Amex offers a wide range of credit cards for you to select from, whether you’re looking for excellent deals on food, travel, shopping, or entertainment, or on exclusive premium services like golf and concierge services.
Continue reading to discover the advantages offered by American Express credit cards as well as the usual prerequisites you must satisfy before applying.
Bank History
With its headquarters in New York City, the American Express Corporation (Amex) is a multinational financial services company with a focus on credit and debit cards. It is among the 30 firms that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and one of the most valuable companies in the entire globe.
The company’s well-known traveler’s checks, charge cards, and credit cards bear the gladiator or centurion that serves as the emblem, which was adopted in 1958. It maintains its corporate offices in the American Express Tower in the Lower Manhattan area of Battery Park City. They are the world’s biggest supplier of traveler’s checks.
The business, which began operations in 1850 as an express mail dispatcher, began offering banking and travel services to customers in the early 1900s. The first paper charge card from American Express was created in 1958, followed by the gold card in 1966, the green card in 1969, the platinum card in 1984, and the centurion card in 1999.
The 1975 and 2005 iterations of the “Don’t Go House Without It” advertising campaign were launched. Via its ownership of a part in Shearson Lehman Hutton, the company made and sold investments in the brokerage sector during the 1980s.
They stopped reducing interchange fees for businesses that only took their cards in the 1990s and used focused marketing initiatives to increase their market share. A bank holding company was formed during the financial crisis of 2008. The firm launched its airport lounge amenity in 2013.
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card
- First year annual card fees are free.
- In the first year, there is no annual card fee.
- Every year, $200 in travel credits.
- Spend $1 and get up to 3 Rewards points.
- Points can be transferred to one of nine airline partner schemes.
- Free travel insurance, among other things.
American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card
- 0% annually on purchases for a year.
- Never paid a yearly fee.
- Get 0.75 Velocity Points for every dollar you spend on regular purchases.
- There is no limit on how many points you can accumulate.
- Additional cardholders up to 4 are accepted without charge.
Reward card
Qantas American Express Ultimate Credit Card
- Qantas Points bonus of up to 100,000.
- Spend $3,000 during the first three months (75,000 points), and then renew your fee the following year (25,000 points).
- Every year, $450 in Qantas Travel Credit is available for use on select local or international Qantas flights.
- Further to two free annual passes to The Centurion® Lounge, travel insurance is also included. Applying T&Cs.
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card
- Bonus Qantas Points of 150,000.
- Get 150,000 additional Qantas Points over the course of the first two months with a minimum purchase.
- Receive a $100 credit from Dell Technologies twice a year.
- gratuitous 12-month The digital subscription for Australian Premium.
- Employee Cards are free to use (up to 99).
American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card
- Additional Velocity Points of up to 100,000 together with Special Choice Bonuses.
- Get 25,000 points the second year when your charge is renewed and 75,000 points in the first three months.
- Pick either 30,000 Extra Velocity Points, 250 Status Credits, or a $200 Coles Gift Card as your “Exclusive Benefit.”
- Get 1.25 Velocity Points for every dollar you spend on regular purchases.
- Free domestic flight every year, access to a lounge, and 100 Velocity Frequent Flyer Status Points.
American Express Business Explorer Credit Card
- 75,000 Extra Points for Membership Rewards.
- when you use your new card for $3,000 within the first three months.
- Just new American Express Cardholders.
- Free of charge for up to 99 employee cards.
- Also, you get free access to a lounge and travel insurance.
American Express Platinum Business Card
- 500 Credit and 200,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points.
- Applying minimum spend.
- 55 cash flow days maximum.
- Transfer points to Qantas and ten other airline schemes.
- International and domestic travel insurance is free.
- Free for up to 99 Employee Card Members.
American Express Explorer Credit Card
- $100 returned and 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points.
- Applying minimum spend.
- Every year, $400 in travel credits.
- For each dollar spent on purchases, earn 2 points.
- Smartphone Screen Protector for up to $500
American Express Platinum Charge Card
- 150,000 Extra Points for Membership Rewards.
- Applying minimum spend.
- Just new American Express Cardholders.
- Take advantage of up to $400 in Global Dining Credit and $450 in Platinum Travel Credit annually to more than 1,400 airport lounges.
American Express Velocity Business Charge Card
- 160,000 more Velocity Points + Opportunity to Jump to Tier 2.
- Within the first two months of your acceptance date, spend $3,000.
- When you sign up for the Virgin Australia Business Flyer program, you can advance directly to Tier 2 and receive a complimentary 12-month. Applying T&Cs.
- 2 single admission tickets per year to the Virgin Australia lounges.
- Insurance for travel.
- There is no defined expenditure cap.
Qantas American Express Premium Credit Card
- Bonus Qantas points of 30,000.
- Applying minimum spend.
- Get two annual access to the Qantas Club lounges, domestic and international travel insurance, and 1 Qantas Point for every $1 spent on regular purchases.
American Express Essential Credit Card
- No Annual Fee + $100 back.
- When you apply online and use your card for $1,500 during the first three months, you’ll get $100 back.
- With every dollar spent, you can earn up to 1.25 points.
- Enjoy the free smartphone screen protector.
Qantas American Express Discovery Credit Card
- 0% annual percentage rate on qualifying purchases for 12 months plus no yearly fee.
- No annual fee ever.
- Get Qantas points without a cap.
- 4 more cards are available at no extra charge.
- Covers for Card Purchase and Card Refund.
American Express Low Rate Credit Card
- Reduced purchasing rate plus no yearly charge.
- Free from interest for up to 55 days.
- Add up to 4 more cards without paying extra.
- Covers for Card Purchase and Card Refund.
American Express Business Card
- Get $100 as a statement credit.
- When you use your new card for $1,000 within the first three months.
- Take advantage of 110 cashflow days on all purchases.
- One free Employee card is provided.
- There is no defined expenditure cap.
American Express Gold Business Charge Card
- 75,000 Extra Points for Membership Rewards.
- Applying minimum spend.
- Unrestricted point earning with no time limit.
- Transfer points to nine different airline loyalty schemes.
- Totally Free Travel Insurance.
- There is no defined expenditure cap.
David Jones American Express Platinum Credit Card
- Entrance to the Centurion® Lounge.
- The Centurion® Lounge offers two free visits every year.
- Earn an unlimited maximum of 4 Reward Points for every $1 spent on eligible products.
- Add up to four more cards without paying extra.
- International and domestic travel insurance is free.
David Jones American Express Credit Card
- Gift wrapping and standard delivery are free.
- Applies to transactions made with your card both in-person and online.
- Get a variety of special in-store incentives in addition.
- Get three Reward points for every dollar you spend.
American Express Cashback Credit Card
- Pay no monthly cost for the initial 12 months.
- You will save $120 when you apply online and are accepted.
- On all purchases, excluding those made for government purposes, get 1% cashback.
- Complimentary subscription to BINGE Basic. Applying T&Cs.
Advantages of an American Express credit card
If you’re not sure if an American Express credit card will meet your needs, take a look at the following features:
- Complimentary extras. Take advantage of a variety of free extras, such as the chance to earn bonus KrisFlyer miles on Singapore Airlines in-flight and online purchases, as well as on your Grab spending and special Hertz privileges. The majority of Amex members have access to round-the-clock concierge services and can save money on dining, entertainment, shopping, and travel thanks to Amex-wide credit card promos and American Express Selects both locally and internationally. Also, some cards might offer free travel insurance as well as special golf, health, and wellness benefits. Others provide free hotel stays of up to two nights in Singapore.
- Rewards. Reward points from American Express never expire. When you redeem your reward points online, you can convert them without paying a transfer charge to frequent flyer miles from any airline that partners with Amex or KrisFlyer, including Asia Miles, British Airways Executive Club, Dynasty Flyer, Emirates Skywards, and Singapore KrisFlyer. When you choose your top five locations in Singapore for dining, shopping, and spending, you’ll also receive extra bonus points for each dollar you spend there.
- Mobile payments. The majority of American Express credit cards are compatible with Amex Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile payment systems. If using the mobile payment option is something you prefer, be sure the credit card you use is compatible with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, or Amex Pay.
- Fraud protection guarantee. The use of any American Express credit card is secure. A fraud protection guarantee will be offered to you if you become a victim of credit card fraud, and you won’t be responsible for any unauthorized expenditures made on your account. Whether you make your purchases online or in person, in Singapore or abroad, American Express has sophisticated security and secure payment methods in place to safeguard them.
- Travel inconvenience and travel accident benefits. When you charge your trip tickets to your card, the majority of Amex credit cards provide free travel inconvenience and travel accident benefits.
- Replacing a card in an emergency. Emergency card replacement is guaranteed by American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Cards within one business day from anywhere in the world.
Eligibility requirements
Although the eligibility requirements may differ from card to card, particularly in terms of income, you can generally anticipate the following:
- Age. At least 21 years of age is required. Holders of supplemental cards must be over the age of 18.
- Minimum salary. The majority of Amex credit cards have the following minimal income requirements:
- $30,000 for Singaporeans or permanent residents of Singapore (SPRs)
- For foreigners, $60,000
- Living situation. An Amex credit card can be applied for by Singaporeans, foreigners, and lawful permanent residents. Foreigners, however, can be subject to harsher work standards and higher income restrictions.
- Financial history. Candidates must have a solid credit history.
Required paperwork.
When you apply, be sure to have the following materials available:
- Personal information. You must submit your name, email address, phone number, residential address, National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), and passport, among other personal information.
- Credit card details. You must disclose information such as your annual income range, whether you currently have an Amex credit card, and the type of card you wish to apply for in addition to giving your credit card number (cashback, rewards or air miles for example).
FAQ
Q1. What are the eligibility criteria for an American Express credit card?
To be eligible for an American Express credit card, you must meet certain criteria such as being at least 18 years old, having a good credit history, and meeting the minimum income requirements. Additionally, you should be a resident of the country where you are applying for the card. Each credit card may have specific eligibility requirements, so it’s essential to review these carefully before applying.
Q2. How long does it take to get a decision on an American Express credit card application?
Once you submit your American Express credit card application online, you will receive an instant decision within 60 seconds. However, some approvals may be granted as conditional approvals, and in that case, you will receive further instructions to upload the necessary supporting documents. The bank will assess and verify the information you provide, and if approved, you can expect to receive your card in the next three to five business days.
Q3. Can I apply for an American Express credit card without a good credit history?
Having a good credit history is one of the essential eligibility requirements for an American Express credit card. However, American Express does offer credit cards for people with less-than-perfect credit, such as secured credit cards. A secured credit card requires you to put down a security deposit, which acts as collateral and helps minimize the bank’s risk. If you make payments on time and use the card responsibly, you can build a positive credit history over time.