Amex vs Visa & Mastercard Credit Cards

When deciding on a new credit card, you might be more interested in the name of the institution than the card issuer, but choosing between Amex and Visa or Mastercard can make a lot of difference.

In general, Amex tends to offer better rewards than many Visa or Mastercard credit cards. However, they aren't accepted in as many places worldwide.

American Express cards often come with higher rewards points per dollar spent but may not be as widely accepted as Visa cards.
Visa cards are accepted at more locations worldwide and tend to have lower fees compared to American Express.
Amex cards usually offer premium perks like travel insurance and concierge services, while Visa cards are more likely to have lower interest rates and annual fees.

Things to consider when comparing American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards

Points earning, capping and expiry. Compare rewards features to ensure your points don't run out before you use them or you're limited in how much you can earn.
Annual fee. Each card issuer has varying annual fees on different cards, from no annual fees to $500 per year. Some cards will also have introductory offers.
Interest rates. Amex, Visa and Mastercard will offer various low rate cards, but you should balance these against their annual fee.
Customer service. Visa and Mastercard offer concierge services to support some of their customers. Take a look at what else they offer.
Complimentary insurance. All 3 card issuers offer benefits like complimentary insurance and extended warranty. However, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions before you apply.

Which card is most widely accepted?

Some retailers will not accept Amex-issued credit cards, thanks to higher merchant fees. While all card issuers will charge fees as part of the cost of moving money between banks, Amex charges considerably more.

Visa and Mastercard, on the other hand, are generally accepted worldwide anywhere you can use a credit card to pay for something.

How to compare Amex, Visa and Mastercard

Feature	Amex card	Visa / Mastercard
Rewards	Higher earn rate and more bonus points	Lower earn rate
Fees	Higher than average	Average
Interest rate	Higher than average	Average
Eligibility criteria	Stricter than the average Visa	Varies widely by bank
Acceptance	Less widely accepted	Accepted pretty much worldwide
Other	Often a status symbol	Many card options available

Can you get a virtual/digital card?

Loading your credit card onto your mobile wallet depends on the financial institution and type of card, rather than the card issuer. American Express cards are generally accepted on Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Most Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted on at least 1 of the 3 options, but you need to check with each credit card provider.

Some credit card providers will also provide virtual credit cards as soon as your credit card application has been approved, so that you can begin spending straight away without waiting for a physical card.

Compare Amex, Visa and Mastercard credit cards

Bonus points	Points per $ spent	Purchase rate p.a.	Annual fee
American Express Explorer Credit Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 75,000	Points per $ spent 2	23.99%	Annual fee $395	Get 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. Ends 03 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Platinum Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 300,000	Points per $ spent 2.25	N/A	Annual fee $1,450	Earn 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months and additional 100,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement in year 2. New American Express card members only. Ends 03 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Velocity Platinum Card Finder AwardMost LovedVelocity Frequent FlyerUncapped points	Bonus points 50,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	23.99%	Annual fee $440	Earn 50,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months, plus up to 100 bonus Status Credits. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card Most LovedQantas Frequent FlyerUncapped points	Bonus points 120,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	23.99%	Annual fee $450	Get 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months and additional 50,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement in year 2. New American Express card members only. Ends 17 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Velocity Escape Plus Card Most LovedVelocity Frequent FlyerUncapped points	Bonus points 20,000	Points per $ spent 1	23.99%	Annual fee $95	Get 20,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months, plus a $50 Virgin Australia Statement Credit. New American Express card members only. Ends 25 May 2027. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 30,000	Points per $ spent 1	23.99%	Annual fee $108	Earn 30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend at least $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Business Gold Plus Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 250,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	N/A	Annual fee $395	Get 250,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, earn up to 3 points per $1 spent at Xero, Google Ads, Meta, Amazon Web Services and Dell. New Amex card members only. Ends 03 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Finder AwardMost LovedQantas Business RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	N/A	Annual fee $450	Earn 150,000 bonus Qantas Points plus $200 in your Qantas Business Rewards Travel Fund when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. Ends 10 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75k revenue.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Platinum Business Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 350,000	Points per $ spent 2.25	N/A	Annual fee $1,750	Limited-time offer: Get 350,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points and an $875 credit when you spend $12,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. Ends 3 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Velocity Business Card Most LovedVelocity Frequent FlyerUncapped points	Bonus points 200,000	Points per $ spent 1	N/A	Annual fee $249	Limited-time offer: Receive 200,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. Ends 27 Oct 2026. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas American Express Discovery Card Most LovedQantas Frequent FlyerUncapped points	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 0.75	23.99%	Annual fee $0	Earn up to 1.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent, with no ongoing annual fee.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Low Rate Credit Card Most Loved	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	10.99%	Annual fee $0	Offers a low ongoing interest rate of 10.99% p.a. and a $0 annual fee. Plus, complimentary purchase cover.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas American Express Premium Card Most LovedQantas Frequent FlyerUncapped points	Bonus points 20,000	Points per $ spent 1	23.99%	Annual fee $249	Get 20,000 bonus Qantas Points, 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge passes per year and complimentary travel insurance. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 1	23.99%	Annual fee $0 first year ($195 after)	Save with a $0 annual fee in the first year. Plus, $200 Travel Credit every year. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Qantas Corporate Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 50,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	N/A	Annual fee $70	Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points when you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months. For new corporate card programs only. T&Cs apply.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Corporate Gold Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 75,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	N/A	Annual fee $105	Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points when you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months and uncapped points potential. For new corporate card programs only. T&Cs apply.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Qantas Corporate Gold Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 75,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	N/A	Annual fee $105	Get 75,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points when you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months. For new corporate card programs only. T&Cs apply.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Corporate Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 50,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	N/A	Annual fee $70	Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points when you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months. For new corporate card programs only. T&Cs apply.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Corporate Platinum Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 350,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	N/A	Annual fee $800	Receive 350,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points and a $500 credit when you spend $25,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months. Plus, complimentary travel insurance. For new corporate card programs only. Ends 03 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Qantas Corporate Platinum Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership RewardsUncapped points	Bonus points 350,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	N/A	Annual fee $1,200	Enjoy 350,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points and a $500 credit when you spend $25,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months. For new corporate card programs only. Ends 03 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.	View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading

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Purchase rate p.a.	Annual fee	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Amount Saved
Virgin Money Anytime Rewards Credit Card Virgin Money Rewards	21.99%	Annual fee $169	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	$608.32 over 12 months	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Latitude Gem Visa - Exclusive Offer Exclusive	28.99%	Annual fee $143.40	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 27 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	$1,308.18 over 27 months	Finder exclusive: Save with 0% p.a. for 27 months on Balance Transfers (with 3% balance transfer fee). Balance Transfer offer only available to new customers approved by 26 Feb 2027. Balance Transfer must be submitted by 31 Mar 2027. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer Velocity Frequent Flyer	21.99%	Annual fee $169	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	$1,223.89 over 24 months	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Virgin Money Anytime Rewards Credit Card - Balance Transfer Offer Virgin Money Rewards	21.99%	Annual fee $169	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	$1,223.89 over 24 months	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Kogan Money Credit Card - Balance Transfer Exclusive Offer ExclusiveKogan Rewards Program	21.99%	Annual fee $0	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 18 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 22.74%	$1,235.99 over 18 months	Finder exclusive: Save with 0% p.a. for the first 18 months on balance transfers (with a one-time 2% balance transfer fee). T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Platinum Credit Card	22.49%	Annual fee $0 first year ($87 after)	Balance transfer rate p.a. 23.49%	No savings	Earn $450 back to your new card when you spend $4,500 on eligible purchases in the first 4 months from approval. Plus, a $0 annual fee in the first year.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
NAB Qantas Business Signature Card Finder AwardQantas Business Rewards	19.5%	Annual fee $295	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	No savings	Get up to 200,000 bonus Qantas Points: 150,000 points when you spend $10,000 on everyday business purchases in the first 90 days and 50,000 points when you keep your account open for at least 15 months. ABN required.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black Finder AwardQantas Frequent Flyer	22.49%	Annual fee $370	Balance transfer rate p.a. 23.49%	No savings	Get up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points: 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months from approval, and an additional 50,000 points when you keep your card for over 12 months.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Low Rate - Credit Back Offer	13.74%	Annual fee $58	Balance transfer rate p.a. 23.49%	No savings	Get $400 back on your card when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months from approval. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer	22.49%	Annual fee $240	Balance transfer rate p.a. 23.49%	No savings	Get up to 50,000 bonus Qantas Points: 25,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,500 on eligible purchases in the first 4 months from approval, and an additional 25,000 points when you keep your card for over 12 months.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading

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10 of 55 results

Purchase rate p.a.	Bonus points	Points per $ spent	Interest-free period	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee
Qantas Money Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer	20.99%	Bonus points 80,000	Points per $ spent 1	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $349 first year ($399 after)	Receive 2 single-entry complimentary lounge invitations per year.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Latitude Low Rate Mastercard - Balance Transfer Offer	13.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 25 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $69	Balance Transfer offer only available to new customers approved by 31 Jan 2027. Balance Transfer must be submitted by 31 Mar 2027. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Westpac Altitude Velocity Platinum Velocity Frequent FlyerUncapped points	23.98%	Bonus points 100,000	Points per $ spent 0.5	Interest-free period Up to 45 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $175	Receive 70,000 bonus Velocity Points in year 1 when you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days of card approval and 30,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement within 90 days of card anniversary in year 2. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Latitude GO Mastercard	28.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 26 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $143.40	Balance Transfer offer only available to new customers approved by 26 Feb 2027. Balance Transfer must be submitted by 31 Mar 2027. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
David Jones Premiere Credit Card David Jones Rewards	24.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 1	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 25.99%	Annual fee $0 first year ($149 after)	Offers complimentary express delivery and gift wrapping at David Jones, plus a 10% hotel discount with Expedia and Wotif via the Latitude App.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas Money Titanium Qantas Frequent Flyer	20.99%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 6 months with 0% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $1,200	Receive 20% bonus Status Credits on eligible flights and 2 Qantas First Lounge Invitations.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard Latitude Rewards	28.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $0 first year ($96 after)	Offers $0 annual credit card fee in the first year (normally $96), plus $0 foreign exchange fee on purchases online or overseas. New and approved customers only. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Westpac Altitude Qantas Black Qantas Frequent FlyerUncapped points	23.98%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 0.8	Interest-free period Up to 45 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $295	Get 90,000 bonus Qantas Points and 50 Status Credits in year 1 when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days of card approval and 60,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement within 90 days of card anniversary in year 2. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Westpac Altitude Velocity Black Velocity Frequent FlyerUncapped points	23.98%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 0.8	Interest-free period Up to 45 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $295	Offers 90,000 bonus Velocity Points in year 1 when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days of card approval and 60,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement within 90 days of card anniversary in year 2. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Westpac Low Rate Card	13.74%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 20 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $84	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading

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Rebecca Pike is Finder’s money editor, with over 7 years of experience in mortgages and personal finance. A frequent TV and radio commentator, she frequently appears on Sunrise and 7News, Today and 9News, as well as Sky News, Channel 10 and across radio and print. Rebecca previously served as Editor of Mortgage Professional Australia. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism as well as ASIC-recognised certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, which comply with ASIC guidelines. See full bio

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The Amex Explorer offers Membership Rewards Bonus Points, lounge passes, a $400 travel credit and complimentary insurance covers – here's how its other features add up.
American Express Velocity Business Card
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.
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One of the only credit cards that offers Qantas Points for your spending and a $0 annual fee – so is this Amex credit card right for you?
American Express Platinum Card
How does the huge bonus points offer, $450 annual travel credit and other platinum perks stack up against the Amex Platinum card’s annual fee?
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Amex, Visa or Mastercard credit cards

American Express, Visa, or Mastercard: Which card suits your lifestyle best?

Key takeaways

Things to consider when comparing American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards

Which card is most widely accepted?

How to compare Amex, Visa and Mastercard

Can you get a virtual/digital card?

Compare Amex, Visa and Mastercard credit cards

Sources

Rebecca Pike

Get rewarded $$ for switching with Finder Rewards

Ask a question

More guides on Finder

Amex, Visa or Mastercard credit cards

American Express, Visa, or Mastercard: Which card suits your lifestyle best?

Key takeaways

Things to consider when comparing American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards

Which card is most widely accepted?

How to compare Amex, Visa and Mastercard

Can you get a virtual/digital card?

Compare Amex, Visa and Mastercard credit cards

Sources

Rebecca Pike

Get rewarded $$ for switching with Finder Rewards

Ask a question

More guides on Finder

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