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 50,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points on sign-up. Yep, 50,000 points to spend as you like. All you have to do is apply online, get approved and spend $3,000 on your card within the first three 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.

What’s not so great...

More lounge access would not hurt.

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. But you also get smartphone screen insurance too. Handy.

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 8 airline rewards partner programs including Singapore Airlines.

Other extras include access to 24/7 Priority Service, Amex Invites and Amex Offers. Cardholders also 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.