Make living your best life go further
From earning Membership Rewards® points to entertainment offers, the American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card helps you get more, more of the time.
From your morning coffee or night out with friends to that weekend retail therapy, earn Membership Rewards® points for every dollar you spend on your Card
- 5 points per $1 spent on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Australia1
- 3 points per $1 spent on selected streaming subscriptions in Australia1
- 2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia1
- 1 point per $1 spent on everything else1
- Accelerated earn rates apply on the first 10,000 points earned per month, then you will earn 1 point per $1 across all categories1
- Boost your points balance by adding up to 4 Additional Cards to your Account for family or close friends, at no extra charge2
Click here to learn more about earning Membership Rewards points on the American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card.
You can pay off eligible charges on your statement with your Membership Rewards points or use a combination of points and payment3.
Steps to pay using points:
1. Login to your Account online or via the Amex Mobile App
2. Select the eligible transaction from your online Account
3. Get a credit on your Account within 72 hours.
Need a new outfit or something for the home? Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or your loved ones, you can use your Membership Rewards points to find something you love.
Use your points to shop online at David Jones4 and Myer5.
How to shop using points with David Jones4
1. Click ‘Shop at David Jones’ below
2. Select item and add to basket
3. At checkout, select to pay with Membership Rewards points and when prompted, add your American Express Card details
How to shop using points with Myer5
1. Shop online at Myer.
2. Click the Amex Membership Rewards payment button and complete check out.
3. When the SafeKey screen appears, select the option to “View Points” and confirm the amount of points.
4. You will be charged the full dollar amount to your Card then receive a statement credit in exchange for your points within 2 to 4 business days.
Want to treat yourself or someone else to something special?
You can simply redeem your points for gift cards from leading brands and retailers across fashion, dining, live entertainment and movies, experiences, wellness, health services and more6.
Steps to redeem points for Gift Cards:
1. Visit the American Express Gift Card online store
2. Select the Gift Card and dollar value you wish to purchase and click ‘add to cart’
3. Log into your Membership Rewards Account to redeem
Create even more travel experiences with Membership Rewards points. Whether you’re planning an adventure overseas, a business trip, or a weekend away, American Express Travel Online can help you get there.
American Express Travel Online
Take the stress out of booking your next flight, hotel or car rental with American Express Travel Online. Book with points to enjoy no restrictions, no block out dates, no booking fees, and exceptional service every step of the way7.
Webjet
With over 30 airline partners, odds are, you’ll be able to fly your favourite. Plus, our partnership with Webjet means you can use your Membership Rewards points to pay when booking online8.
Helloworld Travel
If you prefer to book and plan your trip in person, visit your local Helloworld Travel branch and book your next trip using points or a combination of points and payment8.
Airline partners
With over 10 airline transfer partners, you can use your points for travel practically anywhere in the world. Simply transfer your points to your choice of travel partner, and once the points have been transferred, make your booking online through the airline partner9.
Something for you, something for them. Love everything your American Express Essential Rewards Card has to offer? Refer a friend today and when they’re approved, you’ll earn Bonus Points and they could be rewarded too. T&Cs apply.
To see how referrals work and view full terms and conditions, click the "Learn more" button below
Boost your points balance by adding up to 4 Additional Cards to your Account for family or friends, at no extra charge2.
Refer your friend
Did you know you can be rewarded for referring a friend to American Express? Earn Bonus Points for each successful referral. T&Cs apply.
Use your Card at more places
1. Membership Rewards® Program for The American Express Essential Rewards Card.
Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards® program available at americanexpress.com/en-au/rewards/membership-rewards/terms.
Earn 5 points per $1 spent at restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, bars and selected food delivery services in Australia (“Eats and Drinks”). See the list of selected food delivery services here. Earning points at this rate is dependent on how the merchant categorises their business and provide us this information (directly or through their financial institution). Locations such as a bar in an entertainment venue or a restaurant in a hotel may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. The Eats and Drinks category does not include supermarket, grocery store or catering spend.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions at selected providers in Australia. The current list of streaming services is available here. Purchases must be made directly with the merchant on our list. Spend will not be eligible for accelerated earn if the product is bundled with another product or service or billed by a third party such as a digital platform or a TV, telecommunications or internet provider. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn.
Earn 2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia. The following merchants have been classified as Selected Major Retailers: Amazon, Kmart, Bunnings Warehouse, Uniqlo, Myer, The Iconic, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman. Purchases with these Selected Major Retailers are only eligible for additional points if the transactions are made online or in-store in Australia. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. The current list of selected retailers and corresponding terms and conditions are available here. The list is subject to change.
Eligible spend outside the accelerated earn rate categories will earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent.
American Express reserves the right to change this list of Eats and Drinks providers, selected food delivery services, selected streaming services and selected major retailers that earn points at an accelerated rate.
Monthly Points Threshold: You will earn points at an accelerated earn rate on spend at eligible Eats & Drinks, select food delivery services, select streaming services and selected major retailers up to a combined maximum of 10,000 points posted to your account monthly. After a total of 10,000 points is earned in a month, you will earn 1 point for every $1 regardless of credits, returns and adjustments until the threshold resets at the start of the next calendar month.
Refunds and returns: When the Basic Card Member or an Additional Card Member obtains a refund or reimbursement for items purchased on the Card or an Additional Card as applicable, Membership Rewards points will be deducted. Points are deducted based on the earn rate applicable on the day a refund or reimbursement transaction is processed.
2. Additional Card Members.
Additional Card Members must be 16 years of age or over. The Primary Card Member will be liable to pay for all transactions made by Additional Card Members. Earning of points is subject to the terms and conditions of the Rewards Program the Primary Card Member is actively enrolled. All points earned on Additional Card Member spend will go to the Primary Card Members Account. The Primary Card Member cannot add an Additional Card under their own name or email address and cannot add an Additional card under the name or email address of a previously approved Additional Card application on the Account.
3. Cover Charges with Points.
Minimum of 1,000 points required. Any credit to your Card Account cannot exceed the current outstanding balance on your Account. Points will be debited immediately and credit will take up to three business days to appear on your online statement. For more information and full terms and conditions, click here.
4. Pay with points at David Jones Online
Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the American Express Membership Rewards program available at membershiprewards.com.au/termsandconditions. Only American Express Cards issued by American Express Australia Limited are eligible provided they are enrolled in the Membership Rewards program. The amount of Membership Rewards points required for redemption is subject to change at any time. A minimum of 3,000 points must be redeemed at any one time. If redeeming with Points + Pay, the 'pay' component of your purchase will be automatically billed to your American Express Card Account and will appear on the first billing statement following redemption. You’ll earn Membership Rewards points on the ‘pay’ component of your purchase only. For full terms and conditions, including partner terms and conditions, click here.
5. Pay with points at Myer Online.
You can Pay with points at Myer online if you are the Primary Card Member of an eligible American Express Card issued by American Express Australia Limited; your Card is enrolled in an eligible Membership Rewards program; and your Card Account is in good standing (i.e., not overdue or in collections). Additional or Employee Card Members, Card Members enrolled in Qantas or Velocity Direct program, Business Ascent program or Business Card Members with spend locked to one supplier or Card Members who hold an David Jones American Express Card are not eligible to use Pay with points at Myer online. The minimum redemption value is 1,000 Membership Rewards points. The full transaction amount will be charged and appear on your account and the credit will appear within 72 hours of the charge (this may not be the full transaction amount). The credit may not appear on the same statement as the full charge. In this case, you must still pay the amount due on your statement, and the credit will apply to charges on your next statement. For full terms and conditions click here.
6. Gift Cards.
Gift Card or voucher rewards are not redeemable or exchangeable for cash or credit. Normal retailer gift card or voucher conditions apply, refer to the gift card or retailer website for details.
7. Use points with American Express Travel Online.
To earn or redeem Membership Rewards points, Cards must be enrolled to the American Express Membership Rewards program, and your Card Account must be in good standing. To redeem Membership Rewards Points with American Express Travel Online, you need to have available limit on your Card for the full transaction amount of the booking. You will then receive a statement credit within 3 business days for your points redemption. If the credit isn’t on the same statement as the transaction, it should appear on your next statement. Please pay all amounts due each month. You will earn Membership Rewards points on the full dollar amount charged to your Card. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of our Membership Rewards Program. View the full Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions here.
8. Helloworld Travel and Webjet.
Minimum redemption amounts apply. You can redeem points for prepaid travel of a nominated value through Webjet.com.au and helloworld with the point-of-purchase redemption capability. Travel bookings using points may be booked for any person, provided all your accounts are kept in good standing and are not overdue. Subject to the Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions and the partners' booking terms and conditions.
9. Airline Partner Programs.
Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards Gateway program available at americanexpress.com/en-au/rewards/membership-rewards/terms. You must be a member of the partner program, joining fees may apply and points transferred will be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable program.
Dive into experiences you’ll never forget. From pre-sale tickets and lounge access at the most sought-after shows, to exclusive benefits at exhibitions and movies, you can spend your nights out in style.
Enjoy access to some of the best experiences in live music, sports, theatre and more. Plus, when you attend events at one of our partner venues, you can enhance your fan experience with a range of exclusive Card Member benefits.
Not only can you access pre-sales and reserved tickets to some of the hottest events, Amex Card Members can take advantage of elevated benefits at eligible venues, like dedicated entrances, complimentary drink vouchers, special concession offers like 10% off food and beverages1, Card Member only Entertainment Lounges and other perks that are unique to each location.
Click the button below to explore our venue partners and benefits in Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, ICC Sydney Theatre and Allianz Stadium, Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena and Brisbane's Entertainment Centre and Powerhouse.
From shopping and dining to travel, entertainment and more, Amex Offers and MyAmexShop have got you covered.
AmexOffers on shopping, dining, entertainment and more
From credits on your Account to bonus points, our eligible Card Members are rewarded in many ways, just by spending on their Card. To view Amex Offers, simply log into your Online Account or the Amex App2.
Another way to win at online shopping with MyAmexShop
Shop at a variety of brands online and receive credit back on every eligible purchase.
Shop Small, get rewarded and support your favourite local businesses
Receive special offers to help make your local community even stronger. Just keep an eye out for them on the Amex App.
Love dining out? Keep an eye out for American Express delicious. Month Out
The most delicious month of the year returns packed with unmissable events, special dining offers, experiences and more.
Shop Small
Receive Offers
1. Australian Entertainment Venues Benefit – 10% off food and beverage purchases.
Offer is valid from 13 September 2023 to 13 September 2024 at all participating Food & Beverage outlets within Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Qudos Bank Arena and Aware Super Theatre. Excludes corporate suites as well as all functions and group bookings. The Card Member must identify themselves as an American Express Card Member and pay using their American Express Card at checkout to receive the 10% discount. Discount is not retrievable post-purchase as it is applied by the vendor at checkout. We use your personal information such as name, account number and transaction information to manage your participation in the offer and track your spend. We will only ever use your personal information strictly in accordance with the American Express Online Privacy Statement.
2. The American Express Mobile App.
The Amex App is available to download for eligible Card Accounts in Australia. To use the App, you must be registered for Online Services. Apple, the Apple logo, Touch ID, Face ID and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.
The American Express Mobile App allows you to quickly and easily manage your Card Account1.
- Save dining and shopping Offers to your Card and get the savings automatically credited to your Account.
- Pay your Account or set up direct debit so your payments are made automatically.
- Get notifications when your Card is used and set up alerts to manage your balance effectively.
- Activate your Card and either link your Card to your Online Account or create a new one.
Relax knowing that with our Fraud Protection Guarantee, if your card is stolen, you won’t pay for unauthorised spending on your Account no matter what Card you have. From crediting your Account, to organising an immediate replacement Card2 – whatever the problem, our dedicated American Express Security Centre Team is there to help.
Accidentally broke the screen on your phone? When you purchase your phone outright or pay your monthly phone bill with your eligible American Express Card, you can be reimbursed for the cost of the screen repair up to $500 for two events a year3. A 10% excess applies to the claimed amount. Waiting periods may apply.
We keep looking out for you even after you've made your purchase and brought it home. Our range of Card protection benefits means you can shop with confidence using your American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card for eligible purchases.
Card Purchase Cover
When you make a purchase on your American Express Essential Rewards Card, you can be reimbursed for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if the eligible item is stolen or accidentally damaged3.
Card Refund Cover
Card Refund Cover can help if you’re having trouble getting a refund for an eligible item purchased within 90 days on your eligible American Express Essential Rewards Card3.
Buyer’s Advantage Cover
If your warranty has run out just as you need it, Buyer’s Advantage Cover may have you covered. With the American Express Essential Rewards Card, you could enjoy an extended manufacturer’s warranty of up to 12 months for eligible purchases made on your Card3.
Exclusions, limits and excess apply. Please refer to the Insurance Terms and Conditions of your American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card to view the full details of your retail coverage.
American Express SafeKey is an authentication service which helps prevent unauthorized use of your American Express Card online by confirming your identity with additional verification information.
You may be asked to provide a dynamic One-time Code (OTC) that you receive by email or at your mobile phone number for transactions you make with participating online merchants
For more information, including terms and conditions, click the link below.
If your Card or Additional Card gets lost, damaged or stolen, call the number on the back of your Card and we’ll arrange to get you a replacement Card4. If you are travelling, we’ll work with your itinerary to get a Card to you as soon as possible. We’ve got your back, virtually anywhere you are in the world, 24/7.
If you’re at home
You can order a replacement Card quickly and easily online. It will then be sent to the address that we have on file.
Follow this step-by-step process to apply for a Card replacement online.
1. Login to your account and click on ’Account Management’
2. Select the Card you would like to replace and the reason you’d like to replace it
3. Complete the Card Membership verification
4. Review your Online Card Replacement request and click to submit
To complete another Online Card Replacement request, simply tap ‘Back to Account Management’ and select ‘Order a replacement Card’ in the text box below the status.
Note: For your security, the same Card cannot be replaced again for 30 days.
If you’re away
Whether you’re interstate or international, you can order a replacement Card by calling our Customer Service Centre. They’ll be able to send your Card to almost any address in the world.
Australia: 1300 132 639
Overseas: +612 9271 8666
You can also chat with us 24/7 via the American Express App or your Online Account.
You can still make transactions using your mobile wallet to continue getting the most of your membership benefits. If you haven’t loaded your Card to your mobile wallet yet, please click here.
Mobile App
Mobile Payments
1. The American Express App.
The Amex App is available to download for eligible Card Accounts in Australia. To use the App, you must be registered for Online Services. Apple, the Apple logo, Touch ID, Face ID and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.
2. Fraud Protection Guarantee.
Provided that you do not contribute to or unreasonably delay reporting any misuse of your Account and you have complied with your Card Conditions, you will not be held liable for any unauthorised charges.
3. American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card Insurance.
The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card to pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs. This insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy of insurance held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Access to this insurance is provided solely by reason of the statutory operation of section 48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Card Members are not a party to the group policy, do not have an agreement with Chubb and cannot vary or cancel the cover. American Express is not the insurer, does not guarantee or hold the rights under the group policy on trust for Card Members and does not act on behalf of Chubb or as its agent. American Express is not an Authorised Representative (under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) of Chubb.
4. Emergency Card Replacement.
If your Card is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately. You can contact American Express 24 hours a day. To call from Australia or overseas, use the number on the back of your Card. You can also log in to your online account and use the chat feature 24/7 to report your lost or stolen Card. Once you have notified us, you will not be liable for any unauthorised charges.
Create even more travel experiences with Membership Rewards points. Whether you’re planning an adventure overseas, a business trip, or a weekend away, American Express Travel Online can help you get there.
American Express Travel Online
Take the stress out of booking your next flight, hotel or car rental with American Express Travel Online. Book with points to enjoy no restrictions, no block out dates, no booking fees, and exceptional service every step of the way1.
Webjet
With over 30 airline partners, odds are, you’ll be able to fly your favourite. Plus, our partnership with Webjet means you can use your Membership Rewards points to pay when booking online2.
Helloworld Travel
If you prefer to book and plan your trip in person, visit your local Helloworld Travel branch and book your next trip using points or a combination of points and payment 2.
Airline partners
With over 10 airline transfer partners, you can use your points for travel practically anywhere in the world. Simply transfer your points to your choice of travel partner, and once the points have been transferred, make your booking online through the airline partner 3.
Wherever you are in the world, and whatever you need, help is just a call away. Our Customer Service Centre is on hand 24/7 – simply call the number on the back of your Card.
1. Use points with American Express Travel Online.
To earn or redeem Membership Rewards points, Cards must be enrolled to the American Express Membership Rewards program, and your Card Account must be in good standing. To redeem Membership Rewards Points with American Express Travel Online, you need to have available limit on your Card for the full transaction amount of the booking. You will then receive a statement credit within 3 business days for your points redemption. If the credit isn’t on the same statement as the transaction, it should appear on your next statement. Please pay all amounts due each month. You will earn Membership Rewards points on the full dollar amount charged to your Card. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of our Membership Rewards Program. View the full Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions here.
2. Helloworld Travel and Webjet.
Minimum redemption amounts apply. You can redeem points for prepaid travel of a nominated value through Webjet.com.au and helloworld with the point-of-purchase redemption capability. Travel bookings using points may be booked for any person, provided all your accounts are kept in good standing and are not overdue. Subject to the Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions and the partners' booking terms and conditions.
3. Airline and Hotel partners.
Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards Gateway program available at americanexpress.com/en-au/rewards/membership-rewards/terms. You must be a member of the partner program, joining fees may apply and points transferred will be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable program.
American Express offers a range of flexible lending solutions.
Plan It® is a feature on your American Express Credit Card that allows you to pay off eligible transactions or a portion of your balance in equal monthly instalments. Choose between 3, 6 and 12 month terms with only a set monthly fee. Minimum amount of $150 for any plan. See the Plan It Terms and Conditions below.
- You can create an Instalment Plan as long as your account is in good standing.
- We may withdraw this offer, prevent you from creating any new Instalment Plans or cancel any of your existing Instalment Plan(s) at any time if your Card Account is overdue, or if you do not comply with your Card Conditions.
- The minimum Plan amount is AUD$150.
- We may also limit the amount that can be transferred to an Instalment Plan.
- You will be charged a Monthly Plan Fee for each Instalment Plan created. This fee will be charged each month your Instalment Plan is active and will be disclosed to you at the time of creating your Instalment Plan.
- Each Instalment Plan will begin from the date it is successfully created, as communicated to you in your Online Account.
- Payment of your first Monthly Instalment will be due in your next payment cycle.
- You may request to cancel your Instalment Plan(s) at any time through your Online Account or the Amex App.
- Any billed Monthly Plan Fees will remain payable, but no further Monthly Plan Fees will be billed after cancellation is effective.
- As cancellation can take 24-48 hours to process (“Processing Time”), you may be charged a further monthly plan fee after requesting cancellation if the Processing Time occurs on your payment date.
View the full Plan It® Instalment Terms and Conditions here.
Get the most out of your Card
Whether you’re just getting started, looking to pay a bill, or travelling overseas, here’s everything you need to know about managing your Card.
Not an Amex Essential Rewards Card Member? Apply now.