American Express Explorer 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.

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 new cardholder, you’ll receive 100,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 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 eligible flights, hotels, and car hire booked online through American Express Travel. That $395 annual fee ain’t looking so bad now, is it?

Additionally, earn 2 points per $1 spent on purchases excluding government spend in Australia where you’ll earn 1 point per $1 spent. Collect points faster by adding 4 additional cards at no extra fee. What’s more wonderful about this card is the no limit, no expiry feature in terms of earning points.

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 earn up to US$100 hotel credit and room upgrade (when available) when you book at least 2 consecutive nights at select hotels in The Hotel Collection using your American Express Explorer credit card. That's $1 earned for every dollar spent on dining, spa and resort activities. And if the selected The Hotel Collection accommodation allows you to prepay in advance, you may be able to pay with your Membership Rewards® points and/or the Travel Credit on the American Express Travel website via Pay with Points (PwP). A one category room upgrade is based on availability and eligibility at check-in to the hotel.

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 their spending and is worth paying in the long run.

Meanwhile, the card has a 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 domestic and international Travel Insurance (as well as COVID-19 coverage), Card Purchase Cover, Buyer’s Advantage Cover, and Card Refund Cover. Plus, up to $500 Smartphone Screen Cover 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.

Rates are correct and updated as of 4th January 2022.

Program name	Conversion rate
Air New Zealand Airpoints (NZ)	200 MR = 1 Airpoints Dollar
Cathay – Asia Miles	2 MR = 1 Asia Mile
Emirates Skywards	2 MR = 1 Skyward Mile
Etihad Guest	2 MR = 1 Etihad Guest Mile
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
Virgin Atlantic	2 MR = 1 Virgin Point
Velocity Frequent Flyer	2 MR = 1 Velocity Point

 

Cardholders benefit from secure check-out with Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay and are protected with 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.