Switch AmEx Cards and Keep Points?

Rigby on 26/06/2017 - 09:01
Last edited 26/06/2017 - 10:37 by 1 other user

I signed up last year to the Amex explorer card and got 100k points. My renewal is coming up and I'm keen on avoiding paying the $395 annual fee.

Does anyone know:

  • If I sign up for another Amex issued card, can I transfer my points to the new card?
  • If I sign up for a bank issued Amex card (for eg Westpac's Altitude card) can I transfer my points to the new card?

Assessing my options on what to do. I'd still like to keep an Amex card, as I like the deals and point earning, but the explorer card is a bit expensive for me. Would appreciate any advice!

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Comments

  • Alki87 on 26/06/2017 - 09:21

    You cannot transfer your Amex points to Bank issued Amex. Not sure on AMEX to AMEX though

  • Peck on 26/06/2017 - 09:36

    I had AMEX Platinum Charge card first. ($1200 annual fee but lots of freebies) Later I applied for and received Amex explorer card. Once I had my bonus points I consolidated them all into the AMEX Platinum Charge card's Ascent scheme. This is a more generous scheme too for redemptions. All of this took some time to do though.

    • MathNerd on 06/11/2017 - 09:08

      Hey Peck, just wondering what's your combo now? Do you still have both the Charge and Explorer or just the Explorer? Wouldn't they transfer all points to Gateway if you closed your Charge and had only the Explorer open?
      This is why I have both Platinum Edge and Explorer, so the Explorer can earn into Ascent. If I can close this (to save the $195 annual fee), then that'd be great (but then I'd lose the 3ppd at supermarkets and WISH eGift card site). So many decisions….

      • Peck on 06/11/2017 - 10:32

        I have the AMEX Platinum Charge card, 3 Free companion AMEX Platinum Reserve Credit cards (1 each for my sons & I) and Amex Explorer card.
        ANd so I receive 3 travel credits that I usually give to my sons (I travel and stay cheep cheep)
        To view my Ascent scheme points balance I have to look under the AMEX Platinum Charge card.
        And therefore I suspect that, without the Platinum Charge card, I could not be in the Ascent scheme.
        As the Platinum edge has no freebies attached that is a tough decision & that is why I can't justify it to myself.
        For supermarkets I buy '7% off' Woolies vouchers from OZB operators, and Coles vouchers for about 4% off after fees from Union Shopper.
        I use Explorer for just about everything (2 points), and Platinum Charge for hotels & travel (2 points) just to keep it active.

        • Peck on 06/11/2017 - 14:02

          OOps I see that Platinum Edge has a $200 travel credit!

  • [Deactivated] on 26/06/2017 - 10:15

    Transfer your Amex points to Qantas or Virgin FF. then close the card.

  • eapster on 26/06/2017 - 10:20

    I asked Amex the same question a week ago (re: transfer of points from one Amex to another) and was told that I could not transfer points between cards but I could transfer it to a FF account to consolidate points.
    But having said this both my cards were not on the same rewards program (one was Ascent, the other Gateway), if they were, maybe they would have allowed it. Not sure.

  • nickomac on 26/06/2017 - 10:31
    +4

    Have you called them up to see if you can switch to the Amex Essential card? I believe it's in the same program as the Explorer (Gateway) and has no annual fee

  • tunzafun001 on 26/06/2017 - 12:11

    When I was in this position last year closing my CPA Platinum Edge (and I wasn't sure which FF program I wanted to transfer them into), I was offered a no annual fee Gold Card. My points are now sitting there for life. However, this means I am not eligible for any new AMEX card promotions (needs to be closed for 12 months).

  • mtfranklin on 27/06/2017 - 17:55

    I had the platinum reserve until this month, I applied for the platinum edge (without bonus points) for the points to stay in my account and then cancel the reserve. The Reserve is now cancelled but my account still has all the points. No need to transfer it to a FF.

    • Peck on 27/06/2017 - 18:21

      I thought that the platinum Reserve Credit Card had no fees and would be worth holding onto (I have it as a free companion card to my Platinum Charge card)

      • mtfranklin on 27/06/2017 - 20:26
        +1

        Platinum reserve was a stand alone card with a $295 fee (through CPA), it included a free return flight to NZ. They've stopped this and included a $400 travel credit like the explorer, which is the reason I cancelled.

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