Best way to spend AMEX point?

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American Express

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  ninjawarrior on 01/06/2016 - 01:56

  +1

  I think what you're talking about is Membership Rewards (MR) points. Ascent and Ascent Premium are separate categories within the MR range and the only difference (in terms of what you're asking) is that Ascent Premium will let you also transfer 1:1 to Qantas FF. The Platinum Charge card comes with Ascent Premium, so I assume QFF is an option.

  Unfortunately you've missed out on the Velocity 15% bonus this time - that ended on 31 May. However, these bonuses come up frequently (a few times a year) and if you're not looking to travel until next year, you may as well wait for the next one.

  Redeeming for business/first class flights is the best value, at least when calculated against retail ticket prices. You'll hear people say "I redeemed my points for a flight and got 8 cents/point", but if you weren't willing to pay full fare for the ticket then that maths is skewed.

  If you travel a lot domestically, return economy flights Sydney to Melbourne are only 16k Qantas points + taxes, which can be good when tickets are expensive. If you like to visit Asia, convert the points 1:1 to Asia Miles and book with Cathay Pacific - return business flights Sydney to HK are 80k Asia Miles + taxes.

  180k won't get you very far in terms of the States - for example Sydney > NY JFK economy will be 120k Qantas points + taxes, Sydney > LA premium economy will be 144k Qantas points + taxes, business will set you back at least 200k.

  Velocity is very similar for the States - return business to West Coast will be at least 190k points + taxes.

  • 

    mskeggs on 01/06/2016 - 10:25

    I am told Cathay and Singapore Airlines are more reasonable with charges and fuel levies than Qantas making those redemptions comparatively better value. Do you find this is the case? Qantas frequent flyer fares charge as much in fees and taxes as the same route on AirAsia or Jetstar sale tickets cost, often more.

    • 

      ninjawarrior on 02/06/2016 - 01:24

      Yep that's correct. Qantas are one of the worst offenders when it comes to slamming customers with taxes and other charges, which is why you'll hear almost no one recommend long-haul Qantas economy redemptions. By the time you pay the fuel surcharge, often you're only getting terrible 1c/point value compared to just buying the ticket outright.

      Singapore Airlines have fairly decent redemptions to Changi, but their availability on the cheapest fare class tend to book out a long way in advance, especially if you want to fly their A380. If you feel like a treat, save up for a redemption on their A380 suite. 15% off points bookings online, and it's surprisingly affordable for a flight that usually costs 5 digits return.

      Cathay redemptions are one of my personal favourites - usually plenty of availability more than 1 month out (obviously not including peak periods) and the taxes are usually only a $300 or so for return business to HKG.

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    Lancerx on 01/06/2016 - 11:01

    Yes, you're right, just MR points. So with Velocity points, could I use it to book with another international airline directly or do I need to convert to other airline program first ?

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      ninjawarrior on 02/06/2016 - 01:17

      If you converted to Velocity, you would only be able to book with Virgin or their partner airlines. There's very little value in that option, since a good amount of the airlines on that list transfer directly from AMEX anyway.

      Also once you convert, there's no converting back to AMEX. As far as I know, the only direct Velocity transfer right now is to Singapore Airlines Krisflyer, at at 1.35:1 ratio.

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  snappy1234 on 01/06/2016 - 07:13

  +1

  Unfortunately you've missed out on the Velocity 15% bonus this time - that ended on 31 May.

  Pretty sure amex has extended (need to check your emails to see if you qualify)

  Dear XXXX

  Right now your Membership Rewards points could take you much further. But only if you're quick!

  That’s because the 15% Bonus Velocity Points promotion has been extended for one week. This exclusive offer is only available to American Express Card Members who transfer their Membership Rewards points to Velocity Frequent Flyer by 7 June 2016. Hurry, this limited time offer ends soon.

  • 

    Lancerx on 01/06/2016 - 10:52

    Yes it has been extended to 7/6 for me. I'm just not sure how much to transfer?

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  Lancerx on 02/06/2016 - 10:16

  Argh too much unknown, just gonna leave my point touched atm..

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    mini2 on 02/06/2016 - 13:08

    Yeh park it in Amex until you actually need them.