What can I use my Credit Card for?
If you’re new to Credit Cards, you may be wondering what an American Express® Card can be used for and whether it can help with everyday expenses like bills, shopping and travel.
The good news is that an American Express Credit Card can be used for a wide range of purchases, including everyday shopping, online payments, travel bookings and paying bills. American Express is accepted by hundreds of your favourite brands across Australia from major retailers to local businesses.
To get you started, we answer some of the most common questions people ask when they are starting out.
Can you pay bills with an American Express Card?
Yes, you can pay bills with an American Express Card in several ways.
Many Australians use their Amex Credit Card to pay regular bills such as:
- Mobile phone and internet bills
- Electricity, gas and water
- Insurance premiums
- Streaming and subscription services
Some billers accept American Express directly, while others allow you to use third party services to pay using American Express.Some providers may charge a Card payment fee, so it is worth checking before you pay.
BPAY is one of the most common ways people pay bills in Australia.
It is currently not possible to make BPAY payments directly using an Amex Card. However, you can use third party services such as Sniip or B2BPay, which can process BPAY payments using an American Express Card.
That way, you keep your bill payments together on one statement, making it easier to track spending and manage repayments. On eligible Cards, you may also earn Amex Membership Rewards® points1 on your spend.
Please note that most third-party services charge a merchant fee.
Using a Credit Card to pay bills may help to simplify finances and manage cash flow.
Setting up a direct debit can be a convenient way to make your utility payments such as mobile phone, internet, gas, water and electricity, as well as insurances like car, home and pet cover, or subscription services such as online streaming.
Be mindful that when you do use a Credit Card to pay your bills, some companies may charge nominal fees of around 1 – 3%.
As with any recurring payment, it is a good idea to review your bill charges regularly and ensure they still suit your needs and budget.
Paying bills with your Credit Card can also help build your reward points balance1.
Some purchases may be treated differently depending on the merchant or transaction type.
Before using your Card somewhere new, it can be worth checking any fees that may apply, as well as ensuring the merchant accepts the Card you have.
Some merchants may apply a surcharge for Card payments, and not all transactions on your Card are eligible to earn reward points. Checking the terms that apply to your Card can help avoid surprises.
What everyday purchases can I make with an Amex Credit Card?
Many people use their Amex Credit Card for everyday spending, including:
- Groceries and supermarket shopping
- Petrol and transport
- Coffee, takeaway and dining out
- Entertainment, events and memberships
Using your Card for everyday purchases can make spending easier to track, as transactions appear on your statement in one place.
American Express is accepted at many locations across Australia and overseas, although acceptance can vary by merchant. Having another payment method available can be helpful if it’s the first time you’re spending with a business.
Can I shop online and in store with American Express?
Yes. You can use your American Express Card online at many Australian and international retailers and in store, including contactless payments.
You can also pay using mobile wallets on supported devices. Click here to know more.
When shopping online, it is important to check the website is secure before entering your Card details. And if you choose to shop on a foreign website, keep in mind that transactions made in a foreign currency with your Amex Card will incur a Currency Conversion Fee.
Security features that help support safer shopping
Keeping an eye on transactions and checking website security can help you shop with confidence. With eligible American Express Cards, you are covered by our Fraud Protection Guarantee2 to help protecting you against unauthorised charges on your Card.
If you notice a transaction you do not recognise, contact American Express straight away through the Amex App or Online Services for help.
You can find detailed information on Amex Fraud Protection Guarantee and how we help Card members shop with confidence on our Card Security page.
Can I use my American Express Card for travel?
Travel is one of the most popular uses for an Amex Credit Card
You can use your Card to pay for:
- Flights and accommodation
- Holiday packages
- Car hire, transport and tours
On eligible Cards, travel purchases may earn Membership Rewards® points1, which can be redeemed for eligible travel3 with Amex Travel Online, Gift Cards4, online shopping using Pay with Points5 or to pay off eligible transactions using Cover Charges with Points6. Learn more on using your points.
Some American Express Cards also include travel benefits, such as complimentary Travel Insurance when you pay for your return trip with your Card7 (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), or airport lounge access depending on the Card you hold.
When to check eligibility and T&Cs before travelling
Travel-related features and protections linked to a Credit Card can vary depending on the Card you hold and how your travel is booked.
Before travelling, it’s important to review the terms and conditions that apply to your Card to understand what is included, any eligibility requirements and where limitations or exclusions may apply.
Taking a moment to check these details in advance can help you decide how to use your Credit Card for travel purchases and avoid surprises while you’re away.
What should I avoid using a Credit Card for?
Some transactions may not be suitable for Credit Card use or may attract additional fees. These can include cash equivalent transactions or payments with high surcharges.
If you are unsure, checking the merchant’s payment terms can help you decide the best payment option.
How does American Express help manage spending?
American Express offers tools to help you stay in control of your spending.
With the Amex® App8 or via your Amex Online Account, you can track transactions as they happen, check balances and set alerts for payments and Account activity.
Seeing spending as it happens can make it easier to stay within your budget and spot anything unexpected early.
It is also important to remember that most Credit and Charge Cards charge an Annual Fee and all Credit Cards attract interest charges if you don’t pay the full closing balance.
FAQs
Yes. Many Australians use American Express to pay bills, including via BPAY or third-party services.
An American Express Card can be used for everyday spending, bills, online shopping, travel and more, while helping you track spending and earn rewards if eligible.
American Express is accepted at many locations across Australia, though acceptance can vary by merchant.
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® Platinum Edge Card
1. Membership Rewards Program. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. Merchants classified as "government" include the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post), Federal/State and Local Government bodies. Industry specific earn rate may apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to Local Government bodies processed through a payment aggregator may earn rates at the government earn rate. There may be tax implications associated with participation in the Membership Rewards program. You are advised to check with your accountant or tax adviser for further information.
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 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.
4. Gift Cards. Gift Card or voucher rewards are not redeemable or exchangeable for cash or credit and are valid for a period of minimum 3 years from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated. We are not responsible if any Gift Card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, or the Gift Card is used without your permission. Membership Reward terms and conditions apply. Normal retailer gift card or voucher conditions apply, refer to the gift card or retailer website for details.
5. Pay with Points. You may use Points to make purchases at certain retailers listed on our website. You need to indicate at the time of purchase that you wish to Pay with Points. Individual retailers provide specific delivery and refund polices. Refund policies for Pay with Points retail Partners are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the retail Partner. The retailers’ conditions and refund policies may be amended by the retailers from time to time.
6. Cover Charges with Points. For each successful transaction with covered with points, points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account and a credit placed on your Card in line with the points chosen to be used for the Eligible Charge. A minimum of 1,000 Membership Rewards points is required to cover any eligible transaction with points. Any credit to your Card account cannot exceed the amount of the relevant Eligible Charges. A credit will appear on your statement identified as “Membership Rewards Credit”. Points will be debited immediately and the credit will take up to 3 business days to appear online. Credits processed after the Card account’s statement closing date will appear in the following statement. You are still responsible for payment of the amount due on your Card account by the due date. Any charges covered by points is not redeemable for cash via Credit balance refund. American Express will select and display each eligible charge that can be covered with points (“Eligible Charge”) and the points rate required to cover the Eligible Charge. Each Eligible Charge must: (a) appear within the Online Statement of the Summary of Accounts page; (b) be redeemed within 2 months of the charge appearing on your Card account; (c) not currently or have previously been disputed; and (d) not be a fee. Eligible Charges, including the points rate required to pay for the Eligible Charge, may be changed at any time without notice. Eligible transactions can be covered by points via your online account or American Express mobile app. Covering charges with points is available only to Basic Cardmembers enrolled in the Australian Membership Rewards program and is subject to the full Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions. Authorised agents, authorised account managers, additional Cardmembers and Authorised Additional Cardmembers are not eligible. All Linked Card accounts must be in good standing. For more information on Cover Charges with Points click here.
7. 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 Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read your American Express 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.
8. The Amex 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.