Which Amex Card Is Right For Me?

American Express^® offers 10 different consumer Credit and Charge Cards in Australia, which can make choosing the right card something of a daunting task. 

Fortunately, we’ve done the hard yards for you, breaking down the key features of each of the Amex consumer Cards, and giving you all the information and tools to pick the right card for your personal circumstances. From the jam-packed-full-of-perks Platinum Charge Card, right through to the $0 annual fee Low Rate Credit Card – each Card offers unique benefits and rewards tailored to different lifestyles and spending habits. 

To make it easy for you, we’ve divided American Express’ offerings into four different categories –  Membership Cards, Qantas Frequent Flyer Cards, Velocity Frequent Flyer Cards, and Low Rate Credit Cards. 

Before we dive in though, an important disclaimer. When choosing a Credit Card, think about your lifestyle and why you need the Card in the first place. It’s pointless to have a Card loaded with perks if you never use them. We recommend always diving into the fine print when comparing Cards – check out the annual fees, interest rates, interest-free periods, credit limits, and all those juicy rewards and benefits. Also, be honest with yourself about your current financial situation and what you can realistically afford to repay.

Now onto the fun stuff. 

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Jump To:

• Membership Rewards Cards
  • American Express Platinum Charge Card
  • American Express Explorer Credit Card
  • American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card
  • American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card
• American Express Qantas Frequent Flyer Cards
  • Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
  • Qantas American Express Discovery Card
• American Express Virgin Velocity Cards
  • American Express Velocity Platinum Card
  • American Express Velocity Escape Card
• Low Rate American Express Cards
  • American Express Low Rate Credit Card

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Membership Rewards Cards

American Express Platinum Charge Card

Good For: Luxury Perks & Benefits
Annual Fee: $1,450

We’ve gone deep on the range of benefits of Platinum Charge Card, but fundamentally the Platinum Card is the king of Amex Cards (aside from the invitation-only Centurion ‘Black’ Card) and is designed for those who seek premium services and luxury benefits. Key features of the Platinum Charge Card include:

• Welcome Bonus: American Express often has rich welcome bonus point offers for their products. Be aware of the current offers available, as you might be able to get a healthy start to your points tally. T&Cs apply, subject to selected Card product.
• Earning Rate: Earn up to 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible purchases².
• Travel Credit: $450 Annual travel credit to use on eligible flights, hotels, and car hire through American Express Travel³.
• Lounge Access: Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including The Centurion^® Lounges⁴.
• Dining Credit: Receive a $400 Global dining credit. $200 local and $200 abroad at participating venues⁵ T&C’s Apply. Benefit ends 31 December 2025
• Insurance: Complimentary Travel and purchase insurance coverage. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits)⁶. Smartphone Screen Insurance: Smartphone Screen Insurance up to $500 for two events a year. 10% excess applies⁶. Waiting periods may apply. Terms, Conditions and Exclusions apply.

American Express Explorer Credit Card

Good For: Frequent Travelers and Frequent Spenders
Annual Fee: $395

The American Express Explorer® Credit Card is ideal for those who love to travel and enjoy premium benefits. You can read our full article on the Explorer card here, but key features include:

• Welcome Bonus: American Express often has rich welcome bonus point offers for their products. Be aware of the current offers available, as you might be able to get a healthy start to your points tally. T&Cs apply, subject to selected Card product.¹ 
• Earning Rate: Earn up to 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible purchases².
• Travel Credit: Receive a $400 annual travel credit to use on eligible flights, hotels, and car hire booked through American Express Travel³.
• Insurance: Complimentary travel and purchase insurance coverage. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits)⁶.

• Smartphone Screen Insurance: Smartphone Screen Insurance up to $500 for two events a year. 10% excess applies⁶. Waiting periods may apply. Terms, Conditions and Exclusions apply.
• Airport Lounge Access: Two complimentary entries to the American Express Centurion Lounge at Sydney or Melbourne International Airport⁴.
• Flexibility: Membership Rewards Points can be transferred across various airlines.

American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

Best For: Everyday Spending
Annual Fee: $195 per year 

The Platinum Edge Credit Card is perfect for those who want to maximize points on everyday expenses. Key benefits include:

• Welcome Bonus: American Express often has rich welcome bonus point offers for their products. Be aware of the current offers available, as you might be able to get a healthy start to your points tally. T&Cs apply, subject to selected Card product.¹
• Earning Rate: Earn 3 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations, 2 points per $1 spent on purchases in a foreign currency when overseas and online and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases ^2(a).
• Travel Credit: $200 Annual travel credit to use on eligible flights, hotels, and car hire through American Express Travel³.
• Insurance: Complimentary travel and purchase insurance coverage. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits))⁶.

American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card

Best For: Getting Started In Rewards
Annual Fee: $108 ($9 per month)

We’ve gone deeper on this card here, but for those who want to earn rewards doing things you already love, the American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card offers diverse rewards and great benefits. Key features include:

• Welcome Bonus:. American Express often have rich welcome bonus offers in market for their products. Be aware of the offers in market and you might be able to get a healthy start to your points tally once you meet the minimum spend criteria.
• Earning Rate: Earn up to 5 Membership Rewards® Points per $1 spent on your first 10,000 points per month, and then continue earning 1 point per $1 spent after that.
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Australia, and on selected food delivery’ (Uber Eats & Menulog are included)
  • Earn 3 points per $1 spent on selected streaming subscriptions in Australia
  • Earn 2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia
  • Earn 1 points per $1 spent on everything else^2(b).
• Smartphone Screen Insurance: Smartphone Screen Insurance up to $500 for two events a year. 10% excess applies⁶. Waiting periods may apply. Terms, Conditions and Exclusions apply.
• Insurance: Comprehensive purchase protection, including refund and extended warranty insurance when you pay for eligible items with your Card. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as cover limits)⁶.

American Express Qantas Frequent Flyer Cards

Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

Best For: Qantas Frequent Flyers
Annual Fee: $450

If, like plenty of Aussies, you’re a loyal Qantas traveller, the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card offers fantastic benefits – read our deep dive into this Card here. Key features include:

• Welcome Bonus: Qantas Points bonus upon meeting the minimum spend requirement within the first 3 months. T&Cs Apply. New Amex Card Members Only¹.
• Earning Rate: Earn up to 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.¹¹
• Travel Credit: Annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit to use on eligible Qantas flights⁷. Qantas Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking for Qantas Flights by selecting the Qantas Travel Credit when you checkout.
• Lounge Access: Enjoy 2 complimentary Qantas Club Lounge passes each year and 2 passes to The Centurion® Lounge to use at Sydney or Melbourne International Airports⁸.
• Insurance: International and Domestic travel and purchase insurance coverage. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits)⁶.

Qantas American Express Discovery Card

Best For: Earning Qantas Points With No Annual Fee
Annual Fee: $0

If you’re a Qantas traveler looking for a cost-effective way to earn Qantas Points, the Qantas American Express Discovery Card offers valuable benefits without an annual fee. Key features include:

• Earning Rate: Earn 1.75 Qantas points per $1 spent on eligible Qantas products and services, 0.75 Qantas points per $1 spent on card purchases, and 0.5 Qantas points per $1 spent on purchases at government bodies¹.
• Insurance: Purchase protection and refund protection insurance when you pay for eligible items with your Card. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as cover limits)⁶.

American Express Virgin Velocity Cards

American Express Velocity Platinum Card

Good For: Velocity Frequent Flyers
Annual Fee: $440

For those who prefer Virgin Australia, the Velocity Platinum Card offers tailored benefits for Velocity members – you can read our in-depth review here. Key features include:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn Velocity Points bonus upon meeting the minimum spend requirement within the first 3 months. T&Cs Apply. New Amex Card Members Only¹.
• Earning Rate:
  • Earn up to 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at Virgin Australia. 
  • Earn 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Card purchases.
  • Earn 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent on purchases at government bodies in Australia.¹²
• Complimentary Annual Domestic Flight: Receive an annual complimentary domestic economy return flight on Virgin Australia between selected cities, following your first Card spend each anniversary year⁹.
• Lounge Access: Receive two Virgin Australia lounge passes per membership year & two passes to enter The Centurion® Lounge at the Sydney or Melbourne International Airport per membership year¹⁰.
• Insurance: International and Domestic travel and purchase insurance coverage. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits)⁶.

American Express Velocity Escape Card

Best For: Earning Velocity Points
Annual Fee: $0

For travellers who frequently fly with Virgin Australia and want to earn Velocity points, the American Express Velocity Escape Card provides a range of benefits. Key features include:

• Earning Rate: Earn up to 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases¹.
• Lounge Access: No complimentary lounge invitations, but access to Virgin Australia lounges can be purchased separately.
• Insurance: Purchase protection and refund protection insurance when you pay for eligible items with your Card. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as cover limits)⁶.
• Additional Benefits: Access to Amex Offers, providing discounts and benefits at various retailers.

Low Rate American Express Cards

American Express Low Rate Credit Card

Best For: Low Interest Rate & No Annual Fee
Annual Fee: $0

The American Express Low Rate Credit Card is a great option for those looking for a Card with a low-interest rate and a $0 annual fee. It offers essential benefits, making it ideal for budget-conscious individuals who want to manage their expenses efficiently.

• Low Interest Rate: Competitive interest rate on purchases.
• Insurance: Purchase protection and refund protection. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as cover limits).

Choosing the right American Express Card depends on your lifestyle, spending habits, and personal preferences. Whether you prioritize travel benefits, everyday rewards, or no annual fees, there’s an American Express card designed to meet your needs. As always, evaluate the key features of each card and consider how they align with your financial goals and lifestyle to make the right choice.

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Terms & Conditions

Subject to Terms and Conditions. Fees and charges apply. All information is correct as of 23/1/2025 and is subject to change. Cards are offered, issued, and administered by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085). American Express income and credit approval criteria applies. ^®Registered Trademark of American Express Company

1. If you are an existing David Jones Card Member and don’t hold or have not held any other American Express Card(s) in the past 18 months, you will be eligible for the offer. All other Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for this offer. Welcome Bonuses are subject to change at any time. Minimum spend criteria applies. Terms and Conditions apply. 
2. Membership Rewards Program. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. You will earn 1 point per dollar spent with Merchants classified as ‘government’, including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post), Federal/State and Local Government bodies, including where you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant.
   • Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. The following merchants have been classified as major supermarkets: Bi-Lo, Coles, Fishers, Food For Less, Fresh Provisions, Harris Farm Markets, IGA, Macro Wholefoods, Safeway, Supabarn, Thomas Dux, Woolworths. The following merchants have been classified as major petrol stations: Ampol, BP, Caltex Woolworths, Gull, Metro, Peak, Safeway Petrol, Shell, United, Woolworths Petrol, 7 Eleven. Exceptions may apply if an individual merchant trading as one of the above named retailers does not accept American Express as a form of payment. Purchases at major supermarket & major petrol station retailers are only eligible for additional points if the transactions are made in Australia. Certain transactions will earn 2 points per dollar spent, including the use of foreign currency overseas and overseas online payments. Additional points for major supermakets, petrol stations and foreign currency may not apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to a major supermarket processed through a payment aggregator may not earn the additional points.
   • Membership Rewards® Program for The American Express Essential Rewards Card. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards® program available at americanexpress.com/en-au/rewards/membership-rewards/terms. Earn 5 points per $1 spent at restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, bars and selected food delivery services in Australia (“Eats and Drinks”). See the list of selected food delivery services here. Earning points at this rate is dependent on how the merchant categorises their business and provide us this information (directly or through their financial institution). Locations such as a bar in an entertainment venue or a restaurant in a hotel may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. The Eats and Drinks category does not include supermarket, grocery store or catering spend. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions at selected providers in Australia. The current list of streaming services is available here. Purchases must be made directly with the merchant on our list. Spend will not be eligible for accelerated earn if the product is bundled with another product or service or billed by a third party such as a digital platform or a TV, telecommunications or internet provider. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. Earn 2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia. The following merchants have been classified as Selected Major Retailers: Amazon, Kmart, Bunnings Warehouse, Uniqlo, Myer, The Iconic, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman. Purchases with these Selected Major Retailers are only eligible for additional points if the transactions are made online or in-store in Australia. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. The current list of selected retailers and corresponding terms and conditions are available here. The list is subject to change. Eligible spend outside the accelerated earn rate categories will earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent. American Express reserves the right to change this list of Eats and Drinks providers, selected food delivery services, selected streaming services and selected major retailers that earn points at an accelerated rate.
3. Travel Credit. Terms and Conditions apply. The Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking by selecting the Travel Credit when you checkout. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. Eligible travel includes flights, hotels and car hire when you prepay in advance. The Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date.
4. Lounge Access. Terms and Conditions apply. Includes the American Express Global Lounge Collection and Centurion Lounge Network. Also includes access to the Priority Pass™ program, which is subject to enrolment and the Priority Pass Conditions of Use available at prioritypass.com/en/conditions-of-use. Priority Pass membership is available to the Primary Platinum Card Member and one Additional Platinum Card Member only, as nominated by the Primary Platinum Card Member. For full Terms and Conditions and a list of available lounges, visit americanexpress.com.au/platinum lounges.
5. $400 Global Dining Credit. Enrolled Card Members will be eligible to receive a maximum of $200 back on spend at participating local restaurants (Local Dining Credit) and a maximum of AUD$200 back on spend at participating abroad restaurants (Abroad Dining Credit) per redemption period. Spend can be in one or more transactions.Separate one-time enrolment is required for the Local Dining Credit and the Abroad Dining Credit via your Amex. The final date to enrol and spend for both the Local and Abroad Dining Credits is 31 December 2024.
6. American Express Insurance. The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs. This insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy of insurance held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Access to this insurance is provided solely by reason of the statutory operation of section 48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Card Members are not a party to the group policy, do not have an agreement with Chubb and cannot vary or cancel the cover. American Express is not the insurer, does not guarantee or hold the rights under the group policy on trust for Card Members and does not act on behalf of Chubb or as its agent. American Express is not an Authorised Representative (under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) of Chubb.
7. Qantas $450 Travel Credit. T&Cs apply. Qantas American Express Ultimate Primary Card Members are eligible for an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit, subject to the full Qantas Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/qantasultimate-travelcreditterms. The Qantas Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking for Qantas Flights (i.e. a QF flight number on your ticket) by selecting the Qantas Travel Credit when you checkout. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. Qantas American Express Ultimate Primary Card Members are eligible for an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit, subject to the full Qantas Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/qantasultimate-travelcreditterms. The Qantas Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking for Qantas Flights (i.e. a QF flight number on your ticket) by selecting the Qantas Travel Credit when you checkout. All Qantas Flight travel is subject to Qantas Conditions of Carriage. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. The Qantas Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date. To check the expiration date of your Qantas Travel Credit if you have not already redeemed it, please visit americanexpress.com.au/travel; log in and click ‘Travel Credit’. If your booking is cancelled, and your Qantas Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Qantas Travel Credit benefit and American Express may reverse the statement credits issued. You need to be able to spend on the Card to access the Qantas Travel Credit benefit and it should be credited to your Card Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. Your account must be in good standing and you must have paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date. If you cancel your Card, change your rewards program or Card type, you will no longer be eligible for the Qantas Travel Credit.
8. Qantas Ultimate Lounge Access. Terms and Conditions apply. Entry into The Centurion® Lounge is governed by the full Terms and Conditions available at amex.com.au/airport lounge. Provided you are a Qantas Frequent Flyer and have registered your Qantas Frequent Flyer number with your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, you are eligible to receive two Qantas Club Lounge Invitations each anniversary year of your Card Membership after purchasing selected Qantas products and services using your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card.
9. Velocity Complimentary Annual Return Domestic Flight. Terms and conditions apply. The complimentary domestic economy Virgin Australia return flight is only available between selected Australian cities and is available for booking by American Express Velocity Platinum Card Members after your first Card spend in the first year, and then after your first Card spend each year after the anniversary of your Membership.
10. Velocity Platinum Lounge Access. T&Cs apply. Two single passes to the Virgin Australia lounge will be activated on the Primary Card Member’s Velocity Membership Card annually on or after each annual Card fee renewal date. Virgin Australia lounge entry passes are subject to the American Express Velocity Platinum Card Benefits Terms and Conditions. Entry into The Centurion® Lounge is governed by the full Terms and Conditions available at amex.com.au/airport lounge.
11. Additional Qantas Points. Selected Qantas products and services are Qantas passenger flights with a QF flight number purchased directly from Qantas.com.au; Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club membership joining and/ or annual fees. Subject to Qantas American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions.
12. Velocity Platinum Card Terms & Conditions. Receive 100,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online by 30 April 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Velocity Platinum Card within the first 3 months from the Card approval date. This offer is only available to new American Express Card Members. If you previously held a David Jones American Express Card and have not held any other American Express Card(s) in the past 18 months, you will be eligible for the offer. All other Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for this offer. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. 100,000 bonus Velocity Points will be awarded to the eligible Card Member’s account 8-10 weeks after the spend criteria has been met. Velocity Points are earned in accordance with the American Express Velocity Cards Points Terms and Conditions available here and are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program available here. $440 annual fee applies. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.