Understanding Amex Card
categories in Australia

American Express Card categories can help you find the most suitable Card based on your lifestyle and needs.

Each category offers unique variations with distinct benefits, including different ways to earn rewards - whether you're a casual online shopper, a luxury traveller, a business owner or somewhere in between, there’s a Card to match your needs.

Explore the different types of Amex Cards to discover which Card category suits you best.

Choosing the right Amex Card

American Express Cards can be split into four core categories: Personal Cards under $150 p.a., Personal Cards under $400 p.a., Premium Cards and Business Cards.

Your needs and lifestyle will determine which category and specific Card type best aligns with your needs.

 

For those new to Credit and Charge Cards, these Cards are the perfect introduction.

They are ideal for everyday spending, with some Cards offering rewards points on purchases like groceries and dining. With a lower annual fee, these options are a great way to get to know Amex Card benefits.

Explore our range of Personal Cards under $150 p.a.:

The American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card


For $9 per month ($108 per year), the American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card lets you earn Amex Membership Rewards® points1 at an accelerated rate when you use your Card to pay at eligible restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, bars, selected food delivery services such as Uber Eats, selected streaming services including Netflix, Binge and Spotify and selected major retailers in Australia like Myer, Uniqlo and The Iconic. (Please note: after a total of 10,000 points is earned in a month, you will earn 1 point for every $1 until the threshold resets at the start of the next calendar month.)
 

Explore more Reward Cards

The Low Rate Credit Card from American Express®

 

The Low Rate Credit Card from American Express® offers our lowest interest rate on purchases at 10.99% p.a.2 and no annual fee. While it doesn’t include rewards points, you still get up to 55 days to pay for your purchases3.



 

 

 

 

 

The Qantas American Express Discovery Card


With the Qantas American Express Discovery Card, you can earn Qantas Points on your eligible everyday Card purchases4, whilst enjoying no annual Card Fee. There’s also no limit on the number of Qantas Points you can earn. The Points can then be redeemed for eligible flights with Qantas, Jetstar and over 30 oneworld® member and partner airlines to over 1,300 destinations globally5, making it ideal for travel enthusiasts.

Explore our No Annual Fee Credit Cards.

The American Express Velocity Escape Plus Card


The American Express Velocity Escape Plus Card lets you earn Velocity Points on your everyday purchases6. You can then redeem them7 for domestic Virgin Australia flights, international destinations around the world with Velocity's network of airline partners, eligible accommodation, car hire and gift cards. With an annual fee of $95 p.a., this Card is perfect for frequent Virgin Australia flyers and those looking to boost their Velocity Points.

Aligning Cards to your lifestyle needs

When choosing an American Express Card, it’s essential to consider how it fits with your lifestyle and needs.

  • Cards with lower fees can be more suitable for those who focus on everyday spending and value features such as low annual fees.
  • Cards with higher fees combine rewards on key spending categories with added benefits like travel credit.
  • Premium Cards cater to individuals looking for luxury travel rewards, exclusive access and elevated shopping experiences.
  • For business owners, Business Cards can provide accounting tools to streamline business expenses and support cash flow management.

Comparing travel, credit and business needs

Rewards vs. credit 

Amex Membership Rewards points offer great flexibility, allowing Card Members to redeem points in various ways.

  • You can transfer your Membership Rewards points to a wide range of airline and hotel partner programs33; or use your points to book eligible flights, hotels or car rental with Amex Travel Online34. You can also redeem your points for Gift Cards35 from leading brands and retailers.
  • Alternatively, you can choose to use your points to pay for eligible purchases on your Card36. You can also use your points to pay for your annual fee on selected Cards37 or to get a credit on your Account38.

Whether you value versatile rewards or lower fees there's a solution for your needs.
 

How to enhance your travel experiences

If you’re already dreaming of your next holiday, it’s good to know the different types of travel benefits you can get. Travel benefits vary depending on the type of Card you select:

  • Consider Cards with Membership Rewards points to use towards eligible flights, hotels and car rental34 with eligible Cards.
  • Eligible Cards also allow you to transfer your Amex Membership Rewards points to your choice of multiple airline frequent flyer partner programs and then book your flights directly through them33.
  • The Qantas Amex Cards and Amex Velocity Cards are ideal for frequent flyers as they let you earn Qantas Points4 or Velocity Points22 on your eligible Card purchases and access a suite of travel rewards when you fly with them.
  • Also check out what Travel Insurance you can get39 depending on the Card you choose. (Terms, conditions, cover limits and exclusions apply such as a maximum age limit of 79 when travel is purchased and a pre-existing medical condition(s) exclusion).

Business Cards vs. Personal Cards 

If you have a Business, Business Cards offer solutions to meet your Business needs and expenses whereas Personal Cards should be used for your personal expenses. Also note that the liability for the Card’s debts and defaults and the credit limit also vary between Business and Personal Cards.

Some Business Cards offer rewards in business categories and some may also offer business-related perks or business-specific features such as expense reporting or integration with business accounting software.

Find out more on using Business vs. Personal Cards.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Amex Cards

Choose the Card that best suits you

The American Express Explorer® Credit Card

The American Express® Platinum Card

The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

The American Express Velocity Platinum Card

The American Express Business Platinum Card

The American Express® Business Gold Plus Card