Qantas AmEx Ultimate via Referral: 100,000 Qantas Points ($5,000 Spend in 3 Months), $450 Travel Credit, $450 Annual Fee

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Qantas AmEx Ultimate via Referral: 100,000 Qantas Points ($5,000 Spend in 3 Months), $450 Travel Credit, $450 Annual Fee
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ninja2042 on 15/01/2025 - 00:33 americanexpress.com (2159 clicks)
Last edited 15/01/2025 - 12:44 by 1 other user

This is NOT available on Amex's website but is by referral - so please use a random referral which will also benefit a fellow OzBargainer (click here or find it listed in the referral box below).

The referrer gets 40k points.

Card benefits include:

  • a $450 Qantas travel credit each year (for Qantas flights booked via Amex Travel)
  • 2 Qantas lounge passes after you book a flight with Qantas directly
  • 2 Amex lounge passes (for Melb and Syd international)
  • travel insurance
  • Qantas Wine premium membership
  • 4 free supplementary cards

Annual fee: $450

New Amex cardholders only. You must not have held a card issued by Amex Australia in the last 18 months.

Referral Links

Business Explorer Card: random (5)

Referrer: 40,000 Reward Points

Centurion Personal Charge Card: random (9)

Referee gets 200,000 MR points. Referrer gets 150,000 MR points.

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Financial Credit Card Frequent Flyer Qantas Frequent Flyer Reward Points Travel Credit

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Comments

  • watwatwat on 15/01/2025 - 00:47
    +46

    It seems like a large part of the net value will be determined by how efficiently you can offload the $450 qantas travel credit.

    I only fly cheap economy so usually Qantas is significantly more expensive than the equivalent fare I would have taken. Thus if I overpay when using the $450 credit, it degrades most of the value of this entire deal because of the $450 annual fee.

    • afayd on 15/01/2025 - 02:35
      +3

      I'm curious how people have utilised the $450 credit the ozbargain way? I am approaching the end of my first year period on this card and I'm scratching my head thinking what to do with it, as I still haven't used it.

      • Mr Frodo on 15/01/2025 - 06:02

        Classifieds?

        • meowmeowmeow on 15/01/2025 - 06:55
          +2

          I've done this before but it's not without a lot of risk for the buyer. You literally have to book their flight for them, you can't just transfer the credit to the to book their own flight.

      • bemybubble on 15/01/2025 - 07:16
        +2

        I booked flights with it. Pretty straight forward. Was cheaper than going direct. Wanted Qantas and not jetscare in my case though

        • nigel deborah on 15/01/2025 - 08:14

          Jetstar have a better safety record than Qantas if that is what you mean

          • bemybubble on 15/01/2025 - 08:50
            +7

            @nigel deborah: I consider Jetstar/Qantas the same as far as safety. But different when it comes to ontime/service/cost

            • nigel deborah on 15/01/2025 - 09:46

              @bemybubble: Fair enough on service and cost. Though nothing significant to seperate them in on-time performance.

              In November 2024 (most recent month where stats are available) Jetstar performed significantly better with more on-time arrivals (68% versus 60%) and less cancellations (2.4% vs 3.1%). In other months you might see that the other way around, neither is more consistent than the other.

              That only to say that I would not spend the extra if you are primarily concerned with being on time.

              • bemybubble on 15/01/2025 - 09:55
                -1

                @nigel deborah: I booked my flights in May 2024 so didn’t have those stats

              • willyroo on 15/01/2025 - 10:13
                +1

                @nigel deborah: The big issue with Jetstar is what happens when they cancel a flight. Unless things have improved in the last 6 months, rebooking a cancelled flight is on you, not them - and it's a lottery when you'll get to fly.

                My last flight cancellation with QF was a domestic flight with an international connection - QF sorted that pretty quickly and gave me good options.

                As always - YMMV - which is an airline term :)

                • nigel deborah on 15/01/2025 - 10:19
                  +1

                  @willyroo: I agree, yeah, and that probably comes under their better service.

                  Although it has declined it is certainly better than Jetstar.

                • Tiggrrrrr on 15/01/2025 - 15:58

                  @willyroo: If they cancel the flight, you are entitled to a full refund to your method of payment.
                  So you just book another flight on any airline. To me that is more convenient than being locked in with the same carrier, as can have more options.

      • clayaa on 15/01/2025 - 07:54
        +3

        theres a hack on cancelling a qantas flight within 24 hours and you will get a full refund.

        • yoshiyoshi on 15/01/2025 - 07:58
          +2

          you have my attention?

          • Delphinus on 15/01/2025 - 08:32

            @yoshiyoshi: Book a business class flight and cancel. They usually have better flexibility and will probably have a refund option, but always read whether or not you can get a refund in the t&cs. Some flights may have a fee for cancellation.

            • xers on 15/01/2025 - 09:27

              @Delphinus: You don't have to book business class flights. All flights booked via Amex travel portal can be cancelled on the same day without charges. (you have to cancel on the same day, which is different from within 24 hours).

              • watwatwat on 15/01/2025 - 09:39
                +1

                @xers: In what payment form do they issue refund? Considering it was paid via amex site and with credit?

                • illusion99 on 15/01/2025 - 09:47

                  @watwatwat: You pay the full price of the ticket and then they apply the travel credit to your card. So your refund goes back to your Amex card.

                  • EBC on 15/01/2025 - 10:25

                    @illusion99: As a travel credit (to be used on the Amex travel platform) or as a credit to your card (reducing the balance owed)?

                    • illusion99 on 15/01/2025 - 10:43

                      @EBC: As a credit to your card to reduce the balance

                  • GregRust on 15/01/2025 - 10:53
                    -2

                    @illusion99: Clearly says in terms and conditions that refunds of travel credits are not permitted.

              • afayd on 15/01/2025 - 15:57

                @xers: Do you have to call to cancel, or is cancelling on the website is fine?

                • xers on 15/01/2025 - 16:13
                  +1

                  @afayd: On the website is fine. Use the manage bookings function.

      • Maxxiz on 15/01/2025 - 09:07

        If you book a flight through the portal, you can cancel within 24 hours.
        The pending cost will be credited back, and you will still recieve your 450 travel credit to your account a few days later.
        Worked for me about 6 months ago

        • pavman on 15/01/2025 - 09:39
          +2

          T&Cs state:
          9. If your booking is cancelled and your Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your Account, you will forfeit your annual Qantas Travel Credit benefit and Amex may reverse the statement credits issued in the relevant anniversary year.

          sounds risky trying to cancel and get the refund in cash

          • Maxxiz on 15/01/2025 - 09:42

            @pavman: may

            It's certainly a risk, and I'm not saying it is or isn't still working but it worked for me and the credits weren't reversed.

        • keejoonc on 15/01/2025 - 09:57

          Thanks. May as well give this a go as I haven't used the travel credit and I need to cancel the card next month.

          • CharityCase on 15/01/2025 - 10:28

            @keejoonc: 450 travel credit refunded will still be attached to your account, so if you cancel the card, that means the travel credit willbe gone as well?

            • xers on 15/01/2025 - 10:35
              +1

              @CharityCase: The refund is made as a cashback transaction in your account, reducing the balance owed, not travel credit.

          • EBC on 15/01/2025 - 11:22
            +1

            @keejoonc: Let us know how you go. Thinking of giving this a go if it is still working.

        • keejoonc on 15/01/2025 - 12:04

          Can you cancel within 24 hours for any class of ticket?
          Fare rules seem to mention fees for cancellation.

          • Maxxiz on 15/01/2025 - 13:38

            @keejoonc: I believe so. I booked 2 domestic fares, about 600 in total, cancelled later that day.
            I would suggest doing within business hours though.

            • keejoonc on 15/01/2025 - 14:32

              @Maxxiz: Thanks. I've tried it now. Haven't seen the travel credit come through yet though.

              • Maxxiz on 15/01/2025 - 15:45

                @keejoonc: The credit will take a few days, as will the pending charge for the flight (over $450)

              • xers on 15/01/2025 - 16:14

                @keejoonc: In my case the credit appeared the following day. The pending charge took about 5 days to disappear.

                • keejoonc on 15/01/2025 - 16:34

                  @xers: Thanks. Thought I might have done the cancellation too quick as it said there is no refund to be provided as I havent been charged. I do see the pending charge though.

                  • xers on 15/01/2025 - 16:43

                    @keejoonc: I waited about 1 hour after booking to cancel just to be sure.

      • hypnOtixx on 15/01/2025 - 09:19

        I have used it for a return flight Sydney to Adelaide.

        Whilst the cost of Qantas flights are more than others, the travel credit was applied and I ended up paying ~ $75 out of pocket.

      • smoothymcmellow on 15/01/2025 - 11:06

        I've done both flights and hotels, easy to check it hotel prices are comparative with other sites and book

      • JamesBingo on 15/01/2025 - 13:28

        I often use mine for 2 returned flights SYD-MLB or SYD-OOL. Makes it worthwhile for the fee, especially as I get use of the Amex Lounge and Qantas Lounge.

    • cerealsmok3r on 15/01/2025 - 07:58

      Could sell it if you know how

    • xfelix on 15/01/2025 - 08:20
      +1

      Just be aware AMEX Travel Australia is not 7x24. If your flight tickets were booked through them in order to use $450 travel credit, you cannot make any emergency change to the tickets out of their working hours, especially when you are overseas in different time zones.
      This is one of the reasons I cancelled all my AMEX cards.

      • askbargain on 15/01/2025 - 08:28
        +1

        How often are you making changes?

        • xfelix on 15/01/2025 - 11:20
          +3

          Once is enough.
          Last year, the return Qantas flight from Tokyo to Sydney was notified delayed for 25 hours. Qantas offered free change to an early one but they cannot touch my tickets as AMEX Travel was the agent. Of course, it's out of AMEX Travel Australia working hours. Called AMEX Travel US, they were very helpful but cannot access AU system.
          It ended up with begging hotel to extend one night stay not throwing us to the Tokyo street.

          • JamesBingo on 15/01/2025 - 13:29

            @xfelix: To be fair Amex Travel is a 'travel agent' it would have been the same with any travel booking/agency. Disappointing Qantas didn't sort it out or your travel insurance didn't cover you.

    • pavman on 15/01/2025 - 09:42

      Do the flights you book have to be in the primary cardholder's name? T&Cs state:
      1. As a Primary Qantas American Express Ultimate Card Member, you are eligible for one $450 Qantas Travel Credit each anniversary year. Additional Card Members do not receive a Qantas Travel Credit.
      Wasn't sure if that means the flight has to be in your name. Not looking at travelling anytime soon, but need to book a flight for my MIL travelling in July so wondering if I could use this travel credit for her flight?

      • Mokr on 15/01/2025 - 10:18
        +1

        Yes, you can use the Qantas Travel Credit to book travel for other people, such as family members or friends, provided the tickets are not for resale, promotional, or commercial use. You do not have to travel with them.

        • cski on 15/01/2025 - 11:20
          +3

          you do have to fill in a certificate of account delegation authority to the card members benefits though so the traveller can interact with the booking and travel without you

          least thats what amex travel instructed me to complete when i purchased flights for mother using credits

  • Navigator87 on 15/01/2025 - 00:48

    Any offer for the AMEX Velocity card through referal?

    • FrugalDealSeeker on 15/01/2025 - 08:08

      No but it’s on explorer - 100k and platinum - 275k

  • overlook on 15/01/2025 - 00:54
    +1

    Weird question

    Anyone here still have citi prestige no annual fee cc from like 10 years ago? What did you move away to? I am thinking to get a new card coz the reward isn't all that good. But at least it is free

    • AircraftFreight on 15/01/2025 - 00:55
      +3

      Hold onto that card till the end of time until Citi goes;
      A) Bankrupt
      B) They pull the plug on the card

      • overlook on 15/01/2025 - 00:57
        +1

        Wait not prestige just signature (now premier)

      • wildstone on 15/01/2025 - 01:26
        +1

        Why is that card so valuable if you are always churning anyway?

        The rewards does not seem as good anymore and they have stopped payall.

        • ts13 on 15/01/2025 - 02:44

          There were some threads about people requesting an upgrade to the prestige which were granted.
          It’s a good points earn rate. Travel insurance. Priority passes galore and phone screen insurance. If it was free, I’d keep it, unless I was really fighting for credit limits. I think the prestige comes with some insane bonuses on top (unlimited priority pass + guest, maybe even limo? I could be wrong.)

          • squaredonut on 15/01/2025 - 09:08

            @ts13: Wow, was that with being able to keep fee free for life still?

            • ts13 on 15/01/2025 - 10:59

              @squaredonut: Yeah. Sounded insane.
              https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/278571

              • wildstone on 15/01/2025 - 15:53

                @ts13: From the post, it seems like not many users reported success and one commented that this was a while ago then they did this kind of upgrade offer. So most likely this is not happening.

                • ts13 on 15/01/2025 - 16:37

                  @wildstone: Yes. I didn’t say conversion would be possible today. Just stating that some people do have prestige free for life, and I wouldn’t give it up if I were so lucky!

        • cerealsmok3r on 15/01/2025 - 08:00

          Priority pass is rare on cards

      • timhn on 15/01/2025 - 08:52

        C) They decided to charge annual fee.

  • karma25 on 15/01/2025 - 00:57

    I had Amex Qantas Business Rewards card with my business. Will I be eligible for getting Qantas points if I apply this one as individual.

    • AircraftFreight on 15/01/2025 - 01:00

      No. There might be a case where the Amex card is not reported on your personal file, use a service like ClearScore to check and even then its hit and miss.

      • karma25 on 15/01/2025 - 07:14

        Amex was definately there on my credit file. I currently have Nab Qantas business card however it's not on my credit file.

        I will skip.

      • z0s0 on 15/01/2025 - 10:10

        This does seem strange. The business card is contracted with and issued to your company, not with you personally. Can't see how they could conflate the two?

        • karma25 on 15/01/2025 - 18:34

          Somehow Amex did it. I have Nab business Qantas rewards card through my business but doesn't show on my personal credit file.

    • AircraftFreight on 15/01/2025 - 02:00
      +3

      The reason for the cancellation is due to Sydney's curfew - all passengers get kicked out of the International Terminal at a certain point, they could have probably fixed the aircraft overnight or obtain a new aircraft for the flight out.

      The accommodation situation is frankly bullshit on their end. Should have done better, hell even Jetstar had no issues reimbursing me $960 for a last minute hotel stay after a cancellation out of HNL.

    • onceupon8 on 15/01/2025 - 04:29

      Unfortunately Qantas service is quite inconsistent. The airline industry is a difficult one which means airlines often have poor practices. The airlines with great cabin service often have dodgy compensation practices worse than Qantas. Until Australia introduces airline compensation rules like the EU or US have done, I think all you can do is have low expectations so you don’t get disappointed.

    • try2bhelpful on 15/01/2025 - 07:59

      We hit something similar with Virgin. Had a 9:30pm flight back to Melbourne. This blew out to 10:40 because the pilots they chose to fly our plane were held up flying from the Gold Coast, due to weather issues in Queensland. Flight finally cancelled because they couldn’t make it before curfew. At the gate Virgin claimed we wouldn’t get reimbursement because the cancellation was due to weather. They finally relented and covered us for accomodation, transport and breakfast. The real kicker is we were warned about the original delay 13 hours before the flight was due. They couldn’t find two pilots in Sydney as replacement? Roll on Government review.

    • chadleyshe on 15/01/2025 - 09:14
      +2

      The fact people negged this is just typical of today's society.

      I knew someone who was on the same flight with the same issue, they pushed back and got their full reimbursement after a few emails to and from with the Qantas Rep.

      Watch this for more insight and how to get it addressed.

      https://youtu.be/IijcjYnr8yg?si=ZV3pKmht9ZHHnrRA

      • bboz on 15/01/2025 - 09:18

        Hey, you mean the same flight as me? That's an amazing coincidence - small world! I hope they gave Qantas hell and everyone else on that flight did too. Disgusting behaviour by Qantas.

        Yes, I am stunned to see my comment so harshly negged this morning. I mean, what the hell? Is it Qantas bots? Pathetic Qantas fanbois? Real people who are actually talking Qantas' side here? Amazing.

    • Salternative on 15/01/2025 - 15:16
      -1

      Qantas has been Shite for a long time now.

      Few years back we were travelling to Syd from Tas via melb , 4 of us and with check in luggage included in the ticket price . We had small carry on suitcases and 2 of them came in at 8.5 kilos, told the qantas rep we were happy to make them check in as we had no check in luggage allowance anyway, the rep in Tas was dismissive and said not to worry.
      In Melb, a haughty Karen type demands to weigh the carry ons, we told her about the convo in Tas, she says with a smirk, I dont know what conversation you had in TAS, but you have to pay excessive carry on charges, ( around $120-$150 from memory). Told her to check out tickets that we had not used any of our check in luggage allowances, but they blackmail us by not allowing us to board while everyone has already boarded .
      When I hear of qantas staff having problmes with management, getting laid off, getting underpaid , I always think, I hope you got your just desserts , you Veeeyyyaaacchhhh.

      • bboz on 15/01/2025 - 15:42

        Yep been on a steep slide since that Irish idiot took charge. It's a real shame for the Qantas brand but unfortunately, I can see the same pattern with many companies. We seem to be living in a really bad period, generally speaking.

  • gazer on 15/01/2025 - 02:09
    +1

    Thanks OP. Been waiting for the bonus points to get back up on this card. Been like 60k for months AFAIK.

    My past experience churning with Amex is great - application process is quick and smooth and the best customer service I’ve had

    • alphas on 15/01/2025 - 08:32
      -3

      You need certified ID documents now though which are a massive pain.

      • txb on 15/01/2025 - 08:55

        Really? Anyone any corroborate you have to submit an attachment of certified ID documents?

        • Random Emu on 15/01/2025 - 12:14

          Yes, I applied back in November 2024 and needed to submit certified copies of my identity documents.

      • swiggity123 on 15/01/2025 - 09:04

        what?? since when

      • illusion99 on 15/01/2025 - 09:20

        No that’s just a you requirement. I submitted an application the other day and no need for certified ID.

      • LanceVance on 15/01/2025 - 14:15
        +1

        I just applied and got insta approved, no certified docs.
        How's your credit history?

        • alphas on 15/01/2025 - 18:50

          I am a churner, but I've don't have any negative marks on my record. If I had to guess they probably reversed the policy because I didn't continue the application and I'm sure many others didn't due to the requirement.

  • jabroni on 15/01/2025 - 02:30
    -8

    is this a 12, 18 or 24 month "cant have held the card previously" term limit?

    • ts13 on 15/01/2025 - 02:45
      +17

      Says 18 months in post. These are also questions you can answer by reading description or doing a ctrl + f on the link.

  • avtr on 15/01/2025 - 02:37
    +4
    • a $450 Qantas travel credit each year (for Qantas flights booked via Amex Travel)
    • 2 Qantas lounge passes after you book a flight with Qantas directly

    Had this card previously, note these two points. If you use the travel credit to book a Qantas flight you can’t access the Qantas lounge! Bit silly IMHO.

    • nxllson on 15/01/2025 - 03:12

      I haven't seen this before

      after you book a flight with Qantas directly

      You should be able to link the pass to any booking as long as it's on a QF / JQ flight number.

      • avtr on 15/01/2025 - 03:30

        I think you only get the passes after you spend direct on Qantas. I’ve heard of some people buying Qantas wine to get the passes but not sure if true.

        If your only spend on Qantas flights is through the AMEX travel site to make use of your Qantas travel credit you do not get access to the passes.

        • Wimma on 15/01/2025 - 07:02
          +1

          I got the passes last year without booking flights, did buy wine and maybe book a hotel though? Wonder if it has changed…
          Great card though. Good points, easy application and approval.
          Might hold on to this one!
          Amex flight bookings for domestic when I've used have been very close to qantas direct (within $10) fyi.

          Remember to hit the referral link, help someone hit points club!

          • GregRust on 15/01/2025 - 12:06

            @Wimma: Yes they’ve changed it. Using the credit no longer entitles you to lounge passes. Confirmed with an Amex rep.

        • spirrowhack on 15/01/2025 - 08:51
          +1

          I paid for my seat allocation once and got them.

    • iscooljoey2 on 15/01/2025 - 07:55

      I think I've been able to buy carbon credits in the past!

    • D3m3nti4 on 15/01/2025 - 08:04
      +1

      Use your card to pay for seat selection, then you'll get it

    • qwerty-4321 on 15/01/2025 - 08:40

      I booked a Qantas flight through AMEX travel and received the lounge passes in my inbox after.

    • digitalbath on 15/01/2025 - 17:58

      I used this credit to book return flights at Christmas. Was able to enter the qantas lounge both flights….

  • adrianhughes1998 on 15/01/2025 - 03:24
    +8

    Beware.

    Despite the whole not having an Amex card in the last 18 months thing (I haven't had one since early 2020), good chance that if you're a churner, you're going to get rejected.

    Applied for an amex card last month and got rejected, took it to AFCA on the basis that they didn't ask for proof of income during the application process (yes I know AFCA doesn't help with rejected applications). Amex had a smug reply saying they have their own proprietary system to assess income that doesn't require uploading of payslips (errrrr first bank I've come across that's never asked me for payslips). The only good thing that came out of it is that my rejection and ding on my credit score was completely reversed, because I had complained to AFCA.

    There's lots of threads on AFF saying that churners have got rejected, and some here on Ozbargain. You might get lucky, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

    • onceupon8 on 15/01/2025 - 03:36
      -7

      Why would you care if they asked for proof of income or not? Banks can approve or reject people as they wish. You need to suck it up if you get rejected. Churning provides many benefits to you, and you need to accept that sometimes you may get rejected. PS. I was just approved for an Amex card after waiting a bit over 18 months since I closed my last one. I would have been OK it if they declined my application.

      • adrianhughes1998 on 15/01/2025 - 03:39

        I've gotten rejected before, and I've managed to overturn a couple.

        Giving a PSA to us churners out there, sharing my experiences, and you need to suck that up. Don't need your smug attitude, where you're fine with being declined - some of us are fine with that, some of us aren't - it's a personal choice. I'd rather stay on topic and share my experiences in the hope it helps other people - you know, like what other people have done in previous credit card threads here on Ozbargain

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