American Express Release The “Explorer” Credit Card

by Zac George
a credit card with a picture of a man

American Express has today announced a new card and wow the card looks fantastic! First of all, this is what the new card looks like. A blue carbon fibre version of the Centurion Card, well kind of 😉

First of all, this is what the new card looks like. A blue carbon fibre version of the Centurion Card, well kind of 😉

American Express Explorer Card

American Express Explorer Card

Screenshot 2016-08-25 14.06.17

The first thing to point out is the card is a Credit Card NOT a Charge CardThe difference between the two is very significant.

The second thing to note is the annual fee is $395 which is quite slow considering the benefits which come with this card.

Let’s look at the benefits of the card:

a white and black text on a white background

The benefits of the card are excellent for the annual fee of $395. 100,000 points and the $400 annual travel credit are the better ones out of the benefits.

Once I get the card, I’ll be able to put a referral link on the blog, so you’ll get even more points for signing up for the card.

a screenshot of a credit card

This card is part of Membership Rewards which is Amex’s points currency. At this stage, there isn’t the ability to transfer MR’s to hotel programs such as SPG or Hilton, but that may come soon.

The airlines you can transfer to are:

  • Asia Miles
    Emirates Skywards
    Etihad Guest
    Malaysian Airlines Enrich
    Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
    THAI Royal Orchid Plus
    Velocity Frequent Flyer
    Air New Zealand Airpoints

a screenshot of a travel card

Like I said the $400 annual travel credit is a fantastic addition to this card as it can be used for ANY type of travel spend.

Another cool feature is you can access the American Express lounge is Sydney twice. The lounge is very quiet and quite nice for a small lounge.

The only thing I thought that would be amazing for this card is the ability to use American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts. FHR is exclusively for the Platinum charge card.

a white background with text and black text

Without a doubt, one of my favourite features on some Amex cards is Purchase protection. That means if you buy something with the card, and it gets lost, stolen or broken Amex are very likely to refund your purchase which is a fantastic feature, especially for travel.

a close up of a credit card

As always the age limit to sign up for the card is 18 and over.

The personal gross for this card is $65,000 isn’t impossible for most.

Summary

I’ve already signed up for the card (for my parents), and I’m excited to use the card. I believe the benefits definitely out way the annual fee and this would be a great alternative for the Platinum Charge.

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2 comments

James Brown February 23, 2017 - 11:14 am

How did you apply for this card when minors are unable to obtain credit cards?

Zac George February 28, 2017 - 12:19 pm

James – As it states at the bottom of the post, I signed up for the card on behalf of my parents. Thanks for reading.

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