The American Express Explorer is the best value non-Qantas travel credit card from Amex with an annual $400 travel credit, two visits to American Express Lounges in Australia and the option to transfer points to 9 Airline Programs and Hilton Hotels.
In this post:
American Express Explorer Card Review
The American Express Explorer Card offers a great package of benefits and points earning for the A$395 annual fee, and has been my go-to Amex for many years.
Several times a year, American Express will offer outsized sign up bonuses up to 240,000 points (which converts to 120,000 airline miles).
With an effective earn rate of 1:1 with 9 Airline Partners including Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer the Explorer Card is one of the best ways to accumulate non-Qantas points (which in the case of Singapore Airlines are much easier to redeem than Qantas Frequent Flyer).
The other key feature is Smartphone Screen Insurance covering up to $500 for repairs if you break your screen. You are eligible to claim twice in a 12 month period when you pay for your phone outright or monthly bill with your American Express Explorer Credit Card, with a 10% excess.
Replacing a screen on an iPhone 13 would usually set you back $439, but with the Explorer Card that would be just $44 (a handy $395 saving).
Advantages of the American Express Explorer Card
- American Express Membership Rewards is a convenient way to warehouse points, transferring exactly the amount of points for a redemption when needed
- Singapore Airlines Points Transfers allow you to build up a points balance without worrying about the 3 year hard expiry on KrisFlyer miles
- $400 Annual Travel Credit which offsets the annual fee and can be used for flights and hotel (unlike the Amex Qantas Ultimate where the $450 credit must be used on Qantas flights)
- Smartphone Screen Insurance is useful and a rare inclusion in Australia
- American Express Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne (with two visits per year included)
- Low minimum credit limit of $3,000 makes this a perfect second card to keep in your wallet without impacting your ability to successfully apply for other card
Disadvantages of the American Express Explorer Card
- Qantas Frequent Flyer is not a airline transfer option
- Halved points earning on government payments
Use $400 Travel Credit For Wildlife Retreat At Taronga Zoo
The $400 annual travel credit that comes with the American Express Explorer Card can be used for hotels as well as flights.
With even interstate travel unpredictable at present, I was looking to redeem my credit on something local but more interesting than a standard hotel.
I was surprised to see the newish Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo listed as an option on Amex Travel. Drew has previously reviewed the Wildlife Retreat shortly after opening in November 2019 so is a great option for those looking for a luxurious yet unique experience in Sydney.
How Often Can I Get Sign Up Bonuses?
American Express is the most restrictive issuer in Australia when it comes to eligibility for credit card sign up bonuses:
Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the proceeding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer.
American Express Explorer Card Review Summary
American Express have a winning formula with the Explorer Card through strong travel benefits and points earning potential, and differentiators like Smartphone Screen Insurance.
Wait for the outsized sign up bonuses of 240,000 points that come around a few times a year to get the most value, and keep the card for the KrisFlyer points transfers and just in case you have a mishap with your phone.
