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American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card - 30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points
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by Michael Ebstein — Written by Daniel Sciberras and published Last updated

Michael Ebstein Verified reviewer

Card Overview

Key Attributes

Earn

Membership Rewards Points per $1

Up to 5 Points on your first 10,000 points

5 Points per $1 spent on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Australia. 3 Points per $1 spent on selected streaming subscriptions in Australia. 2 Points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia. 1 Point per $1 spent on everything else

1 Point

for any eligible spend beyond the first 10,000 points.

Bonus Minimum Spend

$3,000

on eligible purchases within the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$108 p.a.

Charged at $9 per month

ATO Points

Yes

1 Point per $1 on all Government Purchases

Overseas Transaction Fee

3.5%

of the converted amount

Interest-free period

Up to 55 days

Purchase Rate

23.99% p.a.

Why Choose This Card

The American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card is a great entry point into the Membership Rewards program without the burden of a high annual fee. At just $9 per month ($108 per year), the card offers a compelling tiered earn rate structure that rewards everyday spending².

With points that never expire, transfer options to a wide range of airline partners including Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Cathay, and a handy suite of complimentary insurances³, the Essential Rewards Card delivers strong everyday value at a modest cost.

 

This guide references some of the benefits of insurance policies provided with this card. You should read the PDS and obtain independent professional advice before obtaining this product.

Where could 30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points take you?

You could redeem them for the following:

Chase the sun in Gold Coast

Chase the sun in Gold Coast

Fly return from Sydney to Gold Coast in Virgin Australia Economy for 23,600 Membership Rewards Points (equivalent to 11,8000 Velocity Points). Taxes and carrier charges apply**.

Tasmania, wild at heart

Tasmania, wild at heart

Fly one-way from Melbourne to Tasmania in Virgin Australia Business Class for 31,000 Membership Rewards Points (equivalent to 15,500 Velocity Points). Taxes and carrier charges apply**.

Extra Benefits

Complimentary Insurance

Complimentary Insurance

Card Purchase Cover³
Card Refund Cover³
Buyer’s Advantage Cover³

Mobile Wallet

Mobile Wallet

Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Pay

The American Express Essential Rewards Card is offering 30,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points1 to new American Express Card Members who apply, are approved and spend $3,000 or more on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.

Benefits of the American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card

The American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card will appeal to many people. The Card rewards you with an elevated points earning rate when spending on many popular spending categories. And for just a $9 monthly fee, the Card offers rewards in excess of many offered at this low-to-middle segment of the credit card market for a low fee.

Card Details

CardAmerican Express Essential Rewards Credit Card
Loyalty programAmerican Express Membership Rewards
Points earned from spend up to 10,000 Points5 points per $1 spent on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Australia2
3 points per $1 spent on selected streaming subscriptions in Australia2
2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia2
1 point per $1 spent on everything else2
Points ThresholdAccelerated earn rates are soft capped at 10,000 points per month, and 1 point per $1 on all eligible spend thereafter2
Earns points at ATOYes (1 point/$1)
Included insurancesSmartphone Front Screen Cover3
Card Purchase Cover3
Card Refund Cover3
Buyer's Advantage Cover3
Overseas transaction fee3.5% of the converted amount
Mobile walletApple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay
Monthly Fee$9 per month

Earning Membership Rewards points

It’s great to see another American Express Card, in addition to The American Express Platinum Edge Card, that offers bonus points on popular spending categories.

The following Membership Rewards Points can be earned per dollar spent on purchases:

Earn up to 5 points on your first 10,000 points per month, and then continue earning 1 point per $1 spent after that

  • 5 points per $1 spent on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Australia2
  • 3 points per $1 spent on selected streaming subscriptions in Australia2
  • 2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia2
  • 1 point per $1 spent on everything else2

You can boost your points balance by adding up to 4 Additional Cards to your Account for family or friends at no extra charge.

Using Membership Rewards points

You can use your Membership Rewards Points in a number of different ways. From redeeming Gift Cards7 with a number of different retailers to paying for eligible charges5 on your Account. But the best use of your Points in terms of maximising value is still by transferring your Points to a wide range of airline and hotel partners.

These airline programs include Velocity Frequent Flyer, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Cathay and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.8

Included Insurances

The Card comes with a number of insurance covers. These include the following:

Card Purchase Cover3

When you make a purchase on your American Express Essential Rewards Card, you can be reimbursed for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if the eligible item is stolen or accidentally damaged.

Card Refund Cover3

Card Refund Cover can help if you’re having trouble getting a refund for an eligible item purchased within 90 days on your eligible American Express Essential Rewards Card.

Buyer’s Advantage Cover3

If your warranty has run out just as you need it, Buyer’s Advantage Cover may have you covered. With the American Express Essential Rewards Card, you could enjoy an extended manufacturer’s warranty of up to 12 months for eligible purchases made on your Card.

You can read the terms and conditions for the insurance benefits of the Essential Rewards Card here.

This guide references some of the benefits of insurance policies provided with this card. You should read the PDS and obtain independent professional advice before obtaining this product.

American Express Plan It

American Express ‘Plan It‘ is a feature on your American Express Credit Card that allows you to pay off eligible transactions over $100 or a portion of your balance in equal monthly instalments. Choose between 3, 6 and 12 month terms, with no interest and a fixed monthly fee.

Mobile wallet integration

American Express Cards work with Apple Pay®, Google Wallet™ and Samsung Pay, meaning you can use this card on your smartphone for easier payments.

Read the Point Hacks guide to using Apple Pay or for using Google Wallet and Samsung Pay, including instructions on how to add your American Express card to those services.

With this feature set up, it means you could still use your NFC-enabled phone to make purchases with your American Express account, even if your physical card is lost or stolen and pending replacement.

Eligibility criteria for bonus points for existing American Express Card Members

American Express is quite specific about whether existing Card Members will be eligible for bonus points if they apply for a card, are approved, and meet the minimum spend criteria.

Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any other Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 month period are ineligible for this offer.

American Express doesn’t allow existing Card Members, even for different types of American Express cards (e.g. Charge, Credit or Business) to be eligible for bonus points offers for cards in a different family.

Summing Up

The new American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card is a welcome development. It really punches above its weight for the introductory segment of the credit market, offering a competitive earning rate usually reserved for mid—or even premium-tier cards.

Also included are Amex direct benefits such as Amex Experiences, which sweeten the Card’s appeal.

Overall, this Card can be a great low-cost introduction to American Express, but as always, make sure to read the Product’s PDS, and if you still have questions, speak to your accountant or a finance professional to ensure that this Card is suitable for you.

Eligibility Criteria

These are the minimum requirements to be eligible to apply for this Card. Other additional eligibility criteria, such as proof of income, will generally be required later on.

  • Be aged 18 years or over

  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a long-term visa

  • Have a good credit history and no payment defaults

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can access the American Express Essential Rewards Card Bonus Points Offer?

You must not have held an American Express card in the last 18 months, be approved for the Essential Rewards Card, and meet the minimum spend requirements within the alloted time period. See specific offer details and eligibility criteria for more information.

What can I do with the American Express Membership Rewards

You can redeem Membership Rewards Points several ways, including the ability to transfer your points to cover a wide range of airline, hotel and retail partners.²

Does this card include insurance?

Yes, complimentary Card Purchase, Card Refund and Buyer’s Advantage insurance⁴ are available when you pay using your American Express Rewards Credit Card.

Terms and Conditions

American Express

Cards are offered, issued, and administered by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085, Australian Credit Licence No. 291313.

American Express income and credit approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Interest rates, fees and charges apply. All interest rates are quoted as an Annual Percentage Rate. All information, including fees, charges and interest rates are correct as at 5 August 2026 and are subject to change.

1. 30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points

30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points are only available to new American Express Card Members who apply online, are approved and spend $3,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card in the first 3 months from the Card approval date. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. Please allow 8-10 weeks for the bonus points to be credited to your Account after the spend criteria has been met. Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months are ineligible for this offer. The American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card has a monthly Card fee of $9 ($108 per year). This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.  

2. Membership Rewards® Program

Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards® program available at americanexpress.com/en-au/rewards/membership-rewards/terms.

Earn 5 points per $1 spent at restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, bars and selected food delivery services in Australia (“Eats and Drinks”). See the list of selected food delivery services here. Earning points at this rate is dependent on how the merchant categorises their business and provide us this information (directly or through their financial institution). Locations such as a bar in an entertainment venue or a restaurant in a hotel may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. The Eats and Drinks category does not include supermarket, grocery store or catering spend.

Earn 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions at selected providers in Australia. The current list of streaming services is available here. Purchases must be made directly with the merchant on our list. Spend will not be eligible for accelerated earn if the product is bundled with another product or service or billed by a third party such as a digital platform or a TV, telecommunications or internet provider. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn.

Earn 2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia. The following merchants have been classified as Selected Major Retailers: Amazon, Kmart, Bunnings Warehouse, Uniqlo, Myer, The Iconic, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman. Purchases with these Selected Major Retailers are only eligible for additional points if the transactions are made online or in-store in Australia. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. The current list of selected retailers and corresponding terms and conditions are available here. The list is subject to change.

Eligible spend outside the accelerated earn rate categories will earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent.

American Express reserves the right to change this list of Eats and Drinks providers, selected food delivery services, selected streaming services and selected major retailers that earn points at an accelerated rate.

Monthly Points Threshold: You will earn points at an accelerated earn rate on spend at eligible Eats & Drinks, select food delivery services, select streaming services and selected major retailers up to a combined maximum of 10,000 points posted to your account monthly. After a total of 10,000 points is earned in a month, you will earn 1 point for every $1 regardless of credits, returns and adjustments until the threshold resets at the start of the next calendar month.

Refunds and returns: When the Basic Card Member or an Additional Card Member obtains a refund or reimbursement for items purchased on the Card or an Additional Card as applicable, Membership Rewards points will be deducted. Points are deducted based on the earn rate applicable on the day a refund or reimbursement transaction is processed.

3. American Express Essential Rewards Card Insurance

The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card to pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs. This insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy of insurance held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Access to this insurance is provided solely by reason of the statutory operation of section 48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). Card Members are not a party to the group policy, do not have an agreement with Chubb and cannot vary or cancel the cover. American Express is not the insurer, does not guarantee or hold the rights under the group policy on trust for Card Members and does not act on behalf of Chubb or as its agent. American Express is not an Authorised Representative (under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) of Chubb.

4. Plan It® Instalments

You can create an Instalment Plan as long as your account is in good standing. We may withdraw this offer, prevent you from creating any new Instalment Plans or cancel any of your existing Instalment Plan(s) at any time if your Card Account is overdue, or if you do not comply with your Card Conditions. The minimum Plan amount is AUD$100. We may also limit the amount that can be transferred to an Instalment Plan. You will be charged a Monthly Plan Fee for each Instalment Plan created (unless a promotional plan is available). This fee will be charged each month your Instalment Plan is active and will be disclosed to you at the time of creating your Instalment Plan. Each Instalment Plan will begin from the date it is successfully created, as communicated to you in your Online Account. Payment of your first Monthly Instalment will be due in your next payment cycle. You may request to cancel your Instalment Plan(s) at any time through your Online Account or the Amex App. Any billed Monthly Plan Fees will remain payable, but no further Monthly Plan Fees will be billed after cancellation is effective. As cancellation can take 24-48 hours to process (“Processing Time”), you may be charged a further monthly plan fee after requesting cancellation if the Processing Time occurs on your payment date. View the full Plan It® Instalment Terms and Conditions here.

5. Cover Charges with Points

For each successful transaction with Cover Charges with Points, points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account and a credit placed on your Card in line with the points chosen to be used for the Eligible Charge. A minimum of 1,000 Membership Rewards points is required to cover any eligible transaction with points. Any credit to your Card account cannot exceed the amount of the relevant Eligible Charges. A credit will appear on your statement identified as “Membership Rewards Credit”. Points will be debited immediately and the credit will take up to 3 business days to appear online. Credits processed after the Card account’s statement closing date will appear in the following statement. You are still responsible for payment of the amount due on your Card account by the due date. Any charges covered by points is not redeemable for cash via Credit balance refund. American Express will select and display each eligible charge that can be covered with points (“Eligible Charge”) and the points rate required to cover the Eligible Charge. Each Eligible Charge must: (a) appear within the Online Statement of the Summary of Accounts page; (b) be redeemed within 2 months of the charge appearing on your Card account; (c) not currently or have previously been disputed; and (d) not be a fee. Eligible Charges, including the points rate required to pay for the Eligible Charge, may be changed at any time without notice. Eligible transactions can be covered by points via your online account or American Express mobile app. Covering charges with points is available only to Basic Cardmembers enrolled in the Australian Membership Rewards program and is subject to the full Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions. Authorised agents, authorised account managers, additional Cardmembers and Authorised Additional Cardmembers are not eligible. All Linked Card accounts must be in good standing. For more information on Cover Charges with Points click here.

6. Additional Card Members

Additional Card Members must be 16 years of age or over. The Primary Card Member will be liable to pay for all transactions made by Additional Card Members. Earning of points is subject to the terms and conditions of the Rewards Program the Primary Card Member is actively enrolled. All points earned on Additional Card Member spend will go to the Primary Card Members Account. The Primary Card Member cannot add an Additional Card under their own name or email address and cannot add an Additional card under the name or email.

7. Gift Cards

Gift Card or voucher rewards are not redeemable or exchangeable for cash or credit and are valid for a period of minimum 3 years from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated. We are not responsible if any Gift Card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, or the Gift Card is used without your permission. Membership Reward terms and conditions apply. Normal retailer gift card or voucher conditions apply, refer to the gift card or retailer website for details.

8. Transfer Points to Partners

To redeem points at any Partner Program you must be a member of the applicable Program. Enrolment in such Programs is solely your responsibility and fees may apply. The minimum requirement and transfer rate varies. Subject to the Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions.

** Reward Seat Fares

Reward Seat Fares are based on Reward Seat availability for the selected route (correct as at 19 August 2026). The base fare is payable in frequent flyer points, with applicable taxes, fees, and carrier charges payable in addition to the Points redeemed.

Reward Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or during peak travel periods. Bookings must be made via the respective airline website. A payment surchage may apply.