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American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card
American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card

American Express Credit Cards

American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card

Updated 16 February 2024

Earn up to 1.75 Velocity Points on every $1 spent with an uncapped earn rate and redeem them for flights, hotels, car hire, gift cards, and more with no cap on how many points you can earn. Save with $0 annual fee and add up to 4 additional cards at no extra cost. Enjoy other handy features including Card Refund and Card Purchase Covers. T&Cs apply.

Purchase Rate (p.a)

23.99%

Balance Transfer (p.a)

N/A  

Annual Fee (p.a)

$0

$0

My transfer amount

Balance transfer from:

My annual fee

My interest rate

Pros and cons

  • $0 annual card fee
  • Earn 1.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin products and services
  • Earn 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent, except government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent
  • 4 additional card holders at no extra cost
  • Pay off your credit card balance with Plan It™ Instalments with 0% p.a. interest and a fixed monthly fee

  • No welcome offer on balance transfers or purchases

Creditcard.com.au review

Editor Review

American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card

Pauline Hatch
Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. about this card.

Giving you a way to earn uncapped Velocity Points while paying a $0 annual fee, the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card is a rewards card that keeps it perfectly simple. You can also benefit from other handy features such as Card Refund and Card Purchase Covers. Let’s explore in more detail what the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card has to offer:

  • Earn 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent, except government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent
  • Earn 1.75 additional Velocity Points per $1 spent on purchases with Virgin Australia
  • No points cap
  • Points transferred directly to your Velocity Account each month
  • $0 annual fee
  • Card Refund Cover
  • Card Purchase Cover
  • Online Fraud Protection Guarantee
  • Up to 55 days interest-free on purchases
  • Purchase rate at 23.99% p.a. (variable).
  • No cash advances.

This Card: The Lowdown

With a $0 annual fee, the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card is the ideal option for cardholders looking to earn Velocity Points while keeping ongoing costs down. As long as you clear your balance each statement period and avoid unnecessary fees, this card provides a simple way to earn rewards on everyday spending, while paying out the absolute minimum.

Keeping it pretty basic, this card is a great choice for anyone who doesn’t need fancy features – or anyone who doesn’t want to pay for them.

Digging Deeper

With the basics covered, it’s time to dig a little deeper into what’s on offer with the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card, so you can decide whether this card is right for you.

This Card: As a Rewards Card

With very few additional extras on offer, this card’s big selling point is its rewards program. As a cardholder, you'll pay $0 annual fee for this card so you are essentially earning rewards for FREE. Considering the fact that some rewards cards have annual fees that blow out to hundreds of dollars, the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card really is offering something special.

Everyday Earning

With a straightforward earn rate, the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card makes it easy to keep track of your points earning.

  • Earn 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent, except government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent
  • Earn 1.75 additional Velocity Points per $1 spent on purchases with Virgin Australia

There are two impressive aspects of the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card that are worth highlighting. First, there is no cap on the points you earn. Unlike many other rewards cards, which cap the points you earn or reduce the number of points earned per $1 after a certain point, this card lets you earn as many points as you want.

Secondly, there is $0 annual fee for primary cardholders or additional cardholders. With rewards cards in general, you need to weigh up how much you are paying out in annual fees against the value of the rewards you get in return. Unfortunately, you will often find that balance is not in your favour.

But, with this card, you save in annual fees, so the rewards you earn are essentially free. On top of that, your Velocity Frequent Flyer membership is also free. All the points that you earn – and that your additional cardholders earn – go straight to your Velocity Account each month, so there is very little maintenance required.

Velocity Frequent Flyer

If you are new to the Velocity Frequent Flyer program, then the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card could be the ideal card for you. A gateway card, you could say. But, if you’re new to the program, you’ll need to learn more about the way it works if you want to take full advantage of it – and earn the maximum points for your spending.

Earning Points

As a cardholder, there are lots of ways in which you can earn points. You can earn Velocity Points on eligible flights with Virgin Australia and its airline partners. Airline partners include Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines.

You can also earn Velocity Points when you make a booking with Virgin Australia’s global travel partners. When you use your card to book with these travel partners, you will earn Velocity Points twice – once with your card and again with the partner. Accommodation partners include Crown Hotels, AccorHotels and TFE Hotels, while car hire partners include Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty.

If you are a Platinum, Gold or Silver Velocity member (more on that shortly), you will also earn a Velocity Points bonus when booking with selected Velocity travel partners, as well as on flights with Virgin Australia and its partner, Etihad Airways.

As for everyday points earning, Virgin Australia’s everyday partners allow cardholders to earn Velocity Points on day-to-day spending. Earn points paying for your phone contract at Virgin Mobile, paying your EnergyAustralia bill, or servicing your car at Midas. With Virgin Australia’s partners, you could even earn points visiting your dentist or buying wine.

Status Benefits

The Velocity Frequent Flyer program has four levels of membership, each of which determine the types of benefits you receive when you travel. After entry-level membership, you can upgrade to Silver, and from there to Gold and Platinum Velocity membership. You climb the membership ladder by earning Status Credits.

Status Credits are different to Velocity Points, and can only be earned in a few ways. You can earn Status Credits when you fly on eligible flights with Virgin Australia and its airline partners, where the more frequently and further you fly, and the more flexible the type of fare you book, the more Status Credits you will earn.

You can also earn Status Credits when you shop, using your linked Flybuys card at Coles, Coles Online, Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market. Here, you’ll earn 1 Status Credit for every $100 spent on eligible purchases, up to a maximum of 10 Status Credits per month. Lastly, you can use Family Pooling to direct your family members’ Status Credits into one nominated Velocity Account.

In terms of benefits, these vary according to the level of membership you hold. As a Platinum or Gold member you will receive benefits that include access to more than 150 lounges worldwide, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and additional baggage allowance, as well as complimentary membership to the premium tiers of Virgin Australia’s car hire and accommodation partners.

If you are a Platinum, Gold or Silver member, you will earn a Velocity Points bonus when you fly on eligible flights with Virgin Australia or Etihad Airways, as well as when you book with selected Velocity accommodation, car hire, insurance and travel partners.

Redeeming Points

Now to Velocity Points redemption. As a Velocity member, you can redeem your points for flights, either by booking a Rewards Seat or Any Seat. Alternatively, you can redeem points to book accommodation, holiday packages and car hire with Virgin Australia’s global travel partners.

You can also redeem your points at the Velocity Rewards Store. Here, you can choose from hundreds of products, including electrical items, activewear and gift cards.

This Card: Extras on Offer

As we mentioned earlier, the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card is not weighed down with extras. But, as it has a $0 annual fee and a rewards program, this is not surprising. That’s not to say it’s completely devoid of features though. Here are some of the useful extras you can expect.

AmEx Service

One of the things American Express sells itself on is its service. With the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card, that means offering extras such as Card Refund Cover, Card Purchase Cover, an Online Fraud Protection Guarantee and Emergency Card Replacement, as well as Global Card Support.

With Card Refund Cover, American Express will credit your account if you're refused a refund on an unused eligible item bought using the card within 90 days of purchase. American Express will pay up to $500 for one eligible item, up to a total of $2,000 within a year. Certain items are not covered, such as jewellery, mobile phones, books and items with a purchase price of less than $50.

With Card Purchase Cover, American Express will repair or refund eligible items bought using the card if they are accidentally broken or stolen within 90 days of purchase. American Express will pay up to $2,500 per claim, up to $20,000 within a year. Lost or stolen items cannot be claimed if they are not reported to the police within 48 hours, or if a written police report has not been obtained. There is an excess of $50 per claim.

With the card’s Online Fraud Protection Guarantee, you won't be held responsible for any unauthorised charges made without your knowledge while shopping online, while the Emergency Card Replacement service uses the American Express global network to get a replacement card to you within two working days, virtually anywhere in the world.

Compatibility

As the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card has the American Express logo emblazoned on it, this card can be used anywhere American Express is accepted. The only thing to note here is not all merchants accept American Express, and some charge a higher credit card surcharge for American Express card use.

If you are a tech fan and love wearable technology, you’ll be glad to know that the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card can be paired with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay.

Up to 55 Days Interest Free on Purchases

Another way to save on interest is to use the card’s interest free period on purchases. As long as you pay the full closing balance of your monthly statement by the due date each month, you can benefit from up to 55 days interest free on purchases. Bear in mind that the total number of interest free days will depend on when the purchase is made and when your statement is issued.

This Card: The Essentials

We already know this card has a $0 annual fee, for the primary cardholder or for additional cardholders. It is worth noting that the purchase rate on this card is relatively high, so it’s best to clear the balance before interest starts accruing. Cash advances are not offered on this card, and there is a minimum credit limit of $2,000.

As for eligibility, you need to be at least 18 years old to apply, with no history of bad debt or payment default. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold a long term visa. Long term means at least 12 months and does not include student visas.

Decision Time

An enticing option for anyone who wants to earn Velocity Points while paying a $0 annual fee, the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card is a simple rewards card with a selection of useful features. Take advantage of this easy, cheap way to earn rewards.

User reviews

American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card ( based on 11 Creditcard.com.au user reviews )

78% rating based on 11 reviews

Rates
Fees
Rewards
Customer Service
Value
94%

Underfraud

14 February 2023

Zero fee

Recommends this card
70%

Creditcard.com.au Visitor

1 May 2013

Double points when I book Virgin - work give me the flight money and hey presto points for no cost

Recommends this card

Rates and fees

Interest rates



Purchase rate 23.99% p.a.

Cash advance rate N/A

Interest free period on purchases up to 55 days

Credit limits

Minimum credit limit $2,000

Maximum credit limit N/A

Fees & repayments

Annual fee $0 p.a.

Additional cardholder fee Up to 4 at no extra cost

Foreign transaction fee 3%

Minimum repayment $30 or 2.5%, whichever is greater (personal & business); N/A (charge cards)

Cash advance fee N/A

Late payment fee $30

Rewards and points

Rewards program

Rewards Program Velocity Frequent Flyer Velocity Frequent Flyer

Bonus points N/A

Annual points cap uncapped

Bonus points spend criteria N/A

Earning points with this card

Velocity Rewards points 0.75 points per $1 spent

Points cap per month N/A

Overseas earn rate same as standard earn rate

Additional features

Complimentary insurance

International Travel Insurance No

Flight Inconvenience Insurance No

Transit Accident Insurance No

Smartphone Screen Insurance No

Purchase Protection Insurance Yes

Extended Warranty Insurance No

Rental Vehicle Excess In Australia Insurance No

Extras

Eligible with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay

Overview

American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card

American Express, in partnership with Velocity, the Virgin Australia group of airlines has created Velocity Escape. The card has a $0 annual fee and features a standard point earning ratio of 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent, except for government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent. Earn 1.75 additional Velocity Points per $1 can be earned with Virgin Australia. The Velocity program includes partnership airlines Virgin Atlantic (and all other Virgin airlines worldwide), Singapore Airlines, Delta, Etihad, Hawaiian and Airlines PNG, + Skywest in the United States. There is no cap on points earned with the card and they are transferred directly to your Velocity account for you – so no self-management is needed. This product is available to an Australian citizen or permanent resident who holds a long-term visa. Long-term means at least 12 months and does not include student visas. Membership in the Velocity program is free too.

Key features

  • No annual card fee
  • Earn 1.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin products and services
  • Earn 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent, except government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 spent
  • Emergency card replacement - they usually happen within 48 hours
  • Up to 4 additional card holders for free
  • Card Refund and Card Purchase Covers, Online Fraud Protection Guarantee
  • Pay off your credit card balance with Plan It™ Instalments with 0% p.a. interest and a fixed monthly fee

Minimum criteria to apply for this card

  • Be over 18 years old

  • Good Credit and have not applied for multiple credit cards recently

  • Australian citizen or permanent resident or hold a long term visa (at least 12 months; does not include student visas)

  • You have your personal details ready to complete the online application

Pauline

Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Pauline is passionate about seeing Aussies win by making their money – and their credit cards – work smarter, harder and bigger

Recently Asked Questions

Something you need to know about this card? Ask our credit card expert a question.

59 questions (showing the latest 10 Q&As)

Zensaku

Zensaku

19 July 2023
Hi, I'm looking for my first credit card, aged 19 years old in university as a casual employee with an income of about $20K pa. As I understand, my choices are limited to base credit cards like the low interest rate amex card. I am however, still interested in cards such as citi rewards credit card or amex express velocity excape, mainly due to the frequent flyer benefits with velocity. Is it worth pursuing these two latter mentioned cards for someone in my circumstances? I really don't want to apply for a credit card that I'm unlikely to get so I just need advice. Kind regards Zensaku
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    20 July 2023
    Hi there Zensaku, some cards don’t advertise the minimum income which can make it harder to know if you qualify for them. We’ve curated a list of some of the credit cards with a lower minimum income requirement, so you can know if you earn enough to qualify. Hopefully that gives you a good starting point.
Josie

Josie

22 June 2023
Hi, how long does it take for me to get the credit card if I apply for it right now? Is it an instant approval option? thanks
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    23 June 2023
    Hi Josie, that’s a good question! The application process for a credit card just takes a few minutes if you have all the required information ready to go. The next step is AMEX’s review and approval process and usually takes up to a few days. Then finally, if you’re approved, you’ll receive your physical card in 7-10 business days.
Megan

Megan

14 May 2023
What are the annual fees on this card? First year, second year, third year. Is it really $0. Is American Express card accepted everywhere VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted.
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    15 May 2023
    Hi Megan, the American Express Velocity Escape card does not have an annual fee. While American Express cards are generally accepted in most establishments globally (e.g. major hotels, restaurants, and retailers), it’s best to confirm acceptance with the specific merchant prior to using your card. Historically, Amex wasn’t as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa, but since the government’s payment fee reform and the Amex Shop small campaign, acceptance coverage has increased.
deb

deb

14 March 2023
how many payslips do I need to show
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    14 March 2023
    Hi Deb, I checked but there’s no mention of how many payslips are needed. However, typically credit card issuers usually request at least 2 - 3 months’ worth of payslips as proof of income.
Carolyn Anne Ollington

Carolyn Anne Ollington

16 August 2021
What are the Government Bodies; that you only get 0.5 velocity points? Is the 0.75 on general spending on the credit card
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    17 August 2021
    Hi Carolyn Anne, the government bodies that can earn points are for example: the ATO, Australia Post, and Federal/State and Local government bodies. You’ll earn 0.5 Velocity points for those transactions. For everyday purchases (like payments made at the supermarket, petrol station, doctor's office, restaurants, etc), you earn 0.75 Velocity points. Hope this has helped!
Lub Dee Chares

Lub Dee Chares

31 May 2021
Hui, I looking for a credit with first year FREE and offer either Qantas points or Velocity point on (let say 20,000 or more when joining). Also my income is $45k pa if it helps. Link to provider would be very appreciated.
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    1 June 2021
    Hi Lub Dee Chares, thanks for your question. It’s a strict set of requirements you’ve detailed here, but we’ll do our best to try help. There are no credit cards that offer points simply for joining and the annual fee is usually charged for the privilege of earning points. You’ll generally need to meet a minimum spend threshold to qualify. There is the Qantas American Express Discovery Credit Card and the American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card that both offer points earning, with no annual fee. However, neither of these have bonus points. If you don’t mind paying a second year annual fee (or cancelling before your anniversary date) the ANZ Rewards Black could be an option. You won’t earn Qantas or Velocity points, but you can unlock eGift cards. If you don’t mind paying a $49 annual fee, the Qantas Premier Everyday Credit Card could be a possibility for you too. As always, it’s important to compare the options available to you and to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the card. Best of luck in your search!
Abee

Abee

13 May 2021
Hi, I'm currently on Bridging Visa while applying for my 485 Temporary Resident Visa. Would I be eligible to apply for this card? Thank you!
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    13 May 2021
    Hi Abee, thanks for your question. I checked the Amex site and they state that you must be on a long term Visa that is longer than 12 months and not a student visa. Check out our comparison of temporary visa credit cards to check your eligibility.
Ellis

Ellis

22 January 2021
My partner is on a masters visa for 2 years are we eligible?
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    25 January 2021
    Hi Ellis, it can be possible, you would need to meet all other requirements. AMEX can be quite flexible.
Dee

Dee

18 April 2019
Is this card available as a business credit card?
Ritu

Ritu

1 February 2019
With the Velocity card will I have access to the American express lounge at sydney airport
Tracey

Tracey

4 November 2018
Hi Are there additional charges on overseas purchases with this card. Thanks Tracey
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    5 November 2018
    Hi Tracey, there is a 3% Foreign Transaction Fee with this card. That is, when you purchase in an overseas currency you will be charged 3% of the purchase price as a foreign fee. For no annual fee, have a look at the 28 Degrees Platinum credit card. My favourite no foreign fee card is the ANZ Rewards Travel Adventure. Reward points earning, bonus points available, overseas travel insurance, no cash advance fees overseas. A great travel credit card.
adam

adam

15 July 2018
gday, thanks for the review,, was wondering if this card has any travel insurance? particularly the excess cover for hire cars? aust only or international?) thanks in advance
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    16 July 2018
    Hi Adam, this is a no annual fee, no frills credit card. It has no travel insurance available and just really is there is earn Velocity points at the nice rate of 1 per $1 spent. If you look at the HSBC Platinum offer. With 6k spend a year it effectively becomes a no annual fee card. It does have the benefit of insurance that you are after so may be worth a look.
Marcelo

Marcelo

12 July 2018
Hi, I'm currently a Velocity member. If I apply for this card can I keep the same account & do my current points still stand?
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    13 July 2018
    Hi Marcelo, yes you can. You will link this card to your current Velocity frequent flyer account. Then any points you earn on the card will automatically be deposited into your current Velocity account on a monthly basis.
Praveen

Praveen

26 June 2018
Do get free entry to American Express lounge at airports
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    27 June 2018
    Hi Praveen, there are no lounge passes with this no annual fee credit card.
Hayley

Hayley

17 June 2018
I currently hold an Amex card issued by CBA which I have been advised by CBA that will not be able to use from 1/11/18. Can I still apply for an this AMEX eventhough I am still an Amex cardholder with a bank issued card? Also what are the options for paying your Velocity Escape Credit Card bill each month. I always pay my credit card bills in full by the due date. Am also looking at the AMEX Velocity card with the annual fee but am not sure I can justifying paying a $375 annual fee each year. I spend around $3000 each month at least on my credit card sometimes more and I do travel a lot mainly overseas, I always try and fly domestically with Virgin and am currently a Silver Velocity member. I'm not sure if this card is worth it with such a high annual fee. Your advice would be appreciated.
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    18 June 2018
    Hi Hayley, Pay Bill Online allows you to register your bank details securely via Online Services, and then pay your American Express bill from either Online Services or the Amex Mobile App. I use BPAY myself to pay off my AMEX credit card. You can also post a cheque, setup direct debit or make payment in person at Australia Post ($3 handling fee). In regards to which card could be best for you. At 1.5 earn rate, that's 54,000 velocity points a year based on your spend. On the discovery its 36,000. So you get another 18,000 points a year for the annual fee. Other good features for the Velocity platinum are the Domestic and International Travel Insurance. Also the Complimentary Return Domestic Flight on Virgin Australia each year adds up. Add in both AMEX and Virgin lounge access which is really nice. If you can use these features then this then leans your decision more in favour of the Platinum. The real kicker is the 50,000 bonus points. This does more than pay for the annual fee. Bottom line if you are not going to use the extra features of the Platinum then the Velocity Escape can work. Though based on the bonus points etc then the Platinum could work out better in the end.
Kamran Azeem

Kamran Azeem

13 June 2018
How can I redeem my velocity escape points??
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    13 June 2018
    Hi Kamran, this is an automatic process where points are transferred to your Velocity account on a monthly basis. This will happen as long as you have linked / provided your Velocity frequent flyer membership number. If you have not reach out to AMEX and give them this.
Tiwa

Tiwa

13 May 2018
What is the credit limit
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    14 May 2018
    Hi Tiwa, the maximum credit limit you can get with this card is $25,000. Though AMEX would assign your credit limit based on your own personal financial situation.
Ramesh Pandit

Ramesh Pandit

24 February 2018
I have more than $40000 in year and I have good credit history but I don’t have citizenship and permanent residence, so can I apply credit card?
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    26 February 2018
    Hi Ramesh, if you are on a long stay business visa then you can apply for this card.
Sonia

Sonia

21 January 2018
If 4 additional cardholders allowed who gets the velocity points given, can each 4 have there own velocity attached ?
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    22 January 2018
    Hi Sonia, all points earned would go to the primary card holder. You do have the ability to transfer points from your Velocity account to eligible family members but there are limits to this in amount and frequency.
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