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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

        • weixiaobao on 21/09/2016 - 09:18

          Mine is exactly the same as yours, points linked to edge and no bonus points.
          Not sure what to do now.

  • malaykiri26 on 15/09/2016 - 09:58
    -1

    Will appreciate if anyone could shed some light on this - I am curious to know, what if I purchase an apple mac pro to meet the $1500 spend, wait for the points to be credited and then return the item for a refund. Is that still considered valid?

    • Phuiie on 15/09/2016 - 10:29

      Not sure if this is related.. I purchased 500 Bucks worth of Gold Class Tickets (MR Points awarded) for a group event previously and had to change the date.. so i had to do a refund and rebook. They Revoked my points and awarded me the same amount of points on the second booking. I would Assume they would take the points back? unless you transfer the points out early?

  • droodle on 15/09/2016 - 10:35

    Got my card approved and enroute.. Usually a QFF collector.

    What alternative would give me the best bang for points using these?

    Mainly interested in using them for flights

    Cheers.

    • The Champagne Mile on 15/09/2016 - 11:10
      +1

      Depending on where you want to go, I'd suggest Krisflyer or AsiaMiles as they both require a lower number of points for redemption for routes QF also flies. Your MR Gateway points will translate into 75,000 points for both of these airlines.

      You can actually book Qantas flights on Asiamiles at a reduced rate (example - Mel / SYD to AKL in business class flying QF is 38,000 points when booked via the Qantas website, but is only charged at 25,000 points using Asia Miles, with cheaper taxes). Having said that, Krisflyer is probably a bit more user friendly.

      For Krisflyer, you could fly from ADL / MEL / SYD / BNE to Singapore in business class for 46,750 points, in comparison to 60,000 on QF (similar taxes).

      • droodle on 15/09/2016 - 12:32

        Thanks.. Do you know of you can pool points.. Eg if I had

        200k virgin
        200k qff
        200k kris

        Could they somehow all be used together??

        • The Champagne Mile on 15/09/2016 - 12:55

          QFF scheme is totally separate to Virgin and Singapore, so no way you can 'pool' your QFF points with the other two. Your only option would be to try to sell / swap your QFF points with someone else for another scheme (which I would not recommend, as it's against the terms and conditions, and many people have been burned by this).

          However, Krisflyer and Virgin are both associated programs, and if you are a member of both schemes, you can easily and automatically convert your points from one program into the other (converting to Krisflyer definitely represents the best value). It is done at a rate of 1.35 to 1 both ways (so roughly speaking, converting 100,000 Virgin points will give you 74,000 Singapore Krisflyer points).

        • droodle on 15/09/2016 - 13:28

          @The Champagne Mile:

          Ok cool - cheers - i'll keep my QFF which i find handy for last minute internal flights

          and prob convert these to kris flyer.

          Btw my virgin ones are virgin atlantic - which is good for 2 x upper class tix LON - NY however no longer in the UK !

  • Gaz1 on 19/09/2016 - 11:34
    +1

    Just wondering if anyone with a previous Platinum Edge Card received the 100,000 bonus points when they signed up for this Explorer offer?

    • The Champagne Mile on 19/09/2016 - 14:46
      +1

      Yes, confirming I did. Seems to be a mixed bag, however (some Edge holders on AFF have confirmed receiving the bonus points, while others have stated that they didn't.)

      • Gaz1 on 19/09/2016 - 18:30

        Does it seem that you don't get the points if it links the explorer to your other card?
        If so, is there a way to stop it from linking to the old card?
        Maybe dont say you have an existing Amex card? (although I presume they would know anyway!).

        • The Champagne Mile on 19/09/2016 - 18:58

          In answer to your first question, I got the bonus points even though both my Edge and Explorer cards are linked. I was provided with the choice to set up a new online account at the point of card activation (but chose to link).

          I didn't check the box stating I had an existing AMEX card, though they clearly knew anyway (I held 2 other AMEX cards, and was advised I needed to close one card off in order to be approved for the Explorer card). So I don't think that makes much of a difference.

        • weixiaobao on 20/09/2016 - 10:55

          @The Champagne Mile:
          Hi, I previously hold edge card and for some reason this explorer card points system is linked to my edge card. I have different login for edge and explorer, but can only see points on edge. I didnt receive any bonus points, not sure what to do here. Any advise please, seems like you are expert with credit card.
          A bit disappointed.

        • The Champagne Mile on 20/09/2016 - 11:14

          @weixiaobao: Hi, can I ask how long it's been since you met the minimum spend? As in my experience, it can take awhile for the bonus points to credit (has been up to 8 business days in the past).

        • weixiaobao on 20/09/2016 - 11:37

          @The Champagne Mile:
          I meet min spend on 10th Sep, the thing is points is not showing on my explorer card login at all. It says "Please view your points balance under Card : XXX- which is edge card"
          All normal spending points from explorer card goes direct to edge card membership rewards section.
          Was your bonus points for explorer received under your explorer or edge card?

        • Phuiie on 25/09/2016 - 01:17
          +1

          Hey, just letting you know that it has been 14 or so days and no bonus are in my account. maybe Amex fixed it.. not sure.
          ill keep you posted if the points show up.

        • The Champagne Mile on 25/09/2016 - 07:20

          @Phuiie: Do you also hold a Platinum Edge? Some people who are already set up for the Ascent program are reporting that bonus points are not posting (rather, their Explorer card is automatically being linked into the Ascent program), while others like myself have managed to register the separate Gateway program and score the bonus points. It really seems to be a mixed bag.

        • Phuiie on 25/09/2016 - 11:27
          +1

          Hey there. My explorer was linked to my ascent program and was not linked to the gateway program at all. I have just managed yo unlink yhrm and enrolled into the gateway program now. Not sure if that will make any difference. I'll keep you guys posted

        • williamliu on 26/09/2016 - 09:29

          Hi,@Phuiie: how did you manage to unlink and register gateway?

        • Phuiie on 26/09/2016 - 15:41

          I just called them and asked if they can unlink it. Not sure if it was worth it though.. I was getting 2 accent point per dollar. Now I am getting 2 gateway point. Lol

          I just want to see if I meet the spend now.. Would I get the bonus

        • williamliu on 26/09/2016 - 15:43

          @Phuiie: Thanks a lot for the info, please keep us posted :)

        • pg13 on 06/10/2016 - 12:50

          @The Champagne Mile:

          Champagne Mile, did you have to change the explorer card's program to Gateway?

          Please let me know.

          Thanks

        • elliebargain on 07/10/2016 - 13:11

          @Phuiie: Hey Phuiie, so sorry about your points :( Any luck yet? I was curious - when you applied, did you check the box to say you held another AMEX card? I have a Platinum Edge as well, and ticked the box saying I already held an AMEX card. I've done that in the past and still gotten points but it seems like this time around I might not be so lucky - guess I'll have to wait and see. Thanks for your help with the info. I will seek out a referral link from you for the next AMEX offer.

        • Phuiie on 10/10/2016 - 16:31

          Hello! nah i haven't got the points yet.. Spent 4K on the card so far.
          i did not check the check box saying that i currently hold a plati edge card.

          Hope this Helps.

          Thanks!!

        • elliebargain on 11/10/2016 - 12:09

          @Phuiie: Oh damn! Well I asked them to switch me from the Ascent programn to gateway and they did that, so I will keep you posted if I end up getting the bonus points. If I do, maybe it would be worth you switching to Gateway and seeing if you can get them too.

        • bbqwer on 24/10/2016 - 20:47

          @elliebargain: How did you go once you unlink gateway from ascent ? did you get bonus points? thank you

        • elliebargain on 26/10/2016 - 12:23

          @bbqwer: I'm about $200 away from spending the $1500 - Almost there. The $400 explorer credit is still showing on my Ascent account though so a bit nervous. I'm thinking of just buying a Coles giftcard in the next day or so to meet the spend limit so I can just find out already! Are you in the same boat?

        • elliebargain on 28/10/2016 - 10:55

          @bbqwer: Good news! I logged in this morning and saw my 100,000 bonus points :D I can't actually clink into the rewards section at the moment though to transfer them over - maybe because they just got added… How are you going? Did you unlink from Ascent too?

        • bbqwer on 28/10/2016 - 11:06
          +1

          @elliebargain: Hi im going to do it early next week. Just before 2 months expiry.

        • elliebargain on 28/10/2016 - 12:06

          @bbqwer: Awesome. Just make sure you spend the $1500 in gateway within the 2 months you've had the card :) Good luck!

        • bbqwer on 30/10/2016 - 16:31

          @elliebargain: once rang amex for opt out from ascent to gateway, How many days it took for gateway program created ?

        • elliebargain on 31/10/2016 - 21:17

          @bbqwer: I think it was later that day or the next day maybe… might have been instant. I asked them to switch me before I even got the card in the mail

  • yupyup on 24/09/2016 - 18:12

    this is a great deal, but i unfortunately don't meet the minimum income requirement. does anyone commonly inflate their gross income on these applications, and does amex actually double check what you list in the application at all? someone please talk me out of these heretic notions haha :p

  • droodle on 25/09/2016 - 01:19

    got my 100k+ points in less than a week .. happy days :)

  • knowwhat on 26/09/2016 - 18:25

    Those who received the points, can you please confirm that you received a welcome letter stating ' As you're already a cardmember, we've taken account of your existing American Express Lines of credit when assigning the credit limit for your new card.'
    Will this affect the bonus points?
    Cheers

    • The Champagne Mile on 26/09/2016 - 20:22

      Yes, I received the letter with this text and was credited with the bonus points.

  • Gaz1 on 26/09/2016 - 19:39

    Does anyone know - if you apply for this card & don't get the bonus points can you can & get a refund on the annual fee (assuming you don't use the $400 travel credit)?

    • The Champagne Mile on 26/09/2016 - 20:24

      Should be possible to at least get a fair proportion of the annual fee back - I have in the recent past received pro rata refunds of around 80% on AMEX issued cards when cancelling within 3 months of issue (and not using the ky benefits such as travel credit etc). The AMEX call centre have been very willing to offer this, and usually send a cheque within a couple of weeks.

    • MrTweek on 27/09/2016 - 14:23

      I would actually insist on cancelling the whole thing and not paying anything at all.

      They can't offer something, and once you order it just go "we'll give you less than what we told you, but we'll still charge you anyway".

      That not only sucks for customers, but is also unfair competition.
      My guess would be that the Financial Ombudsman sees this the same way.

      • The Champagne Mile on 27/09/2016 - 14:47
        +3

        "we'll give you less than what we told you, but we'll still charge you anyway".

        Presumably Gaz1 is already a primary cardholder of an existing AMEX product (hence wondering if the bonus points will credit). Regardless of the fact that lots of existing card members seem to be getting the bonus, the AMEX terms and conditions clearly state that you need to be a new cardholder to get the 100,000 bonus points, so AMEX hasn't promised Gaz1 anything.

        It's also clear that the card comes with an annual fee which you agree to when you opt in - many other card issuers wouldn't refund any portion of the fee upon request.

        I don't imagine that there would be any grounds for the Financial Ombudsman to step in in this situation. Both the bonus points and generous pro-rata refunds are 'nice to haves', but we shouldn't feel a sense of entitlement about them.

        • Gaz1 on 27/09/2016 - 14:55

          Yes, I agree. Cancelling my Edge card is also a hassle because:
          - I haven't used my free return flight yet (and plan to use before the 1 year is up but not sure exactly when yet)
          - I would have to transfer my membership reward points to one of the airlines but not sure which one will be appropriate until I have more precise plans.

          Even if I cancel the card I still might not get the points because you are only a "new cardholder" if you haven't had an Amex issued card for at least 18 months.

          It looks like it won't be feasible to risk taking up this offer this time.

      • Gaz1 on 27/09/2016 - 14:50

        … but I have a platinum edge so I wouldn't qualify under the terms of the offer, so getting the points would be a bonus but (as a lot of people have experienced) not everyone gets it. Of course I still don't think its unreasonable to get a full refund if you cancel fairly quickly & haven't used any of the perks.

  • MrTweek on 28/09/2016 - 10:45

    How long did it take everyone to get the card?
    I applied 10 days ago, got some phone calls and an email over the first 2 days after applying, but haven't heard from them since.

    They guy on the phone was like "I can probably approve it straight away…. oh no, I can't my manager has to do it, that will take 8-10 business days".

    • MrTweek on 03/10/2016 - 21:22

      Had it in the mail today without any further communication. Took indeed 10 business days.

  • John Stone on 02/10/2016 - 00:12
    +4

    Just sharing my experience.
    I currently hold a Amex Platinum Edge card.

    Applied for the Explorer, and it took about 5 business days to arrive.
    Put an Apple iPhone Plus, plus some other shopping on the card earlier this week.
    As soon as the transactions went from pending to complete transactions and I went over the $1500 spend, the bonus points posted straight away.

    Thinking of putting the points into SPG, which means that the Explorer is basically a $1:1point card for SPG. So will get at least 50,000 SPG points.
    From SPG probably will convert to AA.

    SPG converts to AA at a rate of 20,000 SPG points:25,000 AA miles.
    AA then also sometimes runs promos where you can get another 20% bonus.

    So it basically becomes 20,000 SPG points:30,000 AA miles.

    Can then book Qantas reward flights such as Perth -> NZ in business for only 25,000 AA points. (Although this was even better beforehand when you could book it for 20,000 AA points)

    • boonjin on 02/10/2016 - 12:03
      +1

      Thanks for sharing John. Did you link the Explorer to your Edge?

    • elliebargain on 06/10/2016 - 14:17

      Hi John, Thanks for sharing your experience. I have an Edge as well and added it where they ask if you have any other AMEX cards.

      I was wondering - Did you declare that you had another AMEX card, or just tick "no"? I'm worried because it seems like the people that declared their Edge cards are not getting the points, and now I'm kicking myself for not just ticking " no" in the box :(

      My partner and I are wanting to transfer our points to KF miles and fly business class to Europe, but not sure if that will happen now… We declared him supplementary Edge card too, so I hope I haven't shot us both in the foot.

      • John Stone on 07/10/2016 - 00:58
        +1

        To be honest, its been a while since I applied, that I have genuinely forgotten what I ticked. I am pretty sure I would have ticked "yes" though. I am usually pretty honest for these types of sign ups. My thought process being that it would be pretty simple for Amex to automatically look up, to find out if you did hold another card.

        • elliebargain on 07/10/2016 - 13:13

          Yeah, I'm pretty honest too, if only for fear of getting caught out - but hoping so badly the points come through. Did you link the cards or did they link automatically? I'm hoping when I activate it I might be able to create a new sign-on to maximise the chance of bonus points.

    • arctan on 15/10/2016 - 17:56

      Thanks John. Its very informative.
      Would you know if AA miles would be cheaper to book QANTAS or CATHAY flights from Sydney to HK or other Asian cities such as Shanghai, Tokyo etc?

      • The Champagne Mile on 15/10/2016 - 19:27
        +1

        Yes, in most cases AA miles are cheaper to book QF and CX flights for the routes you've mentioned, but as you're getting a diminished number of points (0.5 to 1 to transfer out to SPG, and then a 20% bonus on 1 to 1 transfer to AA), transferring to AA isn't likely to represent the best value. IMHO, your best bed would be to transfer direct from AMEX to Asiamiles and then book Cathay award flights which Asiamiles offers significantly more cheaply than Qantas charges for the same flights.

  • thydzik on 04/10/2016 - 12:00

    applied, thanks.

  • tdizzle on 04/10/2016 - 13:52

    Applied yesterday - said approved and should have card within 5 to 7 working days.

    thanks all for your comments and advice!

  • Sapz on 04/10/2016 - 21:37
    +2

    Hi all, just a quick add-on, You can get additional 5k Bonus points by adding a supplementary card. Amex just offered me today. haven't showed up in the account yet though, hopefully in two three days.

    • ChaseTheSun on 04/10/2016 - 23:13

      did they offer you on the phone or was it in an email after you signed up?
      I didn't get that offer

      • Sapz on 04/10/2016 - 23:41
        +2

        I just called them in the morning to get my wife a new card, as she felt little short of the minimum income required to apply. Just wanted to make sure its still worth trying by mentioning generous amount of initial rewards. Well talking of rewards, he brought this up, suggesting me to get her a Supp Card and get additional 5K points in my account. Im pretty sure he sounded like this is an open offer to everyone up until 31 Oct.
        About Min Income Req, it doesn't really matter as long as everything else on track and not very short. So i go ahead and applied, shall update the outcome

    • mbck on 06/10/2016 - 13:57
      +1

      Yap, can confirm this. I called to ask something and they offered this. They said it's for a 'select few', though I don't think this is the case.

  • Sapz on 07/10/2016 - 01:27
    +1

    My missus got approved today for 55k annual income. Seems its worth trying from reasonable income around 55k if everything else is on track. hope this helps

  • elliebargain on 08/10/2016 - 12:11
    +2

    Hey guys, I spent way too much time reading about everyone else's experiences in detail trying to figure out if I would get the points with my Edge Card- So just thought I'd add my experience if anyone is interested:

    • Already have the Platinum Edge Card
    • Applied for this Explorer Card online (ticked the box that said I had an existing AMEX card and put the number in and everything), approved instantly
    • So as I'm waiting for the card to come in the mail, I start reading more comments that people with Platinum Edge cards weren't getting their points because the accounts were linked
    • I log into my current AMEX MR Ascent account a couple of days ago and see that "explorer $400 travel credit" has been added D: NOOOOOO! I still hadn't received my actual card in the mail by this time
    • I ring up AMEX they confirm my new Explorer card has been added to my Ascent account, so I ask them to disconnect it. They say it can't be reconnected later and I will be forfeiting the bigger points earn, but I insist that I need them to be separate (so I have better clarity or something). She disconnects the accounts
    • I get my card in the mail and activate a brand new account
    • I can see the Gateway program in my new account!

    I think this bodes well because AFAIK it seems everyone with a Gateway account is getting the bonus points. I will update this post after I spend the 1.5K to see if I get the biscuit :)

    TLDR: I ticked the box that said I have an existing AMEX Edge, they added my new card to the ascent program, so I called them to disconnect the cards, now I have a new account with the gateway program and hopeful that I will get the bonus points.

    • 973728 on 13/10/2016 - 12:03

      Thanks for the comment. Hoping the same works for me (exact same circumstance).

      • elliebargain on 28/10/2016 - 10:56

        Hey 937728, I just got my bonus points this morning :D Hope it worked out for you!

        • 973728 on 04/11/2016 - 10:24
          +2

          Hi elliebargain, yes it worked for me also.
          Just transfered my points today.
          Thanks

  • niiko on 09/10/2016 - 11:08
    +1

    How american express travel (for $400 travel credit) is compared to other booking agencies? Maybe I'm unlucky, but I did quick comparison on hotels booking and it doesn't look as good as booking.com or hotels.com in both - number of options and price. So, technically $400 travel credit worth much less than $395 cash.

    • elliebargain on 10/10/2016 - 08:28

      Oh I didn't realize that! How much was the price difference? I've used it to look at buying flights and it seemed about the same. Was planning on using it for hotels though so if it's heaps more that's disappointing. Are you a member of hotels.com? Maybe sure you're saving up those free nights :D

    • The Champagne Mile on 10/10/2016 - 13:10
      +1

      In many cases, AMEX travel prices are very competitive. I ued my credit for 3 x red-e-deal Qantas fares. Price was exactly the same as on the Qantas website.

      • niiko on 10/10/2016 - 15:36
        -1

        Yes, but if I want to find a relatively cheap flight, I would go with Jetstar or Tiger and I don't care that Qantas price is the same as on the Qantas website - it is still twice higher comparing to Jetstar. AMEX travel has much less options and many cheap options I would go with are simply not available comparing to other agents. I'm talking about hotels booking, didn't check flights though.

      • NotAMoodle on 12/10/2016 - 11:21
        +2

        I can second this. Recently booked through Amex travel and was the exact same price as the Virgin site. Perfect.

  • vtml on 10/10/2016 - 15:44
    +1

    OK, I have just booked a hotel using the $400 credit and the bonus points. I ended up booking a hotel that would cost approximately $1200, and only ended up paying $35.50 all up after using the credit and using all the bonus points.
    I tried many things to get the most bang for buck using the Travel site. Car hires are ridiculously overpriced, and so are the Experiences. The same hotel rate I have booked is only slightly inflated compared with the cheapest price I found using HotelsCombined / Expedia etc.
    I am going to cancel this card after I return from my trip as I do not see any value in it after the initial bonus points.

  • knowwhat on 11/10/2016 - 23:32

    how does one convert the points to Krisflyer?
    Is there a charge for it?
    Sorry for the dumb question

    • Sapz on 12/10/2016 - 00:27
      +1

      Hi,
      First, there is no charge for it and you can do it as many times as you like for free.
      And there're many ways you can transfer your post to KF, Online, Over the phone or Written request. My preferred way is online transfer, however your names in your both accounts must be exactly the same or will reject your request. if any differences, simply give them(Amex) a call and they will do the transfer for you.
      The transfer ratio will depend on which MRP you coming from,
      The Membership Rewards Ascent generally offers the ability to transfer points to frequent flyer programs at 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 frequent flyer point, while Membership Rewards Gateway transfers at a lower rate of 1 Membership Rewards point = 0.75 frequent flyer points
      hope this helps,
      cheers

  • malaykiri26 on 12/10/2016 - 15:13
    -1

    Has anyone managed to get the $395.00 annual fee waived? If so then please share what situation did you paint to get away with paying the annual fee.

    • The Champagne Mile on 14/10/2016 - 11:34

      I can't speak for anyone else, but would be extremely surprised if you could get this card annual fee-free. After all, it comes with a $400 travel credit. Only way to know would be to ring up.

    • Phuiie on 14/10/2016 - 20:16

      Hey, read my post below.

  • Heracles26 on 12/10/2016 - 15:45

    Does this card only provide access to the AMEX Sydney International lounge? Are there other AMEX lounges in other cities in Australia/the World that can be accessed with this card?

    • Gaz1 on 12/10/2016 - 17:12

      You can also access the Amex lounge here:
      Allphones Arena Sydney
      Perth Arena
      Brisbane Entertainment Centre

      (Sydney is the only airport lounge)

      • Heracles26 on 12/10/2016 - 18:11

        Thanks!

        • Gaz1 on 12/10/2016 - 18:14
          +1

          No problem.
          Note that this isn't particular to this card - I think this applies to any Amex Platinum or Black card.

  • hongd on 14/10/2016 - 09:52
    +1

    Just let you know, OPs, by applying a supplementary card by Oct 31, you will get extra 5000 points on top of 100,000.
    I heard it works for Platinum Edge as well.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2016 - 11:25

      Any reference for this? I applied for a supplementary card, with my main card … I don't see a 5k bonus.

      • hongd on 18/10/2016 - 13:50

        No need reference. I just called in and verify there is 5K so applied one. The agent confirmed it would be on top of the 100K.
        I haven't received the extra one yet.

      • The Champagne Mile on 19/10/2016 - 05:34

        How long have you waited? Usually takes at least 2-3 business days for the bonus to show.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/10/2016 - 09:50

          No 5k supplementary card bonus here either. Its been ~2weeks. I've received the 100k intro bonus.

        • The Champagne Mile on 19/10/2016 - 10:31

          @sp00ker: It does sound like it should have come through. I'd get in touch with them via the secure messanging feature within your online account. I've had a few missing bonus point posts followed up for me proactively using this.

  • Phuiie on 14/10/2016 - 20:12
    +2

    Hey guys. I have just canceled my card with the annual fee waived "change of heart". I told them that the card wasn't worth it and I would like them to transfer the $ amount owed to my platinum edge card. Note that this only works if you haven't used any of the benefits
    The operator also confirmed that I will not receive the 100k points.
    Hope this helps for the explorer owners who hasn't got the bonus points.

    Thanks

  • josecejas83 on 16/10/2016 - 02:51

    OK, Question, whats the best card for me to apply to get some points? Annual leave approved (yayyyyy) for next year, now im planning to go Europe. Travel agent quoted me about $1400 return to Paris, so i need to 2 tickets (missus & me) which definitely will paid for any minimum spend on any card, the points will be use of a future trip, probably later next year too. (maybe Thailand or Bali). so which card? most points? and with points can you fly anywhere or only some destination? Sorry to be pain but i'm really not good with this things and i really want to get something in return from spending $3000 in flights.

    • tunzafun001 on 30/10/2016 - 13:55

      To book your flights and accom. Probably Amex Platinum Edge. Up to 3 points per dollar spent. Each point is worth 1:1 FF mile. You won't get this with other cards. Plus overseas travel insurance. Also a free domestic flight thrown in. I went with a CPA version as it has no annual fee in first year and the only CPA check was a tick a box.

      Then maybe one of the bank issued cards for free lounge passes and a few thousand FF points. But remember they won't necessarily be 1:1 (Like this Explorer deal). Also look for one with domestic hire car cover and doesn't require a flight booking etc to activate. I went with Anz as it only requires $250 spend to activate travel insurance. This way you have double insurance cover with Amex for most and Anz as a backup. If not married, make sure your partner has Anz etc, otherwise Amex may not cover both (only card holder +family /spouse).

      • The Champagne Mile on 30/10/2016 - 14:19

        Plat Edge is unfortunately not a good option for travel related purchases - you'll only receive 1 point per dollar spent for both flights and accommodation. I'd suggest applying for the Explorer with a 110,000 bonus point sign up via the referral wiki, and a guaranteed equivalent of 1.5 FF points per dollar spend on your travel and accommodation charges (plus the $400 travel credit you could also use towards your trip).

        • tunzafun001 on 30/10/2016 - 14:59

          Hmmm, sort of true. To get 3 points per dollar for travel you will need to buy flight centre gift cards (get them to price match) from a supermarket etc.

          But, assuming you just book direct, how many actual FF points do you get per dollar for 3 examples Qantas, Virgin, Singapore Air?

          Platinum Edge is 1:1 for all 3 airlines. Is Explorer 1:1. Pretty sure it's 1:0.75? Ie 100 000 Amex Explorer points will get you 75000 FF points. With a 1.5 point earn you you are just in front, but half of the 3:1 example above (but some extra pfa involved).

          Finally platinum Edge can be obtained with no annual fee. Don't use referrals for platinum Edge as this will attract an annual fee to offset the referal bonus points (that Champagne Mile will get here).

          However, if 75000+ FF points/miles are worth $400 to you, then grab an Explorer card and you might as well give Champagne Mile an extra 20k points and 10k yourself as I haven't seen a fee free Explorer deal…yet.

          Either way, with all the bonuses you will want some form of Amex. Plus a non Amex option when Amex attracts a surcharge, plus to get extra insurance/ domestic cover as pointed out before.

        • The Champagne Mile on 30/10/2016 - 15:59

          @tunzafun001: Explorer is 2:1 for all spend other than Govt (so 1.5 FF per dollar), so makes it a great card to use for everywhere AMEX is accepted, with the exception of supermarkets / petrol (where platinum edge is better). You mention a platinum edge annual fee free deal - AFAIK this expired back at end of July, and all sign ups (direct or via referral) now attract the annual fee. Do you have a link?

  • mun4 on 16/10/2016 - 22:06

    Could the $400 travel credit be used on tickets for passengers other than myself, e.g., my wife, children, etc.?

    Also, according to the T&C:

    "The $400 Travel Credit can be redeemed against any single eligible travel booking of $400 or more where applicable when booking online through americanexpress.com.au/travel."

    What constitutes an "eligible travel booking"?!

    • mbck on 29/10/2016 - 20:00

      No you can use this for anyone. I think the ANZ rewards complimentary flight requires you to be a passenger (as an example)

  • slothhead on 22/10/2016 - 08:59

    I closed my previous amex 1 month ago and just received this card.

    I will revert once I meet the min spend conditions on whether I receive the 100k points. Here's hoping.

    Also, is it normal that there are no offers available for my card through the AMEX portal? I was expecting to see Shop Small etc.

    • The Champagne Mile on 25/10/2016 - 09:37
      +2

      Many Explorer card holders have noted that offers via the AMEX portal are few and far between. I've read a couple of comments that suggests this might be due to an AMEX system glitch, but that they are aware of it and working to fix it. In the meantime, best to use manual registration links where possible.

      • robbo135 on 13/11/2016 - 09:37

        This is strange. I get most of the Amex offers on my explorer card (the ones which are reposted up on Ozbargain anyway)

        • The Champagne Mile on 13/11/2016 - 10:38

          Good to know. I barely receive any (but can usually sign up with manual link). Might track this for a few months, and then raise with customer care.

    • slothhead on 08/11/2016 - 09:19

      I met the minimum spend on Saturday and receive the 100k points today. Yay!

  • bbqwer on 24/10/2016 - 22:17

    Anyone tried unlink gateway from ascent and receive bonus point ?

  • The Champagne Mile on 26/10/2016 - 13:03
    +2

    Just posting another bonus points success story from a recent AMEX card holder - my husband (cancelled an AMEX Velocity Platinum card approx 2 months back) received the 100,000 bonus points today after meeting the $1500 spend a few days back.

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