AmEx Explorer Credit Card Sign up Bonus?

raquethead111 on 13/01/2020 - 11:46

I am currently looking for my first AMEX and after weeks of trawling through Ozbargain and Whirlpool, I've come to settle on the Explorer card being the best one for me (despite the devaluing of the points in April last year) due to its flexibility, the fact that the travel credit offsets the annual fee and the still decent earn rate. I will probably have the ANZ travel adventures card as my VISA/MC and International fee-free card. I am not sure if I will keeping the Explorer card forever, but at least for this year as I will be going overseas and have a list of large-ticket expenses that I would like to use the CC for.

I have seen that the bonus points is where a lot of the value is and especially since the points have been devalued, the current bonus points offer for the Explorer (50,000) does not seem to be that much of an incentive.

This might be just a matter of timing but:

1) Should I wait for the 100,000 bonus point offer (which some Ozbargainers say will inevitably come)? If so, when do these usually get released?

2) Should I look into an alternative card?

Thanks for your help!

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Comments

  • andyyle on 13/01/2020 - 12:45
    +1

    if someone refers you you’ll receive a total of 60k points. however it’s best to wait. id still take the virgin/qantas amex over explorer to be honest. if you need a referral for amex let me know !

    • andyyle on 13/01/2020 - 12:52
      +1

      feel free to pm me if you need a hand with any cards.

      • raquethead111 on 13/01/2020 - 14:24

        thanks for your reply! would you recommend virgin or qantas or does it really not matter?

        • andyyle on 13/01/2020 - 14:44
          +1

          depends on your travel needs. qff offer more airline partners and routes but have huge taxes and fees, and less avail. velocity seems to have more availability, and with singapore airlines barely charging any taxes it's quite cheap. all comes down to you ! singapore airlines flies to most of my needed routes. so i use velocity more. but as a point hacker, you cant solely rely on one program.

          • raquethead111 on 13/01/2020 - 16:33

            @andyyle: would love to apply for multiple cards, but unfortunately, we am also looking for a home loan!

  • knobbs on 13/01/2020 - 13:36
    +1

    If you do wait and get the 100,000 bonus offer it is still only worth 50k frequent flyer points. I think it would be better getting the Qantas AMEX with a 100k or 120k bonus point offer. Just about doubles your value, unless you are looking for KrisFlyer points.

    With the Qantas you can use a random Ozb's referral code to get a bonus sometimes. Something like this https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/471886

    You can also get the random Ozb referral from that deal.

    • raquethead111 on 13/01/2020 - 14:25

      Qantas amex or virgin amex?

      • knobbs on 13/01/2020 - 14:45
        -1

        It depends on which program you are trying to get points in.

        The only real difference is the Qantas one comes with $450 travel credit, the Velocity comes with a return domestic flight (which can be $600+)

        Also the Virgin one currently has 100k bonus point signup. The Qantas one is I think 60k

  • Mrmerc500 on 22/02/2020 - 10:58

    Whilst I recommend a flexible airline points currency like the Amex Membership Points with a focus on KrisFlyer or AsiaMiles, the fact that Qantas points are easily earned & you already have a credit history with ANZ, I would recommend considering the ANZ Qantas Frequent Flyer with the 120k qantas points & $275 rebate. I would reduce the Travel Adventures Card though to a $6k limit to ensure you had the best chance of being approved.

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