- $0 annual fee
- Smartphone Screen Insurance of up to $500 for screen repairs to your Smartphone when you pay for your phone or contract with your Essential Credit Card
- Earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent, except for Government purchases where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent.
- 0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 12 months — A one-off credit plan establishment fee of 3% applies. Please note, no interest free days apply to retail purchases while you have a balance transfer
- Enjoy a low interest rate of 14.99% p.a. on purchases
Hi, I’m the site founder and I will personally answer your question within a business day.
Pros and cons
- The maximum balance transfer that you can be approved for is $10,000 or 70% of your approved credit limit, whichever is less.
- A one-off credit plan establishment fee of 3% applies to any balances transferred.
Creditcard.com.au review
Editor Review
American Express Essential Credit Card
Roland Bleyer
Credit Card Expert with over 15 years card experience and the founder of Creditcard.com.au. Ask Roland a Question about this card.
The American Express Essential Credit Card
Again and again, when we review American Express cards, we see quality. Whether it’s an awesome rewards program, amazing features, or excellent extras, quite simply, American Express do credit cards right.
The American Express Essential Credit Card is no exception. Let’s start by saying this is a no annual fee credit card. Usually, no annual fee credit cards are pretty low on excitement. They tend to have minimal features, few offers and not much in the way of wow.
Not so with this card. American Express Essential Credit Card, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. You have a well-rounded rewards program. You have an extremely attractive purchase rate. You have a beautiful introductory offer. You have some very lovely features indeed.
Want to find out more? So do we.
What we love…
Let’s get into the introductory offer first. The intro offer on the American Express Essential Credit Card is a balance transfer. With 12 months on the table, the balance transfer offer provides a good long time to pay off any transferred balances. You will pay no interest on that transferred balance for a year, allowing you to pay it down as much as possible.
Now to the rewards program. When you’re approved for the American Express Essential Credit Card, you’ll receive complimentary enrollment into the Membership Rewards Gateway program. As for points-earning-potential, you can earn up to 1.25 points per $1 spent on the card.
When you’re ready to redeem your points, simply transfer them to your choice of eight airline rewards partner programs. These include Air New Zealand Airpoints, Asia Miles, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Malaysian Airlines Enrich, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, THAI Royal Orchid Plus and Velocity Frequent Flyer. Alternatively, you can redeem your points online for a gift card from selected top retailers.
| Program name | Conversion rate |
|---|---|
| Air New Zeland Airpoints (NZ) | 200 MR = 1 Airpoint Dollar |
| Cathay – Asia Miles | 2 MR = 1 Asia Mile |
| Emirates Skywards | 2 MR = 1 Skyward Mile |
| Etihad Guest | 2 MR = 1 Etihad Guest Mile |
| Qantas | 2 MR = 1 Qantas Point |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 2 MR = 1 KrisFlyer Mile |
| Malaysian Airlines Enrich | 2 MR = 1 Enrich Mile |
| THAI Royal Orchid Plus | 2 MR = 1 Royal Orchid Plus Mile |
| Velocity Frequent Flyer | 2 MR = 1 Velocity Point |
| Virgin Atlantic | 2 MR = 1 Flying Club Mile |
| Hilton Honors | 2 MR = 1 Hilton Honors Point |
| Marriot Bonvoy | 3 MR = 2 Marriot Points |
Alongside a stack of extras, this rewards card features a fantastic low 14.99% p.a. on purchases. But the feature we love most? It’s got to be its no annual fee!
What’s not so great…
We’ve counted the ways in which we love the American Express Essential Credit Card, now it’s time to look at its not-so-great features. To be fair, these really only relate to its balance transfer offer.
First up, there is a one-off credit plan establishment fee of 3% that applies to any balances transferred. Secondly, the card has a maximum balance transfer amount of $10,000 or 70% of your approved credit limit, whichever is less.
Why should you choose this card?
If you want a rewards card but don’t want to pay through the nose for it, this card is definitely worth a closer look. As a no annual fee card it is packed with features. Not only does it have a rewards program and an intro offer, it also has an incredible selection of extras.
If you use the card to cover your phone contract or buy a phone, you can enjoy complimentary Smartphone Screen Insurance for that phone. This provides up to $500 for screen repairs to your smartphone, with a 10% excess per claim.
As an American Express cardholder, you can also enjoy money-saving offers from top brands using the exclusive Amex Offers program. Meanwhile, American Express Invites provides you access to a wide range of sought-after events, including film, music and theatre, often before tickets go on sale to the public.
On top of that, you can benefit from Purchase Protection, Buyer’s Advantage, Refund Protection, Online Fraud Protection, and Emergency Card replacement. You also get one additional card holder free, and up to 55 days interest free on purchases.
Overall Rating
This is a no annual fee rewards card that really delivers. It offers rewards, features and extras, a low purchase rate and a great introductory offer. Wins all round, we say.
User reviews
Rates and fees
Interest rates
Purchase rate 14.99% p.a.
Cash advance rate N/A
Interest free period on purchases up to 55 days
Balance transfer
Balance transfer rate 0% p.a. for 12 months
Balance transfer revert rate 14.99% p.a.
Balance transfer from personal loan N/A
Balance transfer fee 3% one off
Balance transfer limit 70% of approved credit limit
Banks you can't balance transfer from American Express
Credit limits
Minimum credit limt $2,000
Maximum credit limit N/A
Fees & repayments
Annual fee $0 p.a.
Additional card holder fee Up to 4 at no extra cost
Foreign transaction fee 3%
Minimum repayment 2.5% or $30. Full closing balance for the Amex Platinum Charge Card
Cash advance fee N/A
Late payment fee $30
Rewards and points
Rewards program
Rewards Program 
Amex Membership Rewards
Bonus points N/A
Annual points cap uncapped
Bonus points spend criteria N/A
Earning points with this card
Amex Rewards points 1.25 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 Yes
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 Essential Credit Card
The American Express Essential Credit Card lets you earn up to 1.25 points per $1 spent and features a $0 annual fee. Enjoy a low 14.99% p.a. on purchases and 0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 12 months. One-off fee of 3% applies to any balances transferred. You can transfer your points to a choice of 8 airline rewards partner programs or redeem online for a gift card. The American Express Essential Credit Card also comes with a Smartphone Screen Insurance for up to $500 for screen repairs to your Smartphone when you pay for your phone or contract with your Card.
Key features
- No annual fee
- 0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 12 months. A one-off fee of 3% applies to any balances transferred. Please note, no interest free days apply to retail purchases while you have a balance transfer
- Low interest rate of 14.99% p.a. on purchases
- Earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent, except for Government purchases where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent.
- Transfer your points to a choice of 8 airline rewards partner programs or redeem online for a gift card from selected top retailers.
- Smartphone Screen Insurance of up to $500 for screen repairs to your Smartphone when you pay for your phone or contract with your Essential Credit Card
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 current Business Long Stay Visa (subclass 457)
Minimum income of $40,000 p.a.
You have your personal details ready to complete the online application
Roland B Bleyer founded Creditcard.com.au in 2005 and has extensive knowledge about credit cards. He personally answers all questions and write the editor reviews for each card here. Always keen to share his passion to educate consumers and help you select better suited credit cards.
Recently Asked Questions
Something you need to know about this card? Ask a our credit card expert a question.
Ask a question95 questions (showing the latest 10 Q&As)
Hi Roland, Do Amex Essential rewards points expire at all if not used within a certain period of time?
Hi Vi, One of the many good things about Membership Rewards points is that they do not expire, as long as your Account is current and in good standing.
I am looking for a credit card that has no cash advance feature
Hi Carlo, American Express cards do not allow for cash advances. Off hand I cannot think of any other cards other than charge cards that do not have cash advances available.
Does balance transfer on amex essentials card gain points and what is time frame to transfer after receiving new card
Hi David, a balance transfer on any card does not earn points. A balance transfer is typically only available at the time of application. Therefore you should put in details of the balance transfer you want to do. When you apply for the American Express Essential credit card.
Can you tell me where American Express card are not accepted? Eg. retail stores, airlines or any other companies?
Hi Robyn, it is impossible to put together a list of where American express cards would not be accepted. It varies depending on where you are and where you shop. I have an AMEX and Visa card. I use my AMEX everywhere I can. Typically to buy groceries at supermarkets, travel, restaurants, fees for various things. Bottom line I use my AMEX for 90% of my purchases as it earns the highest points. Then as a back up I have my Visa card. Have a look at this page from AMEX - https://www.americanexpress.com/au/content/credit-cards/about-credit-cards/acceptance/
how do I log in to check my essential card balance
Hi Nora, you can log into the AMEX global website to view your balance or you can use the AMEX mobile app. https://global.americanexpress.com/myca/logon/japa/action/LogonHandler?request_type=LogonHandler&Face=en_AU&inav=au_utility_login
Hi Does this card offer Travel insurance when Tickets are purchased thru the card, and what is the insurance amount.
Hi Suket, there is no travel insurance available with the American Express Essential credit card. I am not aware of a no annual fee card that has this feature. The closest is the HSBC Platinum credit card. It has an annual fee rebate if you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in 12 months. Effectively then making it a no annual fee card. Though you are hit with an annual fee for the first year.
Hello Roland, is there another way to apply for this card ( manual application)? I noticed that an applicant could apply this card on American Express' Australian website and a decision will be made by Amex in as little 30 seconds, my question is: what if I don't fulfill certain criteria of the eligibility? At the moment, I hold an American Express Gold charge card issued in Malaysia.I hold a current ETA (Subclass 601) visa. It would be great if you could advise me on my impending application. I know that Amex has a programme called "Moving Abroad - Global Card Transfer" but I have no idea how to go about it. I also plan to apply for a debit card soon for I don't wish to spend using my foreign issued card as I will be smacked with high foreign transaction fees. Thanking you in advance.
Hi James, so you are currently overseas? Having an ETA visa is not enough to be able to apply for an Australia credit card. You need to have a long stay business visa, permanent resident or citizen to be able to apply for an American express credit card. You typically need to meet higher income than standard applicants on a temp visa but every situation is unique. On the debit card side, I like the Orange Everyday account. The account has been updated to waive foreign fees and ATM costs when you deposit $1,000 a month and do at least 5 transactions. Definitely a great no fee option for people that like to travel.
Hello Roland I am going interested in this card for rewards. I don’t have debt to transfer. Am I able to have bills debited from account? Also I often see signs in outlets in Australia saying American Express not accepted. Can you explain and is his the case worldwide. Thank you I have frequently seen signs in out
Hi Linsa, yes you can have bills debited from this credit card. AMEX is widely accepted globally. Though there are stores or places that do not accept. If they do accept then they have a high surcharge for doing so. I have an AMEX in my wallet which I use most of the time. Then I also have a Visa card that I use some of the time when AMEX is not accepted or has a surcharge.
Will I get a bill/statement to say when my account is due for payment? I am getting statement updates as I requested but now I am confused as to when I need to pay the account. I don't want pay my account in full when due.
Hi Kerin, yes, on the statement it should say when payment is due and the minimum amount. You can always use the AMEX mobile phone app or log into the AMEX website to see when a payment is due.
What is the 3% establishment fee?
Hi Matt, if you do a balance transfer to the card on application. That is you transfer non-AMEX credit card debt to this offer. You pay a 3% on whatever that amount is that is added to the balance transfer. So if you transfer $5,000. The total balance transfer amount becomes $5,150. You will have 12 months to pay this amount of at 0%.
Do I need PIN number for cash advance?if so how to get a pin number
Hi Pasquale, you cannot get cash advances with AMEX credit cards. You need to look outside American Express for this feature.
Where do I make my payments?
Hi Alice, my preferred way is to pay online through BPAY. You can also pay in person at Australia post ($3 surcharge). Mail in a cheque American Express, GPO Box 4344, Sydney, NSW 2001. Setup a direct debit so your bill is paid automatically.
Hi there It’s Vahid here from queensland, I have a question regarding Amex credit card to apply , I have recently changed my job now I am on my new role and my income is over $60k annually and I do have extra income which is about $20k a year. But on my new job which I have started in last week and I don’t have payslips , can I apply for this credit card or no, thank you for considering and advise. Kind Regards Vahid
Hi Vahid, If you have your tax assessment notice from 2017 which shows enough income, then this should be enough. They can ask for payslips as well. Therefore it may be in your best interest to wait until you have this as well, just in case.
What is the difference in reward Frequent flyer points earned between this card and the AMEX Qantas Discovery Card (it appears to be just the extra point per dollar for Qantas flights??)
Hi Kim, the AMEX Essential earns custom AMEX Membership Rewards points. These can be transferred to other airlines (but not Qantas) and not at 1 point per $. The Qantas Discovery directly earns Qantas points. If you are wanting to earn Qantas points then the Discovery is the best option out of these 2.
Hi Roland, I am a professional with a government job earning 86k a year. I currently have a credit card with CBA with a limit of 7k. I was wondering if you would recommend either the Amex Essentials or Amex Platinum Edge. I have heard mixed reviews about both. I pay my bills on time but am worried about hidden costs and fees that may hit me. Thanks.
Hi AshaB, I like the essential as it has no annual fee and still earns rewards. Plus the essential has a lower rate on purchases. There should be no hidden costs. Any credit card surcharges by law now have to be clearly displayed at time of purchase. You can use your CBA card where they charge an extra fee for AMEX though many places don't these days.
Creditcard.com.au Visitor
31 May 2016Good offer from Amex
Recommends this card