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.

Our expert says

"My first credit card in Australia was an Amex. It had a great earn rate, but there were numerous places that surcharged or didn't accept it. In the end, I switched to a Visa and it is more widely accepted and less widely surcharged, although it doesn't earn points as quickly. My debit card is a Mastercard and I haven't encountered many places which accept Visa but don't accept Mastercard, so it is much of a muchness to me."

Taylor Blackburn

Money Expert

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?

Many 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. Many retailers will add a higher surcharge to Amex users, but many others simply won't accept the credit cards.

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
Surcharges	More common and higher than Visa	Lower than American Express
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 Velocity Platinum Card Most LovedVelocity Frequent Flyer	Bonus points 60,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Annual fee $440	Earn 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months, plus up to 100 bonus Status Credits.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 40,000	Points per $ spent 1	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Annual fee $108	Earn 40,000 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 More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Explorer Credit Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 50,000	Points per $ spent 2	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Annual fee $395	Get 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Platinum Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 2.25	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Annual fee $1,450	Earn 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card Finder AwardMost LovedQantas Frequent Flyer	Bonus points 90,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Annual fee $450	Limited time offer: Get up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points. Plus, a yearly $450 Travel Credit. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Velocity Escape Plus Card Most LovedVelocity Frequent Flyer	Bonus points 30,000	Points per $ spent 1	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Annual fee $95	Get 30,000 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. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Finder AwardMost LovedQantas Business Rewards	Bonus points 130,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Annual fee $450	Earn 130,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75k revenue.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Velocity Business Card Most LovedVelocity Frequent Flyer	Bonus points 120,000	Points per $ spent 1	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Annual fee $249	Receive 120,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Platinum Business Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 300,000	Points per $ spent 2.25	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Annual fee $1,750	Limited-time offer: Get 300,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $12,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Business Gold Plus Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 100,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Annual fee $395	Get 100,000 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. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas American Express Discovery Card Most LovedQantas Frequent Flyer	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 0.75	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Annual fee $0	Earn up to 1.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent, with no ongoing annual fee.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Low Rate Credit Card Most Loved	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Purchase rate p.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.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas American Express Premium Card Most LovedQantas Frequent Flyer	Bonus points 20,000	Points per $ spent 1	Purchase rate p.a. 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.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 1	Purchase rate p.a. 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.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Qantas Corporate Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 50,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	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.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Corporate Gold Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 75,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	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.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Qantas Corporate Gold Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 75,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	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.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 50,000	Points per $ spent 2	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Annual fee $149	Offers 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months, complimentary travel insurance and 2 airport lounge passes. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Corporate Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 50,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	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.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Corporate Platinum Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 300,000	Points per $ spent 2	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Annual fee $800	Receive 300,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $25,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months. Plus, complimentary travel insurance. For new corporate card programs only. T&Cs apply.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Qantas Corporate Platinum Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Bonus points 300,000	Points per $ spent 1.5	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Annual fee $1,200	Enjoy 300,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points when you spend $25,000 on eligible purchases in the first 2 months. For new corporate card programs only. T&Cs apply.	More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading

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Purchase rate p.a.	Annual fee	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Amount Saved
Kogan Money Credit Card - Balance Transfer Exclusive Offer ExclusiveKogan Rewards Program	Purchase rate p.a. 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).	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Platinum Credit Card	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Annual fee $0 first year ($87 after)	Balance transfer rate p.a. 21.99%		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 More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card Finder AwardANZ Rewards Program	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Annual fee $375	Balance transfer rate p.a. 21.99%		Earn up to 180,000 extra ANZ Reward Points: 130,000 extra points + $100 back when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months from approval, and additional 50,000 points when you keep your card for over 15 months from activation.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
NAB Low Rate - Cashback Offer Most Loved	Purchase rate p.a. 13.49%	Annual fee $59	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%	$718.32 over 12 months	Offers $400 cashback when you spend $5,000 on everyday purchases within the first 150 days.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Low Rate - Credit Back Offer	Purchase rate p.a. 13.74%	Annual fee $58	Balance transfer rate p.a. 21.99%		Get $400 back on your card when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months from approval.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Rewards Platinum - Velocity Points ANZ Rewards Program	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Annual fee $149	Balance transfer rate p.a. 21.99%		Earn up to 80,000 bonus Velocity Points: 60,000 points + $50 back when you spend $3,500 in the first 3 months from approval and 20,000 points when you keep your card open for 15 months from activation.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Rewards Platinum ANZ Rewards Program	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Annual fee $149	Balance transfer rate p.a. 21.99%		Earn up to 125,000 bonus ANZ Reward Points: 85,000 points + $50 back when you spend $3,500 in the first 3 months from approval and 40,000 points when you keep your card open for 15 months from activation.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Qantas Business Rewards Qantas Business Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 20.24%	Annual fee $375	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A		ABN holders w/ $75k revenue. Get up to 150,000 bonus Qantas Points when you meet the spend requirements, uncapped Qantas Points and complimentary travel insurance. Plus, a fast-track to Qantas Business Rewards Level 2.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
NAB Rewards Platinum Card – Velocity Points Most LovedNAB Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Annual fee $195	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%	$582.32 over 12 months	Get up to 80,000 bonus Velocity Points: 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first 90 days and 20,000 after 12 months.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ANZ Business Black ANZ Rewards Program	Purchase rate p.a. 20.24%	Annual fee $375	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A		ABN holders w/ $75k revenue. Earn up to 150,000 extra ANZ Reward Points when you meet the spend requirements (worth over $500 digital gift card) and 24/7 access to ANZ Global Business Concierge.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading

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10 of 71 results

Purchase rate p.a.	Bonus points	Points per $ spent	Interest-free period	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee
Latitude Low Rate Mastercard - Purchase Offer Latitude Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 0% for 9 months, then 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. 6.99% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $69	Enjoy 0% p.a. on purchases for the first 9 months and 3% back in Latitude Rewards. T&Cs, annual card fee and other charges apply. Applies to general purchases only. Excludes any other offers. New customers only approved by 12 January 2026.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas Money Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 100,000	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 21.99%	Annual fee $349 first year ($399 after)	Earn up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $5,000 in the first 90 days. Plus, save with a reduced first-year annual fee.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Westpac Altitude Velocity Platinum Velocity Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 100,000	Points per $ spent 0.35	Interest-free period Up to 45 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $250	Receive up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points (70,000 points in year 1 when you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and additional 30,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement in year 2).	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas Money Everyday Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 8,000	Points per $ spent 0.75	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $99	Offers 8,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend at least $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days, plus a 0% p.a. balance transfer offer, with 3% balance transfer fee.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas Money Titanium Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 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. N/A	Annual fee $1,200	Get 150,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $5,000 in the first 90 days. Plus, 20% bonus Status Credits on eligible flights, with a $200k minimum income requirement.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard Latitude Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 27.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 6.99% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $0 first year ($96 after)	$260 bonus Latitude Rewards if you spend $2,000+ in the first 3 months & reward of up to $240 each year on eligible international transactions. $0 first-year annual fee. T&Cs apply. New customers only, must be approved by 26 February 2026.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Wizitcard	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $0	0% interest, $19 monthly fee, fee waived if no card activity and no outstanding balance	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Westpac Altitude Qantas Black Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 0.5	Interest-free period Up to 45 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $370	Get up to 150,000 bonus Qantas Points (90,000 points in year 1 when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 120 days and additional 60,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement in year 2).	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Westpac Altitude Velocity Black Finder AwardVelocity Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 0.5	Interest-free period Up to 45 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $370	Get up to 150,000 bonus Velocity Points (90,000 points in year 1 when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 120 days and additional 60,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement in year 2).	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Westpac Low Rate Card	Purchase rate p.a. 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 $59	Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 20 months (with a 3% balance transfer fee). Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Moira Daniels as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Rebecca Pike

Editor, Money

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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Amex, Visa or Mastercard credit cards

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

Key takeaways