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American Express Explorer $395 Fee 100,000 Bonus Member Rewards Points + $400 Travel Credit

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American Express Explorer $395 Fee 100,000 Bonus Member Rewards Points + $400 Travel Credit
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ihavecentsnotsense on 04/07/2017 - 15:54 americanexpress.com (4375 clicks)
Last edited 21/08/2017 - 22:24 by 3 other users

This is a great deal, and continues on from this one, except that it DOUBLES the bonus points to 100,000. Please note that the 100,000 points offer isn't showing on the Desktop site (yet), but it is on the Mobile site now showing and through referral links.

You will receive 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards points (in the Amex Gateway Program) when you apply online, are approved and spend $1,500 on your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Please note, you must not hold an Amex (apart from bank-issued ones), or have held one in the last 18 months.

Membership Rewards points are well recognised for the great value they have when transferred to airline and hotel programs. For example, each MR point in the Gateway program converts to 0.75 points in the Virgin Australia Velocity, Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines Krisflyer programs.

It's especially good value to transfer to Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) at a rate of 2 MR points to 1 SPG point. Once in SPG they can be converted to many airline programs or used to book hotels - some great savings!

Benefits:

$400 Travel Credit every year to use on flights, hotels, experiences or car hire booked online with American Express Travel. You can use this credit to book travel for anyone you choose.

Earn up to 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases.

Smartphone Screen Insurance for up to $500 for screen repairs to your Smartphone when you pay for your phone or contract with your card.

Travel insurance, buyers advantage, purchase protection, and refund protection.

2 entries per year to the American Express Lounge at Sydney International (Kingsford Smith) Airport T1.

0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 12 months — A one-off credit plan establishment fee of 1% applies to any balances transferred.

The $400 travel credit more than offsets the $395 annual fee.

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

  • hes21 on 05/07/2017 - 00:01

    No point cap.

    Is anyone putting all their businesses expenses through?

    • daft009 on 05/07/2017 - 05:10

      Mmhmm

  • zhen on 05/07/2017 - 06:23

    If you already have any American express cards, you still can apply this but you won't get the bonus: "Bonus & Eligibility. Offer only available to new American Express Card Members who apply online by 2 October 2017"?

  • tlattouf on 05/07/2017 - 08:06

    Dam I got my Amex Explorer 2 weeks ago with the 50000 bonus. Do you think I can call them to get 100k?

    • kwokstar on 05/07/2017 - 08:56

      ill give it a shot as well! I got mine 2 weeks ago too

  • superbass on 05/07/2017 - 08:30
    +2

    Already have two Amex and cancelled Plat charge two months ago.
    I am going to try a method to see if it works and will report back in 7 days. (When I applied for a card last time, it only took me couple of days to arrive and plan to spend $1500 on day one)

    • maverick1 on 05/07/2017 - 09:21

      Fantastic. Please keep us posted. I am very keen to try. Holding a discovery for last 2 years now. Keen to apply for this one.

    • triple a on 05/07/2017 - 16:57

      waiting to hear your report

    • T-man on 05/07/2017 - 20:00

      could you please pm me your method? I would like to try as well. Thanks.

      • superbass on 05/07/2017 - 21:35

        I will report back to you all if it is successful

        • Bellpop on 06/07/2017 - 20:23

          Please report back here too. Thanks :)

    • superbass on 27/07/2017 - 22:50

      Reporting back to all that I have applied for a card but they were smart enough to not give $100k points this time. This was very different experience compared to when I got $120k points last year from Plat card.

      Upon receiving the explorer card, I had spent ~$3k in two days and nothing but no bonus points after two weeks. I transferred ~6k points to SPG and closed my account just then before the annual fee hits the account. i.e. I didn't pay any annual fees at all (as long as you don't spend your travel credit) I used couple of 'offers' in the offers tab like DJ offer (spend $40 and get $15), Hey you, Under Armour etc and got credits.

    • starburstyellow on 09/08/2017 - 18:52

      Mistake

  • showmethedeals on 05/07/2017 - 08:43

    Is the balance transfer considered as "spending $1500"?

    • Uzb9811 on 05/07/2017 - 08:55
      +1

      No, it's not. Must be on purchases.

  • binatang on 05/07/2017 - 10:06

    So this amex issued card would qualify for all them 'purchase this and get so many $$ back yes? For these type of deals is amex issued preferred to bank issued? Never had amex so would appreciate those in the know for any assistance thanks

    • ihavecentsnotsense on 05/07/2017 - 10:08

      Yes, you can get Amex statement credits on this card! Bank issued cards aren't favoured for statement credits; usually all Amexes are eligible. If anything, Amex issued cards get better perks!

  • TravelKon on 05/07/2017 - 11:38

    For those who had existing amex card, I tried applying the explorer and had Qantas Discovery and Amex Gold Card (BMW - applied ages ago) - and I did not receive the bonus points even after contacting them.

    This is 2 different case (2 different people). Still kept the card though since I managed to sell the travel credit to a friend which covers the annual fee!

  • Gelato on 05/07/2017 - 12:02
    +2

    being a current explorer card holder - i'm recommending this card!

  • plebbbb on 05/07/2017 - 12:08

    Is someone able to confirm something for me with respect to the $400 Travel Credit - how long does it take to appear on your account? Is it right after you pay the annual fee? Or is it after your first monthly bill has been paid in full? Or something else?

    • TravelKon on 05/07/2017 - 12:33
      +1

      You will get it as soon as you get the card and activate it. I used the travel credit before I paid the annual fee. Before anyone ask I tried asking to cancel the card before the annual fee kicks in and they said since I used the travel credit the annual fee will not be waived

      • plebbbb on 05/07/2017 - 15:54

        Thanks!

  • Vikash on 05/07/2017 - 12:32

    How is Amex Travel in terms of availability of airlines? I generally fly the best deal I can get. I just looked at Sydney Japan and they only list Qantas.. while Japan Airlines and ANA have better fares.

    • TravelKon on 05/07/2017 - 12:35

      Not the best as it only list full service airline and they generally charge whatever the airline charges (unlike skyscanner which is lower than the full price). Still it's not too bad

      • Vikash on 05/07/2017 - 12:36

        Really odd though because JAL and ANA are definitely full-service.

        Also looked at SYD HKG and they only list Qantas and Cathay again.

  • xcx on 05/07/2017 - 12:41

    Just wondering where it says that 1 MR point coverts to .75 Velocity. Having a look on the Amex site and it seems to indicate that

    1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Velocity point *

    Can anyone clarify what I'm missing with this?

    • Uzb9811 on 05/07/2017 - 12:45
      +1

      You're possibly looking at another one of the Membership Rewards programs - Explorer is under Gateway but there are at least a couple others, such as Ascent, and they have different conversion rates.

      • xcx on 05/07/2017 - 12:52

        cheers thanks, you are right - i was looking at the ascent MR redeeming value. i just followed the links from the explorer card though and it all seems to link through to ascent, i cant actually seem to find the gateway ones on there.

        • Uzb9811 on 05/07/2017 - 13:15

          That's odd, it is definitely 0.75 for Velocity though.

  • Burger R on 05/07/2017 - 12:43

    Wanted to ask, does the $395 annual fee is counted for the minimum $1500 spending requirement?

  • AncientWisdom on 05/07/2017 - 14:36
    +5

    I got one on a previous 100k point deal. It's an OK card but I find the travel credit a pain in the ass - you have to spend it all on one transaction. So you basically have to find within 12 months something that is available through Amex Travel website (remember it doesn't include low fare airlines and hotels are generally more expensive). At the end of the year I plan on cancelling it and sticking to my Platinum Edge card. Sure, I get less 0.5 point per $1 (on everyday expenses not including groceries and fuel, after conversion) but also $200 cheaper.

    YMMV.

    This does not mean you should/shouldn't get it - the 100k points are worth a lot of money.

  • wallysta on 05/07/2017 - 15:11

    I went to generate a refettal link for a friend but that page is showing only 30k/60k bonuses for those using a referral link on both the website and phone app. While it may simply be that the page hasn't been updated yet, I would advise caution using referral links until that page updates to reflext the 100k bonus

    • ihavecentsnotsense on 05/07/2017 - 15:26
      -1

      The 100,000 points is available to everyone - you don't need a referral link to get it. You're welcome to use a referral link to help out your fellow ozbargainers though! I also just checked to see what it's showing by clicking the referral link through ozbargain's referral system and Amex is definitely reflecting that you get 100,000 points. You might be looking at the wrong card?!

      • wallysta on 05/07/2017 - 15:53

        I am aware you don't need a referral link to be eligible for the 100k bonus. I also understand the concept of helping out fellow ozbargainers by clicking on the referral link, which is why I posted my warning, specifically about what appears on the page that generates these referral links, and that by using one the referrer/referee will get a 30k/60k bonus, not 100k as is currently on offer. While it is probable that the page simply hasn't updated yet, with the expiry of this promotion on 2nd October, I advised caution for now if anyone intends on using a referral. By all means use a referral link now if you're comfortable and cant wait a day or two for AMEX to update / clarify this page, just don't cry if you only get 60k points

        • TravelKon on 05/07/2017 - 16:31
          +1

          Not sure why yours is showing 30k/60k, mine definitely shows 30k/100k

        • ihavecentsnotsense on 05/07/2017 - 17:12

          @holyplai: so is mine

        • wallysta on 05/07/2017 - 17:24

          @holyplai: Mine is still showing 30/60k, and checked with a friend who said the same. Hopefully it's updating in batches and all will be done soon.

      • wallysta on 05/07/2017 - 17:26
        +1

        [@ihavecentsnotsense] NEG'd by the OP for running interference on your referrals?

        • ihavecentsnotsense on 05/07/2017 - 18:16

          I don't really know what you're asking here, but I am the OP. I just didn't like you extrapolating your experience to everyone and advising caution when it seems it's working fine for the majority of people.

        • wallysta on 06/07/2017 - 09:18
          +1

          @ihavecentsnotsense: You didn't like me sharing my experience because it might stop someone from using your referral link for a couple of days. So you neg'd the comment. That's real ozbargain spirit.

        • ihavecentsnotsense on 06/07/2017 - 10:03

          @wallysta: that's incorrect - I negged the comment to highlight that it wasn't an experience that was reflective of everyone's experience and that there wasn't necessarily any reason to be concerned. But, at the end of the day, you can think what you want - I don't really care. Have a good day!

        • wallysta on 06/07/2017 - 13:14
          +1

          @ihavecentsnotsense: How do you know what everyone elses experiences are? If YOU have a different experience, then comment on that, just as others did, but don't NEG a post to hide it because you have a vested interest in people using your referral and you don't care if people using it get 60k or 100k bonus points

        • ihavecentsnotsense on 06/07/2017 - 13:24

          @wallysta: FYI, your post isn't hidden. :-)

          I find it strange that you're so angry about this! And you're making such crazy assumptions and accusations against me! Calm down and enjoy your day - there's more to life! And for the record, I hope you and your friends get heaps of referrals. :-)

        • ihavecentsnotsense on 06/07/2017 - 13:40

          @wallysta: there we go - I just reversed my neg of your post! I still disagree with you though and don't consider it an issue - but hopefully my removing the neg will help you sleep tonight! :-)

  • wallysta on 05/07/2017 - 17:52
    +18

    This is a seriously good card with the 100,000 point bonus. For those unsure how to spend the points, if you apply with your partner, there is a way to get 7 nights accomadation + 2 x business / first class flights to Asia. This hack has been outlined previously on pointhacks.com.au and also posted on a previous version of this 100k bonus but I've updated it to show the other bonus points available through the current life insurance offer.

    2 x people apply for card. 1 refers the other for a total of 230,000 Membership Rewards Gateway points
    2 x $1,500 minimum spend to receive bonus = 6,000 MRG points
    2 x 20k Life Insurance promotion = 40,000 MRG = Total 276,000 MRG Points

    Send 180,000 points to SPG = 90,000 SPG -> = 270,000 Marriott Points (And 96,000 MRG Remaining)

    Use 270,000 Marriott Points to redeem 7 Night Stay + 132,000 United Airlines Miles OR 120,000 Alaska Airlines Miles (Google: Marriott Rewards Plus redemption)
    Remaining 96,000 MRG points can be transferred through SPG (48,000pts) for an extra 24,000 United @ 1:2 or 58,000 Alaska @ 1:1 + 25% bonus on 20k

    Totals 156,000 United Miles or 178,000 Alaska Miles

    United is 30,000pts to Sth Asia (Up to Hong Kong) or 40,000pts to North Asia in Business One Way on Star Alliance partners = Enough for 2 x Business Return
    Alaska is 30,000 pts in business and 45,000pts in first class to Hong Kong = Just about enough for 2 return in either class. You can also buy unlimited numbers of Alaska miles to top up your account

    You could also choose to take 120,000 British Airways Avios which are a great value redemption for short haul domestic (4,500pts Mel-Syd)

    • potm on 05/07/2017 - 18:00
      +2

      For anyone thinking of doing this, United is doing a devaluation effective 1 November. The cheap rates between Aus and Asia are being demolished. The other airlines may be a better option if you can't lock it in before then.

      • wallysta on 05/07/2017 - 18:13
        +2

        Nice pick up, I hadn't seen that at all. Thanks
        South Asia to/from Australia/New Zealand — Economy from 17.5k to 25k; business class from 30k to 50k; first class from 40k to 65k
        North Asia to/from Australia/New Zealand — Economy from 20k to 30k; business class from 40k to 55k; first class from 50k to 75k

    • maverick1 on 05/07/2017 - 21:31

      what category Marriott hotels are included in the 7 night offer?

      • wallysta on 06/07/2017 - 08:10

        Cat 1-5 for the 270,000 then steps up 30,000 per catagory after that

      • John Stone on 06/07/2017 - 17:03
        +2

        Also, if you are on the fence about what category Marriott Hotel/Fly package to get, just get the base package.
        You can upgrade your hotel certificate at any time for 30,000 Marriott Points (20,000 Amex points) per category.

        The rule of thumb is that you get the base package of hotel category, but you get the highest airline point package that you can afford. As you go up the packages it is basically 1 Marriot Point = 1 Airline point. That is absolutely crazy value, when you consider that 1 SPG point is also = 1 Airline point. And 1 SPG point converts to 3 Marriott Points.

        The hotel certificates are valid for 12 months, however Marriott will extend it by another 12 months. You just need to call them.

        I got the 270,000 point Marriott Hotel/Fly package a few months ago. I deposited the points into AAdvantage, which only took a few days. Because AAdvantage had a promo on, I got a bonus 25% points.

        So for 270,000 Marriot points or 180,000 Amex points, I got a 7 night Category 1-5 stay, plus 150,000 Aadvantage points. As a point of comparison that is 15 (Economy), 7.5 (Business) one way flights anywhere in Australia, or 10 (Economy), 6 (Business) one way flights from anywhere in Australia to New Zealand on Qantas. Pretty good deal if you ask me.

        An alternative is, I could have converted those 180,000 Amex points into Velocity points, but I would have only received 135,000 points. That's probably only enough for about 7 or so Economy flights in Australia, due to Velocity's higher redemption rates.

        http://www.marriott.com/rewards/usepoints/morepack.mi

        • MathNerd on 28/07/2017 - 12:12

          Are you George Clooney?
          https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_in_the_Air_(2009_film)

        • ssjmark on 09/09/2017 - 07:57

          Did you mean United points rather than AAdvantage points?

          Is there any other airlines points you can get the Marriott package with? or is it just United?

    • mouseman99 on 27/07/2017 - 12:32

      Hi mate

      How do you combine two people's points together? i.e. if me and the wife apply to get 230,000 MRG pts

      Thanks

      • DaHuntz on 01/08/2017 - 14:25
        +1

        You cannot combine MRG pts. What Wallysta meant was two people applied two cards and these points are in separate accounts. However, you may transfer these points to SPG as SPG allows transferring Starpoints between account as long as you have the same address and accounts open at least 30 days.

        • mouseman99 on 01/08/2017 - 16:33

          makes sense. thank you

    • ssjmark on 05/09/2017 - 22:51

      If i have 360k appoints combined over 2 cards. How can i use them to buy two 7 night plus united miles packages?

      Would you be able to combine the United miles from both package purchases to then use on flights?

  • ham12 on 05/07/2017 - 20:50
    +8

    Thanks to whomever recently used the ozbargain random referral. Just got a 30k referral bonus :)

    Keep it up Ozbargain!

  • robhung on 06/07/2017 - 10:47
    +1

    After you spend $1.5k and get the 100k points and used the $400 travel credit, is it worthwhile to just cancel the card straight away so you can start your 18 months of not holding an AMEX card and prepare for the next promo? I know you've already paid the $395 annual fee so there's no harm in keeping it for the entire year, but less waiting time for a card you don't need seems like a smarter play.

    • ihavecentsnotsense on 06/07/2017 - 10:51
      +1

      This card is also eligible for Amex statement credits and the shop small promotion, so you might want to consider that if it's your only Amex card, because it's likely you'll be able to use some of those bonuses in the remainder of the year.

  • jackwoz on 06/07/2017 - 17:00

    Out of interest, how long does it take to be approved (or not)?

    • John Stone on 06/07/2017 - 17:04

      I got instant approval when I got mine.

    • Jabberwocky on 13/07/2017 - 22:36
      +1

      I applied on 7th July, 8th-9th was weekend.
      Had my card on the 12th… 3 days

      • jackwoz on 14/07/2017 - 10:56

        I called them. Ive been advised its on its way to me :)

  • cardiology on 07/07/2017 - 10:55

    Hi, I got an existing AMEX issued Qantas credit card since 2008 which is free for life, I think this product is no longer available now. Anyone has experience getting the bonus points for this promotion? Should I take the risk? If the bonus points don't arrive, could I cancel the card and get a partial refund of the annual fee?

    • maverick1 on 09/07/2017 - 01:23

      I hv a similar situation for missus. Waiting to hear some success stories. Been going through Aus frequnt flyer thread it seems the success rate has come down starting this year.
      There is no financial loss as the fee is matched by travel credit. Jus that another enquiry on ur credit file. Don't think they refund fee on pro rata basis anymore!

  • Bullion78 on 07/07/2017 - 13:10

    How many have applied, been approved without needing to submit payslips? I'm in the position of being asset and cash rich but low income at present.

    • John Stone on 07/07/2017 - 16:43

      I haven't required to submit pay slips for any of my Amex applications. They appear a lot more leniant and willing to give credit than some others.

  • ssjmark on 10/07/2017 - 13:11

    I got a message saying my application has been submitted and will be processed in 5-10 days. Does that mean I haven't been approved?

    • Explor9r on 10/07/2017 - 14:16

      Not yet, they may contact you soon and it'll generally lead to approval.

  • Jabberwocky on 13/07/2017 - 22:34
    +1

    Wow..AMEX is pretty quick. Applied on 7th July, got the card on the 12th. Given 8th-9th was a weekend.
    So 2-3 days from application to delivery.
    Quite Impressive response.

  • AndyNBP on 14/07/2017 - 15:41

    I just got AMEX Explore card few days ago. But I won't get bonus, because i'm holding another AMEX Card already.

    • cache on 14/07/2017 - 21:20

      i'm curious: why apply knowing you wont get the bonus? the $400 travel credit is probably not worth the $395 annual fee since bookings on the amex travel site are more pricey.

      • AndyNBP on 14/07/2017 - 22:55
        -2

        Maybe because I'm already have 2 AMEX Platinum Velocity. Just got AMEX Platinum card 3 weeks ago as well.
        But hoping, can still get bonus points from Platinum & Explore card.

      • Bullion78 on 19/07/2017 - 11:05

        Have you tried getting them to price match?

        • AndyNBP on 19/07/2017 - 18:21

          Yes. I got the Welcome Bonus 80K points in Platinum card account few days ago.

        • maverick1 on 19/07/2017 - 21:19

          @AndyNBP: wud be keen to know if u get bonus for explorer. pls keep us posted. txx

        • AndyNBP on 25/07/2017 - 16:18
          -2

          Oh No. I spent over $1540 on my new Amex Explorer Card, it applied display over 3,050 Amex Gateway on the account already, but don't have any bonus points. How can I do now, pls? :((

  • vdj on 20/07/2017 - 12:50

    This might be an ignorant question - I'm new to the whole AMEX world - tossing up between this one and this deal
    Anyone have any pointers? Seems pretty similar to me!

    • schmucky on 25/07/2017 - 11:24

      Depends if you looking to accrue Qantas or keep them as AMEX points while you figure what airline you want to use it on. Keep in mind the explorer is on the Gateway program so only converts to .75/ airline points. For example 1 Amex Point = 0.75 Velocity.

      I still prefer the amex as it is more flexible and can transfer points to programs such as Asia Miles (Cathay) or Krisflyer (singapore airlines) and their taxes generally lower than qantas.

  • TravelKon on 25/07/2017 - 17:34
    +4

    Remember you can also apply for the David Jones Amex (you can use the ozb referral link above) if you need to top up your points, at 40k bonus and only $99 annual fee it's the easiest way to reach 180k mark to redeem the 7 nights marriott package + miles program of your choice. Personally I have done this and now have a business trip to Japan and Asia :)!

  • maverick1 on 29/07/2017 - 09:20

    on the DJ amx referral code - it seems my DJ AMX ref code has apparently been clicked/used 17 times - but iv never got even one single 20K bonus. 17 clicks and no success??

  • hishaken on 29/07/2017 - 22:59

    How to open Explorer account but with ascent program instead of gateway?
    (don't want to open the other edge)

  • heineken016 on 02/08/2017 - 10:51

    Am I missing something, or is the 30k referral bonus not on anymore?

    • starburstyellow on 09/08/2017 - 19:03

      Think just you. I can still generate referral link and link says 30K bonus stil there.

  • aussie1 on 04/08/2017 - 07:54

    2 entries per year to the American Express Lounge…

    Can we Sell these? This only provides entry to a international lounge so this cant be used if flying domestic?

    Thanks

  • socceroo on 06/08/2017 - 19:49

    Has anyone received the 100,000 bonus points already?

    • starburstyellow on 09/08/2017 - 19:06

      100,000 bonus will hit your account upon completion of $1500 spend i.e. not pending.

  • homersyd on 09/08/2017 - 11:47

    Noob question - is this the best credit card deal right now?

    • Explor9r on 14/08/2017 - 03:23

      I would say so, unless you can fully utilize the Amex platinum charge's benefits

      • homersyd on 14/08/2017 - 10:35

        thanks mate, will see if I can get one…Actually can this be used in most places like woolies/coles and restaurants without surcharge?

        • Explor9r on 14/08/2017 - 17:21

          Yes, maybe 80%. Only some smaller places will surcharge, and probably not for much longer, in other parts of the world surcharging is often banned or not practiced.

        • homersyd on 14/08/2017 - 17:31

          @Explor9r: cool thanks mate :)

  • ssjmark on 21/08/2017 - 01:20

    I've got 300,000 amex gateway points.
    Anyone able to recommend the best way to spend them with a family?

    • John Stone on 11/09/2017 - 19:53

      My suggestion is to definitely buy the Marriott Fly Stay packages.

      Where you deposit your frequent flyer points from the package is totally dependent on where you want to fly. Usually AAdvantage and Alaska are good bets.
      Remember that you don't need to book the hotel stay to the same place you book your reward flights. Those two are totally independent.

      300,000 Amex gateway points is equal to 150,000 starpoints. That is 450,000 Marriott Rewards points. Unfortunately not enough for 2 of the 270,000 point packages. You might be able to buy more points to get up to 540,000 points which will equal 2 of the packages.

  • ColdSnap on 31/08/2017 - 11:47

    Signed up anmd got conditionally approved. Couldn't submit docs using their link so I emailed them. When do I get confirmed and everything

  • phoenixx on 14/09/2017 - 05:27

    Can someone please explain when you received the travel credit?

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