Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Ktan89]

I can't make up my mind between Green or Gold card now. .
Originally I thought the gold card was x5 on food but its only x4. The sign up offer is now set at 60k too (before it was up to 100k)

The Green does x3 food but also "3X points on transit including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.‡"

Does this work for Australian tolls and buses?

 

[albyd]

In my experience when I held the green card, they did work. My preference would be the green over the gold …. Unless you’re down on the bonus point categories that work in AU within the annual limits work better for you. I think with dining, the difference between 3x and 4x is negligible for my level of spending but many make a difference for you.

I only used mine for public transport in Sydney not on tolls. Thanks for the heads up re tolls @sudoer

 

[sudoer]

Does this work for Australian tolls and buses?

Sydney buses - yes

NSW gov e-toll - no (Linkt may be different)

 

[metaphase]

Hmmm.. there is a devaluation on the US side coming.. AMEX to Asia Miles will go from 1:1 to 5:4..

"Changes to Membership Rewards® Points Transfer Ratio for Cathay Pacific
Effective March 1, 2026 , the ratio for transferring Membership Rewards points to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles TM will be changed from:
“1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Asia Mile” to “5 Membership Rewards points = 4 Asia Miles”

Was just reading an OMAAT article on this very topic! Are Transferable Points Currencies Nearing A Negative Inflection Point?

I also see more and more airlines (latest United) are restricting availability to their elite or CC members.

 

[Tiki]

I've been struggling to find TK availability through partners like AC, UA, SQ. Only way to get TK is via Cap1 or Citi and I am still waiting to hear back from Citi about my AA card app on 28 Nov. Partner awards in J on QR are also difficult using AA and Atmos. Heaps of Y, hardly anything in J even on routes not frequented by US or AU travelers.

 

[levelnine]

I've been struggling to find TK availability through partners like AC, UA, SQ. Only way to get TK is via Cap1 or Citi and I am still waiting to hear back from Citi about my AA card app on 28 Nov. Partner awards in J on QR are also difficult using AA and Atmos. Heaps of Y, hardly anything in J even on routes not frequented by US or AU travelers.

Partner awards are becoming more difficult on many airlines. Just the way the industry is heading.

 

[albyd]

I looked for availability to Thailand in April over the weekend. None to be seen on SQ or CX.