology so you can "tap-and-go" for purchases under $100. American Express also has a range of cards that are compatible with Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay, allowing you to use your mobile device to make payments at the checkout.
Exclusive access to tickets and events
You can use your Membership Rewards Points at Ticketmaster. The ticketing service also 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.
Fraud protection
All American Express credit cards are protected against fraud. So if you're a victim of credit card fraud, you will be covered by a Fraud Protection Guarantee and won't be liable for any unauthorised spending on your account. Intelligent security and secure payment systems are also in place to protect whatever you purchase online or in-store in Australia or overseas.
How to apply for an American Express credit card
If you've compared your options and decided an American Express credit card is for you, you can apply online for a credit card in around 15 minutes. Before you apply, make sure you've met the following eligibility requirements and organised the necessary documents to complete your application and increase improve your chances of approval.
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria varies from card to card, but you can expect 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 may 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've organised the following information and documents before you apply:
- Details about your income and employment. You’re required to provide your annual income, including any income generated from assets like property or shares, and also whether you have any savings. You will also need to provide your employer’s contact information or your account’s details if you’re self-employed.
- Debts and liabilities. You need to provide information about your ongoing expenses, like child support payments, your weekly food budget, loan repayments and dependent children. If you have other credit cards, you'll need to list the size of the balance you’re carrying on each card and whether you want to transfer the balance.
- Personal information. You will need to list basic personal details like your name, contact information and your address.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a question about American Express credit cards? Check the FAQs below for an answer. 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.
Can I apply for an American Express credit card?
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must have a good credit history.
- Be a permanent Australian resident or hold a long stay visa.
- Earn more than the minimum income listed for the card you're applying for. Self-employed borrowers must also have been trading for 18 months before they can apply for an American Express credit card.
Are American Express credit cards from other banks different?
Some well-known Australian banks issue companion or dual credit card accounts that come with both an American Express card and a Visa or Mastercard linked to the same account. Usually, the Amex card earns more points per $1 and the Mastercard or Visa offers wider acceptance. This allows you to choose the type of card you want to use so you can earn points in more places.
What's the difference between an Amex credit card and charge card?
Most Amex cards are regular credit card accounts, which allow you to carry a balance on your account as long as you pay at least the minimum amount listed on your statement by the due date. If you do carry a balance, you'll be charged interest on it at the applicable rate.
There is also a small selection of Amex charge cards – such as the American Express Platinum Card and the American Express Velocity Business Card – which require you to pay off your balance in full each month. As you don't carry a balance on these cards, standard interest rates do not apply. However, there can be serious penalties if you don't pay the full balance by the due date on each statement.
How do I transfer a balance to an American Express credit card?
Interview about American Express balance transfer FAQs
What is a credit establishment fee?
A credit establishment fee is a balance transfer fee. It’s charged when you bring your existing credit card debt over to your new American Express credit card when you apply. It’s supposed to be a fee to cover the administrative costs of processing a balance transfer request. The credit establishment fee is expressed as a small percentage of your total balance transfer amount, for example, 1%. The fee is taken from your available credit on your credit card, so it will need to be factored into any calculation of the total balance transfer balance.
Where can I use my American Express credit card?
American Express credit cards are not accepted by all Australian merchants, but this is changing. Every year, more shops and businesses accept American Express credit cards. American Express also has a Business Directory tool on its website that allows you to search for Australian businesses that accept an American Express credit card.
What’s the minimum repayment? How much do I have to pay each month?
The minimum repayment is a small percentage of your balance that you must pay back to stop your account from entering into default. The minimum monthly repayment is listed on our American Express credit card review pages and it is the minimum amount you must pay off your credit card when your statement is issued. The due date is displayed on your credit card statement.
What is American Express Membership Rewards?
How do I become a member of American Express Membership Rewards?
Apply and get approved for an American Express Membership Rewards credit card and you’ll be automatically enrolled in this program. To stay as a member, you need to maintain your credit card account. If you go into default and you don’t pay within 40 days, your points are forfeited and you will no longer be a member of the program.
Do my American Express Membership Rewards points expire?
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.
Which airlines can I transfer my Membership Rewards Points to?
The American Express Membership Rewards Program has partnered with some of the most popular frequent flyer and travel rewards programs around the world. The airline programs you'll be able to transfer your points to can vary depending on your Membership Rewards account but could include Velocity, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, Air New Zealand Airpoints, Emirates Skywards and Etihad Guest.
I already have an American Express credit card. Can I still get bonus points if I apply for a different Amex card?
This depends on the type of American Express card you currently hold. If you have a card issued by American Express Australia, you won't be eligible for any bonus point offers on other cards issued by Amex.
But if you have a companion American Express card that's issued by a bank – such as the Amex cards that come with the NAB Qantas Rewards Premium or Westpac Altitude Black – you would be eligible for bonus point offers on cards issued by American Express.
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
Hi, I want to apply for a card that gives me the best conversion rate for Asia Air Miles. It appears from this site that an AMEX with MR earning is the way to go as it gives you 1:1 redemption to Asia Air Miles. I will be spending approx. $200,000 pa on the AMEX, including a lot of business payments: mainly ATO and some utilities, rates etc where possible. Can you recommend an AMEX card for this? Thanks…
Hi, AK.
Please use the information provided in the tables and the reviews to find the card that’s right for your situation. You can view our guide on transferring frequent flyer points here.
Thanks for your question.