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

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Qantas AmEx Ultimate: 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 (5579 clicks)
Last edited 17/01/2025 - 12:56 by 1 other user

This offer was available only by referral until 11 March but is now available on Amex's website until 18 March.

Referral solicitation removed — Mod.

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: (No referral entries)
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
    +67

    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
      +5

      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
        +4

        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
            +8

            @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
              +1

              @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
                +2

                @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.

                • boq on 16/01/2025 - 06:38

                  @willyroo: When you book it with qantas, they transfer you to the next available one. Doesn't matter if it's jetstar or qantas.

      • 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
                  +1

                  @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.

                • CacheHunter on 30/01/2025 - 20:46

                  @afayd: Phone is fine?

              • Johnsmithaus on 29/01/2025 - 10:42

                @xers: Where does it say that? It's mentioned in the US website FAQ, but not in Australian

        • Crowing on 26/01/2025 - 05:18
          +1

          Confirming this still works on 25.01.25. Activated the card and immediately booked a Qantas flight on Amex travel worth $485. Clicked the $450 voucher for payment. After about 5 minutes once the ticket was confirmed and emailed, I cancelled using manage my trips. $450 credit showing in my account the next morning ie 26.01.25. The booking for $485 is still pending but I’m sure will be dropped in the following week

        • Maybloomer on 27/01/2025 - 19:44
          +1

          Yes, still working. Booked flight, cancelled 30 mins later using Manage Booking. Next day the $450 got credited back to the card and the ticket costs sat in Pending for 4 days, then disappeared.

          Love this card, had it for 7 years but never used this option. It's a keeper. Thanks OP.

          • pooks on 15/02/2025 - 17:14

            @Maybloomer: wait do you get $450 travel credit every year when you renew?

      • 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 16/01/2025 - 10:53
              +2

              @EBC: It worked for me. Got the credit this morning.

        • 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.

                    • keejoonc on 16/01/2025 - 10:51
                      +4

                      @xers: The credit is in my account! Thanks.

                      @Maxxiz Thanks mate. You saved me $450!

                      • xers on 16/01/2025 - 11:12
                        +1

                        @keejoonc: Thanks for confirming that it's still working. I think I might keep the card for another year since this trick practically makes it a no annual fee card.

                        • keejoonc on 16/01/2025 - 11:16

                          @xers: Hmm.. that's an idea. I can't recall how much bonus points you get and what the critieria was if you keep the card for the second year.

                          • xers on 16/01/2025 - 11:28

                            @keejoonc: I don’t think there’s any additional bonus if you keep it for the second year but I’ve been able to save quite a bit with the statement credits deals and the earning rate for QFF points is pretty good as well so it’s not a bad card to keep.

                            • keejoonc on 16/01/2025 - 11:31

                              @xers: Bummer. In that case, the only thing that would make me keep it is perhaps if I were to refer my wife to apply for the Ulimate card under the current 100,000 points deal as I also get 40,000 points as the referrer. Not sure I would get the referral point if I cancel my card before my wife's card is approved and she meets the spend criteria.

                      • CharityCase on 16/01/2025 - 18:05

                        @keejoonc: Did you ended up booking economy or business and get refunded?

      • hypnOtixx on 15/01/2025 - 09:19
        +1

        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.

      • l2argain on 19/01/2025 - 20:15

        I flew Qantas to bali last year and am almost converted.. the extra comfort, meals and drinks and no q to check in had me sold. I was lucky enough to get return home with points so I felt this was good value overall and much better inclusions.

      • Skitchcat on 19/01/2025 - 20:18

        Booked via Amex Travel website many times to fly Bris-Mel return as i have family down there. Usually only go when Qantas has a sale on, so the airfares are usually well below the $450 credit, but if you add car hire at the time of booking, then it goes over the $450 amount. Never been an issue when adding car hire. It's a great deal if you fly annually as the travel credit essentially makes the credit card a $0 annual fee, and you also can utilise the lounges at the airport, but you have to use it or you lose it.

      • Jamolo on 22/01/2025 - 01:20

        In the past I've sold the credit at a slight discount to family or a friend

    • cerealsmok3r on 15/01/2025 - 07:58
      -1

      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
          +6

          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.

          • askbargain on 16/01/2025 - 10:09

            @xfelix: AMEX travel insurance would have covered you in that situation. Feels more like Qantas's fault.

            • evgpek on 16/01/2025 - 11:03

              @askbargain: Accommodation yes but earlier flight on a new ticket?

            • xfelix on 16/01/2025 - 11:26

              @askbargain: Amex travel insurance did cover some but has accommodation limits if recall correctly. Plus insurance excess fee. Far from enough to cover extra Tokyo hotel stay.
              It’s of course Qantas fault. But my point is if the tickets were booked through airline company directly, all those inconveniences and cost can be saved. I would be able to return Sydney on time and also save one day pet boarding cost.
              I would recommend to use Amex travel credit to book hotels if the markups on Amex site is not that unreasonable. Book flights from airlines directly.

              • Nom on 19/01/2025 - 21:27

                @xfelix:

                I would recommend to use Amex travel credit to book hotels

                You can't - the $450 credit is for Qantas flights only.

    • 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

    • hamroll on 16/01/2025 - 11:42

      100k points is currently valued at 1.2c minimum, so its already at least 1k of value of points

      The $450 travel credit is just an added bonus, and even better if you are flying economy, because you're not having to pay "premium prices" for international flights (which is way more than $450)

    • kogi on 21/01/2025 - 06:53

      I found it extremely difficult as the amex travel site is a lot more expensive and has a lot less flights than the qantas site.

      Also the Sydney Qantas lounge is horrible with a horrible location.

  • 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
      +7

      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
          +1

          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.

  • bboz on 15/01/2025 - 01:17
    -6

    Not related to this deal but seeing the word Qantas gets my blood boiling.

    Long story somewhat short, we were booked on a flight from Sydney to Christchurch (second leg) recently and after a 6 hour delay (told several times the flight would happen), we were all told the flight was cancelled and they are now taking us all to get our luggage. That's literally all we were told. This was at 11pm. People were pissed and started demanding more info, including myself. Nothing about what next or what we were to do, just "we are taking you to get your luggage".

    Eventually after a long delay and several Qantas reps telling us random tidbits of info (none of them seemed to know what to do), including some senior manager, we were offered uber vouchers and told to find ourselves accommodation - that in itself is unbelievable. Basically "get out and figure it out for yourselves". And nothing about another flight or what to do.

    Here's the kicker. We were all told by several Qantas reps that we would be reimbursed the accommodation costs at $600 per person - this was repeated several times by several reps, including the senior manager. We were travelling in a group of 8 and managed to find accommodation for $1500 for all of us. The flight end up happening the following morning. Now comes the time to claim and I get an email stating their policy is $200 per room. So we are now out of pocked $900 because they arbitrarily decided to change their position. After putting up a fight and being fully ready to take it much further, they agree, as a "one off exception" to pay the total for the accommodation. Outrageous to even begin to state this is an exception given the way they treated their customers.

    So I managed to get my money back but I wonder how many did not. Hopefully some passengers from that flight or others will read this.

    This was the night if the emergency landing in late November. Apparently that was the reason for the delays - who knows if it's true given that plane landed without issue and our delay was 6 hours.

    My how Qantas has fallen (no pun intended). I'll be sure to closely consider all other options next time we fly.

    • AircraftFreight on 15/01/2025 - 02:00
      +5

      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
      +3

      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

      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
        +1

        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
    +3

    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

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