Hello from Perth

[scullkr]

Hi guys,

New to the FF points game but I've been doing a lot of reading elsewhere the past few weeks e.g. PointHacks. This community looked too good not to join. I've recently got my Amex Explorer (100,000 Gateway points released) and NAB Velocity Premium ($100 dollars to go) as my first ever Awards Credit Cards.

I just realised today that I can activate Global Wallet on my Velocity Card and get some decent earning on my upcoming trip abroad without too high a credit card premium on overseas spending.

Ultimately my goal is to be able to upgrade an annual trip home to Ireland with Etihad from Economy to Business class so I'm focusing on Velocity and Amex points- I'm hoping this trip home is my last in Economy!

I'm sure I'll have some questions later on, in the meantime I'll continue browsing.

 

[cove]

Do look up AFF gathering #10 as it is being held in Perth in November.
Welcome to AFF!

 

[Steady]

Welcome aboard scullkr, the Explorer and NAB Velocity Platinum are/have been good with their signup bonuses. Both of these Amex's earn good rates, but the NAB Visa could be better - it would be worth looking around for a higher earn Visa or MasterCard to use when Amex is not accepted

There is a lot of info on AFF about cards for both international spend and cash withdrawal - worth having a read up as you may find better value options than Global Wallet

 

[TomVexille]

Welcome aboard!

Have a look at the exchange rates that Global Wallet are offering and compare to other options like the Citibank Plus Debit card.

 

[cove]

Yes I agree with TV. All those global wallets do is grab about 5% of your funds off you and give you expensive frequent flyer points.
If you go Citibank debit you will get a fair exchange rate. Anyone can get this and each in my family have one.
Bankwest Platinum CC will give you a sign on bonus (check the site to see if it is still on)and fair exchange rates overseas but only half a point per $AUD.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Welcome to AFF.

 

[UP4014]

Howdy and welcome.

Matt

 

[BettyB]

Welcome

 

[JohnK]

Welcome to AFF scullkr!

 

[scullkr]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Ultimate plan is a two tiered attack between myself and my partner- so Amex Explorer x2 and NAB Velocity Platinum x2 to get some points accumulated. I'll hopefully sidetrack one of us to the Amex Platinum Edge with the other as a supplementary holder to max out grocery spending, and let the other keep the Explorer.

I was holding out on my partner's Amex Explorer in the hope that a referral link becomes available- does anyone with more experience of Amex think this will happen? I have until Nov 30th before the offer expires.

I agree with the NAB Visa return being an issue- the points were just too good to turn down getting started. The Virgin Money High Flyer might be an option in future but I'll let the current deal go for now I think.

Thanks for the advice about Global Wallet- an email offering 1000 points for signing up just happened to arrive the week before I leave. My only other option is a Commonwealth Travel Card currently. I'll check out the exchange rates and see if the points are worth it but I'll be more organised next time.

There's a lot to learn.

 

[Steady]

Thanks for the advice guys.
There's a lot to learn.

Seems like you are well on the way, be sure to post your experiences

 

[Maxpp]

Welcome to AFF!