The Amex Explorer is back on the 100K Member Rewards (Gateway) signup bonus. The last time this ran, referrals earned 110K points, but I don't have a referral code. I'm sure those who do will soon be here to help out.
AmEx Explorer: 100K Signup Bonus (Spend $1500 in 3 Months, $395 AF, $400 Travel Credit)
1830
Referral Links
Business Explorer Card: random (4)
Referrer: 40,000 Reward Points
Centurion Personal Charge Card: random (7)
Referee gets 200,000 MR points. Referrer gets 150,000 MR points.
Related Stores
closed Comments
Thanks Illumination, it sounds like there are some risks attached that might make it not worth the risk of losing the 100k Gateway rewards.
Is this card better than Citibank Rewards Infinite? I've Infinite with $0 annual fee, 2 free lounges per year etc.
Can anyone please compare the two?
You get 100,000 Amex points with the Explorer card which you can use for flights. It will get you a 1 Way Business Class with Virgin Australia to LAX, etc.
Thank you, but this is one of bonus. How does two cards compare in the long term, for example transferring to KrisFlyer points etc.?
The card you're describing that you have sounds like the Citibank Rewards Signature rather than the Citibank Rewards Infinite.
To answer your question, your ongoing earn rate with the Explorer card will be 2 Membership Rewards Gateway points per dollar spent. This equates to 1.5 points in the major airline currencies (e.g. Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Velocity, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad Guest).
The Citibank Rewards Infinite earns at the equivalent of 0.8 KrisFlyer & Velocity per dollar
The Citibank Signature earns at the equivalent of 0.6 KrisFlyer & Velocity per dollar.However, why do you need to pick one over the other? Just get both!
If you had to pick one - definitely the Explorer!Thank you, I started googling and looks like Explorer is much better for FF points. My Citi card is definitely Infinite though, I think before it was Signature, but Citibank changed the name I think year or two ago.
i have a David Jones amex card at the moment, do you think i would qualified for the bonus point?
This would apply to David Jones as well. I would say the David Jones card is a keeper for the free gift wrapping that David Jones provides. However if you're annual fee is nearly up then change over to the Explorer.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/299466?page=1#comment-4562…
how many amex issued credit cards and charge cards are you allowed to have these days? i have 3 amex issued credit cards. i tried to do a global transfer recently and they said im only allowed to hold 2 lending amex products and a david jones card at one time and said i would have to close 2 of my amex issued credit cards before they can process the global transfer. what if i close two cards and apply for a new one like this explorer card and then try to reinstate the closed accounts within 60 days will they allow that? anyone know the exact rules and had similar experiences applying for more then 2 cards or doing global transfers or reinstating cards?
Anyone has any experience on this.
I already made purchases on the card for more than 1.5k but those purchases are no longer required and I need to cancelled them.
However, the 110k points have already been credited. I know that the normal points will be reversed, however I don't know if the 110k will be reversed as well?.
I will eventually spend 1.5k easily, just wondering if this situation will complicate things as in they are going to reverse the bonus points, and I need to call up again for those points to be reinstated once I reach the payment requirement again (since they already credited those points once).
Thanks if anyone can share their experience.
Ring up Amex and ask.
just get those purchases refunded onto a visa debit card.
i like the way you think lol
It depends what/who/where.
If it's online merchant, there is probably a somewhat automated refund process, where the refund will automatically be refunded to the original payment method (after a person "manually" authorises it, I would imagine).
If it's a brick & mortar store, they'll still usually say that it has to be refunded to the original payment method. However, sometimes..:
- They don't check (ideal)
- They allow you refund it to another card, as long as it's in the same name
- You can say your Credit Card has been cancelled and is no longer active, i.e. it has to be refunded to another card
- You can say you paid using a non-reloadable/prepaid Gift Card - however, if they're not oblivious, then they will know that there's no such thing as a non-reloadable/prepaid AMEX card - and they can see that it was paid using an AMEX card
- They will say, if it doesn't go back to the original payment method, they will have to put it on a Gift Card - this is probably the worst outcome
I once tried telling an online merchant to refund it to a different card as the original one had been cancelled, and they requested a letter from the bank/financial institution that the card was issued by stating this..
anyone with a square up account try to do a refund onto a different card or a visa debit card?
I have a Amex Corporate card supplied by work. Does anyone know if this makes me ineligible for the bonus points for this card? Reading through the t&c's it looks that I would not be eligible but interested to see if anyone with a corporate card has received the bonus and if it is worth a try.
Can you be specific with the Amex corporate card that you have?
It is a green coloured card, labelled American Express Corporate. Looking on the Amex website - it is a Amex Corporate Green Card.
That should be ok as both operate on different rewards program. Explore is using Gateway program which is separate from your corporate rewards program.
You can alway adopt this strategy to help reduce your risk wen applying for the card.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/299466?page=1#comment-4562…
OK, thanks very much for your advice. I have applied for the card.
I have the same card too - I would hope that it wouldn't impact any personal applications since the card is owned and paid for by the company - it is assigned to individuals only for the purposes of being able to track spending.
I also don't get any benefits from the card - several years ago the ability to keep any points earned was removed and they now all go into some global company account - basically some prick in accounts is probably rolling in points now :p
So this is a better offering than the Platinum Edge, given the sign up bonus?
Factoring in the sign up bonus, definitely.
Even without the sign-up bonus, the Explorer card is probably better for most people.
Interesting - I was under the impression the Edge was better. Lower annual fee, higher rewards exchange (1:1 vs. 4:3), can convert to Qantas. Ignoring the bonus, what's the reasoning behind Explorer > Edge?
And Edge has 1st year fee waived right, where this one does not?
Assuming you can reasonably use the Travel Credit, the Travel Credit value is basically the same, which makes the effective annual fee the same too. This is because both cards offer Travel Credit of the annual fee plus $5.
In terms of Rewards points, yes, Edge offers you 1:1, Explorer does 4:3. However, you earn 2pts/$ with the 4:3 conversion everywhere, which would be the equivalent of earning 1.5pts/$ on the Edge program.
To consistently earn more points on the Platinum Edge, you need to spend a significant amount at supermarkets and/or petrol stations because this is where you get category-specific bonuses on the Platinum Edge.
If you're someone that only cares about cashback, or you're more interested in transferring the points to Starwood Preferred Guest, the Explorer is also generally better because the conversion rates are the same from the Explorer and the Plat Edge to SPG & cashback (gift cards, statement credits).
Although in my opinion - you should really keep both cards. Both are great cards.. unless you have another AMEX card that suits you more!
That's great info - thanks. My main concern on the travel credit is I typically fly with Jetstar, Tiger, etc. which aren't offered for that credit. I'd still use it, but doesn't seem as good bang for buck, as say, the ANZ Rewards free Virgin flight.
Don't have either card actually - deciding on what card for my first Amex.
You are correct and I agree with you. The free Virgin flight is better for anyone who would either reasonably use it, or would sell it for cash. The travel credit is more restrictive than getting cash for the free flight, that's for sure.
However, keep in mind the travel credit can be used on hotels, car hire and "experiences". Not just flights.
I would say this card is a no brainer - especially with the bonus points. The bonus points of this offer are astounding.
Is it easy to sell your travel credit?
I want to jump on this card but not sure if I were to use travel credit every year.
Also, why are people buying travel credit instead of booking normally? is it cheaper to use point?I've had my Amex Velocity Platinum card for 8 months now, I wonder if it's worth trying out for this card for the 100k points.
want to know as well..
I have Business Accelerator Credit Card, all you need is an ABN, which is easy to get one and only $160 annual fee. but no signup bonus. The main thing is 2 points per $1 spent…
Earn up to 2 Membership Rewards points1 per $1 spent
Receive up to 55 Interest Free Days on your purchases Receive
Supplementary Cards at no additional costAm I eligible?
I am aged over 18
I am an Australian citizen or permanent residentI have a personal gross (pre-tax) annual income of $24,000 or
moreI have no history of bad debt or payment defaultWhy would you want that when you can pay an extra $135 for 100k points. Unless your income is low. Then it's a different story/
How long after you have spent the minimum $1,500 do you receive the 100,000 points? After the first 3 months or soon after the spend?
I got mine a few days after making the $1,500 minimum spend
Usually once the final charge clears from pending they'll drop into your account
when do you get the referral code after signing up?
It will be available once you get the card and set-up your amex online account.
I currently hold an Amex Discovery card, any chance of me getting the 100k bonus points?
There's a chance you will get it. Use this as a guide in case you don't get points.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/299466?page=1#comment-4562…
thanks man, will think about it actually, considering the anz 75k QFF card as well!
I currently hold the Amex Platinum Edge and have had it for several years now. Am i still eligible to get the 100k sign up bonus?
It's only people who have applied within the last 18 months that's ineligible right?
Thanks.
From the site it is based on holding a card, not time of application:
Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer. Previous and existing bank-issued American Express companion cardholders are eligible for this offer (cards issued by: Australia New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank, Westpac Banking Corporation).
Lacking any commas, it's not clear whether or not 'in the preceding 18 months' refers to 'issued' or 'hold/held'. Reminds me of this case from last month: http://www.afr.com/leadership/workplace/a-missing-oxford-com…
Seriously?
The wording clearly says "hold/ or have previously held"
Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product, issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period, are ineligible for this offer.
vs
Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product, issued by American Express Australia Limited, in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer.
Doesn't make a difference.
The clause as it stands is easily interpreted.Understand some people aren't good at legal jargon.
No harm in trying. These steps will help you.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/299466?page=1#comment-4562…
Does anyone know if holding a supplementary AMEX card prevents you from accessing this offer?
It does not prevent you from accessing this offer. You are not considered to be an "actual" cardholder, so to speak.
Legend, thanks
Signed up last night, put it in my missus name and a second card for me. Will get the $1500 easy in the first month. Not a bad little card at all. Can't wait to finally be able to use Apple Pay on my watch and phone
Is this your first Amex card?
I have a bank issued Amex card threw NAB. My partner has a supplement card for that also. So I guess you can say this is our first direct Amex card
Signed up (with random referral link generator, what a great idea!) and approved within 15 minutes. I have no doubt I will activate this card and meet the requirements for the bonus points etc.
Can I also sign up to the Platinum Edge for 3 points per dollar spent at super markets? I assume I won't be eligible for the Platinum Edge bonus points…
Also, which card is best for earning points for purchasing fuel on?
Thanks OZB!!!!
Platinum Edge for 2 points per dollar on fuel purchases. However if you buy Woolies egift cards (5% off at Cashrewards) and use egift cards for fuel then you get 3 points per dollar on the gift card purchase/fuel.
If you read a lot of the posts on Amex deals you will see that there is a 'chance' that you would get Platinum Edge bonus points, but it is a gamble.
If chasing FF points, then be aware that PE 4 points = 4 FF, Explorer 4 points = 3 FF.
Hi, does anyone know if this option is viable?
Is it possible to sign up for this card, link the card to paypal, withdraw money ($1500 for the bonus points) from this card into your paypal account, tranfer the funds from paypal into your bank account and then pay the $1500 back into the amex card from your bank account?
Probably is but you could always just book a fully refundable (Business Class/First Class) airfare, wait for points to come through and then refund it afterwards
It sounds like the easiest way, but will it actually work?
Will AmEx forfeit your points just earnt after ticket canceled?
Just signed up. Thanks all!
I think I'm going to make a Grandpa move & discretely label the back of each of my cards, relative to where I should use them. Edge will be F,G Fuel & Groceries, etc. Explorer for everything else. After labelling I'll of course, completely forget what the codes stand for! :)
Has anyone received their card yet? From memory the last time I got my card in 2 days or so (Sydney metro)?
Only signed up last night, got the success message and that the card will be in the mail. Did you receive any emails from the application process? I was expecting at least one.
No emails here either.
I never received an email either when I signed up last year, card showed up ~3 days later
Thanks bozbargain & nickomac. great to hear its normal.
Just to answer my own question, it took 4 working days for me (supplementary card included).
Bad news for me, I called American Express directly to ask about the bonus points eligibility as I have had 2 AMEX issued card (that I cancelled 1 year ago and 3 months). He actually checked my details and told me that I will not get the bonus points. He said I have to wait another 15-18 months before I am eligible to receive any welcome bonus from AMEX.
I could try and risk it but I didn't want to.
:( :( :(
You're still within the stated 18 month period so what did you expect them to say? The 15-18 months seems random, you should be able to try again in 3 months if you don't want to take any risks.
I know… such a good time to get as well. Plenty of bills to pay.
Ah well there is always next time.
As bozbargain asked, "what did you expect them to say?"
I don't know why you thought it'd be wise to call up when they have it quite clearly stated in their T&Cs. Having said that, I was told the exact same thing. I said "sure", but got the bonus points credited anyway. However, this was before January 31st - which is when they have reportedly "amended" their system to close the loophole where existing customers may still get the bonus points.
So what other cards do Ozbargainer use if AMEX is not accepted? Citi Signature?
Just signed up to this Amex card but I need a VISA/MasterCard for back up.
Maybe something that you can get free of charge (eg no annual fee)? My AmEx card in combination with PayPal linked to AmEx gets me pretty far but I do have a Nab Visa card FOC as part of my home loan so I do use that one for the odd bill. I wouldn't risk a yearly credit score hit for just a Visa/MC.
Agree with getting a fee-free Visa/Mastercard alternative, or one that has an annual fee which is worth paying for.
Here are some options to consider:
- Coles Mastercard (fee-free, earns a small amount of FlyBuys points, gives you access to 2 years Price Protection as an optional insurance)
- Virgin Money Flyer ($129 annual fee, but you also get a $129 Virgin Australia credit. 2 VA Lounge passes)
- Jetstar Mastercard ($169 annual fee, but free domestic flight on Jetstar including Perth to East Coast and vice versa, earn Jetstar dollars)
- ANZ Travel Adventures ($225 annual fee, but free domestic flight on Virgin including Perth to East Coast and vice versa, international transaction fees & forex fees waived, rewards points on all purchases, 2 VA lounge passes)
- Another odd Visa/Mastercard that comes up on Ozbargain (or one that you can find yourself) with annual fee waiver for life. Some that have come up in the past include: Citibank Signature, HSBC Platinum, Suncorp Platinum, Macquarie Visa - all of which offered very good value, considering the annual fee for life waiver
That's very informative, thank you!! :)
where does it say its free for the first year?
Where did you read it would be free for the first year?
Anyone got the bonus points whilst having another amex (Qantas or Velocity?)
Thanks
I did previously. This was prior to the changes around 31 March when they became stricter.
Yes, me. Was holding a Platinum Edge.
schmucky mentioned a 31 March change. I recall it being January 31.
That sucks because I just applied for the cpa gold card last month because I was gonna cancel my plat edge…
No incentive now for me to get the explorer without the 100k MR points. Sigh.
On a sidenote, I was offered 15k points to stay on the plat edge, wonder if I should take it.
Does anyone know if I applied for this card and spend the $1500 within the first 3 months, do I get any bonus points added if I'm NOT ELIGABLE for the 100,000k bonus points? (only cancelled my platinum edge a few weeks ago) Like what's the usual incentive (if any) other than the 100,000 bonues they are offering now.
Looks like AMEX became really strict on 18 months condition for the bonus points. I recently applied for a Qantas ultimate card and I did not get any bonus points. There was no bonus offered when I opted to cancel the card as well, but the annual fee was refunded on a prorate.
I've had the explorer sine Sept 16, got the platinum edge in Feb 17.
Met the minimum spend of $750 to get 15k bonus points on day 1 of having the platinum edge.
No bonus points came through.
Then suddenly 3wks later they showed up in my account. A real bonus as I has signed up to the edge as it was annual fee free for 12 months. not being a new customer to amex I wasn't expecting the points.So I guess get the card if you can justify it without the 100k points, as you technically are not entitled to them (like me).
Are you sure your PE bonus points weren't because of a successful referral?
pretty sure no. Haven't referred anyone to the PE.
Only explorer, even all those are accounted for, with a 20k bonus.this one was 15k that came through.
I guess you're one of the lucky ones. I can't justify the annual fee on the Explorer if I'm not guarenteed the 100K bonus points. So I'm going to wait 18 months and then hopefully this deal will pop up again some time soon after.
yeah supposedly pre 31st Jan everyone was getting them, post its been quite hit & miss.
Apparently if you hold a corporate card you may not be eligible for the signup bonus.
Though half of the agents tell me I am eligible and half that I am not, so lets see what happens (without a complaint and getting the points anyway). I'll update this when I find out.
I have corp card and have been awarded my bonus!
I applied last year and got the 100K bonus, can I cancel my card now and re-apply to get the new bonus? Has anyone done this?
no, read the T&Cs, usually a 12-18month clause of not holding an AMEX card to be eligible for the bonus points.
Thanks for posting. Signed up with the random referral link Friday last week and got my card today.
Put my own referral code into the mix now :)
Signed up with random referral link
now awaiting app approval
cheersapproved. enjoy the referral bonus whoever you are!
Thanks OP, I applied for the card last week. Planning to use it to book some accommodation in NYC for a trip later this year.
Hi Guys,
Could someone answer a few questions for me please:
If I sign up the card and approved, but later on decided not to use it, do I still have to pay the annual fee? I mean no action taken after received the card, no activation or whatsoever.
Just in case I canceled my purchasing plan and couldn't reach that $1500 in three months time.Some say the referal link wouldn't give you more bonus than 100k, is that true?
What is "random referral link"?
Thanks a lot!
there is no bonus link for explorer. 100K is max you can get
@donkcat: You'll need to navigate it carefully and in a specific way, FYI.
I've elaborated here.
Basically as nightelves has said, they are supposed to earn into different rewards programs. However, it is possible that you may get the two programs linked automatically. This is not ideal from an obtaining bonus points point of view. Your ultimate goal is to satisfy the following:
points
You'll need to roughly follow the steps in my other comment