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AmEx Velocity Platinum Card 50,000 Bonus Velocity Points - $349 Annual Fee

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AmEx Velocity Platinum Card 50,000 Bonus Velocity Points - $349 Annual Fee
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Paul Atreides on 24/04/2015 - 09:00 americanexpress.com (780 clicks)
Last edited 05/06/2015 - 10:32 by 2 other users

Surprised this hasn't been posted. Good value for year 1.

Essentially, you get 60,000 80,000 (50,000 + 10,000 referral, 30,000 sign up through a referral link posted in the American Express Referral Wiki) velocity points for $349. The points alone have a "street" value of 1point/$0.01, so $600 $800.

At this point, if you sold it for 25% off the street value, you are still up $100, but theres more;

On top of this, there are some good benefits of this card

Free return flight a year with virgin (same thing as platinum edge) annually
2 virgin lounge passes annually
2 Amex lounge passes annually

I'm not going to bother talking about the 2-for-1 long haul business class deal (anti-bargain)

https://amexnetwork.com.au/GoodGoing/CardMembers

With 60,000 points, you can:
Upgrade a one way Mel<->Syd flight from economy to business…. 6 times! - 60,000 points
Fly from Syd -> Perth return in economy - 39000 points including taxes
Fly from Mel -> Auckland return in economy - 56100 points including taxes

The list goes on..

American Express Referral Wiki

Update (May 2015): AMEX upped the points from 10,000 to 30,000.

Referral Links

Business Explorer Card: random (1)

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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closed Comments

  • strikerzebra on 24/04/2015 - 09:20

    I suspect no one has posted it because they had similar deals except with no annual fee

  • strikerzebra on 24/04/2015 - 09:26

    The anz offer.

    No annual fee and 50,000 QFF.

    Yes different card but most people just care about the signup points and if there is an annual fee.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/183118

    • Paul Atreides on 24/04/2015 - 09:38

      awesome deal, good to see amex honoring their PRICING ERROR

      if i was collecting QFF points, definitely would have jumped on that

      • Lukian on 24/04/2015 - 10:35
        +1

        Did some maths on QFF points the other day for flights to Europe, it's about 2.12c per point.

  • dodgydarji on 24/04/2015 - 09:51

    Has anyone ever booked a the free flight through this? Any limitations? I am about to book a return trip to Brisbane with Virgin and this would work out cheaper + points + lounge!

    • Paul Atreides on 24/04/2015 - 09:59

      personally no, I've been hoarding my points

      but things to keep in mind
      1. subject to availability
      2. points move to velocity once a month (about mid month for me)

      so your Brisbane flight would need to be minimum 3-4 months in the future to be on the safe side

      where are you flying from?

      • dodgydarji on 24/04/2015 - 10:08

        flying from Melbourne in September - I've also been point hoarding too :) but was wondering about the free domestic flight included through Amex. I wonder what availability is offered on that.

        • Paul Atreides on 24/04/2015 - 10:14

          oh didn't know you were talking about that, my bad

          i think its comparable with the availability and inclusion of reward seats. you dont get status points on these flights, that i know for sure

          http://www.americanexpress.com/australia/campaigns/velocityp…

        • dodgydarji on 24/04/2015 - 10:19

          @madmouse58: That's great! Thanks for posting

        • Paul Atreides on 29/04/2015 - 11:26

          @dodgydarji: redeemed this the other day.

          just look up the return fare you want, as long as "saver" fares are available, that fly direct, you can book these

        • dodgydarji on 05/05/2015 - 10:53
          +1

          @madmouse58: Thanks! I got the card pretty quickly, spent the $500 for the points and booked the domestic flight too. Used your referral too for the card. I've just gone and spent $30 less for a card fee instead of a flight and not only do I get my plane ticket I got all the extras to go with it!!

        • Paul Atreides on 05/05/2015 - 11:25

          @dodgydarji: yep, dont forget the free lounge visits, and the free trolley hire at the airport too

          https://amexnetwork.com.au/GoodGoing/CardMembers

          and depending on where you flew to, you can use the points to upgrade to business if you want. :)

    • deargodno on 24/04/2015 - 10:19
      +3

      I've got a Platinum Edge Amex which offers the free flight and I've used my free flight at least 3 times. It's a simple process to claim; just ring them up and they'll confirm if they have seats available on the flight you want and if there is, they book it. Amex have a set number of seats on Virgin flights which they can utilise but I've rarely had a problem, unless it was close to a public holiday. Also, you can only get seats on main routes like melb-syd, melb-bris, etc. I'm going to Port Douglas in a few weeks so I used my free flights to go Melb-Bris and then bought cheap ones to get to Cairns because Melb-Cairns wasn't a covered route.

  • drewbles on 24/04/2015 - 10:45
    +1

    Note that upgrades for International are not available to Red or Silver Velocity Frequent Flyers. Only Gold and Platinum can request upgrades to Premium Economy or Business using points.

    Long Haul upgrades are the best use of points. After that, look at redeeming on Etihad in their First Class "apartments".

    The free flight is easier as deargodno states :) I have the QF version of this Amex and it does not offer MEL-PER-MEL, so I book PER-MEL-PER, and then fly Virgin to pick the fare up, and to complete it. Nest the fares, works out to be a 2-4-1 deal.

    • Paul Atreides on 24/04/2015 - 10:47

      drewbles, do you know how many velocity points it costs to move a long haul saver fare to premium economy, and flexi to business?

  • asa79 on 24/04/2015 - 11:44
    -1

    Such a high annual fee, cant see the bargain in it

    • petestrash on 24/04/2015 - 13:55

      In the first year you get at least $600 worth of points + a return flight all for $349. that seems like a bargain for me.

      You don't have to renew it.

  • Chimichanga on 28/04/2015 - 13:18

    It says if you are already an amex member, you can't get the points? I have a Amex Black through Westpac. it's no llisted on their site though (or I missing it) anyone know if I can still get the 50/60k points?

    • Paul Atreides on 28/04/2015 - 21:41

      i dont think that will be a problem at all, pretty sure its amex through amex cards theyre talking about

    • gasb22 on 05/06/2015 - 11:47

      I am an existing AMEX customer have 2 other cards. I have applied and was given 80000 bonus points.

  • Paul Atreides on 28/04/2015 - 21:41

    thanks to the person who used my referral code

    • dodgydarji on 30/04/2015 - 15:09
      +2

      no worries :)

  • Arrow29 on 30/05/2015 - 13:03
    +1

    Just an update for those interested: the referral sign-up bonus has been increased from 60,000 to 80,000 velocity points, making this deal even more attractive.

    • gasb22 on 05/06/2015 - 11:16
      +1

      It is a very good deal. With 80000 velocity points you can fly to USA return or many other destinations like Abu Dhabi or Asia. To Europe u need 100000. If you look at the $ value those tickets will cost you $1500 minimum.(that is if you get them on sale) On top of 80000 you get a free return domestic flight with Virgin Australia and 2 lounge passes. $349 annual fees is steep but the benefits outweigh the fee charge.
      I have redeemed velocity points for flights and upgrades many times and have found them great. They are ranked in top 3 for rewards flight availability. I am QF member as well but find that QF points aren't worth their value. Points are only worth while for flights and upgrades. That is where the value is. If you use them for Gift certificates and other things it may not represent the value. In order to earn 80000 through credit card spend you will spend minimum $80000 to accumulate same amount of points. I have upcoming trip to USA in July and have used points for Business seat upgrade. Paid $1700 flexi fare and used 90000 for an upgrade. If i was to buy the business ticket would have cost me $8500. Do your own maths.

  • NotAMoodle on 05/06/2015 - 11:42

    A question if you use the balance transfer option, lets say you are approved for a $4k limit, and have a $2k balance transfer, the card states you need to spend $500 in the first 3 months, but I thought I read on here somewhere when you do a balance transfer on a card, as soon as you spend something, the transfer becomes null and void - is this correct?

    Cheers

    • gasb22 on 05/06/2015 - 11:44

      Best bet is to call AMEX and clarify.

      • NotAMoodle on 05/06/2015 - 17:06

        Read around the Internet and basically what happens is the $500 I need to spend to get the 80,000 points starts occurring interest instantly as soon as it's spent, so just need to pay it off straight away. The balance transfer isn't effected at all.

        Shared the love and used "Jiosk01" referral link. Was instantly approved and got a SMS saying my card is on the way within 7 days. Quite a nice, easy process really. My only gripe is that I'm in Adelaide and I can't fly to Perth, yet if I lived in Perth I am able fly to Adelaide!

  • gasb22 on 05/06/2015 - 22:32

    I have redeemed my free flight from Melbourne to Brisbane in Sep. It was very easy. Called amex advised my date and bang booked. I checked the price on Virgin Australia return ticket would have $421.70. $70 more than $349 annual fee. Well worth it. It is the best sign up bonus offer yet. $421.70 for free flight plus $7000 that i save on business class upgrade to USA.

  • NotAMoodle on 07/06/2015 - 13:07

    How long does it take to get the 80,000 points just out of interest?

    • gasb22 on 09/06/2015 - 19:20

      I got mine as soon as i spent $500. You have 3 months to spend $500. And usually on your statement date Amex transfers your points to Velocity

  • eriktufa on 09/06/2015 - 21:15

    Would it be wise to apply for this and cancel the existing Amex Platinum Edge? I assume they will say no?

    • Paul Atreides on 09/06/2015 - 21:18

      id say so, but only if you get the sign-up bonus. if you don't then, it's really up to you to decide if the extra perks and/or benefit of this reward scheme is worth $150 (difference in annual fees)

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/191492#comment-2803349

      this person seems to have gotten the referral points as an existing customer, although set yourself with the expectations that you won't get it

      ive been using the card for a couple of months now, quite happy with it. Everytime we go out with friends at restaurants and it's time to pay, we have this rule where the person that gains the most reward points will pay, and the rest will reimburse with cash. i'm always winning now (3points/$1)

  • djkelly69 on 09/06/2015 - 21:55

    According to the T&Cs, looks like you don't get the 2x VA lounge passes until after the first year. Can anyone who has this confirm?

    • Paul Atreides on 09/06/2015 - 22:19
      +1

      3 days after my first spend, it landed and is visible on my velocity account

  • bigspike on 10/06/2015 - 11:18

    Any experience using this deal for self and others on same trip - eg. Can you use the comp flight for self, points for partner and pay for additional child all on one booking? Thanks.

    • Paul Atreides on 10/06/2015 - 11:28

      nope, not possible to do this all in one booking.

      • bigspike on 10/06/2015 - 11:50

        Thanks. Is it possible to do separate bookings and get on one flight? Can you use the points for family member journeys on another pnr?

        • Paul Atreides on 10/06/2015 - 12:01

          "Is it possible to do separate bookings and get on one flight?"

          yep, absolutely

          "Can you use the points for family member journeys on another pnr?"

          whats pnr?

        • bigspike on 10/06/2015 - 13:32
          +1

          @madmouse58:
          A PNR is a unique six digit alpha numeric code assigned to an individual airline booking. It covers all pax on the booking. So the question is, Can you use Velocity points to book for a relative (or someone else) if the FF holder is not on that booking?

          To be more specific:
          If I were to get this card, I would want to get a Brisbane - Melbourne trip for myself, my wife and my son. I would want the yearly free trip for me and then to use points or points plus pay combo for the other two people. Is this achievable?

          Thanks for your help.

        • Paul Atreides on 10/06/2015 - 13:51

          @bigspike: ah kk, i would think you can, but unfortunately havent done this myself so cant comment further.

        • bigspike on 10/06/2015 - 13:52

          @madmouse58:
          Cheers.

        • gasb22 on 10/06/2015 - 21:34

          @madmouse58: Yes u can redeem free for anyone. It doesn't have to be yourself that is flying. I was asked when i was booking my flight if it is for someone or myself.

        • Paul Atreides on 10/06/2015 - 22:13

          @gasb22: if you are talking about the com flight, then yes

          the thing i wasnt 100% on, is redeeming a velocity reward flight (reward points) for someone else without the velocity member being part of the itinerary.

          im 99% sure you can do it, but haven't done so myself so cant comment further.

  • bigspike on 10/06/2015 - 19:30

    FYI - $100 gift card in the FF shop is 18000 points. So even if you just use the sign up points to get gift cards, you make 50 bucks.

    • gasb22 on 10/06/2015 - 21:35
      +1

      In that case you would make a $100 extra if redeeming for gift cards and on top of that you get the free flight.

  • ksyu223 on 16/06/2015 - 15:04

    If I want to make the most out of it by cancelling before 2nd year. Do I get to keep the domestic flight and lounge passes if I can't use them this year? Point I know don't expire immediately.

    • gasb22 on 16/06/2015 - 22:19

      No you don't. They are valid for 12 months. You cannot roll them over.

  • NotAMoodle on 23/06/2015 - 11:35

    Just got my 80,000 bonus points, all up took <2 weeks from date of approval. Amazing speed!

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