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AmEx Platinum Charge Card 100,000 Bonus Rewards Points ($1200 Annual Fee & $100,000+ Annual Income)

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OK, this deal is not for everyone: the fee is $1,200, and you have to report an income of $100k+ (though in my experience AmEx don't check this thoroughly). The value proposition, however, is compelling:
Spend $1k in 2 months, get 100,000 points (or get 120,000 points using the referral link of a fellow Ozbargainer https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/american_express_referrals…), which can be redeemed for the same number of points with Qantas, Velocity (Virgin), Singapore, or a whole host of other airlines.

125,000 Velocity points will get you return to Europe with Etihad (economy), but also one way in business class.

110k will get you one way to Europe with Singapore first class - that includes the insanely luxurious suites, if you can manage to get a flight on the A380.

The 120,000 points more than justify the fee.

The rest of the features of this card are brilliant, and make it a great deal when thrown in with the bonus points:

Other features include:

  • Unlimited airport lounge access (cardholder/supplementary cardholder and a guest) to Virgin (if flying Virgin), Amex, Priority Pass, Delta Skyclub lounges
  • Free Platinum Reserve credit card (on request) which just means a free domestic flight or a night in a luxury hotel
  • A $300 travel credit to spend on Amex travel (for hotels and flights booked through Amex's travel site)
  • Access to AmEx's Fine Hotels & Resorts service (ie book luxury hotels through the Amex platinum site) which means: 4pm late check out, breakfast, often a $100 USD hotel credit (for room service eg food/drinks), room upgrades, noon check in. I had a look and could book rooms at Melbourne's Park Hyatt for $285 a night and get all of these benefits (inc $100USD hotel credit).
  • Elite Loyalty status: Starwood Preferred Guest, Club Carlson, Shangri-La Golden Circle, and Hilton HHonors
  • Usual platinum credit card insurances, but what is unique is that it offers Roadside Assistance cover (up to $200)

In a nutshell - if you're planning on doing a bit of traveling in the next year, and aren't on a shoestring budget, this is a bloody brilliant card to have.

Note that the usual Amex promotion condition applies (people who've held in the previous twelve months excluded), but, like with all recent Amex promotions, this doesn't seem to be enforced at all by Amex. I got the bonus despite already holding two Amex cards (got 80k sign-up bonuses on both of them, too).

Referral Links

Business Explorer Card: random (5)

Referrer: 40,000 Reward Points

Centurion Personal Charge Card: random (6)

Referee gets 200,000 MR points. Referrer gets 150,000 MR points.

Related Stores

American Express
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closed Comments

    • They don't seem to check. They didn't ask for payslips this time (or the last two approvals I had, in the past few months). If you fell a bit short of the $100k, simply going for $100k as your income would probably work.

      • -5

        "If you fell a bit short of the $100k, simply going for $100k as your income would probably work."

        Unless you want to risk being accused of fraud…

        • +1

          Nah I think they have a +/- ~10% tolerance.
          I mean it's not unreasonable that not everyone remember that their official salary is $50812 and 51 cents per year..

          Although I would agree that getting your salary more than 10% off seems weird..

    • Mainly you report it (you can state your partner's income too) and your credit file gets hit.

      FYI: You might notice frequent hits from Amex on your Veda/D&B reports often.

  • +7

    So here's some insight from my usage of this card for the past year or so:

    • Priority Pass: I've been able to get all my supplementary card holders onto this as well, worked really well in Dubai and Europe. This saved me heaps on food, drinks and also waiting in crappy airport seats for hours.
    • Amex Lounge Access: Useful for Sydney and US, can take up to one extra guest on your card, like I did in San Francisco
    • AccorPlus: This offer might expire if Amex don't negotiate the deal with Accor. I've heard it might get replaced with Hilton HHonors Gold
    • Platinum Reserve: Very useful for redeeming two flights during the anniversary period (2 weeks after I believe) so you can stack two flight redemptions from Sydney to Queenstown for example
    • Travel Insurance: Fortunately, I have not been needed to make a claim, but it's a nice addition to have
    • Hotel status upgrade: IHG Gold was handy on a few occasions and accelerated me onto Platinum for a quick hotel redemption

    My two cents, if you don't travel, finding a way to swallow the $1200 fee a year is going to be difficult. You can always call into Amex after your annual fee is charged to try and get a retention bonus (YMMV, as seen here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/american…)

    Any other questions, be sure to let me know!

    • RE: Priority Pass, what do you mean with "I've been able to get all my supplementary card holders onto this as well" ?

      I understand you can only get 2 Priority Passes - one for you and one for a (single) supplementary card holder. Did you actually manage to squeeze 3 or more out of AMEX???

      • +2

        I squeezed five out of them, including my Additional Card ;)

  • So if you already have 2 AMEX issued credit cards would this have to replace one of your existing credit cards?

    • No. But there really aren't too many reasons to keep 3 Amex cards around?

      • Yes
        When you get an offer like [this] come around (Dan Murphy's spend $80 get $15 statement credit), the more AMEXs have, the more times you can take advantage of the offer as it's only once per card.

    • +2

      Quoting user deztini from a previous thread

      it should be 2 credit cards and 1 charge card [that you can have as a main cardholder]

    • So the answer is yes according to Nillionaire's link.
      And also according to this

  • +6

    Points to note.
    (1) If anyone is a CPA, the fee payable is reduced to $950
    (2) Rewards program is a different one. You can only earn 1 point on supermarket spend. However, 3 points on restaurant spend and 2 points on hotel and airline spend
    (3) You would be given Accor Platinum. With Platinum status, you would have free access to executive lounge (if the hotel does have one but few hotels like Sofitel Melbourne and Sydney are excluded) during your stay, where you would be served free breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktail.
    (4) with the Accor Plus, you are entitled to dining discount (% varies depending on number of persons. Two people with 1 card you can get 50% off at most hotels, and you don't need to stay at the hotel for the dining discount)

    • Sofitel Melbourne and Sydney are included.

    • +1

      $950 affiliates aill only get 100k points though,so the extra $250 for 20k points is a consideration.

      • Agree to some extent. But the reduced fee supposed to be ongoing though

        • +2

          IMO better to switch halfway through first year, or just cancel at end and apply for affiliate,there might be another offer out.

        • @JohnHowardsEyebrows: good thinking. Too late for me. LOL

    • 2) - different to to what? This is still Membership Rewards Ascent (same as Platinum Edge), I believe

      • The program is called something like Premium Ascent or something like that, to my recollection

        • +2

          yeah, the Platinum Charge has Ascent Premium - the main difference is that you get on additional airline transfer partner, Qantas. While most Australians will have a Qantas account, at the 1:1 rate you'll likely find better options from the other airlines already available to Membership Rewards Ascent. Redemption rates aren't reduced for Premium though, so I guess it doesn't hurt to have another option. :)

        • another difference may possibly on the earning ratio amongst supermarket, petrol station, restaurants, hotel and airlines.

        • @vkkcheung:

          Ah that's it. I forgot about the ability to transfer to QF points with this.

          The points earning difference is nothing to do with the program. It's the card.
          For example, BMW Gold AMEX earns into Membership Rewards Ascent at 1pt/$ regardless of where you spend.
          On the other hand, Platinum Edge gives you 3pts/$ at supermarkets, 2pts/$ at petrol stations, and 1pt/$ everywhere else, also into Membership Rewards Ascent.

          So the point earn amounts are not determined by the program.. otherwise every single card that earns QF points would earn the same number of points per card too?

  • -1

    better off getting the anz black for 75k then the qantas discovery for another 15k and you are at 90k points without an annual fee

    • Great idea if it were possible. Just looked into this and:

      1. The 15,000 Qantas Points offer is only available to new Qantas American Express Card Members who apply via this page by 31 May 2016, are approved and make the required eligible Card spend(s). Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any other Card product offered by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 12 month period are ineligible for this offer.
      • anz or any bank issued AMEX doesnt count when applying for qantas card amex

        i know as i have both

        • I wasn't saying you couldn't have it, just by the T&C's it seemed one would be ineligible by already having an AMEX. If that's not the case, giddy up, I'll get on it.

  • +1

    I also have ANZ Black. The main difference between the transfers from ANZ to frequent flyer programs like Kris Flyer and Asiamiles is the conversion rate.
    ANZ is 3 reward points to 1 mile
    Amex is 1 reward point to 1 mile
    Not sure about Qantas though.
    No matter what, I found it is extremely difficult to use my QFF points for flight redemption, especially for business class, as I am only a bronze member.

  • How hard is it to redeem business flights to Europe with singapore air are the seats generally booked out well in advacne?

  • Sofitel Melbourne is definitely excluded for free lounge access. I stayed there before. Dining discount still applies though

  • +1

    I found it is much easier to redeem flights via Kris Flyer and Asiamiles than Qantas

  • I have the plat reserve and edge. Any chance I can get this card using the referral link and still get the 120000 points?

    • I don't think you can use the link. I used to have Edge and I wasn't entitled to any sign up bonus.

      Having said that, if you travel a lot, still worth to get Platinum Charge. The fee you pay can be offset by cancelling your Edge and Reserve ($199 + $299?)

      Accor Plus with 1 free night hotel stay, Platinum status ($300plus)

      Priority Pass for the main and supplementary card holders, with unlimited access. Each an bring one guest travelling together into the lounge ($500+)

      Free domestic or short haul Int'l free via Reserve card ($200+)

      $200 credit at Amex Travel.

      Points can be accumulated quickly if you dine outside frequently

      • $500+ for PriorityPass? Hmm you'd have to use that at least once a month (or once every 2 months with a guest) to get that kind of valuation. Not saying no one uses it once a month, just that those who only fly once a year.. You could only really value that at $100 max.

        • +2

          I meant it would cost more than $500 for getting two similar memberships at Priority Pass.

          As I mentioned above, if anyone doesn't travel much, it is not worth to pay that much annual fee for getting platinum Charge.

          Please be advised it would only cost US$27 for a casual visit at Priotity Pass,

        • @vkkcheung: ah $27 USD. Thought it was more.

          You just "advised" me as if I'm your customer though. Lol.

          Agreed though. Not as worth it for those who don't travel often.

    • I have Velocity Plat (applied Nov) and Qantas Gold (applied Jan)..after cancelling my old card in May last year. Been given the bonus points both times…I'll let you know in the next week or so once I get the points here.

      • When you applied for the new cards, did you disclose that you had other Amex cards? I'm trying to have a better understanding of how Amex determines if you get the bonus points. I currently hold an Amex but am considering applying for another, mainly for the bonus points

        • I did indeed put in one of my current card numbers…my Platinum Charge portal says I've been a member since 2015 (only got the charge this month), so they know I'm existing…but I just got the points. I'd say if you aren't specifically informed on application that you're ineligible, you'll get the points.

    • I had Green Charge and Platinum Edge before my Platinum Charge, was still eligible for my sign up bonus at the time (80,000 I believe it was). Doesn't hurt to try.

  • How does the business platinum card compare? 150k bonus, 2 points per dollar spending, but at $1500 a year?

    • Some BAS reporting stuff and Fairfax subscriptions, not much else.

  • Guys, I am not associated with Amex at all but would just like to share my experience here. My view may be subjective so you may just ignore all. Thanks

    • +4

      I think this applies to everyone here…

    • If you were associated, then that means you didn't tick the "Associated" box when you should have!

      • Hands up if you are not associated with AmEx?

        • My association with AMEX could not be stronger..

        • @illumination: then please tick the box…

        • +1

          @muncan: I'm kidding.
          Having a lot of AMEXs does not mean you are associated.. haha

        • @illumination: I was also kidding. But it would be fun to tick the box!

        • @muncan: Oh. Sorry hard to pick up sarcasm via text lol

        • @illumination: Let me put my sarcasm face on :-P

  • Good deal Mr. Eyebrows. Surprised it wasn't posted sooner. I didn't think there was any way this wouldn't have been posted up yet..

    • Yeah, I looked around for it. Think the high price point puts people off immediately, when it actually offers a luxurious flourish to anybody with extensive travel plans in the next year.

  • +2

    If anyone has any questions about this card, let me know or check out mine and John's conversation about it here (scroll up to get the full conversation) https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/3493244/redir

    imo it's prob not worth having this card on a continued basis, but for a year, it is hands down the best card on the market.

  • I was tossing up between this card, the velocity Amex card but was a bit iffy about the 100k income. I think I'm pretty close but if I get rejected then it's going to affect my VEDA score.

    The 120K points is good because you can convert 1:1 to Asia Miles which is half to get round the world trip in first class.

    Anyone know they assign a name to the Priority Pass?

    • +1

      Yes, they do have names embossed on the Priority Pass Cards.

      • So are the priority pass the charge card or the actual priority pass card?

        • No - you get separate charge cards, which need to match your boarding pass when entering the lounges. Having said that, PP now have a handy app you can scan in with.

  • Anyone has owned this card previously? Would they waive the annual fee on the second year if it is used regularly for daily purchases?

    • I haven't had this card.. But I highly doubt you'd get the annual fee on this waived. Reduced, possibly, but considering the annual fee plus all the benefits of the card, I don't think they would waive the fee.

    • I have this card. No they don't waive it for the second year. the best they can give you for the second year is 23,000 points.
      This card is only good if you plan to travel.

      And yes, you can get 120,000 points (20K more than generally available) if someone refers you.

    • You never get a waiver on the fee, only a "one-off loyalty bonus" after you threaten to cancel. Depends on your spend, likely get ~35,000 if your spend was around $5k monthly.

  • Didn't think referral links were allowed on OzBargain? Where do I post mine?!

    • +1

      In the referral wiki…which I linked in the OP…

  • I'm not sure why anyone would be recommending this as a bargain. The ANZ offer has 75,000 points, the Qantas Amex 82,500. Combine both for 250 dollars fee. Pointless getting this offer paying $1,200 with a free night in a hotel. Whoopty Doo.

    • +1

      I think if you're considering it for points churn, maybe not the best product out there, but the value you get out of it when you're already travelling is a nice value-add.

    • +5

      It is not worth if you are not a frequent traveller as you won't be able to use any other benefits it provides.

      From the points perspective, as I mentioned above, the conversion rate from ANZ and Amex to frequent flyer programmes are not the same.

      Simple calculations for demo are

      ANZ 82500 rewards points can be converted to 27000 Asia miles or KrisFlyer

      AMEX 125000 points can be converted to 125000 Asia Miles or KrisFlyer

      If you redeem a set return business class ticket between Perth and Hong Kong via Kris Flyer, points required can be as low as 57000 miles. In other words, you can redeem two sets accordingly.
      If you redeem a set of return business class tickets on Cathay Pacific via Asia Miles between Perth and Hong Kong , it would cost you 85000 miles. You can top up 5000 points for the remaining 40000 for redeeming a set of econ class tickets for the same route.

      If you want to redeem the same set of business class tickets on CX via QFF, It will cost you 130000 QFF points.

      And, the chance for redeeming successfully via is slim unless you are with higher status like gold QFF. I checked many times seats were available for me to redeem when I log on my Asiamiles account. But when I log on as a QFF member, which shown none available. Story can be different if you are a gold qff

      • guess it depends on how you plan redeeming etc. I'm just talking purely simply using points for classic reward seats on Qantas no conversions to other programs etc.

    • +2

      The reason you would fet this card because you can convert to point at 1:1 conversion with other airline which then becomes more valuable. I believe converting this to Krisflyer would get you first class suite on Singapore Airline which alone cost $8k

      • ok can you spell this out for me. how will 100,000 points get you a cabin worth $8,000?

        • +1

          Because you're redeeming the points via Krisflyer which requires less points for upgrades vs other airline ff and since Amex conversion is 1:1 for Krisflyer you get the full amount of points.

        • +1
          1. Use referral link - gets you 120,000 points.
            2 Convert points to Krisflyer.
          2. Find Singapore Suites saver redemption to Europe.
        • It is wise to use points for redeeming at least J class as you will need to pay similar amount of taxes and surcharges even you redeem econ tickets. Nowadays, econ tickets are now heavily discounted regularly of the value on the points are lower if you only redeem econ tickets

        • @JohnHowardsEyebrows:

          Pair that up with Energy Australia bonus 10k Amex Reward signup and you get 130k points

        • @JohnHowardsEyebrows: so whats the deal with Krisflyer. is the conversion terms on this card superior to any other card. is that the appea?

        • @nightelves: What's this EA signup?

        • @Dont Care: Signup bonuses are the only way most of us (those of us who don't put $250k+ onto our cards each year) will accumulate enough points for first and business class tickets. Most signup bonuses are either Qantas or (less commonly) Virgin. This is a rare opportunity to accumulate Krisflyer miles relatively inexpensively. Consider that a business class trip with Singapore would cost 175k Velocity points, but half as many points with Krisflyer. Also bear in mind Velocity won't let you redeem for first class tickets if you don't have a high status already.

          If you're on a trip to Europe, and want to have a possibly once-in-a-lifetime experience, this deal can make it happen. :)

        • @nightelves: A good deal… pity we're already with EA. :(

        • @JohnHowardsEyebrows: THanks for the replies. What I don't get is why someone would use singapore airlines rather than qantas and hence dont have to convert to krisflyer at all. perhaps just down to personal choice. i must admit im only seeking points for travel to asia not europe. yes all for it if you can get something valued 8k for 1200 then go for it

        • +1

          @Dont Care: A Qantas flight to Europe in business class costs 128,000 FF points - so nearly 40k more points, and not much less in taxes. Also, Singapore are renowned for their service, where Qantas aren't. As others have said in this thread, availability on Qantas isn't generally as good on most routes.

        • +2

          @JohnHowardsEyebrows:

          Signup to Lumo Velocity for 10k bonus velocity points and then resign back to EA for the bonus. You have until April

      • Exactly.

        I still have a lot of QFF points which I found so difficult to use, even planning 1 year ahead still couldn't find the tickets I wanted.

        QF and CX are both under Oneworld. Members can still redeem flights such as Qatar etc via either program. However, points chargable by QFF is at least 1.5 times more for the exact same flights.

        I used to accumulate all my points to QFF. Since I found it is so difficult to find the flights I want, I changed my strategy accordingly

    • +1

      Don't care, the value of transferring to other airlines is far, far more valuable than QFF

      Heres an example im hoping other ppl can find helpful
      i used my points to fly business class Lon to Syd for both myself and the missus using Aadvantage, flying with Qatar. I was able to purchase any additional points needed at 2 US cents. While i was at it i purchased a first class ticket for the misses SYD to LON for 2.2 grand just by buying points (flying with qantas). The best thing about those redemption's? Absolutely zero fuel surcharges, a first class redemption set me back about 50 bucks.

      If that was qantas, i dare say taxes would be 7-8 hundred.

      i booked myself a Enrich flight to london for 700 bucks.

      Net result
      Paid 1200 for card
      paid 2.5k for points
      Paid 700 for one way flight

      End result - Paid a little over 4 grand for 1 first class flight to london, 1 economy flight to london and 2 business class flights. Now considering a first class flight is around 10k, two business class flights is around 12k, and an economy flight is around 1k, your looking at 23k value for a little over 4k, i think you can start seeing the value.

      This doesn't even factor any of the other benefits of the card.

      good luck doing that with QFF

      • +2

        Confusing. What airline(s) did you accumulate points to in doing all this and what airline did you make the bookings thru please (I assume the same!!)

      • Can you elaborate on how you did this?: "i purchased a first class ticket for the misses SYD to LON for 2.2 grand just by buying points (flying with qantas)."

        • Hi ninja
          https://buymiles.aa.com/en/buygift
          At the moment a first class ticket to London costs aroubd 2.4k AUD..i must have had a better promo or better exchange rate when i booked last year. The catch is u need an aadvantage account for a month be4 u can buy points.
          Corn, i used the points from this card to transfer to aadvantage (thru spg). I also putchased additional points when they had a good promo on

          My point was to hightlight other frequent flyer programs offer more value than QFF

          Unfortunately, Aadvantage change their award chart at the end of march for the worse, so it will become much more expensive and prob not worth it. I chose Aadvantage because they don't charge fuel excess. If i were to get this card now, id prob be looking into airmiles, enrich or krisflyer

        • @crowsnest bomber: Do you know how much it would roughly cost for the same flight, post the changes in March?

        • @ozbargainer2: I checked out the tables. It seems like it would cost more like 120k points, from memory (which would be about 200k Amex points if acquired via SPG) . Basically, if you're unable to redeem with AAdvantage by 21 March (the end date for the current points regime), Krisflyer is a better way to achieve your end (albeit slightly more expensive).

        • @ozbargainer2: i agree with what john said

          Its basically going up by 50% which sucks..so at the new rates your looking at upwards of 3.7 grand.

  • Sorry all, but has anyone actually found any use for the Virgin Lounge access? I have 2 passes that are about to expire this year in July and I was so excited to consider using them in Melboune Airport only to realise that it's only for VA domestic and not for long haul flights either.

    I was looking for a place to stay whilst waiting for my international flight given that I was 3 hours earlier than my scheduled departure.

    Given that it's for domestic and you only really need to arrive a bit earlier than the scheduled flight (given you don't have check-in luggage) is there really any point of the domestic lounge access?

    • My supplementary has had a tonne of usage out of it between Melbourne<>Sydney. Depends on how you intend on using it I guess.

    • You could always sell them on here

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