Credit Card Offers Amex Explorer: 50,000 bonus Amex points

Earn uncapped Amex Points and enjoy a $400 travel credit every year!​

Learn more and apply for this card:

American Express® Explorer Credit Card

With the American Express Explorer credit card, earn uncapped Amex Membership Rewards points and offset the annual fee with a travel credit.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

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What are the main benefits of this card?

1. Signup bonus: 50,000 bonus Amex Membership Rewards Points, when you spend at least $4,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of approval
2. Earn 2 Membership Rewards Points per $1 on eligible purchases, uncapped, which you can transfer to 13 different airline & hotel programs
3. $400 annual travel credit fully offsets the $395 annual fee

Why we like the American Express Explorer credit card

This card lets you earn Amex Membership Rewards points at a solid rate of 2 points per dollar, uncapped, without the higher annual fee of the Amex Platinum card.

You can transfer Amex points to 11 airline frequent flyer programs and 2 hotel loyalty programs, generally at a 2:1 rate. For example, this means you’re effectively earning 1 Velocity Point, Qatar Avios or Cathay Asia Mile per $1 spent on the card.

The $395 annual fee is offset by a $400 annual travel credit that you can spend on eligible flights, car rentals or hotels when booking through American Express Travel.

You'll also receive two free annual visits to the Amex Centurion Lounges in Sydney or Melbourne Airport, plus complimentary travel insurance. See our card guide for the full details:

American Express® Explorer Credit Card

With the American Express Explorer credit card, earn uncapped Amex Membership Rewards points and offset the annual fee with a travel credit.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

AFF members are welcome to discuss this card in this thread.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Just got approved online but didn't receive any confirmation email. Is this normal?

I dont think that there is a set pattern. I did receive and email for mine.

 

[Jonova]

Just got approved online but didn't receive any confirmation email. Is this normal?

Yes that is perfectly normal. I have never received a confirmation email for any of my cards. You should receive the card and a welcome pack in a couple days.

 

[Madamelulu]

I dont think that there is a set pattern. I did receive and email for mine.

Hmm why not? I would assume it's either they send out the confirmation email or none at all. Given you got yours, I bet my case is unique... I hope I get mine in the mail soon!

 

[kamchatsky]

Just checking, for people who have linked from Gateway to Ascent, do you need to clear the Gateway balance first before merging? Or they just move Gateway points to Ascent 1:1 before merging?

 

[Madamelulu]

Good to know I find it so weird that amex randomly sends the confirmation email to some people.

 

[unfunkable]

Just checking, for people who have linked from Gateway to Ascent, do you need to clear the Gateway balance first before merging? Or they just move Gateway points to Ascent 1:1 before merging?

When I merged mine i managed to keep all my gateway points and just get then moved to my ascent account. I think that is the case with most people, but I vaguely think I read here, one member had to transfer his gateway points away first before they let him merge accounts.

When I rang, I said it was too difficult to manage 2 different award accounts, could I just have one. I made sure I had some points in ascent though to make it look like I did have 2 programs going.

 

[mmchow]

Points from Explorer merged into Ascent. One thing I've noted was that I could only see my points balance, not the $400 travel credit in the Travel site. Called up and was told that since it was merged, the system recognised that I have the Ascent, not Gateway, hence it was removed. However, I could still redeem it by:
1. Calling the call centre (Mon-Fri; 9-5pm) and have them book ticket.
2. Book the tickets through the Travel site, call AMEX and they will reimburse the $400 credit.
Can't remember if this is the case but have to use the credit in full.

 

[Isochronous]

Anyone had success calling on weekends during day time? I forgot to call last night!

 

[Dr Ralph]

Anyone had success calling on weekends during day time? I forgot to call last night!

Yes. No problems on weekends or after hours.

 

[Redrob123]

Just rang MR to merge my accounts and was told that I would have to transfer all my Gateway points out first. I will ring back another day and keep my fingers crossed.

 

[Redrob123]

Just rang MR to merge my accounts and was told that I would have to transfer all my Gateway points out first. I will ring back another day and keep my fingers crossed.

Update - Called straight back, got a different CSR and it was no problem. Programs merged and should take about 3 days for points to go across to Ascent.

 

[kamchatsky]

I just called to Amex and they said they will transfer my Gateway points into Ascent account, and then link my Gateway card (i.e. Explorer) to my Platinum Edge account. It was quite painless. I checked that the CSR was based at Philippines.

Now I just have to wait for 7-10 business days (standard response from CSR) for this to action. Fingers crossed.

 

[albyd]

What number are you calling? I called the MR number (1300363276) when I un-linked. Just tried that number to re-link to Ascent Premium and after keying in my passcode, it tells me on a loop 'this system is not available, you will be transferred to a CSR'.

 

[kamchatsky]

What number are you calling? I called the MR number (1300363276) when I un-linked. Just tried that number to re-link to Ascent Premium and after keying in my passcode, it tells me on a loop 'this system is not available, you will be transferred to a CSR'.

I called 1800 059 388, on the back of both my cards.

 

[Jonova]

Just called the number on the back of card 1800 059 388. Spoke to someone who is based in the Philippines, they were able to link the Explorer with the Platinum Edge and combine the total points together. They said it should be complete within 48 hours.

 

[albyd]

I just got off the phone with the call centre (1800059388) in Philippines. Has linked Explorer back to Ascent Premium and I saw the change instantly online - now asks me to refer to my Charge card for MR details. Said will take 3-5 days for the point balances to be merged. Fingers crossed ... Will report back. Thanks to everyone who have posted about their experience.

 

[Redrob123]

I just called to Amex and they said they will transfer my Gateway points into Ascent account, and then link my Gateway card (i.e. Explorer) to my Platinum Edge account. It was quite painless. I checked that the CSR was based at Philippines.

Now I just have to wait for 7-10 business days (standard response from CSR) for this to action. Fingers crossed.

Mine was completed within the hour.

 

[Jonova]

Just called the number on the back of card 1800 059 388. Spoke to someone who is based in the Philippines, they were able to link the Explorer with the Platinum Edge and combine the total points together. They said it should be complete within 48 hours.

Points balances have been merged. Took less than 24 hours, very impressed considering its Christmas day.

 

[albyd]

Just checked mine and all points are now under Ascent Premium. Explorer will now be my go to card.
Excellent Christmas Present.

 

[bbqwer]

From Dec 16 midnight till now, merging still not complete yet