This post is directed at those of you on here who haven’t yet exploited all that American Express has to offer with sign-ups. So, if you (or your partner) haven’t held a direct AMEX in the last 18 months – read on.
My partner and I have been collecting FF points for just over a year. We’ve been so grateful for all of the advice on these forums and with just a little outlay on special offers and annual fees we’ve already earned enough points for our annual trip (in business class) for the next two years. The use of AMEX sign-on bonuses (or is that bonii?) have been key to our strategy.
One quirk with AMEX that we took advantage of was the use of household income to meet the minimum income criteria. For many cards, AMEX are happy to take into account household (combined) incomes for some cards (you should make your own enquiries with AMEX on this like we did back in January). This means that I was able to apply for the Explorer (using a referral link from here) and get the 100k Gateway points. I was then able to refer my partner (who individually earns well under the minimum income) who also got the 100k points (and I got the referral points). Final result – 230k Gateway points (around 170k airline miles after conversion) for $790 in annual fees (but we’ve made good use of the $800 in travel credits).
We made the decision that I would hold a Platinum Edge (for 3ppd at supermarkets) and my partner would apply for the Qantas AMEX for an extra 100k Qantas FF points. Essentially, I hold cards for annual spend, partner will cycle through cards where available (including seeing out the 18 month waiting period to be eligible for future bonuses).
So, in our household we get 3 Ascent ppd at Woolworths and Coles and with a bit of planning, 3ppd through purchasing the massive range of gift cards available at the supermarkets. This includes fuel, liquor, most department stores, telephone credit, office supplies etc. When the car needed $1100 of car repairs last week we were able to buy Coles Myer gift cards and use them at Kmart Tyre and Auto (hello 3300 points). We use the Explorer card for everything else for another 2 Gateway ppd. With our spending strategy and through maximising the many supplementary card/supermarket offers over the last year we’ve been able to earn many thousands of points.
So, if you haven’t jumped in yet, this really is a great time to apply for the Explorer card. By using a referral link (like mine below) you will earn 100k Gateway points and I will get a referral reward of 30k points. You’ll pay a $395 annual fee but will get a $400 travel credit in return. But you’ll need to act soon as the
current offer expires on MONDAY 15[SUP]th[/SUP] MAY.
http://amex.com.au/refer/samuehe1xd
If you want to go the extra mile for 3ppd at supermarkets then please consider using my Platinum Edge referral link (also below). You most likely won’t get a referral bonus if you already hold an Amex, but there’s a $0 annual fee for sign-ups at present and according to the website you’ll still get the $200 travel credit. I’d appreciate the referral award of 15k. The website doesn’t note when this current offer also expires.
http://amex.com.au/refer/samuehpPsO
Good luck with your points hunting. If you’re new to the game there’s a lot to learn but as a newbie, there’s also a lot of opportunities.
Now, I’m off to the DJs AMEX referral page to make the most of a link for the partner for another bonus…