I know people get initimidated by the Platinum charge card because of the big Annual fee but they miss the big picture. When you upgrade an Amex card you usually wont get a sign up bonus SUB). Without going into details, The SUB bonus for the personal explorer card is 175k and the Personal Platinum Charge card is 300k. Most value (atleast value Amex points @ 2c) , you are better off here with the Platinum card = 125k*0.02= $2500. Furthermore, the Platinum card on biz expense will earn you 2.25 points as compared to the explorer card 1 point. With your annual spend of $280k, You will earn (280k*1.25) 350k extra points using the platinum card over the explorer which is nearly $7000. Furthermore, the platinum (personal) has perks such as Accor Plus with 1 free night, Hilton Gold and Marriott Gold. However if you go on the Platinum Biz path - The SUB between the explorer and Plat biz is 100k = 100k*0.02= $2000. Furthermore, I think you can claim the annual fee as tax deductible (speak to your accountant). If only the annual fee is deterring you, I would recommend go for the Plat card (preferably personal). My non amex favorite card is from ANZ (Qantas /Kris flyer) and ST George (Good for Kris Flyer)