Moving to UK: shall I close or transfer abroad my Qantas Amex Ultimate?

arkhos on 28/02/2022 - 11:47

Hi all,
In a week I will relocate to UK. I will episodically come back to Australia in the next two years with the intention of ultimately settling back here. I had a look at UK AmEx cards and I couldn't see anything worth the hassle of translating my Australian card into a UK one. Also in light of the opportunity of the new membership deals of Amex australia. Any thoughts?
thanks!

Financial

Comments

  • toomuchdogfur on 28/02/2022 - 11:58
    +2

    I found it handy to have both US and AU cards when I had a foot in each country for three years. Having said that, the sign on bonuses for AMEX cards are quite large and hard to pass up… IMO either:

    • Get a low/no-fee card in AU for your occasional AU needs, and cancel your Qantas AMEX. Reapply when you come back for those sweet sign up bonuses. OR
    • Keep your Qantas AMEX as long as you can use the $450 travel credit each year - else you'll be paying that fee for almost no benefit.

    No point transferring the card over to the UK. Just apply for new ones and get their sign up bonuses too!

  • Hybroid on 28/02/2022 - 12:59

    AmEx isn't big in the UK so don't bother with transferring. It's always good to have a backup card though so if it's no-fee then just keep it running.

  • arkhos on 28/02/2022 - 13:03

    Ok guys, thanks for confirming. I'll cancel the AmEx and reapply in a few years. cheers! :)

  • Shleepy on 28/02/2022 - 13:13

    For what it's worth, and maybe it does not apply to you, but AMEX should allow you to open an account in your new country based on your credit worthiness in your country of origin. So, it can be useful for kick starting your credit profile for where you are going. I have no experience of the UK so cannot really say whether having AMEX there is worthwhile or not.

    • netjock on 28/02/2022 - 15:45

      AMEX should allow you to open an account in your new country based on your credit worthiness in your country of origin

      This is what I did. Do this, then cancel the AU card. Then on the way back do the same. Your start of membership here also continues on. Gave me a few hundred points because I was short when they can see I've been a member for a decade.

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