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American Express Platinum Edge – Fee Waived First Year (Save $195) + 5,000 Bonus Points + $200 Travel Credit

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The American Express Platinum Edge fee free deal is back on, representing a saving of $195 for the first year of card membership. The card doesn’t come with a large serve of bonus points on sign up (just 5,000 AMEX MR points when you spend $750 in the first 3 months of card membership), and has been devalued in the eyes of some people with the replacement of an annual domestic return flight with a $200 travel credit. However, it has a generous points earn for everyday spend which many people will be able to use to their advantage.

Key card benefits:
*5,000 bonus AMEX MR Ascent points for new AMEX customers (transfer these at a rate of 1:1 to airline and hotel partners) when you spend $750 in the first 3 months of card membership.
*$200 Travel Credit every year (use to book flights, car hire, accommodation or experience bookings via AMEX Travel)
*0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 12 months
*Free supplementary cards (use to access ‘statement credits’)
*Complimentary enrolment in the Membership Rewards Ascent program7 saving you $80 per year
*Complimentary domestic and international Travel Insurance

To apply for the card, you’ll need to report a household income of $50,000 or more.

The Platinum Edge Card will earn you points in the AMEX MR ‘Ascent’ program, with points transferring out at a 1:1 rate to a number of airline programs (excluding Qantas). It’s worth noting that this card is also the highest earning AMEX card for supermarket and petrol spend. You’ll earn:
*3 points per dollar spent at major supermarkets
*2 points per dollar spent at major petrol stations
*1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases excluding utilities, insurance (except those issued by American Express), telecommunication providers and government bodies in Australia where you earn 0.5 points per dollar spent

You will earn 15,000 points instead of the normal 5,000 by using a referral link: AmEx referral Wiki

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.

Related Stores

American Express
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closed Comments

  • -3

    +1 to linking the Explorer to Ascent!

    • how do you do this? and what are the benefits?

      • -1

        You can call up and get Amex to link your reward programs to benefit from higher earn - not all will do it, it took me about 3 goes, I had success calling on a Saturday night. In the end though it nets 2ppd in the Ascent program which transfers 1:1 to most FF programs instead of the 4:3 in Gateway.

        • I tried to do this, and they kept saying no! I wanted to link to earn QFF

    • +2

      Just called amex, no luck for changing.

      • +1

        Do you have a card in both programs? My explorer credits to my ascent account for my platinum edge. Ausff is littered with examples of people successfully linking these

    • This loophole has been closed, see AFF thread.

      • Thanks, have removed the 'linkage' text as looks like this is no longer possible.

  • +2

    I mourned the loss of the free flight, but do think it's still a good card particularly for its point earning potential when it comes to groceries and petrol.

    • I think so.

      The travel credit pretty much negates the annual fee while the earning rate for supermarkets (3x) works out to be 2.1c per dollar spent there (cashback only) and even higher if you convert it to airline points.

      So even if you are very frugal with spending, say $5k a year on grocery and petrol it still works out to be a minimum of $100 cashback or more on airlines.

      • I've also found it pretty easy to become and maintain the "local champion" for places I visit frequently. That's a good way to earn an extra point on each dollar spent.

        • Only up to 1,000 points though I think. I'm Champion at the Pub and Petrol station. The Coles is hard to win.

    • +1

      For existing card holders wondering when the change kicks in…
      (taken from Amex website - http://www.pointhacks.com.au/credit-cards/american-express-p…)

      The change kicks in on March 30th – if you use the free flight by March 29th, existing cardholders won’t immediately receive the travel credit but will see it on their account on their next card anniversary. Those who haven’t used the flight before March 30th should find it automatically replaced with a travel credit on that date.

  • I paid my $195and got my bonus points but I'd much rather no fee and 1/3 bonus points!

  • I'm the 1 guy on OZB that has yet to get a AMEX card - Low income (round 80k) and Low spend (no kids, not a socialite) - whats your thoughts OZB?
    Pull the trigger finally on a credit card? I do like the No fee and max points with supermarkets and petrol

    • If you don't like a CC you can still accumulate points on Virgin FF for fuel or just shop with Woolies Everyday Rewards?

    • +3

      get the Amex Qanats Discover card. No fees ever and good for points and Amex deals. These deals are good for 'short term' but you have to fluff around and cancel re-apply etc if you'd like to avoid fees.

      https://www.americanexpress.com/au/content/frequent-flyer-ca…

    • +45

      80k, god damn i'm in the low income club

      • +2

        Believe me $80k in Sydney/Melb is 'low income', sad world we live in.

        • +25

          Is there something lower than that because that's what i'm in.

        • +32

          Earning above avg wage isn't considered low income. 80k can easily support a person quite comfortably in Syd/Mel. You just need to have realistic expectations and spend SMART. Which if course most people don't - e.g The number of people I see at the movies spending $60+ on popcorn / junk / drinks on top of the ticket price is mind boggling. I bet a lot of them cry poor.

        • +1

          @gimme:

          You should let them know Ozbargain has a deal for those popcorn / junk / drinks.

        • +11

          Reminds me of Whirlpool job related topics where most of members are earning over 100k.
          I think 80k is low income for a family and not for a single. I would say below 40k would be 'low income'.

        • @gimme:

          O believe me, I go to Woolies or Coles and sneak food into cinemas only on a Tuesday (cheapo day), people are generally smarter these days, unfortunately there's no OzB solution or coupon for rent in these cities ~$500pw, half your post tax income gone to just have a roof over your head. If you're a lucky one to live with family then by all means $80k is a lot!

        • I am sure millions and millions of people managed to get by in Sydney/Melbourne on less then $80k

          disclosure - looks like I am a "low income" earner too…….

          and I am not sure what is happening with you, but half of my pos-tax income is way more then $500pw, that is after HECS/HELP repayments too

        • +3

          80k will buy you a 3 bedroom house in Whyalla.

          Unfortunately for the Sydney siders it's only 1 min drive to work, I walk along the beach after work, we have a local pod of dolphins you can swim with, grab a few blue crabs for a feed while you are there, the shops are open to 10pm every night and you can use your Amex shop small credits within a 15km radius!

          Jobs are here for retail, trades,gov workers, tourism.

          Not sure why people spend the big bucks in Sydney, but there are alternatives.

        • +2

          @gimme:

          Filthy frankfurt here on my mobile :p

          I'm very thrifty and help support two (brother's who are unable to work) that make things a tad hard. I make all meals at home, utilising specials and buying bulk has helped me (as has this website)

          Even without 2 dependants I think 80k isnt going to stretch far in metro Melbourne. Having a social life +rent or mortgage would take most of it in an instant.
          Haha but that's just what I see in my small groups of friends. Everybody is different. :)

      • +29

        I'm on 55k a year. Am I under the poverty line or something????

        • +2

          same 50k club !!!

        • +2

          How do you even afford to eat!?
          (a few k more here)

        • +1

          Haha. We truly are lucky by world standards - "you are in the richest 2.9% of the world's population" according to givingwhatwecan.org/get-involved/how-rich-am-i/

      • +3

        When I was a student, and got low shifts, relying upon Centrelink benefits, I regarded that as low income. Alternatively when I got a couple of shifts and an extra $300 to spend, I thought I had heaps of cash.

        When I got my second full time job, clocking in at around $60k, I was so happy because I didn't have to worry about cash anymore.

        I now make more, but feel the same way. $80k is heaps, in the way that you don't have to struggle to maintain a pretty comfortable lifestyle.

        You can buy whatever food you like. You don't have to worry about bills, you can have some regular spending money on the side. That's a better position than most.

    • +3

      Personally, the AMEX Platinum edge is much better value if you use it for everyday purchases (over Qantas/Velocity cards) as you have the flexibility to transfer to many of AMEX's airline or hotel partners.

    • +2

      I don't think 80k is really low income :P but yes, get this (or another AMEX). If not for your spending, at least to access the AMEX cashback deals.

    • +10

      If you are earning 80k you are earning more than around 80% of the tax-paying population.

    • +9

      Low income at 80K. By those standards, I'm homeless.

    • +1

      I'm on a noticeably lower income than that and I have not had issues with getting multiple Amex cards. Though, if you're low spend, concentrate on higher bonus point offers - get on to the Explorer, I'd say.

    • Dude sign up to the AMEX Explorer today, 100,000 bonus points on spend of 1500. I bought $88 Eftpos cards from Woolies and the $475 e-gift cards from Cashrewards. Heaps of value packed into the card if you are travelling this year.

    • +1

      See if one of the free cards suit you. My comment provides some info on free Amex cards.
      I also posted about the free Amex Essential here. Hope it helps!

      • thanks kindly - will check it out

        • … whats your thoughts OZB?
          Pull the trigger finally on a credit card? I do like the No fee and max points with supermarkets and petrol

          Sorry, I skimmed so fast before replying, I practically focused on the first parts (you asking on thoughts about getting a credit card, and no fee). Only reading carefully, I realise you were asking specifically about this card, and priority on max points with supermarkets and petrol. On this basis, I think this current deal might be better.

    • +2

      Low income (round 80k)

      Damned it, how is 80k a low income. Low income is below 48K

    • im on 49k and have a 45k Amex from CBA

      go figure…

      CBA just keep uping it for me for free..

  • anyway to get the explorer with the first year fee waived?

    • +1

      Sadly it doesn't appear to be possible. I've read reports from people who have asked to get it as the free companion card for the Platinum Charge card, but AMEX has given them flat no. We can only hope that they may consider a fee free offer in the future :)

  • +1

    Thanks OP. This deal definitely better than the referral as I'd rather take a bonus hit, but pay $0. Oh the $200 travel credit helps too.

  • can the $200 credit be stacked with the $400 credit if I already have the explorer AMEX?

    • I don't think you can do it online (the credits show up separately in AMEX Travel), but you might be able to stack them if you book via the call centre. Worth a try.

      • thanks mate

  • +2

    Are these any good for someone who prefers to fly economy with budget airlines? (Jetstar)

    • +8

      If you prefer to fly economy with budget airlines then Amex is not for you. Amex is for people who aspire to greatness.

      • Hey Trump - not sure if you're being serious with your comment, but if you are, I don't agree.

        If I had to recommend one credit card to someone "starting out", it would definitely be an AMEX and not a Mastercard/Visa.

        Here's a comment I made about it recently and why I think AMEX > Mastercard/Visa.

      • Actually, it is a bit of a misconception that Amex is only good for those who fly premium class. Amex offers a wide variety of cards, and not all are necessarily geared towards the flyer.
        E.g. I buy my own flights on economy, on budget airlines etc. Yet, my main everyday credit card is an Amex. Specifically, the free Amex Essential, which I posted about here.

        Not many free cards in the market have so many benefits - cashback of 0.741% generally, free smartphone screen insurance, extended warranty, refund protection (for change of mind purchases), purchase protection for breakage/theft. All without paying a cent! Not to mention the generous cashback offers/promotions which even a free card can participate in.

        Which is why, irrespective of how one flies, an Amex card is worth checking out for its benefits per se. After all, what downsides can there be with a free card? :-)

  • +2

    Important to add, those with a professional association can get a better deal.
    Annual fee is rebated first year, 10,000 bonus points and a lower ongoing annual fee.

    For example:
    https://www.americanexpress.com/au/content/caedge/

    • Hellow my fellow CA member :)

      • Not quite the same for NSW Law Society members - no bonus points!

        Accountants must have beat them down…

        Edit: Sorry, reply was meant to be for next post above.

    • the webpage for the professional association offer (like the one for CA that you've linked to) still says return flights, wonder if that's still true (or if it's just a case of webpage not being updated)

      • +2

        Not anymore, I've got a CA plat edge and got a letter saying the free flight is being taken away

    • I don't see any mention of the 10,000 bonus points in the link ?

      Same for cpa

      https://www.americanexpress.com/au/content/cpaedge/

      • Hmm I was pretty sure I saw it this afternoon. Maybe they've changed it since along with the other amex offers today or maybe I was dreaming.

    • think ACS used to have it too

  • ANZ rewards black which gives you 75k anz reward points is a better deal if you can qualify.

    75k points is worth a lot more in "travel credit" than $200 + 5k points.

    • +6

      WhyNotBoth.gif ??

      • -2

        because of this thing called a credit score

        • -2

          Just pay the full closing balance on time and your credit score should be okay.

          You shouldn't be getting these cards for the rewards (points, travel credits etc), if you are struggling to pay your closing balance.

        • +5

          @khonfahm: Credit score is mainly affected by applications for credit. Not paying your balance in full should have little effect unless you are actually in default (ie. they are taking action to recover the debt).

        • lol

        • +3

          @djkelly69: All I know is that I've applied for (and received) a half dozen credit cards in the past year, and successfully applied for a home loan - all with no issues whatsoever.

          A lot of people bring up credit scores in these threads, but I've yet to see any evidence of it causing issues.

          Would LOVE to see proof otherwise though, because a part of me does fear repercussions from holding so many CC's.

        • @railspider:

          A few people on here (myself) got knocked back from the Low Rate Commbank Card ($250 credit after $500 spend), even though they claimed to have a great credit history and solid income. It was pretty bizarre. I applied for the ANZ Travel Rewards card shortly after with absolutely no issues.

        • @j4ck: Funny you should say that, the Commbank Card was the only one I had trouble with (got a call from the bank and asked to bring proof of my wages in). I didn't put it down to my credit history, more to CommBank's anal policies, but who knows.

          Regardless, I was just approved for this card.

        • @railspider: Do you regularly check your own credit score? What affect did the half dozen card applications have on it?

          If you check your score regularly, you can clearly see the affect each application has.

          Also not every bank/lender has the same criteria - I got denied by BankWest for a high-ish card a few years ago, but have had no issues with black/platinum cards with 3 other banks.

        • @railspider:

          It really annoyed me. That was my first credit rejection. I've had no issues with getting a home loan and black cards.

          What's even worst is that I reapplied and got approved, and before I could use it they reversed their decision and wanted additional info on my financial history (even after providing two tax returns and a month worth of payslips). I told them to piss off and cancelled the application. Won't be dealing with CBA again, that's for sure.

        • @djkelly69: Have not checked it myself in 5+ years. It was checked by the bank for my home loan and apparently was fine.

          I've heard that checking your score more than once a year can affect the rating (honestly, anything to do with credit ratings appears to be 50% myth and rumour) so try to avoid it.

          I pay off all my CC debt and cancel cards once I'm done with them, so hopefully that helps maintain a good rating - at least that's how it works in the USA.

        • @j4ck: We were in the same boat it seems. I also lost patience with their demands - a free $250 would've been nice but I've got no time for CBA's posturing and pointless hassle. Have no intention of dealing with them again.

        • @railspider:

          Totally agree man! Much better cards out there anyways! Such jerks…

        • @khonfahm:
          More for the fact that you gotta apply which affects your credit score. And having a greater number of credit cards also affects things like getting a home loan.

          Not paying your credit card balance actually has no effect on your credit rating. You get interest etc. But that's it.

        • @j4ck: Yeah I had a mate get knocked back as well even though his credit score would've been fine and is on a pretty substantial income. No idea why, however mine got approved… can't work out what their reasoning is.

        • @hawkus81:

          Neither. One of my good mates had no issues, and we've got nearly identical situations (albeit with me on the larger income). And my partner breezed through even though she's in a worse financial position! Can't really do anything besides laugh it off…

  • Does this or any other current AMEX annual fee free cards allow access to AMEX lounges overseas?
    Got my ANZ card for he Syd lounge, but got a decent stop over in LAX on way home, and hoping to use the lounge there for a while..

    • No. You'll have to stump up for a premium card with a heftier fee (Explorer, Ultimate, Velocity Platinum or Platinum Charge) to get entry.

      • +1

        any ideas which one is the cheapest?

      • I have Explorer card, but I don't think it gives access to Overseas Lounge..

        However, ANZ Black Frequent flyer card provides access to Veloce Lounges overseas

        • Correct. Explorer card only provides lounge access to the Sydney international airport AMEX lounge.

    • +1

      I have the platinum reserve ($295 for certain professions) and you can get 2 annual passes…not much but better than nothing.

      What's that ANZ card? I'm interested!

  • Hey guys, I'm 19 and need your opinion;

    I still live at home (no rent), have a car, in which costs me about $70 each week (fuel, comprehensive, rego). I work whilst studying full time and get about $600 a week, $200 going to a rental property I purchased a few years back (interest free loan to cover the deposit from my parents which I have now cleared) after saving for a long time. Other than that most of my money goes into a savings account that builds up to an amount which I then decide to spend on a holiday or put towards the home (fees, mortgage pay down).

    This is all I really allocate my money to at the moment and might spend $50-100 on food and beers throughout the week. Thats it, all on a debit, zero fees.

    I have interest in collecting points, for the obvious travel benifits, and have been collecting Qantas points through the WOW ER program for a while now, but seems to be doing nothing.

    Do you think this Amex card would be at all beneficial to me with the little that I currently spend and my financial situation as of this instant?

    I really need some honest opinions, I have asked many adults and they all say "watch out there is so many fees" or it is "too dangerous". Thanks, in advanced.

    • You wouldn't meet the required spend for this card, I don't think.
      However yes, I recommend collecting points. Credit cards are perfectly safe, and actually rather handy, if you simply have self control and understand that it's not 'free money' like it seems.
      I just put most things on the AMEX and pay it off every week. EZ points + free flight + free money.

  • The $200 Travel Credit can be redeemed against any single eligible travel booking of $200 or more where applicable when booking online through americanexpress.com.au/travel.

    Does anyone know if the flights/ hotel/ etc availability on AMEX travel and its pricing are competitive or not?

    E.g. The travel portal for Westpac altitude is useless both in terms of avaiability and pricing.

    • +1

      the flights from what ive soon are comparable, perhaps slightly more expensive +/- 5%

    • Flights are comparable (except no budget airlines). Hotel prices have been similar and sometimes cheaper than Expedia etc when I've looked however the range is more limited

  • I've just applied for a card for myself and a supplementary card for the mrs.

    Does the supp card come with an additional $200 travel credit?

    • +1

      No, it does not.

      • Thanks for the reply. Can it be used to register for amex discounts though? If not - I'm wondering what was the point of applying for a supplementary card….

        EDIT - one more query… will the supplementary card in my wife's name, prevent my wife from applying for her own card?

        • +1

          All supplementary cards will have their own numbers so can be registered for Amex offers seperately. I have multiple supplementary cards for each of my cards specifically for the offers.

          Having the supplementary card in your wife's name won't affect her applying for her own card.

          Ideally, you would want the referral offer to update so its free, and then you can refer your own wife and get the referral bonus points too. Currently though referring someone doesn't give you the first year annual fee free.

        • @pickme: Can you have multiple supplementary card for one person, say…wife? or do you have multiple persons?

        • -2

          @AG1304x:

          yeah one for each limb and orifice … facepalm.

    • Hi, did they ask you to submit payslips?

      • +1

        I wasn't asked.

        Driver's licence & previous address was the only personally identifying info required

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