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AmEx Explorer Card ($395 P.a. Fee, 100,000 Bonus Gateway MR Points (Not Held AmEx Issued Card past 18m) + $400 Travel Credit

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AmEx Explorer Card ($395 P.a. Fee, 100,000 Bonus Gateway MR Points (Not Held AmEx Issued Card past 18m) + $400 Travel Credit
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The Champagne Mile on 25/08/2016 - 13:40 americanexpress.com (4163 clicks)
Last edited 01/02/2017 - 13:35 by 1 other user

Receive 100,000 Membership Rewards® Bonus Points when you apply online by 30 January 2017, are approved and spend $1,500 on your Card within the first 2 months of Card Membership. Card comes with a $395 annual fee and minimum income requirement of $65,000.

Other key highlights:
* $400 travel credit for American Express Travel (book flights, car hire and hotels online - I've found AMEX competitive when compared to other major online travel booking engines) - (offsets the $395 annual fee)
* The usual suite of insurances are provided, including Smartphone Screen Insurance when you pay for your phone / contract with AMEX (for up to $500 repairs).
* 2 x invites to the AMEX Sydney International lounge
* You'll earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on all purchases except government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 points per $1 spend.

Membership Rewards ‘Gateway’ differs from the ‘Ascent’ and ‘Ascent Premium’ programs found on cards like the AMEX Platinum Edge (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/261537) and the Platinum Card (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/259759), in that the credit card points you earn are converted into airline frequent flyer points at a 4:3 rate, rather than 1:1. 100,000 MR Gateway bonus is equal to 82,500 frequent flyer points that can be transferred to 8 airline partners - Virgin Australia, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways.

Referral Links

Business Explorer Card: random (3)

Referrer: 40,000 Reward Points

Centurion Personal Charge Card: random (7)

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

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Financial American Express Credit Card Frequent Flyer Reward Points

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closed Comments

        • illumination on 25/08/2016 - 18:36

          And just for completeness, you can have a maximum of 2 AMEX Credit Cards and 1 AMEX Charge Card

      • jaygee on 25/08/2016 - 19:07

        No bonus for this though

      • jhaley3180 on 25/08/2016 - 19:36

        Actually you canhave more. I have five AMEX issued cards. Each with a supplementary card for wife. One gold charge, one Edge, Two platinum charge, one complimentary reserve. Makes for an awesome time during shop local.

        • yycan on 25/08/2016 - 20:35

          You can have two of the same cards even? How much annual fee are you paying per year?

        • nightelves on 25/08/2016 - 20:49
          +1

          @yycan:

          More importantly what would his/her credit score be.

        • jhaley3180 on 26/08/2016 - 16:24

          @nightelves: Credit score… Not a problem.. You can actually check this yourself if you so desire. Credit Cards impact your credit score if you are repeatedly applying for them. In my case a number of these cards are over a decade old… But thank you for the concern.

          Incidentally, are you are aware that The Platinum Charge Cards and Gold Card are not "Credit" Cards and therefore are not taken into account in credit assessments?

        • jhaley3180 on 26/08/2016 - 16:28

          @yycan: I believe it is unusual to have two of the same cards and I am in the process of getting rid of one. Interestingly in relation to annual fee it works like this -

          With your Platinum Charge you get a complementary Reserve (in my case I get a reduced annual fee as a result of a professional association)
          With my Gold Charge Card I get a complementary Edge (which incidentally has a lower annual fee than the Edge at $80 I think) So I get the benefits of the Edge.
          With each of these my wife also has a supplementary card.

          Anyhow - the point I was trying to make is you can have more than two AMEX issued cards. I think typically AMEX prefer no more than four per person but this can be varied at their discretion.

  • IMBI3 on 25/08/2016 - 17:56

    Is the bonus point the same with bonus points from the amex platinum offer? ie in terms of the use and conversion

    • illumination on 25/08/2016 - 17:59

      Note that Membership Rewards ‘Gateway’ differs from the ‘Ascent’ and ‘Ascent Premium’ programs found on cards like the AMEX Platinum Edge (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/261537) and the Platinum Card (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/259759), in that the credit card points you earn are converted into airline frequent flyer points at a 4:3 rate, rather than 1:1.

      • CDG on 07/09/2016 - 14:13

        I called and ask, they said Point 1: 1 Asia Miles / 1Point : 1 QFF point.

        Or they lie to me?

        P.S, i found this

        https://catalogue.membershiprewards.com.au/viewPartnerOvervi…

        • The Champagne Mile on 07/09/2016 - 15:24

          The rates shown are for the Ascent program, not Gateway. The link you've provided also states in bold: Please note the transfer rates and eligible transfer partners may vary depending on the Card you hold and are subject to the Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions.

        • CDG on 07/09/2016 - 15:33
          -1

          @The Champagne Mile:
          FK ME!!! That's tracky!!!! They should have make it more clear..

          They didnt even show the QFF point ratio.

        • bluesky on 07/09/2016 - 15:52

          This article clarifies the differences between the reward programs. Also, airline redemption rates shown here from Amex pdf. Hope this helps.

        • The Champagne Mile on 07/09/2016 - 15:59

          @CDG: There is no QF earning for Gateway (or Ascent - you can only convert to QF from Ascent premium). The earn rates are publicised clearly in the terms and conditions at the application page for each card.

  • jdogg on 25/08/2016 - 18:35

    Can I sell the Sydney Amex lounge passes online?

    • Rashed on 25/08/2016 - 18:47
      +1

      Nope, they don't actually send you a pass. Your invitation is linked to your card number, that Amex lounge reception can access from their system.

  • digitalane on 25/08/2016 - 19:02
    +4

    Title needs updating as you don't get 100,000 MR points you get 100,000 MR Gateway points which are 3/4's of the value of a normal MR point

  • Rigby on 25/08/2016 - 20:10

    Has anyone who has applied got a confirmation email? I didn't get one, worried that I put my email in incorrectly.

  • knowwhat on 25/08/2016 - 20:16

    I have Qantas American Express Premium card, would I be eligible for the bonus points or not?
    Cheers

  • ezza on 25/08/2016 - 20:39

    I would jump on this deal myself but i got an amex in jan with 75,000 QF points… shame if i had known i would have waited :(

  • jdogg on 25/08/2016 - 21:36

    I think the AMEX Velocity Platinum is better: 80k velocity points, free domestic return flight (in some cases better then $400 travel credit), 2 passes to virgin lounges (australia-wide) as well as the 2 Sydney AMEX lounge passes plus all the other AMEX benefits. Same spend and income as this card but $349

    • lord henry on 25/08/2016 - 22:56

      It was 100k velocity points 2 weeks ago :)

    • nightelves on 25/08/2016 - 23:00
      +1

      True but I'll still take 75k Krisflyer over 80k VF any day of the week.

      • jdogg on 25/08/2016 - 23:28

        Yeah each to their own I guess. I agree, Krisflyer is more flexible if you want to book with other airlines. But if you want a flight with virgin then this card is a lot better IMO.

  • donbot on 26/08/2016 - 08:24
    +11

    Approved this morning. Gotta risk it to get the biscuit.

    Worst case scenario is I'm $320 better off (Value of the BT to me after the 1% fee - travel credit offsets the annual fee)
    Best case scenario is I'm $640 + 150,000 KF Miles. (Will do it for the better half as well if I'm successful).

    I will report back on success of gaining the bonus sign up points despite holding another Amex. Hopefully all goes well and a referral option opens up on this card to thank me for taking the plunge early on.

    • ozbargainer2 on 26/08/2016 - 08:48

      Yes please do! What is the other Amex card you currently hold?

      • donbot on 26/08/2016 - 08:58

        Velocity Platinum & Platinum Charge.

    • nightelves on 26/08/2016 - 10:13

      When you did the application did you mentioned that you had an existing Amex credit card?

    • Peck on 26/08/2016 - 14:25

      Good on ya' tizey. Taking one for the team! :))

    • tuvz on 27/08/2016 - 22:13
      +3

      Onya tizey

      I also got approved and will update how everything goes

    • lochlomond89 on 27/08/2016 - 23:24
      +1

      Well done tizey! Glad to see your working the magic:) Hope it all goes well!!

    • Fishy on 31/08/2016 - 06:29
      +3

      Got the card on Monday and spent $1500+. Bonus points showed up this morning (maybe last night). I'm holding another Amex-issued card.

      You should be good.

      I still cannot generate a referral link though.

      • donbot on 31/08/2016 - 06:33

        Awesome! I'm still waiting for card to show up!

        Whay amex card did you already have?

        • Fishy on 31/08/2016 - 06:44

          I have a gold business card and just cancelled Virgin Platinum not long ago. Approved on Thursday night and the card arrived very quickly here :D

        • donbot on 31/08/2016 - 06:45

          @Fishy:

          Sweet. Good news to those here! By that logic, mine should show up tonight!

          Thanks for confirming!

        • tuvz on 31/08/2016 - 07:44
          +1

          Still waiting for mine too.. Maybe this guy did something fishy…;)

        • Fishy on 31/08/2016 - 13:10
          +1

          @tuvz:

          Im a bit upset actually as a supplementary card only just turned up today! :D

        • tuvz on 31/08/2016 - 13:15

          @Fishy:

          Jealous…:)

      • donbot on 31/08/2016 - 18:38

        Question: did you receive a letter along the lines of 'we've taken into account your existing lines of credit when approving a limit for this new card……if you ever want to reallocate your credit limits between cards please call us'

        I'm hoping you did, and that this doesn't cause issue with the approval of bonus points!

        • tuvz on 31/08/2016 - 18:59
          +2

          Amex sometimes do that when you sign up for a new card as an existing card member. Its happened to myself and numerous other people i know..Hasnt caused an issue with the bonus points ime

          In other news i received the explorer card today! :)

        • donbot on 31/08/2016 - 19:42

          @tuvz:

          Phew! Relieved! Thanks tuvz.

        • Fishy on 31/08/2016 - 22:14
          +1

          Yep Got a letter saying that :) for all cards I applied in the past (except the first card) and bonus points showed up every time.

        • DvD on 02/09/2016 - 14:24

          Did you guys mention you are an existing card member?
          also did you get a sms and asked to call to discuss further? or was it auto approved and you received the card and letter in mail?

        • donbot on 02/09/2016 - 18:19

          @DvD:

          1. No.
          2. No. Auto approved.

          Just spent the $1500 today. Eagerly awaiting points. Hopefully Monday when transactions settle.

        • donbot on 05/09/2016 - 08:46
          +2

          Can confirm bonus points have hit my account today.

        • tuvz on 05/09/2016 - 13:53
          +2

          @tizey:

          Same here :)

        • DvD on 05/09/2016 - 14:12

          @tizey:

          thanks - will try again and say I don't own one

        • DvD on 13/09/2016 - 20:42

          @tuvz: ok got my card approved and in font of me.
          so did you guys activate it via your existing web portal under existing user name?

          or should i call up and pretend its a new card?

        • The Champagne Mile on 13/09/2016 - 20:50

          @DvD: Just activate it via your existing portal with existing username. I did this, and bonus points cleared this week.

        • DvD on 13/09/2016 - 20:51

          @The Champagne Mile: thanks dude! on it!

      • rockman117 on 10/09/2016 - 07:20
        -1

        wow the bonus points were so quick to come! if you buy a macbook with the card and return it within 2 weeks, reckon they'll let you keep the bonus points?

      • Phuiie on 18/09/2016 - 13:52

        Hey Fishy,

        Stupid Question.. Where do look for to see the "bonus Points showed up". Is it the Page where you See the Points awarded against

        it's been 3-4 days since i met the Min Spend to trigger the bonus.

        • Fishy on 18/09/2016 - 14:01

          The points should show up as soon as you log in at your point balance. You can also click the link to see points history. It shows up as bonus points with the purchase that triggers the bonus.

        • Phuiie on 18/09/2016 - 14:10

          Thanks.. I dont think i received it then.
          My points only show 6000 Points or if i click See Point history, The bonus points dont show.

          Thanks for your help.

        • The Champagne Mile on 18/09/2016 - 17:04

          @Phuiie: I suggest you wait a bit longer before panicking. While AMEX bonus points often show up very quickly, it has taken 7-8 business days for sign on points to show up against a cleared transaction.

    • Jared17 on 21/09/2016 - 17:54

      Cheers mate. Keen to know the outcome as I'm holding an Amex essential card atm.

    • donbot on 27/10/2016 - 17:13

      A referral program has appeared for this card. I would appreciate anyone who has found my test run as per the above post useful to consider using one of the links in the Wiki for this card. :)

  • Osiris on 26/08/2016 - 10:26

    Probably a stupid question but been years since I've changed my cc..do they charge you the annual fee on commencement or do they charge it after one year?

    A work colleague was saying they got the ANZ offer earlier in the year and would just move to another card within a year to avoid the fee.

    • bluedufflecoat on 26/08/2016 - 11:41
      +1

      commencement

      • Osiris on 26/08/2016 - 11:57

        Cool that's what I would have thought, cheers.

  • vtml on 26/08/2016 - 10:56

    Thanks so much, just signed up, and in time to utilise the travel credit for my upcoming trip at the end of October hopefully.

  • ILuvDeals on 28/08/2016 - 05:55

    Just signed up for this as well. I was contemplating between Platinum Edge and Explorer, ended up biting on the Explorer due to the truckload of signup bonus points, and more all-rounded earn rate of 2 Gateway Pts (1.5 FF) on all type of purchases (except for Gov). However, given that I am based in Melbourne, I would probably never use the Sydney lounge pass though. Now, I am only missing a Visa/Master points earning card, then my card collection is complete. Any recommended cards that would complement the AMEX Gateway rewards? I am mainly interested in KrisFlyer/Enrich/Etihad/Emirates/SPG/Qantas reward points.

  • Capensis on 03/09/2016 - 18:02

    Applied as an existing user early this morning at 12:21AM and got the application is currently in processing, Veda alerted me to an enquiry from Amex today at 3:49PM. Currently hold one other card with AMEX - Qantas American Express Discovery. I tried to get this card switched over to the Explorer but was advised that because the card was so new they couldn't and didn't know when it would be available. Managed to get 21k QFF points for leaving that open - the agent said it had to be remain open but unsure if that's true. I'll lower the limit on that one as soon as I get the explorer and then cancel it at some stage. Will report back if I'm approved and managed to get any bonus points.

  • donbot on 05/09/2016 - 08:32
    +3

    Currently hold:

    1. Velocity Platinum (applied for in July 16)
    2. Platinum Charge (applied for in July 16)
    3. Amex Explorer (applied for 10 days ago)

    Can confirm that the 100k bonus points for the Explorer card were credited to my account this morning as the $1500 spend was met and settled today.

    Happy Monday!

    • Capensis on 05/09/2016 - 12:54

      Great news! Were you approved immediately or did it go through for processing?

      • donbot on 05/09/2016 - 13:01

        Immediate.

    • Jared17 on 21/09/2016 - 17:55

      Wow sweet

  • Yanoflies on 07/09/2016 - 00:07

    I signed up, hope I remember to spend $1.5k.

  • The Champagne Mile on 07/09/2016 - 06:55
    +3

    Point Hacks has published a new guide, which confirms that the MR Gateway points convert to Starwood at 1 to .5 (same as Ascent and Ascent Premium): http://www.pointhacks.com.au/amex-starwood-preferred-guest-c…. This is great news for Starpoints collectors!

  • spuderump on 07/09/2016 - 13:28

    Anyone used the $400 AMEX Travel voucher yet?

    • daft009 on 10/09/2016 - 03:45

      Just about to book a hotel with it to use it all

  • tranter on 08/09/2016 - 12:00

    For those who applied and have received their card, how long did it take to receive it in the mail?

    To get the travel insurance do you have to pay for the trip with your card? Does it include insurance for your whole family?

    Thanks

    • The Champagne Mile on 08/09/2016 - 12:35
      +1

      In answer to your first question, around 7 business days - took longer for me as I needed to cancel an existing AMEX card in order for them to accept my application for this one.

      • tranter on 08/09/2016 - 22:37

        Thanks

    • daft009 on 10/09/2016 - 03:46
      +1

      I applied on 2nd Sept. Got it in the mail on 8th however I'm in Sydney Metro.

      • tanksinatra on 05/10/2016 - 20:02

        Did you guys receive any confirmation emails?

        I've applied last week and had automatic approval but haven't heard back.

        • daft009 on 06/10/2016 - 11:08

          No. Card in mail after 4 days

  • Orange on 11/09/2016 - 20:13
    +1

    Just be aware of that $400 travel credit can only be used in one go - make sure booking is more than that amount. And no refund literally.

  • tdizzle on 12/09/2016 - 16:22

    Anybody have referral link option? Looking to get one of these cards and am being greedy hehe

    • The Champagne Mile on 12/09/2016 - 16:33
      +1

      No, AMEX have advised that no referral links can be generated as yet. They will apparently have a promotion commencing 'later in the year'. Will update post once more is known.

      • Ufens on 12/09/2016 - 20:43
        +1

        Could be after the current 100,000 point offer ends on November 30! Hmm think I might wait till mid-November and if there's no referrals just go for it then.

      • tdizzle on 12/09/2016 - 23:51

        Ta :) - Do we think it will be better? If not I will pull the trigger now and then try and rope in friends later in the year.

        • nightelves on 14/09/2016 - 10:37
          +1

          Doesn't hurt to wait for it. At least by then your credit score would have increased a bit and you'll be in a better position to apply for the card. If there's bonus points from referral then it'll be icing on the cake.

        • Ufens on 14/09/2016 - 18:22

          Unlikely to be better, the headline figure of 100,000 is an eye catcher we don't often see the likes of.

      • Holysmoke on 14/09/2016 - 19:13

        But the promo will probably only allow current Amex Explorer cardholders to refer for new Explorer applications. Thats how it worked in the last 60k promo ie. only allowing you to refer your current type of card.

  • Phuiie on 15/09/2016 - 07:03

    Hey,

    I currently hold 2 cards.
    Platinum edge (2015 may)
    Explorer ( 2 days ago)

    I've spent 2k on the explorer but I don't see the bonus points in my account. Is there any special way to check for the points??

    Thanks.

    • The Champagne Mile on 15/09/2016 - 07:58

      If you've only held the Explorer for 2 days, that suggests you've only just met the minimum spend (I suspect your payment(s) might not have even cleared as yet?). The points will be credited automatically by AMEX once the minimum spend is met. No way to check them outside of this. In my experience, while it's common for AMEX to issue bonus points very quickly after the minimum spend clears, it can take up to 5-7 business days.

      • Phuiie on 15/09/2016 - 08:06

        Ah Cool thanks..

        Pretty much i received my card on Monday/Tuesday and spent 2 x 1K transaction. The first 1K Transaction stopped Pending on Weds Night and the other 1K Stopped Pending this Morning, Maybe i will need to wait a bit longer.. ill keep you guys Posted.

        Thanks!

        • Gaz1 on 19/09/2016 - 11:33

          Hi Phuiie,
          Just wondering if you received your 100,000 bonus points?

        • Phuiie on 19/09/2016 - 18:24

          As of today. Not yet :(. i am getting abit sad.

    • weixiaobao on 15/09/2016 - 12:10

      Hi Phuiie,

      Were your explorer point being link to edge points?That happened to me and I am not getting bonus points either..Pretty upset..

      • Phuiie on 15/09/2016 - 12:30

        Yes. It's int he same account. So when i go into Points View > i can see both Cards but they link to a central location.

        So you are not getting the bonus points either?

        how to Unlink them??

        I see this..
        Please view your points balance under Card : XXX-XXXX3

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