The Explorer Credit Card (New AMEX Card!)

[EestiTiger]

So, just to be clear, that’s six days from applying for the card to the bonus points being credited. I’m very satisfied!

Wow that is awesome. I have an unfortunate tale of woe, with the complete opposite experience I applied for a QF Ultimate on 9th of Jan and was instantly approved. I received the welcome letter a couple of days later. Then I waited, and waited for the card. I finally called up on Monday afternoon 2 weeks after application. Spoke to someone at the call centre and assured me he ordered a new card and I'd have it on Wednesday (today). No card again, so I rang back. Transferred to 3 different departments before someone in card services says, nope no record of your call on Monday, no replacement card ordered, but I'll do it now. Sooooo, with express post, she assures me I'll get in on Friday. I told her no it will be on Monday due to holiday so who knows. I had taken the day off work to be at home today to sign for the new couriered card which appears to never have been ordered. To say I am not impressed is an understatement. I already have the Explorer and it was an excellent experience.

Anyway - just needed to vent! I am sure come Monday I will be fine! Would have been handy to have for drinks at cricket tonight and festivities on the weekend though to get through the minimum spend.

 

[AndersK]

ok so just got my explorer card and i have activated it. have the edge card already. how do I see if the explorer card is linked to gateway or ascent?

 

[anat0l]

ok so just got my explorer card and i have activated it. have the edge card already. how do I see if the explorer card is linked to gateway or ascent?

Two ways, both requiring you to log into your online account:

• Once you get to your Account Home, click on your Explorer credit card in the icon set. If the balance in the right corner says "see card x-yyyyy for Membership Rewards details" or similar (where yyyyy is the last five digits of your existing Edge card), the Explorer card is linked to your existing Ascent programme.
• Alternatively, click on "Your Points Balance" on the right on Account Home (you may need to click on the card icon for your Edge card). This should take you to Your Points History in the Membership Rewards section (this shows the list of points activity for your card). There should be a dropdown box above the Logout button in the centre top (sort of). If you can see both entries for Ascent and Gateway, then you have both programs; additionally, using the dropdown labelled "All Cards" in the green search box on the left will tell you which cards are linked to the selected programme shown at the top of the page. If you only see one programme in the top dropdown (likely Ascent), then that's all you've got.

 

[lang_13]

ok so just got my explorer card and i have activated it. have the edge card already. how do I see if the explorer card is linked to gateway or ascent?

log into your online account and click the link to your points balance. There is a drop-down menu in the top-right hand corner of the page. Will have Gateway and Ascent as options if you are linked to both.

 

[Tuffie]

Great to hear this outcome. Did the points get restored as Gateway or Ascent?

All in ascent now, I no longer have a gateway account.

 

[Irishbazz]

Worth the hassle in the end

 

[anat0l]

When completing the online application, did most people get a decision straight away, or just a message saying that the application has been received and will be processed soon?

I didn't get any message at all (just a stalled page), but it was approved during the same day (about eight hours apart). Another application in my family has just been lodged and got a message stating that the application will be processed soon.

Just a bit scared because even if that app is approved, if the approval doesn't come through before 30/01, then there'll be no signup bonus and the application was thus a waste.

 

[froggerADL]

Just a bit scared because even if that app is approved, if the approval doesn't come through before 30/01, then there'll be no signup bonus and the application was thus a waste.

I think your anxiety is misplaced given this:

Receive 100,000 Membership Rewards[SUP]®[/SUP] Bonus Points[SUP]3[/SUP] when you apply online by 30 January 2017, are approved and spend $1,500 on your Card within the first 2 months of Card Membership. This introductory offer is available to new American Express Card Members only

The requirement is to apply by 30 Jan, not be approved by that date.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Just a bit scared because even if that app is approved, if the approval doesn't come through before 30/01, then there'll be no signup bonus and the application was thus a waste.

The way I read the terms you will be fine as long as they are eventually approved.

They receive 110,000 Membership Rewards points if they apply by 30 January 2017, are approved for a American Express Explorer[SUP]TM[/SUP] Credit Card, and spend $1,500 in their first 2 months of Card Membership


ie
They receive 110,000 Membership Rewards points if they:
1/apply by 30 January 2017,
2/are approved for a American Express Explorer[SUP]TM[/SUP] Credit Card,
3/and spend $1,500 in their first 2 months of Card Membership

 

[Spizz]

Just noticed the Currency Conversion fee on the Explorer card is less than the Edge 3.0% vs 3.3%. Not much but still something. I will change my international spend from my Edge to my Explorer card.

Update- Looks like the Edge is 3% also. Don't know why but I always thought it was 3.3 or 3.4%.

BTW- lovetravellingoz I used your referral link

 

[White3186]

Hi All,
I have a few questions around the application process with AMEX as this is my first time applying directly through them (already have a bank issued Amex) and have a few concerns around the $65k minimum income requirement. I know each application is assessed based on multiple factors but i'd appreciate any input on the below based on your own experience

-Salary $57k
-Rental Income ~$28k p.a - Property only started being rented out in December. (2 Rental statements have been issued for December & Jan)
Do amex generally ask for multiple statements or just one, am I able to provide a copy of a lease agreement to satisfy their requirements if they ask for multiple months worth of statements?

Rental & Salary pushes my income up to around $85k, but obviously there are substantial expenses associated with the rental income (mortgage repayments & other expenses)
Could my total income against the expenses from the rental income cause any issues?

-Has anyone also had any experience with income from Trust distributions? What proof do they ask for? would a copy of the signed company minutes outlining the distributions be suffice?

-A friend of mine applied for an amex credit card about 18 months ago and had issues as they requested a utility statement for proof of address, however as he was still staying at home with parents he could not provide this, alternately they said the only way he could provide proof was to provide some kind of lease agreement (he was paying board but obviously didn't have a lease agreement).
Does anyone know if this is still an issues?, as I will be in the same situation if I apply.

 

[mmchow]

Welcome to AFF white3186. Your income from salary and rental will satisfy the requirement. Just combine both and if they do ask for a proof of income, provide them with your pay slip and the rental statement.
Never been asked for a utility statement for the cards I have applied for with AMEX.

 

[potm]

Amex are usually pretty easy in terms of asking for proof, I think most people have been approved without needing to submit anything. It sounds like your friend's experience is more of an identity thing and not an income thing. I don't think you would have any issues. There have been reports of people being approved with less than 65k income as well.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Hi All,
I have a few questions around the application process with AMEX as this is my first time applying directly through them (already have a bank issued Amex) and have a few concerns around the $65k minimum income requirement. I know each application is assessed based on multiple factors but i'd appreciate any input on the below based on your own experience....

Amex are one of the most generous providers. Ive never been asked for proof of income. Im sure if they do ask you for something it will be very easy for you to comply.

 

[BettyB]

White3186, welcome to AFF

I'm what you might call a 'day trader'. I run my businessthrough a maze of trust accounts and a company structure plus I draw an annual personal income of around $20K. I do include dividends in the amount I state for income in my applications

AMEX have never asked for proof of any of my income.

I do also think that it smooths the application process by using a referral link, which you can find here (mine is in message number 164):

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/referral-offers/american-express-explorer-referrals-now-79058.html

In short, I think that you will be fine. But remember you need to apply by Jan 30.

 

[anat0l]

Amex are one of the most generous providers. Ive never been asked for proof of income. Im sure if they do ask you for something it will be very easy for you to comply.

Agree with this one, though I have to admit having a history with them probably helps a lot. I can't quite remember what it was like when I applied for my very first American Express (company issued, though bank co-cards didn't exist at that time), but then again it was a co-brand card and they usually have both lower requirements than standard cards and probably an easier passage.

Even when I upgraded from my first Gold to the Platinum (then simply called "Platinum" and later moved to Platinum Reserve automatically), I called them and admitted I was no where near the income threshold. However, they looked at my history with them and saw I never defaulted and so on, so they granted me the change of card.

Does this work for everyone? Maybe not. But in my experience, I've overall had a better run with the American Express company than any bank.

 

[desafinado74]

Just to let everyone know that i have received my 110,000 Membership Reward points, after spending the $1500 requirement. As some have pointed out, it only took a day or 2 for the points to appear after spending the $1500. And i am also holding the AMEX Velocity Platinum card. So yes, i am very happy Thank you to everyone here for answering my questions and giving me the referrals )

 

[Spizz]

Anyone else tried re-linking recently? Wanting to see some more data points.

 

[anat0l]

Anyone else tried re-linking recently? Wanting to see some more data points.

Given the risks, I might be tempted just to leave the Explorer in Gateway and my existing card in Ascent. Then, whichever one yields better points at the time, use that card.

There's been no clear answer as to what happens to the Gateway points balance if you relink the Explorer back to Ascent; I wouldn't want to be losing all of that signup bonus (of course, one answer is sweep it off to something as soon as you get it, but...)

 

[psi999]

If you're chasing SPG the earn is the same anyway regardless of Accent or Gateway.

Everyone has a different strategy but I'm not sure i'd risk it if points are earmarked to starwood.... Something to consider anyway.