AmEx Explorer Card: 100,000 Bonus Points ($4,000 Spend in 3 Months), $400 Travel Credit, $395 Annual Fee @ AmEx via Points Hack

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AmEx Explorer Card: 100,000 Bonus Points ($4,000 Spend in 3 Months), $400 Travel Credit, $395 Annual Fee @ AmEx via Points Hack
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Lninja2042 on 03/09/2024 - 17:17 pointhacks.com.au (856 clicks)
Last edited 03/09/2024 - 17:55 by 2 other users

I've been waiting for a big offer for Amex Explorer, but alas the days of 150k+ points seem to be gone.
The best I've seen lately is 100k bonus points, and it's available again via Point Hacks (but not via referral or on the Amex website it seems).
I like this card because points can be transferred to 11 airlines including Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways and Singapore.
The transfer ratio is 2:1 for many airlines (but sadly 3:1 for Singapore).
The card comes with a $400 travel credit that can be used to book flights or hotels at Amex Travel.
The $395 fee is steep but I will use my TC each year so it basically negates it.
I also like the travel insurance and smartphone screen insurance.
There are also two lounge passes each year when travelling from Sydney or Mel overseas, plus other perks.
Hope this helps anyone who's also been waiting to apply for this card.

Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this introductory bonus offer. Previous and existing bank-issued American Express companion cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Financial American Express Credit Card Membership Rewards Reward Points Travel Credit

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Comments

  • Heybargain on 03/09/2024 - 17:19
    +4

    Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this introductory bonus offer. Previous and existing bank-issued American Express companion cardholders are eligible for this offer

    • ninja2042 on 03/09/2024 - 17:20
      +1

      oh yes i forgot to mention that. Will update the post.

  • OldSchoolHarry on 03/09/2024 - 17:31
    +2

    Alas! gone are the 240,000 pts days :(

    • TheFreaK on 03/09/2024 - 17:32
      +1

      Shrinkflation hit the credit card rewards industry hard

    • Fancydancer on 03/09/2024 - 18:12
      +2

      Yeah, when you could open the card, do the spend, use travel credit, get points, redeem points and cancel all before the annual fee ;)

  • Ozybargdias on 03/09/2024 - 17:47
    +2

    Meh, if you’re planning to travel overseas more than once in the next year I’d shell out for the platinum charge card. The extra 175,000 MR points effectively negate the annual fee difference, and the other benefits (Accor Plus, dining credits, lounge access) offer $1000+ of additional value if you’re prepared to make the most of them.

    • random-guy on 03/09/2024 - 19:57
      +1

      I thought about "upgrading" to platinum from my explorer, but eventually figured I prefer not having to work out how to redeem the perks every year to justify the annual fee. The freedom to stay and dine wherever I want makes planning easier for me

      • Ozybargdias on 03/09/2024 - 20:23

        Redeeming the perks and milking the best value from the card is all part of the fun IMO, but to each their own.

        • random-guy on 03/09/2024 - 21:10

          I get you, I have the hobby of arranging flights and other means of transport to visit as many destinations as possible while keeping the cost low :)

  • prime47 on 03/09/2024 - 18:15
    +1

    I just closed my Velocity Platinum card last week. I used to love using Amex, but card acceptance has become poor lately.
    Even ebay doesn't accept Amex as payment method!

    • donniedarko3000 on 03/09/2024 - 18:33
      +17

      Just connect Amex to pay pal and pay eBay that way

  • a1234my on 03/09/2024 - 18:23

    Does additional card have 2 centurion lounge entry ?

    • abs898 on 03/09/2024 - 19:06

      Nope

  • Viper8 on 03/09/2024 - 19:02
    +3

    AMEX is the only bank I've had reject me (happened earlier this year) specifically for churning. Highest tax bracket, highest credit rating, significant savings, low expenses, low liabilities. I appealed twice with the requested supply of the equifax credit report, savings balance, income, etc. after the applications team initially gave generic feedback about it possibly heing due to my credit rating and other individual factors, and they were genuinely baffled by the decision made by the approvals twam. The catch is I've had over 20 cards in the past 5 years…

    • mskeggs on 03/09/2024 - 19:46
      +3

      Why would you expect a credit card provider to give you promotional deals if your demonstrated history is churning?
      I know many card providers don’t seem to care, but it is obviously poor business for them to pay out all the acquisition costs for you to churn.
      I’m more surprised many banks don’t seem to care.

      • Viper8 on 03/09/2024 - 20:28
        +1

        Because no where in the T&C's does it say anything about churning beyond minimum 18 months. Every other bank permits it. That's business. Some customers profit, but overall the bank does. The only industry that I know of the blatantly bans individuals that win are casinos…

    • raynbow on 03/09/2024 - 20:09

      Just wondering, what was the wording they put on the rejection letter?

      • Viper8 on 03/09/2024 - 20:26
        +1

        The letter was just a dear John saying it can be many reasons including credit rating, and that you're entitled to a free credit check with Equifax. They officially never go into any detail so you can't use it against them.

  • milobob on 03/09/2024 - 19:04

    The 200000 points you'll need to get the platinum charge card.

  • Ironic fear on 03/09/2024 - 20:04

    Is there an optimal (best value usage) way to use the travel credit or its just a flat $400 voucher?

    • daft009 on 03/09/2024 - 20:29

      Usually flights on qantas or virgin is best value.
      LCC aren't listed

    • Binchicken22 on 03/09/2024 - 20:43

      I usually use it for hotel accom, amex travel pricing always seems to be very competitive from what I've seen.

  • lilkid28 on 03/09/2024 - 20:35

    Wait for a referral offer to benefit both referrer and referrer

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