American Express Essential 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. Ask Pauline a Question about this 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 it? Let me count the ways. You have a well-rounded rewards program. You have an extremely attractive purchase rate. You have some very lovely features. Plus, receive $200 back when you apply online now.

Want to find out more? So do we.

What we love…

The American Express Essential Credit Card currently offers a sign-up treat of $200 back when you apply online, be approved, and spend a minimum of $1,500 on your card in your first three months from card membership. After the spend criteria is met, the credit will be deposited to your account in 8-10 weeks. Credit earned may be reversed if your eligible purchase is refunded or cancelled.

Now, let’s get into 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 nine airline rewards partner programs. These include Air New Zealand Airpoints, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Malaysian Airlines Enrich, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, THAI Royal Orchid Plus, Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Alternatively, you can redeem your points online for a gift card from selected top retailers.

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 lacking of a balance transfer offer.

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 Cover 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 Experiences 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 Card Purchase Cover, Buyer’s Advantage Cover, Card Refund Cover, Online Fraud Protection, Emergency Card replacement, and the new Plan It™ Instalments feature - you can shop at your favorite establishments, then pay off your balance in monthly instalments at 0% p.a. and a fixed monthly charge. You also get up to 4 additional cardholders at no extra fee, 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, extras and a low purchase rate. Plus, a treat of $200 back when you apply today. Wins all round, we say.