American Express Credit Cards and their travel rewards

American Express, a global force in financial and travel services, has operated in Australia since 1954.  Twenty years later, it introduced its first Australian-dollar American Express Credit Card and still remains at the forefront of credit card innovation in this country.  In addition to its exclusive American Express-branded credit and business cards, American Express also runs co-branded cards for other organisation like Jones, NAB, HSBC Bank, AMP, Qantas and David Jones.

American Express has different suites of cards for business expenses and for personal spending.  This article focuses on the personal credit cards available.

With its long-term and continuing involvement in travel of all forms, it is natural that ‘travel’ features strongly in the reward structures of all the credit cards operated by this company.

If you are a regular traveler, then you should defintitely check out  American Express credit cards.

Here are two American Express cards that might be of interest:

American Express Gold Ascent Card.

This credit card is recognised around the world and can be used to purchase all kinds of goods and services including travel bookings.  With the Gold Ascent credit card, there are no annual fees and no charge for the issue of supplementary cards or to join their Rewards program.

You get up to 44 days interest-free to pay for purchases in the monthly statement.  If extended payment is required, the interest rate is currently 19.99% and subject to change.

Every $2 spent on this card earns one Membership Reward point.  These points can be converted into air travel points with Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Blue at the rate of credit one airline reward point for each Membership Reward point.  The other three airlines participating in the American Express Rewards program – Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways convert four Membership Reward points into three airline reward points.  There is no ‘cap’ on the number of points that can be accrued.

American Express Blue Sky Credit Card.

There is no annual card fee with the Blue Sky credit card.  The interest-free period on purchases is up to 55 days provided no prior balance is outstanding – otherwise currently 19.99% per annum.  Benefits of card use include travel insurance, fraud monitoring, post-purchase protection and, of course, travel.

Earn one Membership Rewards Blue Sky point for each $1 spent. These points can be used to purchase a wide range of merchandise, services and entertainment. Gift cards are recognised by major retailers.  And of course, you can apply for your Membership Rewards points for travel with partners – Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Blue Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and more.  Points can also be used with selected accommodation partners.

Note that some partners like Qantas and Air New Zealand charge a joining fee to participate in their programs.  Flights and accommodation are subject to availability and must be booked at least 30 day ahead of the intended travel date.

What the Featured Cards can and cannot do:

American Express cards should be seriously considered by regular travelers and people about to embark on an international holiday.  The rewards earned from one trip can be used on the next.

The American Express cards do not cater for balance transfers.  This means you only earn Membership Reward points from what you actually spend on these cards. For more information on credit card application, please browse through other articles and guides available.