The Explorer Credit Card (New AMEX Card!)

[Mr_Orange]

I think things will start to change as other banks follow ANZ's lead with Travel Adventures and it will be the norm to see no FX fees on premium cards like it is the case in the US. Until then, we're stuck with a poorer deal here in Australia.

Slightly OT, but any Bankwest Platinum, or above, card is fee free for foreign transactions.

 

[tizey]

Confirmed 100k bonus points applied to my account this morning, whilst holding Velocity Platinum & Platinum Charge.

 

[alexy23]

I think things will start to change as other banks follow ANZ's lead with Travel Adventures and it will be the norm to see no FX fees on premium cards like it is the case in the US. Until then, we're stuck with a poorer deal here in Australia.

Open a Citibank Plus Account - $0/month no FX fees, one of the best FX rates I've seen for a bank, free international ATM withdrawals and a free bottle of wine when you dine at participating restaurants.

https://www.citibank.com.au/aus/banking/everyday_banking/citibank_plus.htm

Only downside is - No Credit and No Points, but a 3% surcharge + coughpy FX rates would outweigh any point benefit.

 

[Mr_Orange]

Open a Citibank Plus Account - $0/month no FX fees, one of the best FX rates I've seen for a bank, free international ATM withdrawals and a free bottle of wine when you dine at participating restaurants.

https://www.citibank.com.au/aus/banking/everyday_banking/citibank_plus.htm

Only downside is - No Credit and No Points, but a 3% surcharge + coughpy FX rates would outweigh any point benefit.

See post #162 above. There is a way, but limited to QFF or BW points.

 

[adelee]

Confirmed 100k bonus points applied to my account this morning, whilst holding Velocity Platinum & Platinum Charge.

Awesome, congratulations

 

[bismarck]

Card received - must admit, it is a damn good looking one.

Will post update if/when bonus points received. Will probably try and line one up for the wife as well, hopefully a referral scheme shows up soon.

 

[johnny_yh2000]

No, unfortunately for Amex AU cards are subject to 3% foreign transaction fee. It's one of my pet peeves that Amex AU hasn't quite caught up with the no foreign transaction fees card. On the other hand, Amex cards are beginning to be accepted in lots of places. I manage to use my Amex cards very often.

slightly OT, but Amex really should change their plat to no foreign transaction fee like the US ones...esp consider you pay over 1k for the annual fee...

 

[momad]

Confirmed 100k bonus points applied to my account this morning, whilst holding Velocity Platinum & Platinum Charge.

Awesome! Thank you

 

[coles525]

Does it take long to receive the atm card/account info?

Going away in 2 or so weeks, still not organised spending method (qff card, pre paid, ubank, etc.).

Open a Citibank Plus Account - $0/month no FX fees, one of the best FX rates I've seen for a bank, free international ATM withdrawals and a free bottle of wine when you dine at participating restaurants.

https://www.citibank.com.au/aus/banking/everyday_banking/citibank_plus.htm

Only downside is - No Credit and No Points, but a 3% surcharge + coughpy FX rates would outweigh any point benefit.

 

[alexy23]

Does it take long to receive the atm card/account info?

Going away in 2 or so weeks, still not organised spending method (qff card, pre paid, ubank, etc.).

Only took about a week - I'd say you have enough time as long as you pass the ID check (Make sure your details matches Veda database). Cards arrived in 2-3 days.

I'd apply for the BW but my credit score already took a hit this year. The CitiBank looks like a winner for now, just remember that ATMs can still charge you a fee, it's just Citibank won't charge you a fee at their end. Any Citibank ATM would never charge you a fee (but they aren't popular).

This guide has an unoffical list of ATMs that don't charge you a fee. https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/citibank_plus_transaction_account

 

[bismarck]

I tweeted Amex who said referrals will be coming later in the year.

Not surprising...no doubt they want to avoid handing out the referral offers while there's an initial buzz.

 

[alexy23]

I tweeted Amex who said referrals will be coming later in the year.

Not surprising...no doubt they want to avoid handing out the referral offers while there's an initial buzz.

Marketing campaign would be paying our referral bonuses right now. I'm staring at a 1160x600px ad on AFF that's been following me around for the last week. I'm sure I saw this on TV the other day - or was that ANZ Adventurer.

Also what's the point having a referral program when there are no card holders yet

 

[flightsonpoints]

Should hit the 1500 mark this week with Explorer and report if I get the bonus ( currently holding Plat Edge ). I still can't see Gateway in the drop down menu on the MR website, only Ascent. Something is messed up.

 

[potm]

Does it say your points for your explorer card are under your Edge card ending in xx_?
That's the big unanswered question at the moment of whether you get the points in that scenario.
I think from reports so far if there's new program established you definitely get the bonus points.
If it links to your existing ascent program then it is unsure. Please report back if you get the bonus points.

Even if you don't, you are still getting a better earn rate for airline transfer being linked to ascent instead of gateway.

 

[bismarck]

Does it say your points for your explorer card are under your Edge card ending in xx_?
That's the big unanswered question at the moment of whether you get the points in that scenario.
I think from reports so far if there's new program established you definitely get the bonus points.
If it links to your existing ascent program then it is unsure. Please report back if you get the bonus points.

Even if you don't, you are still getting a better earn rate for airline transfer being linked to ascent instead of gateway.

Mine shows up as a separate Gateway program. Edge card is separate.

Obviously want the sign-up bonus but the 50% bonus on most of my spend is worthwhile regardless. Have hit the $1,500 (some transactions still pending) so will report when/if I see the bonus points.

 

[leyy]

How many points do you earn on foreign currency or international spend? It doesn't say so i would assume 2 points?

 

[liamsal]

Contemplating whether to apply for this or Platinum Edge card. Currently have Velocity Platinum and NAB Amex/Visa. NAB Amex has same earn rate of 1.5 per $1 so happy to hold onto that card until anniversary next year before applying for the Explorer. Only thing is if I get the Edge now and receive the 15k bonus MR points, will that exclude me from earning the 100k bonus with the Explorer card? Only Amex I've ever had is Velocity Platinum.

 

[flightsonpoints]

Yes it says points are under Edge card ending xx_x. I thought once it posts points Gateway will appear in the drop down under Edge.

Does it say your points for your explorer card are under your Edge card ending in xx_?
That's the big unanswered question at the moment of whether you get the points in that scenario.
I think from reports so far if there's new program established you definitely get the bonus points.
If it links to your existing ascent program then it is unsure. Please report back if you get the bonus points.

Even if you don't, you are still getting a better earn rate for airline transfer being linked to ascent instead of gateway.

 

[potm]

In that case there won't be a gateway program, all points will post to the edge account under ascent. Similar to how people with edge and charge have their points post to the charge ascent premium.
Let us know if you get the bonus points please.
For anyone just starting out and applying for cards I would recommend applying for the lowest program first then moving up. That will ensure a new program is always created and increase your chances of getting the bonus points.

 

[nightelves]

Contemplating whether to apply for this or Platinum Edge card. Currently have Velocity Platinum and NAB Amex/Visa. NAB Amex has same earn rate of 1.5 per $1 so happy to hold onto that card until anniversary next year before applying for the Explorer. Only thing is if I get the Edge now and receive the 15k bonus MR points, will that exclude me from earning the 100k bonus with the Explorer card? Only Amex I've ever had is Velocity Platinum.

I would reapply for the Nab as one or two people were able to do so essentially double dipping on the 75k bonus velocity. That is if you have a good score enough score on your VEDA score to do so. Edge and Explorer are two different rewards so yes you will be able to get credited for both programs.