Choosing a credit card that suits your lifestyle and travel preferences can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available in the market. The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is one such option that is designed to cater to frequent flyers who are loyal to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the card’s features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
The top-tier Qantas Ultimate Card from MEX replaces its once confusing roster of earning rates with a basic rate of 1.5 Qantas Points per dollar on most expenditures, including those for utilities, telecommunications, and insurance, and 2.5 Qantas Points on specific Qantas goods and services.
The number of points you earn is increased by 50% on all other purchases and by three times when you pay your next insurance, utility, or phone bill. This is a decrease from the former rate of three Qantas Points per dollar spent on dining and Qantas travel.
Charges, fees, and interest
- Cost per year: $450.
- Additional cardholder cost: zero dollars.
- Purchasing interest rate: 20.74% p.a.
- Purchase interest-free periods last up to 44 days.
- No interest is charged on cash advances.
- 3.0% for international transactions.
- Minimum required income is $65,000 per year.
- $3000 is the minimum credit limit.
Card Details
The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is a premium credit card that comes with a range of benefits, including a high points earning rate, travel credits, lounge access, and travel insurance. The card’s annual fee is $450, which may seem steep, but the benefits provided can help offset the cost. The card earns 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases, with an additional 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia.
The card also offers 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible Qantas purchases, including flights, which can quickly boost your Qantas Frequent Flyer balance.
Travel Benefits
The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card offers several travel benefits, including a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each cardholder year. This credit can be used towards the purchase of a Qantas domestic or international flight through American Express Travel. The card also provides 2 The Centurion® Lounge entries and 2 Qantas Club lounge invitations each year, which can be a great way to relax and unwind before your flight.
Additionally, the card offers several travel insurances, including Medical Emergency Expense Cover, Personal Accident Cover, Trip Cancellation and Amendment Cover, Travel Inconvenience Cover, Personal Baggage, Money or Travel Documents Cover, and Card Purchase and Card Refund Cover.
Earning Qantas Points from Spend
The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card has no points cap, which means you can earn unlimited Qantas Points on eligible purchases. The card sweeps over your points to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account on a monthly basis.
You’ll earn a solid 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on most purchases, except for government spend, which earns 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent. If you frequently book Qantas flights, the 2.25 points per $1 spent on eligible Qantas purchases can help you accumulate points quickly.
$450 Qantas Travel Credit
The $450 Qantas Travel Credit is a standout feature of the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. The credit can be used towards the purchase of a Qantas domestic or international flight through American Express Travel.
However, if you do not use the entire credit in one booking, you forfeit the remaining balance. The credit can be used each year you have the card, but you must pay your annual fee and ensure your account is in good standing to access it.
Conclusion
The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is a premium credit card that offers a range of benefits to frequent flyers who are loyal to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. The card’s high points earning rate, travel credits, lounge access, and travel insurance can be a great way to enhance your travel experience.
However, the annual fee of $450 may be a deterrent for some, and the card’s benefits may not be suitable for everyone. Ultimately, it’s important to consider your own travel preferences and spending habits before deciding if the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is the right card for you.