Using points to create experiences for my kids in Life 2.0

[jonedwards80]

Hi.... I have no set destinations really. Family in the UK, back to Japan I guess. Nothing too crazy! I can't see myself hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro with a 5yr old lol.

So here is my plan I think:

• Amex Explorer Card for accepted supplier purchases (and ATO): $22,000-23,000 Per Month
• ANZ Business Black Card for other supplier purchases: $1500 per Month

With a yearly spend of around $280,000, I would assume that would get me some decent travel miles?

 

[daft009]

For that spend also consider:

AMEX platinum charge instead
St George amplify black visa instead

 

[jonedwards80]

For that spend also consider:

AMEX platinum charge instead
St George amplify black visa instead

Thank you. As I was new to this whole this, I stayed away from the Platinum as it's a much larger yearly fee for that AMEX card. I guess I will see how all this goes over a 12m period and if it works well, I could upgrade?

 

[MARTINE]

Thank you. As I was new to this whole this, I stayed away from the Platinum as it's a much larger yearly fee for that AMEX card. I guess I will see how all this goes over a 12m period and if it works well, I could upgrade?

Yes
when you set up an Amex profile if you allow notifications re offers etc some useful options come your way . They also are very good when you call and can engage with possible better options If your circs change. With a sign on bonus and that minimum spend (don’t forget living expenses like groceries etc add a lot) you’ll get close to half a million points. You could easily travel many times w family for that (destination / airline / class of travel) permitting…good luck

 

[prozac]

Yes
when you set up an Amex profile if you allow notifications re offers etc some useful options come your way . They also are very good when you call and can engage with possible better options If your circs change. With a sign on bonus and that minimum spend (don’t forget living expenses like groceries etc add a lot) you’ll get close to half a million points. You could easily travel many times w family for that (destination / airline / class of travel) permitting…good luck

I second that view. Get a separate card for the missus to use for supermarket shopping. I say a separate card in a different name so that you get additional sign-on bonuses and will also get separate (different) offers via email. The Plat Edge is very good points earner (3pts per $) for supermarket shopping and is reasonably priced.

 

[Igreen]

Thank you. As I was new to this whole this, I stayed away from the Platinum as it's a much larger yearly fee for that AMEX card. I guess I will see how all this goes over a 12m period and if it works well, I could upgrade?

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).

 

[prozac]

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)

Thanks for the comprehensive explanation.

 

[MARTINE]

What is SUB please Igreen?
Thanks for the comprehensive explanation.

Sign up bonus

 

[prozac]

Sign up bonus

Thanks Martine, it was obvious to me when I reread what I wrote so I removed the question before anyone saw it so I didn't look dopey.
Not quick enough ...

 

[MARTINE]

Thanks Martine, it was obvious to me when I reread what I wrote so I removed the question before anyone saw it so I didn't look dopey.
Not quick enough ...

There are never stupid q’s

 

[jonedwards80]

you guys are amazing - thank you!