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American Express Explorer Credit Card - 100,000 Bonus MR + $400 Travel Credit ($395 Annual Fee)

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American Express Explorer Credit Card - 100,000 Bonus MR + $400 Travel Credit ($395 Annual Fee)
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Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 08:36 americanexpress.com (2866 clicks)
Last edited 21/12/2018 - 09:52 by 1 other user

Currently this deal has only been updated for referral links and the main Explorer application page still refers to a 50k bonus. This should be updated soon. The page you see when you access a referral link refers to a 100,000 sign-on bonus when you spend $1,500 within 3 months.

The offer has been updated now on the normal Explorer application page for all applications, whether or not a referral link is used. The only difference with you using a referral link is that the Ozbargainer referrer will also receive some points.

Receive 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards points in the American Express Gateway program when you apply for a new American Express Explorer card and spend $1,500 within 3 months.

To be eligible for the bonus points, you must be a new Amex card member which means that you do not hold another Amex and have not held one in the last 18 months. Bank-issued Amexes do not count for this purpose.

Each MR point in the Gateway program converts to 0.75 points in the Virgin Australia Velocity, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Emirates or Singapore Airlines Krisflyer programs.

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, or at the Melbourne Airport International Terminal.

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.

As mentioned by hellohello123, there are some changes coming in April 2019 across this and other Amex cards: (https://www.ausbt.com.au/american-express-overhauls-credit-c…). The most significant change is a decrease in the rate that Membership Rewards points convert to frequent flyer points from 0.75 points per Membership Rewards point to 0.5 points.

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

    • nightelves on 15/11/2018 - 11:19

      You still have time to transfer across before cutting it up.

  • tagin on 15/11/2018 - 11:24

    If I have an existing Amex card with my wife as a supplementary card holder. Will she be considered a NEW amex customer if i sign her up and make myself the supplementary card holder?

    thanks

    • starburstyellow on 15/11/2018 - 11:30
      +2

      Yes she will be considered new, and will qualify for the 100K bonus.

      • Ameowzon on 16/01/2019 - 19:23

        Ah, just read this, and right now, it says $3k spend for 50k points. That means if I sign my wife up as supplementary now, she will get the lousier deal, right?

    • buckster on 15/11/2018 - 11:45
      +2

      Yep, done this recently

  • chrishan66 on 15/11/2018 - 12:27
    -8

    I gave up AMEX because they refused my application without specific reason a month ago. I've been working 8 years in Brisbane Transport and they asked me to reduce my Commonwealth Bank VISA credit from $29400 to $12300, if I do they will proved but they didn't so I totally disappointed. Everyone better asks them the exactly reason if they can't prove.

  • warrior1024 on 15/11/2018 - 13:25

    A lot of interesting comments, so as someone looking at getting into a rewards card program is this still the best card on the market? If not any suggestions?

    • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 15/11/2018 - 13:30

      IMO the Velocity Platinum is better, if they're still offering the 100k points. The flight will offset the fee (sell it), the 2 Virgin lounge passes and 2 Amex lounge passes are a great bonus.

      • Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 14:09

        Unfortunately that Velocity card is down to 50k points now.

        • rh on 18/11/2018 - 13:06

          You receive 60k points after using a referral (10k more) it is equivalent to 120,000 MR after April 2019

          • Uzb9811 on 18/11/2018 - 13:22

            @rh: Good point, thanks.

  • chino8826 on 15/11/2018 - 13:52

    Looks like only Platinum Charge card survived this, and improved:

    2.25 points per $ on all purchases except Government, Utilities, Insurance and Telecommunications spend

    1.125 (airline) points per $ on all purchases except Government, Utilities, Insurance and Telecommunications spend

    +13% on all purchases except Government, Utilities, Insurance and Telecommunications spend

    • illumination on 15/11/2018 - 14:14
      +5

      You're looking at one specific spend category.

      Pretty sure most people would agree that the Platinum Charge got decimated more than it should have for such an expensive card.

  • Hogg on 15/11/2018 - 13:56

    I've been sandbagging my points to use for end of 2019 but should really transfer points now.

    What's the best program to transfer points to?

    People seem to like Krisflyer the most?

    • Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 14:14
      +3

      If you have absolutely no idea what you want to use the points for, I’d say Virgin might be the best option since you can use them in Australia for domestic flights easily if need be. During November there is a 15% transfer bonus on transfers to Velocity from credit cards too.

      However if you have specific plans especially involving overseas travel, you may well be better off with Krisflyer, Cathay Pacific or even transferring to Hilton etc.. really just depends. Also if you have balances with any programs already that is another factor.

      • Hogg on 15/11/2018 - 14:16

        No balances with other programs. I want to use them for honeymoon in Japan. I know tickets to Japan are cheap anyway but want to have as much of a free holiday as possible.

        Any advice on best program for flights and hotels to Japan?

        When I researched it ages ago, SPG was the best but that program has changed now.

        • Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 14:32
          +1

          Honestly, if you’re looking to save money and aren’t fussed about flying economy I would probably save my points on the flights since as you said it’s easy to get cheap Jetstar etc flights to Japan. Krisflyer would be best though probably.

          The transfer rate to SPG/Marriott has definitely got worse but still depending on the city you might find possibilities to stay in a very nice hotel or to save on accommodation somewhere less fancy with either transferring to Hilton or SPG/Marriott for free night.

          • Hogg on 15/11/2018 - 15:01

            @Uzb9811: Thanks mate. What do you think about Asia Miles?

            How far ahead do I need to book to ensure there are still redemption seats?

            • Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 15:30
              +2

              @Hogg: 10-11 months out would be the best time. You’d have to compare the award chart for both programs to decide on what’s best. Asia Miles would allow you to use Qantas/JAL/Cathay Pacific whereas through Krisflyer you get Singapore Airlines and Star Alliance.

              • Hogg on 15/11/2018 - 17:14

                @Uzb9811: I better get on it now then.

  • Jared17 on 15/11/2018 - 14:09
    +2

    Having already got the essential card for afew years I die alittle more inside everytime I see this deal.

    • mcnugget on 15/11/2018 - 14:48

      Been there.

      Canceled Essential 16 months ago for this card signup + Edge. Got DJs for amex deals in the meantime (make back the $99 fee easy).

      If it makes you feel better, given the devaluation there won't be much of a long-term payoff bar the sign up.

      • Jared17 on 15/11/2018 - 18:28

        Wouldn't having the DJ Amex bar you from getting the bonus sign up points?

        • mcnugget on 15/11/2018 - 22:25

          Nope, not directly issued by amex.

          Bank issued ones were similar until they stopped offering.

  • timetoquit on 15/11/2018 - 14:17

    For someone who does not travel a lot, maybe 1 holiday a year what would you do before April with 600K MR points?

    • Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 14:36
      +1

      Personally I would transfer to Velocity or redeem them for cashback if you really might not travel much going forward.

      Points transferred to Krisflyer expire after three years, so if there’s a chance you won’t use them all I’d definitely not send the whole balance there.

      • timetoquit on 16/11/2018 - 00:47

        agreed. Learnt the hard way. I went down this path a few years ago and did a test transfer to Krisflyer and never ended up using them!! Luckily they allowed me to transfer back out to my Velocity- at a loss I'm sure.

    • lilkid28 on 15/11/2018 - 16:30

      If you want to burn them in one go, seeing that you will still gain other points by applying for 2 cards (churning) a year, I would redeem them for SQ Suites class, long haul, to Europe or US. You should have about enough for 2 return tickets. If not one one way Suites/First, one way in Business.

    • nightelves on 15/11/2018 - 17:04

      Wow 600k that’s two round the world business class with Singapore Airline and 120k left over. You’re in a very good position my friend. I would take RTW business over return first class any day purely because you can visit more countries and luxury travel a bit more.

      • timetoquit on 16/11/2018 - 00:57

        Never honestly looked into depth with Krisflyer all that much, however always realised the popularity of the program. I was put-off using points for flights when trying to book tickets with Qantas points (crazy taxes etc) so I placed Krisflyer in the similar basket and never really bothered to maximise my points. I remember booking all my CBA awards points via Flight centre (lol, sure you can smack your head but it was the 'easiest' option at the time)

        I have more Qantas points however am on the fence on how to sell them or keep them!!

        I almost feel I need to do some more research into Krisflyer and maybe take my Wife and enjoy a nice holiday, never flown anything but cattle!

        • nightelves on 16/11/2018 - 13:07
          +1

          Once you fly business you never want to go back. It’s about time you reward yourself for the hard work.

  • Chippy47 on 15/11/2018 - 14:44

    For somebody who is eligible, should I go for this or the platinum edge or something else? Think of using the points with emirates…

    • Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 14:52
      +5

      Platinum Edge only has a 10k points sign-on bonus at the moment (through a referral link), so I wouldn’t say that one. The Explorer card would net you 75,000 Emirates points.

      You can use Qantas points on Emirates flights too, so any of the credit cards with Qantas bonus points offers would also be another option. But then you could sign up for an Amex and one of those cards as well!

      • bimmeup on 16/11/2018 - 10:55

        Whats the link for the 10K points, if i may ask?

        • Uzb9811 on 16/11/2018 - 11:02

          Use one of the referral codes for the Platinum Edge card in the list at the bottom of this deal , where it says ‘referral links’.

    • nightelves on 15/11/2018 - 17:12

      Would you consider Singapore Airlines? Better plane and better service minus the amenity kit.

      • illumination on 15/11/2018 - 17:31

        Depends on destination. If he's flying to a "second-tier" European city, Emirates may be a more practical choice.

        If he's flying to a "second-tier" Asian city, Singapore Airlines is probably better, but he probably wouldn't have mentioned wanting to use it on Emirates if this was the case.

  • Realozbargainer on 15/11/2018 - 18:12

    I've just signed up, but didn't receive any confirmation email etc. Did anyone signed up today and did you get any email? Thanks

    • Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 18:26

      You don’t usually get an email when you apply for an Amex, a card usually just shows up in the mail, so no need to be concerned.

    • QuintessentiaLs on 15/11/2018 - 19:14

      I was worried about the same thing too lol guess we'll just wait and see

  • hishaken on 15/11/2018 - 18:41
    +1

    waiting for new reviews against new card system.

    Should I transfer my card to US based?
    Any good Us credit card has no currency conversion rate?

    • Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 19:36

      The new card earning and redemption rates are quite clearly spelled out in the article that is linked. And they don’t come into effect until April. So noone is going to have any reviews any time soon, and anyway there is nothing unknown at this point that you need to wait for a review about.

      If you can get a US card, then why not do it I guess.

      • hishaken on 16/11/2018 - 01:42

        but then all the expenses will add conversion rate on top which is pretty painful.

    • yoyo6 on 16/11/2018 - 08:57

      There are some great US cards with no currency conversion. PM me if you are eligible to apply for one and I will send you a referral.

  • leeds91 on 15/11/2018 - 20:09

    Hello I signed up for this card and started to use around 10 days ago with $3000 spending and less points. Is there anyone who knows whether they match their own sign up bonus?

    • Uzb9811 on 15/11/2018 - 20:13
      +1

      Unfortunately probably not.. You can only call and ask I suppose.

  • forrester on 15/11/2018 - 21:00

    I have a Platinum Edge card and I was hoping to get referral bonus points by referring someone to the Explorer card. Is there a way this is possible?
    According to this website from only a few months ago, Platinum Edge and Explorer are from the same family so it seems in theory that referrals can happen across cards?

    • illumination on 15/11/2018 - 21:07
      +1

      Yep well it looks like you've found the info yourself, and from what I know that is correct.

      Generate your referral link, give it to whoever you wish to refer, and then they have to manually select a different Credit Card "that is part of the same referral program/family" (at the bottom of the page), so they can manually select Explorer.

      • forrester on 15/11/2018 - 21:10

        Thanks for the quick reply, for some reason the bottom part of the page didn't load so I thought I was going blind :)
        So I presume I will be getting 15000 bonus points per referral no matter which card the person I am referring signs up to?

        • potm on 16/11/2018 - 09:43
          +1

          Yes the bonus is based on the card you have so you’ll get 15k.
          If you had an explorer and referred someone to the edge, you’d get 30k.

          • forrester on 16/11/2018 - 09:52

            @potm: Appreciate your information which makes sense. There's definitely plenty of permutations to confuse new referrers!

  • hishaken on 16/11/2018 - 01:57

    any good alternative credit card with best frequent flyer rate?

    • Uzb9811 on 17/11/2018 - 17:45

      It’s a tough one to answer since there are so many variables! I’d still recommend Amex up until April next year at least and there’s still lots of time to benefit before then.

  • yoyo6 on 16/11/2018 - 09:00

    All the cards are deteriorating at the moment. IMO, anyone who doesn't yet have this card should sign up with one of the referrals on the site, try to maximise it for the next 6 months and then reassess at that point.
    I'd also be applying for the St George Amplify as these are the best two programs that allow transfers to Singapore airlines which provides the best value for international travel. People who want domestic travel can look at Qantas and Velocity cards.

  • KingJuf on 16/11/2018 - 12:52

    thinking about cancelling my edge now with my annual fee due in 2 weeks but keen to keep the amex offers, anyone care to weigh in on Essentials vs DJ amex aside from the obvious annual fee?

    • Uzb9811 on 16/11/2018 - 13:06

      I would go for the DJ Amex as that is the one Amex card you can still get a sign-up bonus on as an existing Amex customer. You can also get up to 4 supplementary cards for free with DJ, unlike the Essential, which can allow access to more statement credits.

      • KingJuf on 16/11/2018 - 13:07

        and there points are not changing in anyway right with the changes due in April?

        • Uzb9811 on 16/11/2018 - 13:09

          You’ll have to read the article linked to in the deal, it explains that.

          • KingJuf on 16/11/2018 - 13:10

            @Uzb9811: Does anyone know if moving to an essentials or DJ amex will involve a credit check?

            • Uzb9811 on 16/11/2018 - 13:15

              @KingJuf: If you do a product transfer by calling Amex it won’t.. although they often only let you transfer to certain cards.

              If you do an application for it, then yes it will require a credit check.

              You’d need to do an application for the DJ Amex but the Essential you can probably transfer to from an Edge.

              • KingJuf on 16/11/2018 - 13:27

                @Uzb9811: Ok thanks for that! I have already had 2 checks this year so a third will probably hurt my score even more.

  • jdogg on 17/11/2018 - 02:54

    So if I want to sign up it would be better to use a referral link?

    • Uzb9811 on 17/11/2018 - 07:50
      +1

      At this point it looks like the main application page has been updated so you as the applicant will receive the same amount of points either way, whether you use a referral link or not.

      The only difference now is using a referral link will also help an Ozbargainer out as they will receive some referral points in addition to the points you receive.

      I’ve updated the deal to make this clear.

  • padman on 17/11/2018 - 10:22

    Is the bonus for the referrer 30k or 60k? It says 60k above but the website says 30k.

  • QuintessentiaLs on 17/11/2018 - 10:40

    Hi, how long usually is the wait between submitting the application online and actually receiving the card/confirmation you're successful?

    • Uzb9811 on 17/11/2018 - 11:13

      Takes about 5 days to receive the card in the mail in my experience.

  • Hunter14 on 20/11/2018 - 19:44

    Recently just got approved for the Westpac black mastercard and amex bundle. Would there be an issue with getting this one approved then cancelling once I get the 100K points?

    • illumination on 20/11/2018 - 20:01

      Conceptually no issue, but what exactly are you asking? Issue in what sense?

      • Hunter14 on 20/11/2018 - 20:02

        Oh I read you can't have a current amex or previously had one in the last 18 months to claim the deals.

        • nightelves on 20/11/2018 - 22:15

          Previous and existing bank-issued American Express companion cardholders are eligible for this offer (cards issued by: Australia New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank, Westpac Banking Corporation). Seems you can get the bonus. Can you turn on your pm? Need to ask you something.

  • Decorot on 27/11/2018 - 22:25
    -2

    So basically you get nothing by using a referrer link?

    it used to jump from 100k to 110k didn't it?

    used my friend's referral link and he gets 30k points, hope he pays me lunch at least lol

    or i'm totally wrong and i get something out of it?

    On another note, correct me if i'm totally wrong but i'm signing up now, will spend 1500 until march, swap the points before the change in april, is that a realistic expectation or i'm dreaming with something that won't happen?

    did anyone get feasible info about the doubling of points when they change to half points?

    • Uzb9811 on 27/11/2018 - 23:09

      The answers to your questions are in the post.

      The text in bold at the top and the deal title explain that the deal is for 100k points and that there are no extra points for using a referral.

      You get the points once you spend $1,500 and the changes to the points value comes in April.

      Noone has reported getting a letter about Explorer points doubling, only Platinum Charge and Centurion.

  • robbiecau on 29/11/2018 - 11:28

    Is it more beneficial transferring these 100,000MR points to Velocity before November 30 for 15% bonus or using them directly through AMEX for Travel ?

  • Ahan on 04/12/2018 - 07:14
    +1

    Already received my 100K points. Thanks OP. Saw the trick to apply for another Amex card and merge both points but decided against it as the benefit is relatively insignificant compared to having to deal with banks explaining why i still deserve a mortgage after some many credit inquiries.

    • Uzb9811 on 04/12/2018 - 07:52
      +1

      I’m glad it worked out so well!

  • Ahan on 04/12/2018 - 07:34

    Also was still in time to convert my points to get an extra 15% more Velocity points. This offer ends on 9/12/18.

  • agame on 04/12/2018 - 13:41

    Is this better than the platinum edge? Not sure whether to pull the trigger on this or wait for a platinum edge deal?

    • Uzb9811 on 04/12/2018 - 13:45
      +1

      It earns more on everyday spend but the Edge earns more per dollar on supermarket and petrol spend, so it partly depends what you spend most on.

      Another thing to think about is the devaluation coming in April. You really want to have received your bonus points and converted them out of Amex by then, which will be easy with this deal since the bonus posts quickly after spending the $1,500. if you don’t take this current Explorer deal there might not be an Edge bonus offer before April.

      • agame on 04/12/2018 - 13:48

        Good points, Thanks!

  • spiff on 11/12/2018 - 13:56
    +1

    Incredibly efficient process and customer service from Amex. Received the card 6 business days after approval. Hit the minimum spend on day 1, received the points on day 2, transferred points to Velocity on day 2 and they hit my Velocity account on day 3. Closed the card and no annual fee was charged. 18 month hiatus starts again…

    • doweyy on 11/12/2018 - 13:59

      Wow that's insane, so you pretty much got ~87.000 free Velocity points? Nice work!

      I wonder if I can use the Travel Credit and cancel before the annual fee renewal comes up?

      • spiff on 11/12/2018 - 14:03

        That's right, plus a little more from the points earned on the $1500 minimum spend. If you cancel within 30 days (of activation I think?) and you haven't used the benefits, $400 travel credit and lounge passes, then the annual fee isn't charged.

        • Howdydoo on 12/01/2019 - 19:58

          Hi @spiff I just got my points on this deal. I was now hoping to transfer the points to krisflyer and cancel my card thereby avoiding the annual fee (can't be bothered with the merging amex accounts/points thing that some people have spoken about). So I am assuming from what you said above this is absolutely fine to do and I definately won't be stuck with no card and yet still have to pay the annual fee once it's cancelled? Thanks for your help

    • Uzb9811 on 13/12/2018 - 07:54

      That worked out really well! Awesome.

    • Ameowzon on 04/01/2019 - 15:06

      How did you escape from the annual fee?

  • jdogg on 11/12/2018 - 23:48

    So the 15% transfer bonus is over? Do you think they will have another one before April next year?

    • spiff on 12/12/2018 - 14:37

      It was over on 30 Nov and then extended to 9 Dec. I wouldn't hold my breath for another bonus before May.

  • CyberMurning on 05/01/2019 - 11:41

    Dang I have essential card so I'm not new amex customer….

    • Uzb9811 on 05/01/2019 - 12:03

      I know the feeling! You only get one bite at being a new cardmember unfortunately.

      • CyberMurning on 05/01/2019 - 12:55

        And I want and have to have one amex with free annual fee, for the amex offers. So I cant cancel the essential

      • Peck on 05/01/2019 - 12:56

        Or cancel and wait 18 months and apply for the following Amex deal!

        • CyberMurning on 05/01/2019 - 12:57

          So many amex offer you don't want to caught without amex card during 18 months hehe

          • jdogg on 06/01/2019 - 15:54

            @CyberMurning: Have one bank issued amex and keep canceling and applying for proper amex promos

            • CyberMurning on 06/01/2019 - 15:57

              @jdogg: Most bank issued amex are not annual fee free…

              • jdogg on 06/01/2019 - 16:02

                @CyberMurning: Yeah true but sometimes a fee free first year deal will pop up so could keep churning through those

  • Uzb9811 on 06/01/2019 - 11:02
    +1

    Just a heads up to everyone, the general public 100k bonus offer is due to end on 7 January 2019.

    If you miss out though, the referral links have an expiry date of 14 January 2019 for the bonus points. So it looks like there’s one last chance!

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