Best AmEx Credit Card for ~ $3000/Month Spend?

kati on 09/01/2015 - 09:15

Hi all,

I love the AmEx deals that come up but I have a bank issued card that sometimes doesn't get those sweet deals. :'(

Hence I am looking to get a card directly with American Express.

My current card is Westpac Altitude Black, I like having 3 points to $1 and being able to redeem points on Bunning vouchers etc. The reward rate is about 1.65% I think. (18200 points = $100 voucher; ie. need to spend $6067 to get $100 voucher)

As I am going to close my existing bank accounts anyway (due to a property sale, hence losing the professional package), I am looking for a new AmEx provider and card.

Should I be looking at Platinum edge (and getting a referral from here? https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/american_express_referrals
)

Thanks for your opinions!

Financial American Express

Comments

  • postman on 09/01/2015 - 10:20
    +3

    The platinum edge card maybe the best card if you're after these:
    - free domestic flight every year (book for yourself or others, can book 2 tickets near the end of reward program year)
    - 3-2-1 points per $ spend (3 if you spend at big chains like Coles & Woolies)

    Gift card   Points Required   Spending Required (based on 3:1 rate)
$50               6,750            $2,250
$100             13,500            $4,500
$250             32,500           $10,834
$500             62,500           $20,834
$1,000          115,000           $38,334

    Flight redemption could be more valuable though.

    Plus, if you have professional association membership (eg. CPA), apply through them instead to get reduced annual card fee, otherwise the referral link is good.

    • Peck on 09/01/2015 - 13:36

      Dustynn, Good info! When you say "can book 2 tickets near the end of reward program year" is that by booking one before the end of the reward year to travel after the end of the reward year, and then booking the other in the new reward year for the same travel date??

      • awesomedude on 09/01/2015 - 13:45

        There is grace period of approx 2 weeks. So you should book the tickets within a couple weeks of renewal.

      • postman on 09/01/2015 - 13:48

        I was told by Amex that you can book 2 tickets at the same time near the anniversary date. Though I don't remember clearly whether it has to be within a week or a few days.

    • kati on 09/01/2015 - 14:50
      +4

      Thanks for the fantastic write-up. I'll probably use the last link on the referral wiki. Wait - that's you :)

  • Baghern on 09/01/2015 - 14:15

    Thats a sweet Westpac deal, have you called them and requested to keep the credit card deal and have the fee waived, as you will close the account otherwise.

    • kati on 09/01/2015 - 14:49

      Probably I could do that, but I still miss out on all the non-bank-issued AmEx deals on ozB…

  • Peck on 10/01/2015 - 19:39

    I just read at http://www.ausbt.com.au/best-and-worst-credit-cards-for-trav… that they rate Amex Platinum edge as the worst for free CC travel insurance.

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