American Express Explorer 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 Explorer® Credit Card

Love a bit of prestige? Then this new card from American Express could be the card for you. Take a deep breath. Yes, the American Express Explorer Credit Card is here.

Designed to stand up alongside the big boys, Amex’s new Explorer Card faces tough competition from the likes of the ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card, the Commonwealth Bank Awards Diamond Credit Card, and the Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card.

Does it do the job? Does it stand out from the crowd? Does it really provide all the extras you would expect from a prestige credit card with a prestige price tag? Let’s take a look.

What we love...

Let’s start by pointing out the obvious. This is not meant to be a low cost card that helps you save money. This card is aimed at big earners and big spenders. Not only does it have an annual fee of $395, it also has a purchase rate of 20.74% p.a., and a minimum annual income requirement of $65,000.

If any of that makes your eyes water, then this baby is most definitely not for you.

So, on the basis that we understand exactly what – and who – this card is designed for, let’s move on to what we love about this card.

First off, we couldn’t go far without mentioning the card’s awesome sign-up offer. As a cardholder, you’ll receive 90,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points and get a $300 Statement Credit when you apply online by 3 May 2021, are approved and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months.

Aside from the intro offers, the card has some fantastic extras. Cardholders receive $400 Travel Credit every year, which can be used towards flights, hotels, experiences or car hire booked online through American Express Travel. That $395 annual fee ain’t looking so bad now, is it?

Another interesting extra for frequent travellers is the card’s special airport lounge access. Cardholders can live it up with two entries per year to the American Express Lounge, located at Sydney International Airport or Melbourne International Airport. On top of this, you will also receive up to US$100 hotel credit and a room upgrade (when available) when you book at least 2 consecutive nights using your American Express Explorer credit card at selected hotels in The Hotel Collection like Hyatt and Hilton Hotels.

What’s not so great...

Undeniably, American Express Explorer Credit Card offers plenty of perks and rewards but cardholders should think about whether the relatively high annual fee values on their spending ongoing and worth paying in the long run.

Meanwhile, the card has high purchase rate, so it’s best to avoid interest payments altogether by clearing your balance month-to-month.

Why should you choose this card?

As a premium card, the Explorer offers plenty of premium features. Just take a look at all the complimentary insurances on offer. Yes, you get all the ‘standard’ premium card insurances, including travel insurance, car rental insurance, purchase protection, refund protection and extended warranty. Plus, up to $500 smartphone screen insurance for screen repairs when you pay for your phone or contract with your American Express Explorer card.

As for the rewards program, you can earn up to 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent on the card, with no points cap. These points can be redeemed online for gift cards, or transferred to a choice of 9 airline rewards partner programs including Singapore Airlines.

Cardholders benefit from Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, up to 4 free additional Card Members, Emergency Card replacement and Online Fraud Protection Guarantee.

Overall Rating

The American Express Explorer Credit Card is a premium card with premium features. If you are looking for a card that offers amazing rewards, intro offers, features and extras, this is well worth a closer look.