AMEX Cards and points

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American Express

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  syl_kn on 03/01/2017 - 10:02

  +1

  Im using the AMEX Qantas discovery card. It has no annual fee and you get triple points for the first 3 months, after that $1 = 1 point. I really love it atm, not sure if I'm still going to love it when the triple points expire. I also use my NAB Qantas AMEX which gives you 1.5 points per dollar spent, but it has an annual fee of $249…unless you have a home loan with the NAB, in which case you get the annual fee waived each year.

  Did you read through all the difference types of AMEX cards available?
  https://www.americanexpress.com/au/content/all-cards/cm/?ina…

• 

  Innately Incognito on 03/01/2017 - 10:04

  +1

  Unless you intend on using the frequent flyer points for non-economy fares (including upgrades) there's almost never a time when the surcharge is worthwhile as most AMEX surcharges are more than 1% which is about the maximum value you would get if booking economy reward flights.

  If your credit cards are there 'for a rainy day' and not seeing much use, then you're best off really looking for maximum sign-up bonuses on cards without an annual fee. Doubt you'll generate more points from spend than you would a large sign-up bonus based on the gist of your post.

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  Holysmoke on 03/01/2017 - 19:23

  Have a look at the no fee Amex's: Essential, Qantas Discovery and the Velocity Escape card. Here is a comparison

  Remember to apply using a referral for bonus points: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/american_express_referrals

• 

  bluesky on 03/01/2017 - 20:36

  I've read about a couple of deals with travel credits and points but the question is do they expire ?

  Depending on the card, and its reward points: Amex points do not expire; Qantas points, might expire based on Qantas program; Velocity, again based on Velocity program, which I have no idea about.

  I'd prefer not to pay a yearly fee if I don't have to …
  How much can points be worth …

  My comment provides some info about the 3 free cards, and rough value of the reward points. And this post gives info about the Essential card, which awards Amex Gateway points.

  How much can points be worth if I was to compare it with the surcharge some places charge for using AMEX as a rough guide please ?

  Generally speaking, when there is a surcharge, most often than not, it is better not to use it. However, I was just saying that it is a misconception Amex is impractical due to surcharges/non-acceptance; hardly need to resort to other cards except overseas purchases.

  I hope I can go to New York in 1-2 years

  If you want to net lots of points for trip, many OzBers seem to go with Amex Explorer (sort of the big brother of the Essential); which has $395 fee, but nets 110K points using a referral. And travel benefits (incl $400 travel credit) etc.

  Anyway, whichever card you decide to choose, applying via referral will get you a bigger bonus. Hope this helps.

• 

  brainactive on 03/01/2017 - 20:40

  +2

  The two stand out cards at the moment are:

  1) ANZ Black Card - $0 fee, 75k bonus QFF points

  2) Amex Explorer Card - $395 fee, bonus $400 (to be used on flights/hotels/sold for cash) and bonus 110k Amex points via referral

  To give you a feel for the value of points, a return to New York in economy is around 100k points.

  The other key differences between QFF points and Amex points:

  a) Expiry - QFF points expire in 18 months if you stop using your card. Amex points never expire as long as you have the card open
  b) Flight redemptions - QFF points can be redeemed for Qantas flights only. Amex points have more options, can convert to Virgin, Singapore airlines and a few others.
  c) Balance offset - QFF points cannot be used to offset balance. Amex points can be used to offset balance (which essentially acts as a cashback similar to ING card). The Explorer gives 2 Amex points per $ spend. This is equivalent to 1.5% cashback.

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  dealover on 04/01/2017 - 22:16

  +1

  Thanks a lot for your help everyone !!