AMEX Explorer Card: 60,000 bonus Membership Rewards points (new as of 16/5/2017)

[ChrisFlyer]

AMEX has updated its Explorer Card sign-on bonus as of today: now when you apply for a new Explorer card, you can earn 60,000 bonus Membership Rewards Gateway points after spending at least $1,500 on the card within the first three months.

I applied for this card recently using a referral link of a fellow AFF member (enjoy those bonus points, Dr Ralph!), and have to say I'm loving this card, and would appreciate any fellow AFFers 'paying it forward' by applying using my referral link.

Those 60,000 points translate into 45,000 frequent flyer points/miles with Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways, to $450 Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars, to 60,000 Hilton Honors points, or to 30,000 Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Starpoints (which can then be transferred onward to a host of other programs including American Airlines AAdvantage, British Airways Executive Club and more).

The card has a $395 annual fee, but that's more than offset by the benefits enjoyed:

• Receive a $400 travel credit every year to spend on flights, hotel bookings and more - so if you were already planning to spend $400 on travel over the next year, the card literally pays for itself, and then some!
  
• Enjoy two free visits to the American Express lounge at Sydney Airport each year, regardless of which airline you're flying (perfect if you're flying in economy or your airline's own lounge is full!)
• Earn 2 Membership Rewards Gateway points per dollar spent on most charges which are equal to 1.5 airline frequent flyer points per dollar spent when converted to the programs above at a 4:3 rate. They're also equal to 2 Hilton HHonors points or 1 SPG Starpoint. (On government spend such as ATO payments, you can also earn 1 Gateway point per $2 spent.)
• No points capping or tiering, so you'll continue to earn points and at the full rates, regardless of how much you spend
• Buy your next smartphone using this card or use it to pay for your monthly contact and you could be covered by free smartphone screen insurance
• Add an additional cardholder for free, such as your partner or spouse, to maximise your points (all points earned go to your account, getting you your next free flight even faster!)
• Link your card to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Android Pay for easy smartphone payments wherever AMEX contactless payments are accepted, including at major retailers like Coles and Woolworths
• It's also quite a pretty card.

So, what are you waiting for?

You can apply here today!

I hope you've found my summary helpful!

When you apply via my referral link, I'll receive a bonus 30,000 Gateway points if you're approved and you can receive 60,000 points in total (higher than the public AMEX deal of 50,000 points), so much like an Uber referral it's a win-win!

 

[MicoPico]

This is a great card. I applied for this using someone's link here in the last round of offer.

earn 60000 Gateway points which can be transferred to 45000 airline miles like Krisflyer or Asiamiles. (But not qantas). Although this offer is less stellar than the previous offer, the referral applications in this thread is 10000 points better than the regular public offer at 50000 bonus.

i also find transferring to SPG hotels (2:1) and then SPG to Marriott (1:3) to be good use of points towards hotel reward nights or 7-night packages. So 60000 Gateway will give you 30000 SPG and then gives you 90000 Marriott.

as the referrer, I get 30000 points.

$395 annual fee is easily offset by the $400 travel credit.

here is my link if you wish to apply. Full benefits, terms and conditions can be found here:
http://amex.com.au/refer/xg81l

 

[HeavyElectricity]

Hi friends!


I applied using a link from this forum, so I'm hoping I can also get a referral in return.




American Express Explorer Credit Card

The highlights are:

• Receive 60,000 Membership Rewards points (10,000 more than without using a referral link) when you apply online using my link before, are approved and spend $1,500 on your Card within the first 3 months of card membership (available to new American Express card members only).
• $400 American Express Travel Credit every year
• Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on all purchases except government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 points per $1 spent
• Transfer your points to a choice of 8 Airline Partner Programs
• Smartphone Screen Insurance for up to $500 for screen repairs to your Smartphone when you pay for your phone or contract with your American Express Explorer Credit Card
• 2 complimentary visits to the American Express Lounge at Sydney International Airport.

Annual fee: $395

4 membership rewards points = 3 Velocity or Krisflyer points. Therefore the 80,000 Membership Rewards points could be transferred to 60,000 Velocity points, or 60,000 Krisflyer points.


Apply using my referral link:
http://amex.com.au/refer/mattha4QcW


Please ensure you read and understand the terms and conditions before applying.

If you are successful in applying using my referral link, I will receive 30,000 referral points.

Thank you!

 

[nickomac]

The Explorer is in my opinion one of the best earning Amex's for everyday purchases, gaining 2 points per dollar on most purchases.

You'll get 60,000 MR Gateway points after your first $1500 spend, provided it's done in the first 3 months. (Instead of the normal 50,000)

The $400 travel credit offsets the $395 annual fee. If you spend more on top of the travel credit through Amex Travel, you'll get a bonus MR point per $1 spent (until 31/12/17) taking Amex Travel purchases to 3ppd.

Much appreciated if you apply via this link, I'm saving up for 2x J RTW *A fares!

http://amex.com.au/refer/nichom6vHi

Disclaimer: I'll receive 30,000 MR points for this referral

 

[Oubline]

It's possible to get so much value from the bonus points you'll receive with this card after spending $1,500 in the first three months. By being referred, you'll receive 60,000 bonus points rather than 50,000 otherwise.

I have this card and have found the option to use points for hotels through Starwood Preferred Guest (or transferring from there to Marriott) to be fantastic. I've got some real bargains, like the Courtyard Hangzhou in China for three nights at a total of 30k Marriott points (transferred from 10k Starwood). In Amex rewards points this cost just 20,000.

So I've found the points from this card can be a real cost-saver and are very flexible. Of course you can also transfer to many airline programs, including AAdvantage through SPG. I found it really easy to redeem the $400 travel credit and so this card is all upside as far as I'm concerned, as this bonus offsets the annual fee of $395.

If you apply through my referral link I will receive 30k and be extremely grateful! Thank you!

http://amex.com.au/refer/rossgN0v1

 

[kearvaigskewer]

I used a referral link from here to sign up for my card and I'd be extremely grateful if anyone used my link.

Some features of the card:

• Earn 2 points/$ spend uncapped
• $400 travel credit each year
• 2 entries per year to the AMEX lounge at SYD
• Smartphone screen insurance

My link is: http://amex.com.au/refer/lukefDe0H

You'll receive 60,000 points (after spending $1,500) for using my link and I'll receive 30,000.

 

[coolstepslg]

I used a referral link from here to sign up for my card recently too and I'd be extremely grateful if anyone uses my link.

Some features of the card:

• Earn 2 points/$ spend uncapped
• $400 travel credit each year
• 2 entries per year to the AMEX lounge at SYD
• Smartphone screen insurance

My link is: http://amex.com.au/refer/antondHuBM

You'll receive 60,000 points (after spending $1,500) for using my link and I'll receive 30,000.

many thanks in advance​

 

[NoName]

Hello fellow points lovers! I’m going to throw my hat in the ring with this one too.

Sign up using a referral link, and you'll earn 60,000 points (as a referrer, I'll earn 30,000 points for each referral made). Note that this 60k pts is 10k more than the general offer available on the AMEX website.

My referral link can be found HERE

Details of the offer are: Receive 60,000 Membership Rewards® Bonus Points when you spend $1,500 on your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

Other highlights:

- $400 travel credit for American Express Travel (book flights, car hire and hotels online - I've found AMEX competitive when compared to other major online travel booking engines)
- A whole bunch of insurances are provided, including Smartphone Screen Insurance when you pay for your phone / contract with AMEX (for up to $500 repairs).
- 2 x invites to the AMEX Sydney International lounge are also on offer.
- 0% balance transfer for 12 months.
- The ability to transfer your points to your choice of 8 different airline partner programs

I really can’t speak highly enough of this card. It comes with a great earn rate of 2pts/$ for basically all spend except government and its this feature that has seen me rack up the points at a rapid rate (for me). I’m typically not a very large spender (only maybe $2k per month) but the points seem to tick over very nicely here. I’m sure if you’re a larger spender you will be even more impressed.

Points are earned to the Gateway rewards program which transfers to most frequent flyers schemes at a rate of 1:0.75 however you may be able to improve that a little by reading the tips contained in the main AMEX Explorer Card discussion in the current credit card offers section of the forum.

While the annual fee comes in at a higher than ideal $395/yr, this is more than offset by the $400 travel credit that comes with the card. Think of it as paying $395 of your next holiday in advance. Not a bad deal!

Now, as many would know Mrs NoName and I ate our way through various parts of the US last year on flights which were completely points-funded. I’m looking to go back some time in 2018 with the goal of returning in SQ Suites Class (don’t tell Mrs NoName!). With the recent increase in redemption rates by SQ I find myself in the unfortunate position of being a little short of the required points balance. However this can be rectified in one fell swoop by a single kind forum member. If anyone is kind enough to use my link to sign up for this card it will put me over the top. If you enjoyed my trip report last time and would like to see more gluttonous displays in the future then a sign-up through my link would be very much appreciated.

Additional bonus offer: Anyone who uses my link to sign up will in addition to the fantastic 60k bonus points, earn the right to decide a dining venue for me to visit on the next USofEating trip as well as the dish I consume there. (max US$100 and in a city/town I visit).

Link below:

http://amex.com.au/refer/jameshFLW0

Thank you in advance for helping me return to the United States Of Eating and another dose of excess food consumption!

 

[Steady]

I'm very happy with this card, (combined with the Platinum Edge) like all AFFers do, or should do - I applied for this via another members link (before Christmas last year)

If you successfully apply through a referral link, you will earn 60,000 Gateway Membership Rewards points. The points can be transferred to lots of airline and hotel partners (but not QF), the annual fee of $395 is easily offset by the $400 travel credit. You should read the terms and conditions, these are available when you follow the link, and then decide if this product is suitable for you.

If you use my link, I will get 30,000 points.

I have received some referral credits from previous promotions, I am very grateful to anyone who has in the past, or chooses my link this time around, thankyou.


My link: http://amex.com.au/refer/8Ld4B

 

[Cerca]

Hi Guys, just thought I would provide some details of my recent experience of applying for the Explorer when I also held a Platinum Charge (which I was going to cancel anyway) and applied for the Explorer. Another thread on this issue suggested that when you activate the Explorer it automatically links to your existing rewards scheme and therefore may prevent you from getting a sign on bonus so some people suggested de-linking. As I was cancelling the Charge anyway, de-linking made sense.

So, I rang AMEX to request the de-link. Whilst the de-linking was processed, the CSR did not register my explorer card into the other rewards program. The de-linking does NOT automatically register you in the other rewards program - you need to make sure to remind the CSR to do this otherwise your purchases won't accrue points and (I assume) the likelihood of a sign up bonus will be diminished. I am not sure whether I will get that at all, even if I spend another $1500 but we shall see. It's a good card to hold anyway and one that suits my purposes.

Not sure if this info has been useful, but if it has, I would greatly appreciate anyone using my referral link to help me get some bonus points: http://amex.com.au/refer/duyd8IWL?CPID=100199911

Terms and conditions of the card are in the link above.

As always, please consider your own financial situation before applying for credit cards.

Thanks in advance to anyone who uses my link.

 

[ChrisFlyer]

Just wanted to post a quick 'thank you' to the person who kindly applied for the Explorer card via my referral link at the top of the thread, as I received 30,000 bonus points this week!

Don't know who you are, but many thanks. I'm getting close to having enough points to book the reward flight I've been hanging out for, so thank you in advance to anybody else who also decides to apply for the Explorer card using my link, which will help me have enough points to fly business class to Europe - not to mention getting yourself a nice bonus of 60,000 points too!

(You can find my referral link at the beginning of this thread, along with an explanation of the card's benefits and how you can earn points - I don't want to 'spam' my link, of course, so won't post it again here.)

 

[blacksultan]

I used a referral link from here to sign up for my card too and I'd be extremely grateful if anyone uses my link.

Some features of the card:

• Earn 2 points/$ spend uncapped
• $400 travel credit each year
• 2 entries per year to the AMEX lounge at SYD
• Smartphone screen insurance

My link is: http://amex.com.au/refer/lindrvrn3j


You'll receive 60,000 points, $10000 more than if your apply directly (after spending $3000) for using my link and I'll receive 60,000.

 

[billystorm]

Hey all, another person who used another members link on AFF when signing up and thanks to the recent virgin points bonus it netted me a cool 90000 velocity points.

The cards awesome and I have had no issues making purchases both in Australia and internationally. They have regular cash back offers to take advantage of which has allowed me to get money credited back on purchases at Harvey Norman, Menulog, Expedia just to name a few.

Annual fee of $395 is earned back immediately with a $400 Travel Credit every year.

Current sign up points bonus until August 29 when using the below link is 60,000. (10,000 more for you then signing up directly) Terms state must be approved by this date to receive this specific offer and you must spend $3000 during the first 3 months.

http://amex.com.au/refer/chriswgMRt?CPID=100199915

As a referrer I also get 60,000 points credited so it definitely is a win win scenario.

Please take the time to consider whether this product is right for you and whether it meets your individual financial needs/circumstances.

And last of all a big thank you to anyone who does choose to use my link to mutually benefit from this referral offer. Have an awesome day!!

 

[HeavyElectricity]

Hi!

I applied using a link from this forum, so I'm hoping I can also get a referral in return.



American Express Explorer Credit Card

The highlights are:

• Receive 60,000 Gateway Membership Rewards points when you apply online using my link, are approved, and spend $3,000 on your card within the first 3 months of card membership (available to new American Express card members only). That's 10,000 more points than signing up without a referral.
• $400 American Express Travel Credit every year.
• Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on all purchases except government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 points per $1 spent
• Transfer your points to a choice of 8 Airline Partner Programs.
• Smartphone Screen Insurance for up to $500 for screen repairs to your Smartphone when you pay for your phone or contract with your American Express Explorer Credit Card.
• 2 complimentary visits to the American Express Lounge at Sydney or Melbourne International Airport.
• Travel insurances.

Annual fee: $395

4 Gateway membership rewards points = 3 Velocity or Krisflyer points. Therefore the 60,000 Membership Rewards points could be transferred to 45,000 Velocity points, or 45,000 Krisflyer points.


Apply using my referral link:
http://amex.com.au/refer/mattha4QcW


Please ensure you read and understand the terms and conditions before applying.

If you are successful in applying using my referral link, I will receive 60,000 referral points.

Thank you!