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.

 

[LordGarlic]

Waiting, checking balance every day.

Please keep us updated as i have received my bonus points and wishes to link it to my ascent.awaiting your goodnews

 

[oh_lol]

Just got my cards unlinked on the phone.
It's not appearing yet when I log in (system not properly responded to request message), but am I fine to start my required spend now?

 

[adame]

Thanks for all the great advice in this thread. I'm a little bit concerned about the 'unlinking' process now.

I had Platinum Edge and applied for Explorer. My account online shows 0 points for Explorer and when I go into the Membership Rewards section I can switch between 'Ascent' and 'Gateway'.

Does that mean I'm okay to go through with $1500 spend, or do I still need to call and request an 'unlink'?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Ken1]

Thanks for all the great advice in this thread. I'm a little bit concerned about the 'unlinking' process now.

I had Platinum Edge and applied for Explorer. My account online shows 0 points for Explorer and when I go into the Membership Rewards section I can switch between 'Ascent' and 'Gateway'.

Does that mean I'm okay to go through with $1500 spend, or do I still need to call and request an 'unlink'?

Thanks for the help!

You don't need to unlink as you already have separate 'Ascent' and 'Gateway' Membership Rewards accounts. People who have had to unlink had both the Explorer and Platinum Edge, Reserve or charge cards linked only to Ascent. Since you have a Gateway account set up your spend from the Explorer card will go to Gateway so you can start spending towards the $1500.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

You don't need to unlink as you already have separate 'Ascent' and 'Gateway' Membership Rewards accounts. People who have had to unlink had both the Explorer and Platinum Edge, Reserve or charge cards linked only to Ascent. Since you have a Gateway account set up your spend from the Explorer card will go to Gateway so you can start spending towards the $1500.

As Ken1 said.

But if in doubt just put through a test transaction to ensure it lands as Gateway Points.

Say just pay $1 on your Telstra account, buy some milk or bread etc. After you see that then put through your larger transactions.

 

[billbro]

Have people had issues re-linking the cards?

I called earlier today and was told it's not possible as the gateway and ascent premium programs have different earn rates.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Have people had issues re-linking the cards?

I called earlier today and was told it's not possible as the gateway and ascent premium programs have different earn rates.

Spend some time reading this thread. The messages people post are kept for others to read and learn. You won't have to read very far to see the answer to your question.

 

[Steady]

Spend some time reading this thread.

The recurring advice some don't seem to want to heed.

 

[billbro]

Spend some time reading this thread. The messages people post are kept for others to read and learn.

Actually reading through it now, particularly the issue with the missing point balance.

However, there seems to be mixed reports between de-linking/linking - getting different call centres.

Just wanted to know if there was a consistent theme rather than trawling through many pages, hardly the most efficient means of obtaining an answer.

Edit: seems like I only had to go a few pages back, will have to see if I want to take the gamble with re-linking, don't exactly want to lose the meagre balance we have seeing as all our points are there (though I suppose that also means a smaller downside).

 

[froggerADL]

Just wanted to know if there was a consistent theme rather than trawling through many pages, hardly the most efficient means of obtaining an answer.

I think you are measuring the efficiency only from your point of view.

 

[billbro]

I think you are measuring the efficiency only from your point of view.

That's true, but no one is obliged to summarise it for me - I simply would have appreciated it someone who already knew the answer could have saved me sometime.

While I understand that it's frustrating for the regulars on here, we don't exactly have a sticky of pertinent information (but yes I can use the search function, which I have per the post above.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

That's true, but no one is obliged to summarise it for me - I simply would have appreciated it someone who already knew the answer could have saved me sometime.

While I understand that it's frustrating for the regulars on here, we don't exactly have a sticky of pertinent information (but yes I can use the search function, which I have per the post above.

Thanks for volunteering write up some helpful summaries and guides. I look forward to reading them.

 

[billbro]

Thanks for volunteering write up some helpful summaries and guides. I look forward to reading them.

I actually don't mind summarising what I have just read in relation to the linking issue, if there is a way for us to sticky it on the top of the thread.

It looks like most people are just waiting to see what is happening with Truffles issue, though going back further it was just a timing issue with other people for the points to be credited.

However, I'm not sure why the big posters on here are so aggrieved, I'm not trying to pick a fight, I asked a question - don't answer if it affronts your senses.

Relevant considerations:
Existing Amex cards

• bonus points generally still seem to be applied, even where you have an existing card;
• applications should be done at your own risk though since the T&C specify that the bonus shouldn't apply; and
• downside risk is actually minimal though (apart from a credit enquiry marker) as the financial cost can be recouped if no travel credit or points are transferred.

De-linking cards

• members with existing cards may have their explorer linked to an existing reward scheme (ascent premium), in which case the bonus points won't be credited;
• call up to de-link the cards (split out to ascent and gateway) and once you hit the $1,500 spend the bonus points should be credited; and
• spend of $1,500 must occur on the gateway program for the points to apply.

Linking cards

• members have had luck linking the two reward programs together (suggestions indicate to call during late at night/weekends to hit international call centres US/Phillipines, etc and it's a mixed bag in terms of whether you call the MR line or the back of the card number);
• I personally called the Platinum charge line, as the wait times are shorter and the staff seem more knowledgeable (but that might be exactly the issue, given it might be a glitch); and
• Risk to linking the cards is members are reporting missing points (some have been due to timing delays).

Feel free to add anything I've missed.

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

In relation to the Amex Explorer card have been combing through the T's and C's for insurance: https://web.aexp-static.com/au/content/pdf/explorer-insurance-tncs.pdf

Can anyone else confirm in me saying that my spouse who is also a Supplementary card holder is not entitled to many of the privileges provided in section B - G like Travel medical, cancellation, inconvenience and resumption of journey etc.? I was quite surprised to read this ... now second guessing myself.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Ta. Some edits are below:

.

Relevant considerations:
Existing Amex cards

• Sign-on bonus points generally still seem to be applied gora new Amex Card, as long at the award program of the new card is different to your existing card (ie MR Ascent, MR Ascent Premium or MR Gateway or other programs such as Velocity, Qantas or David Jones)
• Applications should be done at your own risk though since the T&C specify that the bonus shouldn't apply; and
• Downside risk is actually minimal though (apart from a credit enquiry marker) as the financial cost can be recouped if no travel credit or points are transferred.

De-linking cards

• members with existing cards may on first activation discover that Amex has linked their explorer to an existing reward scheme (MR Ascent or MR Ascent Premium), in which case the sign-onbonus points won't be credited but any spend will earn at 2 MR Ascent per/$ compared to the less valuabale 2 MR Gateway Points/$;
• de-link of the cards (split out to Ascent and Gateway) can only be achieved by calling amex to request this.
• Once you hit the $1,500 spend the sign-on bonus points should be credited typically virtually immediately; and
• the spend of $1,500 must occur on the Gateway program for the sign-on bonus points to apply.

Linking cards

• members have had luck linking the two reward programs together (suggestions indicate to call during late at night/weekends to hit international call centres US/Phillipines, etc and it's a mixed bag in terms of whether you call the MR line or the back of the card number);
• Risk to linking the cards is that one members has reported that all points were lost (However this is yet to be resoved and may just be a glitch)

Thank you for also demonstrating that you could indeed quite quickly learn what you needed to know.

Most forum members are more than happy to help by answering questions and particularly when someone is stuck, or a bit confused, but it does become tiresome with many new readers continuing to ask the same questions repeatedly when they could be answered by a bit of basic research first.

Responses like Just wanted to know if there was a consistent theme rather than trawling through many pages, hardly the most efficient means of obtaining an answer are always likely to be given short shrift as you are basically stating that your time is more important than ours...

 

[support]

I actually don't mind summarising what I have just read in relation to the linking issue, if there is a way for us to sticky it on the top of the thread.

I have created a Wiki that now displays at the top of every page of this thread. I used your post as the basis.

Ta. Some edits are below:

I haven't included your edits at this stage as I was aiming to primarily set the Wiki up. If you would like to add changes as you see fit, please feel free to do, you should see an edit button near the bottom of the content.

 

[rfc4eva]

Hi to those that have been unsuccessful and had to spend the $1500 again to get the points did the points from the actual $1500 transaction go through straight away?Its saying I have to register for membership rewards even though ive called up and asked for ascent and gateway to be de-linked.

 

[Tuffie]

Some good news. I decided to call up this morning at 8am. Just asking whether there was any update on my enquiry for my lost points. He went away and reviewed my notes and saw that this issue had been on going for a little while now. He spoke to his manager, and to not let this issue drag on too long, they agreed to put in a request to have the points reflected on my account within the next 24 hours.

So sounds like a good outcome. *fingers crossed*

For those that haven't been following. I had lost all my points upon relinking my accounts. This was points awarded from the sign up bonus, referrals and purchases.


*update*
Yay. All my points reappeared! Think this'll be my primary card for a while.

 

[froggerADL]

This post is about my experience and outcome in applying for the Amex Explorer card.

I only started reading this thread a couple of weeks ago. I read the most recent posts and realised that there were conflicting experiences so I decided to start at the beginning. At that time there were around 1000 posts, so I had a bit of reading to do. I obviously have far too much time on my hands!

I cancelled an Amex Velocity card about 12 months ago so I thought it was likely that I wouldn’t be eligible for the bonus points due to the published 18 month rule.

I also currently hold a NAB Velocity account which includes an Amex card. These are the only Amex cards I have held in the last 18 months.

As I read this thread, it became clear that, in practice, the Amex velocity card would not affect the bonus points as it is a Velocity direct earn card. It also became clear that the NAB issued Amex would not be a problem, being a bank issued card.

I did a bit of research on using the Amex travel credit to ensure I would be easily able to use it. As you can book travel in anyone’s name/s there will be no problem.

I applied for the card last Tuesday afternoon using an AFFer’s referral link. I ticked the box to apply for the highest credit limit available.

I was approved instantly. The card arrived on Monday. Only four business days, that’s pretty damn quick!

I immediately activated the card and set up on-line banking using the log-in from my old Amex Velocity account. The old Amex Velocity card shows up as cancelled.

I then purchased just over $1500 of Wish Gift cards (at 5% discount, of course) using the Explorer card to activate the bonus points.

I logged on to Amex this morning, Wednesday, to find that the 110,000 bonus points have been posted.

So, just to be clear, that’s six days from applying for the card to the bonus points being credited. I’m very satisfied!

I may apply for the Amex Edge and then try to link Gateway to Ascent in a month or so, but I’ll monitor this thread to see if others are still being successful with this strategy.

Thanks to everyone who has posted their experience on this thread. You have all helped me immensely.

 

[Dr Ralph]

This post is about my experience and outcome in applying for the Amex Explorer card.........
Thanks to everyone who has posted their experience on this thread. You have all helped me immensely.

Appreciate the recap of you experience. Good to know that reading and following the advice/experiences of others has worked so well for you.