American Express is a major card issuer in Australia and a popular choice for point hackers. Many choose Amex in search of a high sign-up bonus, great ongoing offers, high points earn or premium customer service. The trade-off? Amex charges higher fees to merchants, so acceptance isn’t as wide as with Visa and Mastercard. However, acceptance has improved greatly in recent years.
Most major retailers and a good selection of smaller independent shops do accept American Express cards. Many readers will also hold an Amex Card in conjunction with a (separate, unrelated) points-earning Visa or Mastercard to ensure no purchases get missed.
In Australia, American Express Card Members are able to earn points in three programs depending on the card type — American Express Membership Rewards, Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer.
Our table below shows many of the highest-earning American Express cards on offer, including the direct-earn rate for Qantas and Velocity Cards, compared to the effective earn rate of the Membership Rewards cards.
The highest-earning American Express credit cards
| Card | Earn Rate per $1 | Points Cap | Annual Fee | Our Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | ||||
 American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card ↓ | 1.25 Qantas Points on general spend* 2 Qantas Points with Qantas 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 on utilities, insurance and government spend * 0.75/$1 after earning 500,000 Qantas Points per calendar year | uncapped | $450 p.a. | Read Here |
 Qantas American Express Ultimate ↓ | 1.25 Qantas Points on general spend including utilities and insurance* 2.25 Qantas Points with Qantas 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 on government spend * 1/$1 after earning 100,000 Qantas Points per calendar year | uncapped | $450 p.a. | Read Here |
 American Express Platinum Card ↓ | 1.125 Qantas Points on all eligible spend, and 0.5 Qantas Points on spend at government bodies (Effective earn rate when transferred from MR Ascent Premium points) | uncapped | $1,450 p.a. | Read Here |
 American Express Platinum Business Card ↓ | 1.125 Qantas Points on all eligible spend, and 0.5 Qantas Points on spend at government bodies (Effective earn rate when transferred from MR Ascent Premium Points) | uncapped | $1,750 p.a. | Read Here |
 Qantas American Express Premium ↓ | 1 Qantas Point on everyday transactions 2 Qantas Points with Qantas 0.5 Qantas Points on government spend | uncapped | $249 p.a. | Read Here |
 American Express Qantas Discovery ↓ | 0.75 Qantas Points on general spend 1.75 Qantas Points with Qantas 0.5 Qantas Point on government spend | uncapped | $0 p.a. | Read Here |
| Velocity Frequent Flyer - Direct Earn | ||||
 American Express Velocity Platinum ↓ | 1.25 Velocity Points on general spend 2.25 Velocity Points with Virgin Australia 0.5 Velocity Points on spend at government bodies | uncapped | $440 p.a. | Read Here |
 American Express Velocity Business ↓ | 1 Velocity Point on everyday spend 2 Velocity Points with Virgin Australia 0.5 Velocity Points on spend at government bodies | uncapped | $249 p.a. | Read Here |
 American Express Velocity Escape Plus ↓ | 1 Velocity Point on general spend* 1.75 Velocity Points with Virgin Australia 0.5 Velocity Points on spend at government bodies * 0.75/$1 after earning 12,000 Velocity Points per calendar year | uncapped | $95 p.a. | Read Here |
| Membership Rewards | ||||
American Express Platinum Card ↓ | 2.25 Amex MR Points on all eligible spend, and 1 MR Point on spend at government bodies | uncapped | $1,450 p.a. | Read Here |
American Express Platinum Business Card ↓ | 2.25 Amex MR Points on all eligible spend, and 1 MR Point on spend at government bodies | uncapped | $1,750 p.a. | Read Here |
 American Express Explorer ↓ | 2 Amex MR Points on eligible spend, 1 Amex MR Point with government bodies | uncapped | $395 p.a. | Read Here |
 American Express Business Explorer ↓ | 2 Amex MR Points on eligible spend, 1 Amex MR Point on government bodies | uncapped | $149 p.a. | Read Here |
 American Express Business Gold Plus ↓ | 3 Amex MR Points at Xero, Google Ads, Meta, Amazon Web Services and Dell 2 points per $1 spent with AccessLine 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday spend, plus 1 point per $1 spent with government bodies, including the ATO | uncapped | $395 p.a. | Read Here |
 American Express Platinum Edge ↓ | 1 Amex MR Point on eligible spend including utilities and ATO 2 Amex MR Points on foreign currency spend (overseas and online) 3 Amex MR Points at supermarkets and petrol stations | uncapped | $195 p.a. | Read Here |
More about this list
For all the cards and offers listed on this page, we’ve focused on two things:
- ‘Direct earn rates’ of cards that earn only Qantas or Velocity Points on eligible spend, or
- ‘Effective earn rates’ of cards that earn points into the flexible Membership Rewards program, but later allow transfers to other frequent flyer programs at varying rates.
The ‘effective earn rate’ is an important number that’s learned by crunching the numbers and evaluating both the card’s native earning rate, and the transfer rate from that program to the desired airline program. For example, the Amex Platinum Card earns 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent. But when converting these into Qantas Points at the program’s 2:1 rate, this makes its ‘effective earn rate’ 1.125 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
What else might be considered with an American Express credit card?
In addition to a card’s usual earn rates, prospective new customers might also consider:
- Unique benefits offered, such as shopping perks, complimentary insurance, travel credits or free return domestic flights.
- Any card sign-up bonuses for new users. Existing users usually have to go 18 months without holding an American Express product before being eligible for a sign-up bonus again.
- Acceptance of American Express at the businesses the customer is most likely to shop with, and if any surcharges apply.
- Card annual fees and overall T&Cs.
- Google and Apple Pay capabilities, which are becoming increasingly useful.
A large signup bonus from American Express could be rewarding enough to help offset a lower earn rate or a higher annual fee on a card, but that’s an individual decision.
What are the Membership Rewards partners?
American Express Membership Rewards is a flexible points program with over 10 major airline partners and hotel program partners. The transfer partners are:
- Qantas Frequent Flyer (from limited cards only)
- Velocity Frequent Flyer
- Air New Zealand Airpoints
- The British Airways Club
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- Emirates Skywards
- Etihad Guest
- Hilton Honors
- Malaysia Airlines Enrich
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Everyday Rewards
Points transfers from Amex MR to Qantas Frequent Flyer are only possible for members at the Ascent Premium tier of Membership Rewards. This is usually only available for Card Members with Amex’s most premium products. For instance, the Platinum Card, Platinum Business Card and Centurion Card.
Points conversions from Membership Rewards varies between partners, check out American Express’ page to learn about the latest conversion rates.
Current deals for American Express credit cards
Qantas Frequent Flyer
American Express Qantas Business Rewards
Offer ends: 16 Jun 2026
- Bonus points
- 170,000 bonus Qantas Points¹
- Annual fee
- $450 p.a. and up to 99 Employee Cards at no additional cost
- Earn
- Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on Qantas products and services, 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday business purchases, and 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on government charges.^. After a total of 500,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday business earn rate will change from 1.25 to 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent.^
American Express Qantas Business Rewards
Offer ends: 16 Jun 2026
- Bonus Points
- 170,000 bonus Qantas Points¹
- Annual Fee
- $450 p.a. and up to 99 Employee Cards at no additional cost
- Earn
- Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on Qantas products and services, 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday business purchases, and 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on government charges.^. After a total of 500,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday business earn rate will change from 1.25 to 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent.^
Earn 170,000 bonus Qantas Points¹ when you apply by 16 June 2026, are approved and spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express® Qantas Business Rewards Card within 3 months of your approval date.
Qantas American Express Ultimate
Offer ends: 5 May 2026
- Bonus points
- Up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points¹
- Annual fee
- $450 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible everyday purchases. 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Point per $1 at government bodies in Australia. After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.
Qantas American Express Ultimate
Offer ends: 5 May 2026
- Bonus Points
- Up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points¹
- Annual Fee
- $450 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible everyday purchases. 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Point per $1 at government bodies in Australia. After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.
Earn 70,000 bonus Qantas Points in Year 1 with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card when you apply online by 5 May 2026, are approved, and spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, 30,000 bonus Qantas Points in Year 2 after minimum of $1 spend on the Card within 90 days of paying the Year 2 Annual Card Fee.
Qantas American Express Premium
- Bonus points
- 20,000 bonus Qantas Points
- Annual fee
- $249 p.a. annual fee
- Earn
- 1 Qantas Point earned per $1 spent on eligible purchases. 1 additional Qantas Point per $1 on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent at government bodies in Australia
Qantas American Express Premium
- Bonus Points
- 20,000 bonus Qantas Points
- Annual Fee
- $249 p.a. annual fee
- Earn
- 1 Qantas Point earned per $1 spent on eligible purchases. 1 additional Qantas Point per $1 on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent at government bodies in Australia
The Qantas American Express Premium Card has 20,000 bonus Qantas Points on offer for new American Express Card Members who apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months of approval date. The card comes with 2 Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge invitations after eligible Qantas spend each Card Member year and earns up to 2 Qantas Points per $ on eligible purchases.
Qantas American Express Discovery
- Bonus points
- This card doesn't offer a signup bonus.
- Annual fee
- $0 p.a.
- Earn
- 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. 1 additional Qantas Point per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent at government bodies in Australia. No cap on earn rate
Qantas American Express Discovery
- Bonus Points
- This card doesn't offer a signup bonus.
- Annual Fee
- $0 p.a.
- Earn
- 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. 1 additional Qantas Point per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent at government bodies in Australia. No cap on earn rate
The Qantas American Express Discovery is a great value entry-level Qantas card, with $0 Annual Fee, and offers an earn rate of up to 1.75 Qantas Points per $1 on spend.
Velocity Frequent Flyer
American Express Velocity Platinum
Offer ends: 30 Apr 2026
- Bonus points
- Up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points¹
- Annual fee
- $440 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.25 Velocity Points earned per $1 on all eligible spend except for government bodies⁵. 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on selected Virgin Australia purchases⁵. 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 on Government spend⁵
American Express Velocity Platinum
Offer ends: 30 Apr 2026
- Bonus Points
- Up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points¹
- Annual Fee
- $440 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.25 Velocity Points earned per $1 on all eligible spend except for government bodies⁵. 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on selected Virgin Australia purchases⁵. 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 on Government spend⁵
Earn up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points¹. That’s 70,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online by 30 April 2026, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Velocity Platinum Card within the first 3 months. Plus, an additional 30,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend a min of $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card fee.
American Express Velocity Business
Offer ends: 30 Apr 2026
- Bonus points
- 200,000 bonus Velocity Points*
- Annual fee
- $249 p.a. and $99 per Employee Card up to 99 cards
- Earn
- 1 Velocity Point per $1 spent on eligible everyday business purchases and 2 Velocity Points per $1 spent with Virgin Australia
American Express Velocity Business
Offer ends: 30 Apr 2026
- Bonus Points
- 200,000 bonus Velocity Points*
- Annual Fee
- $249 p.a. and $99 per Employee Card up to 99 cards
- Earn
- 1 Velocity Point per $1 spent on eligible everyday business purchases and 2 Velocity Points per $1 spent with Virgin Australia
Earn 200,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply by 30 April 2026, are approved and spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of approval¹. (T&Cs apply. Available for new American Express Card Members only.) Access a line of unsecured funding with flexible spending power², and enjoy two complimentary Virgin lounge passes and complimentary travel insurance. Earn up to 2 Velocity Points per dollar on purchases within Australia. The annual fee is $249 and $99 per Employee Card.
American Express Velocity Escape Plus
Offer ends: 4 Aug 2026
- Bonus points
- 30,000 Velocity Points welcome bonus¹
- Annual fee
- $95 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin Australia purchases³. 1 Velocity Point per $1 on eligible everyday purchases³. 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 on government bodies in Australia, including Australia Post and the Australian Tax Office³. After a total of 12,000 Velocity Points is earned on your Velocity Escape Plus Card Account in a calendar year, your everyday earn rate will change from 1 to 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases
American Express Velocity Escape Plus
Offer ends: 4 Aug 2026
- Bonus Points
- 30,000 Velocity Points welcome bonus¹
- Annual Fee
- $95 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin Australia purchases³. 1 Velocity Point per $1 on eligible everyday purchases³. 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 on government bodies in Australia, including Australia Post and the Australian Tax Office³. After a total of 12,000 Velocity Points is earned on your Velocity Escape Plus Card Account in a calendar year, your everyday earn rate will change from 1 to 0.75 Velocity Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases
The American Express Velocity Escape Plus Card has 30,000 Velocity Points welcome bonus¹ on offer for new American Express Card Members who apply by 4 August 2026, are approved and spend $3,000 or more on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from approval. The Card is aimed at budget-conscious points-hunters and earns Velocity Points on eligible spend with a $95 Annual Fee.
Membership Rewards
American Express® Platinum Business Card
Offer ends: 14 Jul 2026
- Bonus points
- 350,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹
- Annual fee
- $1,750 p.a
- Earn
- Earn 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all eligible business purchases, except for spend with government bodies, for which you will earn 1 point per $1 spent
American Express® Platinum Business Card
Offer ends: 14 Jul 2026
- Bonus Points
- 350,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹
- Annual Fee
- $1,750 p.a
- Earn
- Earn 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all eligible business purchases, except for spend with government bodies, for which you will earn 1 point per $1 spent
Earn 350,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points® Points when you apply by 14 July 2026, are approved and spend $12,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express® Platinum Business Card within 3 months of your approval date.
American Express Platinum Card
- Bonus points
- 220,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points¹
- Annual fee
- $1,450 p.a.
- Earn
- Earn 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all eligible purchases, except for spend with government bodies, for which you will earn 1 point per $1 spent
American Express Platinum Card
- Bonus Points
- 220,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points¹
- Annual Fee
- $1,450 p.a.
- Earn
- Earn 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all eligible purchases, except for spend with government bodies, for which you will earn 1 point per $1 spent
Enjoy a bespoke offer of 220,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online by 14 April 2026, are approved and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Platinum Card within the first 3 months.
American Express Business Explorer
- Bonus points
- 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points
- Annual fee
- $149 p.a.
- Earn
- Earn 2 Membership Rewards Points per $1 spent on eligible business purchases except government bodies where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent
American Express Business Explorer
- Bonus Points
- 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points
- Annual Fee
- $149 p.a.
- Earn
- Earn 2 Membership Rewards Points per $1 spent on eligible business purchases except government bodies where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent
American Express is offering 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points for new American Express Card Members who apply for the Business Explorer Credit Card and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months from approval. Benefits of this card include complimentary American Express lounge access plus a range of insurances and high points earn rates on spend.
American Express Explorer Credit Card
Offer ends: 19 May 2026
- Bonus points
- 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹
- Annual fee
- $395 p.a.
- Earn
- Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all purchases except government bodies where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent⁶
American Express Explorer Credit Card
Offer ends: 19 May 2026
- Bonus Points
- 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹
- Annual Fee
- $395 p.a.
- Earn
- Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all purchases except government bodies where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent⁶
Earn 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹ when you apply by 19 May 2026, are approved and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Explorer® Credit Card within the first 3 months (T&Cs apply. New American Express Card Members only). Enjoy a $400 Annual Travel Credit², complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounges³ in Sydney and Melbourne, Card, Smartphone and International Travel Insurance⁴, for a $395 p.a. annual fee.
American Express Business Gold Plus Card
Offer ends: 25 Aug 2026
- Bonus points
- Earn 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹
- Annual fee
- $395 p.a.
- Earn
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent at Xero, Google Ads, Meta, Amazon Web Services and Dell⁵. Earn 2 points per $1 spent with AccessLine®. Subject to approval. Enrolment required⁵. Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday spend, plus 1 point per $1 spent with government bodies, including the ATO⁵. Accelerated earn rates apply on the first 200,000 points earned per calendar year, then you will earn 1 point per $1 spend across all categories, uncapped and with no expiry¹¹
American Express Business Gold Plus Card
Offer ends: 25 Aug 2026
- Bonus Points
- Earn 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹
- Annual Fee
- $395 p.a.
- Earn
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent at Xero, Google Ads, Meta, Amazon Web Services and Dell⁵. Earn 2 points per $1 spent with AccessLine®. Subject to approval. Enrolment required⁵. Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday spend, plus 1 point per $1 spent with government bodies, including the ATO⁵. Accelerated earn rates apply on the first 200,000 points earned per calendar year, then you will earn 1 point per $1 spend across all categories, uncapped and with no expiry¹¹
The American Express Business Gold Plus Card has 200,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points¹ on offer to new Amex Card Members who apply by 25 August 2026, are approved and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months of the approval date. It is a Metal Card that is feature-packed for those who want to earn Membership Rewards points on business-related spend. New American Express Card Members Only. T&Cs apply.
American Express Platinum Edge
- Bonus points
- This card doesn't offer a signup bonus.
- Annual fee
- $0 in the first year, $195 p.a.
- Earn
- 3 Membership Rewards points earned per $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations. 2 Membership Rewards points earned per $1 on overseas spend. 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent everywhere else including ATO, other government charges and utilities
American Express Platinum Edge
- Bonus Points
- This card doesn't offer a signup bonus.
- Annual Fee
- $0 in the first year, $195 p.a.
- Earn
- 3 Membership Rewards points earned per $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations. 2 Membership Rewards points earned per $1 on overseas spend. 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent everywhere else including ATO, other government charges and utilities
The American Express Platinum Edge Card is offering $0 annual Card Fee (usually $195) in the first year for new Card Members. The card comes with a $200 travel credit each year it is renewed, Smartphone Screen Cover and earns 3 points per $1 at major supermarkets and petrol stations, and 2 points per $1 on overseas spend.
American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus points
- 30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points*
- Annual fee
- $9 per month
- Earn
- 5 points per $1 spent on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Australia, 3 points per $1 spent on selected streaming subscriptions in Australia, 2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else including government spend
American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus Points
- 30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points*
- Annual Fee
- $9 per month
- Earn
- 5 points per $1 spent on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Australia, 3 points per $1 spent on selected streaming subscriptions in Australia, 2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else including government spend
Earn 30,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points* when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of the approval date. (T&Cs apply. New Amex Card Members only.) The Card earns up to 5 points per $1 spent for the first 10,000 points per month and has a range of insurance options for consumers (Mobile, Card Purchase, Card Refund, Buyer's Advantage), all for $9 per month. Use Membership Rewards Points for gift cards, to cover charges, or transfer to over 10 airline and hotel partners for maximum value. Monthly fee is $9.
Summing up
American Express offers a wide variety of rewards-earning credit cards and charge cards. This guide outlines many of those options, including Amex cards with the highest points-earning potential. While some will prefer to automatically earn points directly into their frequent flyer account through co-brand products, others will value the flexibility that Amex Membership Rewards provides.
American Express cards can be rewarding, but it’s fair to remind that Amex acceptance is never universal. Acceptance can also vary significantly from one country to the next. That’s why some frequent flyers opt to pair their American Express card with a points-earning Visa or Mastercard to scoop up points on every eligible transaction. Their strategy, being, to use that alternative card to earn rewards even where Amex isn’t accepted.
Featured image courtesy of American Express.
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