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Enjoy premium benefits at top hotels and airport lounge access worldwide with the American Express® Platinum Card

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This article is sponsored by American Express

As someone who loves to travel, few things are more fun than checking into a stylish hotel, whether for a staycation near home or a getaway further afield – especially when I also receive complimentary benefits like a room upgrade or late checkout.

Before a flight, I also love to relax in an airport lounge. It’s a great way to start a journey and is particularly useful during layovers.

That’s why I always travel with my American Express Platinum Card: it delivers valuable perks that consistently elevate my trips.

(The Platinum Card also provides many non-travel benefits, which I’ve covered in my card review and in-depth articles on the excellent rewards program and lifestyle benefits.)

In this article, I’ll dig into the travel-related perks in more detail, as they are among my favourites.

But first, it’s important to highlight that the Platinum Card currently comes with 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points  when you apply online via our Amex partner link by 8 July 2025, are approved and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months (T&Cs apply; new Amex Card Members only).¹

Don’t miss out!

Hotel Elite Status

The Platinum Card offers complimentary Hotel Elite Status with several major hotel groups (enrolment required), including:

  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status² – Marriott is one of the world’s largest hotel operators with 6,500 hotels across 30 brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, Sheraton, Westin and Aloft
  • Hilton Honors Gold status,³ which can be enjoyed at 6,600+ properties around the world, including with brands like Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and Doubletree
  • Radisson Rewards Premium Status⁴ with Radisson Hotel Group
  • ALL Accor Gold status (via your complimentary ALL Accor+ Explorer membership⁵ – see below) – Accor includes brands like Sofitel, Pullman and Mercure.

Elite benefits vary from program to program and may include complimentary room upgrades at check-in when available, early and/or late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and bonus points on stays.

Enjoy elite benefits at stylish hotels like W Brisbane

For example, when I put my Hilton Honors Gold status to the test during a trip to Tokyo, I scored a number of benefits which I valued at over $1000, including an upgrade to a club room and free breakfast for two people. You can read about that experience here.

Hotel elite status is also available for Additional Card Members on your Account.

ALL Accor+ Explorer membership

Platinum Card Members receive complimentary ALL Accor+ Explorer membership⁵ valued at $349 p.a., which provides benefits at over 1,300 participating hotels across Asia-Pacific.

Accor’s brands include Sofitel, Fairmont, Pullman, Novotel, MGallery, Sebel, Swissotel, Mercure, and others.

ALL Accor+ Explorer benefits include two ‘Stay Plus’ complimentary nights stay each year (each complimentary night must be booked in conjunction with a paid night) at over 1,300 participating hotels in Asia Pacific, 30% off dining for up to 10 guests at over 1,600 participating restaurants, 15% off drinks in Asia Pacific, and more.

You can use the dining discount even when not staying at a hotel. For example, when I visit family in Melbourne, I regularly treat us to a discounted lunch at No35 restaurant at Sofitel Melbourne while enjoying stunning views across the city.

Save on dining at Accor restaurants like No35 at Sofitel Melbourne

Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Another great Platinum Card feature is access to Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program, which provides complimentary benefits with an average value of US$550 at over 1,600 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book with Fine Hotels + Resorts.⁶

These include well-known luxury hotel brands as well as boutique properties.

Perks include complimentary daily breakfast for two people, noon check-in when available, guaranteed 4pm late checkout, room upgrades when available, a unique property benefit such as a US$100 experience credit per stay (unique to each property), and more.

You can book up to three rooms and receive the benefits for each. When I tried this out during a trip to Vienna, my family reserved two rooms and enjoyed great benefits which you can read about here.

Hotel Collection

Separate to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program, Amex’s Hotel Collection includes more than 600 properties in over 30 countries, including brands like Hyatt and Hilton.

Every time you book at least a two-night stay, you receive a hotel credit worth up to US$100 to use on eligible charges such as dining, spa and resort activities, as well as a complimentary room upgrade at check-in when available.⁷

The American Express Global Lounge Collection

The American Express Global Lounge Collection offers a peaceful retreat at the airport, with more than 1,400 airport lounges in more than 140 countries and counting.⁸

These include:

  • Virgin Australia Lounges when flying Virgin Australia – located at select domestic terminals around Australia (you can bring in one guest for free)
  • The Centurion Lounge – Amex’s flagship lounges in Sydney, Melbourne and locations around the world (two guests permitted)
  • Priority Pass Lounges – Priority Pass is the world’s biggest lounge network, with a presence in more than 600 cities. Membership is complimentary for you and one Additional Card Member (you may bring in one guest each at no charge)
  • Plaza Premium Lounges – Plaza Premium is an independent lounge operator with a strong presence in Asia. Access is complimentary for you and an Additional Card Member (you may bring up to 2 guests in each at no charge)
  • Escape Lounges – an independent operator with lounges in the UK and USA (two guests permitted)
  • Delta Sky Club Lounges when flying Delta (guest access rules vary).

Kick back in an American Express Centurion Lounge

Other travel benefits

The Platinum Card delivers a range of other benefits on the ground and in the air, including:

  • $450 Travel Credit⁹ each year which can be used for eligible flights, hotels or car hire via American Express Travel Online or Platinum Travel Service
  • International Airline Program¹⁰, which offers savings on first and business class airfares with some of the world’s leading airlines
  • Membership Rewards points transfers¹¹ to over 10 airline frequent flyer programs including Qantas Frequent Flyer, Velocity, Singapore Krisflyer, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Emirates Skywards, as well as the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors hotel loyalty programs (read more in our article on Membership Rewards here)
  • Platinum Travel Insurance¹²: You, your spouse and your dependent children, Additional Cardholders, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for insurance when you pay for a return trip with your Platinum Card or Membership Rewards Points. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). For the full Platinum Insurance Terms and Conditions, please click here.
  • Cruise Benefits: enjoy up to US$300 in onboard credit when you book with cruise partners through Platinum Travel Service¹³
  • Luxury Rail: enjoy a pre or post departure fine dining experience up to US$100 per person when you book an overnight journey in Europe or South-East Asia through Platinum Travel Service¹⁴
  • Hertz Gold Plus Rewards¹⁵ and Avis Preferred¹⁶ memberships: enjoy savings on car rentals and complimentary upgrades when available (enrolment required).

I get so much value from these Platinum Card benefits when I travel, and you may too if you enjoy the finer things in life.

Don’t forget – the Card comes 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹ for a limited time via our Amex partner link below. Don’t miss out!

To read more and apply on Amex’s website, click here.

* Terms & Conditions – click here to view
  1. 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points are only available to new American Express Card Members who apply online by 8 July 2025, are approved and spend $5,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new 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 Platinum Card has an annual fee of $1,450. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer. 
  2. As a Platinum Card Member you are eligible to enrol in complimentary Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite Status. Once you request enrolment within the Marriott Bonvoy Program at the Gold Elite Status level, American Express will share your enrolment information with The Marriott BonvoyTM Program. Marriott Bonvoy may use this information in accordance with its privacy statement available at marriott.com/privacy. You will maintain Gold Elite Status without meeting otherwise required Marriott Bonvoy criteria as long as you remain an eligible American Express Card Member or until American Express notifies you that the benefit is terminated. Marriott Bonvoy member benefits are subject to change, availability and certain eligibility requirements. Reservations booked through third parties and online booking sources are not eligible. For complete Marriott Bonvoy Program terms visit marriott.com/signInOverlay.mi. Marriott Bonvoy program amenities may not be combined with the Fine Hotels + Resorts program. Upgrades are based upon availability and will vary by property.
  3. As a Platinum Card Member you are eligible to enrol in complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. Please note that a Hilton Honors Membership Number is required before you are able to enrol in this benefit. For Card Members who are new to Hilton Honors, please sign up here. Your full name and email address must match on both your American Express account and Hilton Honors account to successfully complete your registration. Offer available only to Platinum Card Members and is not transferable. Full details of Gold status can be found at HiltonHonors.com/MemberBenefits and are subject to change by Hilton. Gold status benefits are subject to availability at participating hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. Once you request enrolment in Hilton Honors Gold status, American Express will share your enrolment information with Hilton. Hilton may use this information in accordance with its privacy policy available at Hilton.com/PrivacyPolicy. If you already have Hilton Honors Gold Status, you can maintain the benefit in the future because you don’t need to meet any stay requirements. You maintain Gold status without meeting otherwise required criteria only while an eligible cardholder or until American Express notifies you that the benefit is terminated. Hilton Honors membership, earning and redemption of Points are subject to Hilton Honors Terms & Conditions. All Hampton by Hilton™ hotels in the Republic of China are excluded from the Hilton Honors program. Visit HiltonHonors.com/Terms for more details.
  4. Enrolment in the Radisson Rewards program is required for membership to be upgraded. Benefits are subject to change and availability may vary by property. Radisson Rewards benefits may not be combined with benefits offered by American Express and other loyalty programs. All American Express terms and conditions apply. All Radisson Rewards terms and conditions apply. To view terms and conditions visit radissonhotels.com/en-us/terms-and-conditions. American Express reserves the right to instruct Radisson Rewards to cancel your membership if you cease to be a Platinum Card Member or your Account is not in good standing.
  5. An annual ALL Accor+ Explorer Membership is valued at AU$349, found at accorplus.com/au/benefits as at 1 October 2025. Eligible American Express Card Members are required to enrol to receive a complimentary ALL Accor+ Explorer membership. An ALL Accor+ Explorer membership is available only to the Primary Platinum Card Member. Membership privileges will only be granted on presentation of a valid membership card and a member must identify themselves as an ALL Accor+ Explorer member at time of booking. Accommodation bookings must be made in advance through the ALL.com app. American Express reserves the right to instruct Accor Plus to cancel your membership if you cease to be a Platinum Card Member or your Account is not in good standing. Complimentary membership is a continuing benefit of your American Express Platinum Card, however American Express reserves the right to discontinue the benefit, upon providing you with reasonable notice. Once enrolled, enrolment continues for at least 12 months. If you become ineligible for this benefit or if this benefit ends, the ALL Accor+ Explorer membership standard eligibility criteria will apply to you. A Stay Plus Free Night may be subject to availability at participating properties. Use of the Stay Plus is subject to the conditions as listed on accorplus.com/au/terms-and-conditions. Membership privileges are subject to exceptions listed at accorplus.com/au/benefits-exceptions. Dining and drinks discounts do not apply to room service, mini bars, meeting rooms, selections from the kids’ menus or takeaways; and public holidays or during special events. For more information, please visit here: accorplus.com/benefits/more-flavours. Dining privileges are subject to the Accor Plus membership terms and conditions which are found here: accorplus.com/au/terms-and-conditions.
  6. Average US$550 value based on FHR bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability and use of benefits. Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Platinum Charge Card Members and Centurion® Members. Platinum Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Platinum Charge Card Members or Centurion® Members, are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member’s name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the credit. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain US$100 credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room. The breakfast credit will be applied at check-out. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members travelling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, please call the number on the back of your Card.
  7. The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more, with participating properties, made through Platinum Travel Service, Centurion Travel Service or American Express Travel Online. Bookings are valid only for eligible Card Members of the following American Express Cards: American Express® Rewards Advantage Card, American Express® Explorer Credit Card, American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Gold Business Card, American Express® Business Gold Plus Card, American Express® Platinum Card, American Express® Platinum Business Card and American Express® Centurion Card. Excludes Gold Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Rewards Advantage, Gold or Platinum Charge Card Members. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member’s name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
  8. The American Express Global Lounge Collection:
    • The Centurion® Lounge: Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Gold Card and Green Card Additional Cards on your Platinum Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members may bring up to two (2) companions into The Centurion Lounge. Children under 2 years of age can access the lounge free of charge, provided an accompanying parent or guardian is able to produce a “lap infant” boarding pass or proof of age. Guest access policies may vary internationally by location and are subject to change. To access The Centurion Lounge, the Card Member must present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. The Centurion Lounge is a day of departure lounge. Platinum Card Members who have landed will not be able to access the lounge. Card Members with layovers or connecting flights who produce proof can access the lounge. Platinum Card Members cannot access The Centurion Lounge more than 3 hours before the scheduled departure time on their same day, confirmed boarding pass. This does not apply to Card Members with a connecting flight. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. A Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. For locations with a self-service bar, the Card Member must be of legal drinking age in the location’s jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from the Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our lounge is not permissible. Access is subject to space availability. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Services and amenities in the Lounge are complimentary, however you are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you authorize our Member Services Professionals to perform on your behalf. Some American Express Cards are not eligible for all services provided by Member Services Desk. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by the purchaser or visitor inside The Centurion Lounge. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with lounge access in any way or that you intend to do so, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from the Account. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice. 
    • The Centurion Lounge – Sydney & Melbourne, Australia: Guest access policies for The Centurion Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia may vary to the Global Lounge Collection terms. For more information on the Australian Lounges access, visit americanexpress.com.au/airportlounge
    • Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner: This benefit is available to the Platinum Card. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any US location of the Escape Lounges. Card Member must present their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Card Members may bring up to two companions as complimentary guests. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Escape Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Escape Lounge locations are subject to change.
    • Delta Sky Club: Effective January 1, 2024: Eligible Card Members travelling on a same-day Delta-operated flight with Basic Economy (E) fare tickets will not have access to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go.
      This benefit is available to the Platinum Card Members. Platinum Card Members must present their valid American Express Card, government-issued I.D., and boarding pass to the Delta Sky Club ambassador. Boarding pass must show a reservation for a same-day Delta-operated flight (Delta or Delta connection) departing from or arriving at the airport in which the Delta Sky Club is located. Name on boarding pass must match name on the Card. Eligible Platinum Card Members on departing flights can only access the Delta Sky Club within three hours of their flight’s scheduled departure time. During a connection between Delta-operated flights on the same ticket, you may use the Delta Sky Club in your connecting airport at any time during the layover. Delta reserves the right to limit access for non-revenue flyers at any Delta Sky Club. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Access to Delta Sky Club partner lounges is not permitted. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to access Delta Sky Club, and 21 years of age to access locations with a self-service bar, unless accompanied by a responsible, supervising adult who has access to the lounge. Eligible Card Members must adhere to all Delta Sky Club House Rules while accessing participating airport clubs. Participating airport clubs and locations subject to change without notice. Eligible Platinum Card Members may bring guests into the Delta Sky Club subject to the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policies, and must use their valid Platinum Card as the payment method for guest access. Guests must also be flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight. Guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating airport clubs.
      For the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policy, please visit delta.com/skyclub. All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club membership and use. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/skyclub.
    • Plaza Premium Lounges: This benefit is available to Primary and Additional Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any global location of Plaza Premium Lounges. The Platinum Card Member may bring up to 2 guests into the lounge at no additional cost. All lounge access fees for additional guest visits will be charged directly to the Platinum Card Member’s Card, and at the prevailing retail rate, per person, per visit. Lounge access for infants under two years of age is complimentary. To access the Plaza Premium Lounges, the Platinum Card Member must present their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. The Platinum Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian where there is a self-service bar. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Plaza Premium Lounge reserves the right to remove any person from a lounge for inappropriate behaviour or failure to adhere to lounge rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Access is subject to space availability and is not guaranteed. The full Plaza Premium Lounge Facilities Terms and Conditions are available at plaza-network.com/terms. Facilities, amenities, services and hours of operation may vary among locations and are subject to change. Terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice.
    • Virgin Australia Access is complimentary for Primary Platinum Card Member and one complimentary guest only. The Primary Platinum Card Member and guest must be travelling with Virgin Australia domestically on the same Virgin Australia flight. Access is to Virgin Australia-branded lounges in Australia only. Name on boarding pass must match the name on Platinum Card and boarding pass must be presented. The Platinum Card Member and guest must present their valid Card and same-day boarding pass (containing your Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer number and status) to Virgin Australia lounge agents. One guest per Primary Platinum Card Member permitted. All access is subject to space availability. This benefit is subject to change.
    • Priority PassTM: These Terms and Conditions govern American Express Platinum Card Members’ participation in and use of the Priority Pass™ program. Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. Your Priority Pass benefit is limited to airport lounge access only. Non-lounge airport experiences in the form of credits for restaurants, cafes and bars are not available. Primary Platinum Card Members and one nominated Additional Platinum Card Member per Account are eligible for Priority Pass membership. At any visit to a Priority Pass lounge that admits guests, you may bring in 1 guest for no charge. You will be charged the prevailing retail rate for any additional guests. Some lounges do not admit guests. By enrolling in Priority Pass, you agree that you will be responsible for any additional accompanying guest visits and that your Card will be automatically charged after you have signed for the additional guest visit and it has been reported to Priority Pass by the participating lounge. Additionally, you acknowledge and agree that American Express will verify your Card account number and provide updated Card account information to Priority Pass. Priority Pass will use this information to fulfill on the Priority Pass program and may use this information for marketing related to the program. Once enrolled, Platinum Card Members whose Card account is not cancelled may access participating Priority Pass lounges by presenting your Priority Pass card and airline boarding pass. In some lounges, Priority Pass member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Priority Pass members must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Amenities may vary among airport lounge locations. Conference rooms, where available, may be reserved for a fee. Priority Pass lounge partners and locations are subject to change. All Priority Pass members must adhere to the Priority Pass Conditions of Use, which will be sent to you with your membership package, and can be viewed at prioritypass.com. Upon receipt of your enrollment information, Priority Pass will send your Priority Pass card and membership package which you should receive within 4-6 weeks.
    • Airspace: This benefit is available to the American Express Platinum Card. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Card Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Member must present their valid Card, government-issued I.D. and confirmed boarding pass for same-day travel. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. The Card Member may bring up to two companions into the club as complimentary guests per visit. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Airspace Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Airspace Lounge locations are subject to change.
    • Lufthansa: This benefit is available to the American Express Platinum Card. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Card Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to select Lufthansa Business Lounges (regardless of ticket class) and Lufthansa Senator Lounges (when flying business class). To access the Lufthansa lounges, Platinum Card Members must present a government issued I.D., a same-day departure boarding pass showing confirmed reservation on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian airlines) and a valid Platinum Card. For the current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit americanexpress.com.au/platinumlounges. Card Members must adhere to all rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges and locations subject to change without notice. Additional guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating lounges. In some Lounges the Platinum Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. For the most current Lufthansa rules and guest access and pricing policy, please visit lufthansa.com/de/en/lounges.
    • Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges: American Express offers access to additional lounges in the Global Lounge Collection where Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to participating locations. Card Members must present their valid Platinum Card, a government-issued I.D., and a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier. Guest access and associated fees are subject to the terms and conditions of the participating lounge provider. Participation, locations, rates, and policies of lounges are subject to change without notice, and Card Members and their guests will not be compensated for such changes. Access is subject to space availability, including capacity restrictions and limited hours that may be placed on the participating lounge. Amenities, services, and hours may vary by participating lounge and are subject to change without notice. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen, or damages suffered by the Card Member or guests inside the participating lounge. For participating lounges with a self-service bar, the Card Member may be required to be of legal drinking age in the participating lounge jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Card Members and their guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. Each participating lounge may have their own policy allowing for children under a certain age to enter for free with the Card Member who is a parent or legal guardian. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges reserve the right to remove any person from the premises for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive, or violent. If American Express, in our sole discretion, determines that the Card Member or their guests have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with access to participating lounges in any way, or that the Card Member or their guests intend to do so, we may remove access to the Additional Lounges from the Account. American Express and the participating lounge reserve the right to revise the rules at any time without notice. For the most current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit americanexpress.com.au/platinumlounges.
  9. If your Card has a Travel Credit benefit, the Primary Card Member is eligible for an annual Travel Credit, subject to the full Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/platinumtravelcreditterms. The Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking by selecting the Travel Credit when you checkout. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. Eligible travel includes flights, hotels and car hire when you prepay in advance. The Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date. To check the expiration date of your Travel Credit if you have not already redeemed it, please visit americanexpress.com.au/travel; log in and click ‘Travel Credit’. If your booking is cancelled, and your Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Travel Credit benefit and American Express may reverse the statement credits issued. You need to be able to spend on the Card to access the Travel Credit benefit and it should be credited to your Card Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. Your account must be in good standing and you must have paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date. If you cancel your Card, change your rewards program or Card type, you will no longer be eligible for the Travel Credit.​
  10. International Airline Program.
    • American Express reserves the rights to change these conditions from time to time with 21 days prior notice and/or to discontinue the whole programme. To earn or redeem Membership Rewards points, Cards must be registered to the American Express Membership Rewards program, and be active and current in their payments. When paying with a combination of your American Express Card and Membership Rewards points, only the value applied to the Card is eligible to earn Membership Rewards points. Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions apply when booking on the American Express Travel website. Please visit the Membership Rewards website to view the full Terms and conditions (membershiprewards.com.au/termsandconditions).
    • Airlines reserve the right to change, cancel or restrict flight operations without notice. IAP upgrades or specially negotiated fares may be limited by airlines to certain flights and/or dates (“blackouts”). IAP is subject to the terms and conditions of each participating carrier. American Express does not guarantee that seats or tickets will be available. Cabins of service and discounts vary by airline and route.
    • To qualify for the IAP upgrades or specially negotiated fares: a) Your journey must start and end at the same port as designated by the participating airline and be completed within the period during which your selected carrier participates in the programme. You will be advised of any applicable dates at the time of booking. b) IAP tickets must be purchased through the American Express Travel Service and must be charged to a valid Australian American Express Platinum Card which is in good standing. c) The Platinum Cardmember who purchases the ticket(s) must be one of the travellers. d) IAP tickets are non-transferable and nonendorsable.
    • Any travel on non-participating airlines must be ticketed and paid for separately and is not part of the IAP. Certain code share or flights on the worldwide partners of the participating airlines may not apply.
    • Certain IAP airlines or non-participating airlines impose restrictions such as ticketing time limit on advance booking to indicate a timeline for ticketing upon making your reservations. For each individual airline Terms & Conditions, please check with the Platinum Travel Service for details.
    • IAP upgrade offers or specially negotiated fares may not be combined with any other promotion, discount, negotiated or corporate rate.
    • American Express acts only as an agent for travel service providers and does not own or operate any airline or means of transportation. American Express is not liable for service deficiencies on the part of airlines or other service providers, including but not limited to: accidents and injuries; delays; changes in routes or itineraries; loss, theft or damages to possessions. American Express strongly advises travellers to insure themselves against travel risks. Travellers are responsible for ensuring that they have valid documentation and for complying with the health, customs, currency and other laws of any country they enter or attempt to enter.
    • IAP is available to Platinum Cardmembers from a variety of participating airlines each with specifically designated ports of departure and arrival. Please refer to the Platinum Travel Service for details of participating airlines, applicable routing and timetables and fares in force at any particular time. Other International Airline Program Terms & Conditions may apply.
    • Savings are based on full-priced retail year-round airfares from Australia to select destinations with participating airlines in selected booking classes in First, Business and Premium Economy. Savings are calculated on the base fare and do not include applicable charges such as taxes, service fees, date change fees and cancellation fees. A maximum of 8 tickets can be purchased per Card Member per transaction.  Prices are subject to availability and subject to change. All airfares must be purchased through the Platinum Travel Service and paid for on the Platinum Card. Airfares at sale prices may be released in the market at any time and reduce the featured savings. Fare rules including Advance Purchase, Min/Max Stay, any Penalties/Refunds, Stopovers/Transfers, Discounts (child/infant), and Taxes/Surcharges, are dependent on the airline’s Terms and Conditions and can vary. Airline Partners and offers vary and are subject to change. Contact Platinum Travel Service for full details on the International Airline Program.
  11. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. To transfer Membership Rewards points into an airline rewards or frequent guest partner program you must be a member of the partner program. Membership of the partner program is the Card Member’s responsibility and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the applicable program. A joining fee may apply.
  12. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If the unexpected happens on your travels and a medical emergency arises, your first port of call is Chubb Assistance. In the event of an incident and to ensure you get appropriate, and fast, treatment from a doctor who speaks your language, you must call Chubb Assistance on +61 2 9335 3492 or the number on the back of your Card before seeking medical treatment, or you may be responsible for your medical expense costs. 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 Platinum Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Platinum 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.
  13. Cruise Privileges Program (“CPP”) benefits are valid only for new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel. CPP benefits are valid only for eligible Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members. CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card. CPP benefits are non-transferable. Participating cruise lines and program benefits are subject to change. The benefits of an onboard credit and amenity are valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights and require double occupancy (single occupancy privileges available on request); the eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked; the total cost of the CPP booking must be paid using an American Express® Card in the eligible Card Member’s name. Onboard credits and amenities cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated; blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise; credits are subject to cruise line terms and policies; credits cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities or other similar charges. Any unused portion of a credit is non- refundable and is not redeemable for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Onboard credits vary by participating cruise line. American Express and partner Terms and Conditions apply, contact the Platinum Travel Service for full details on 1300 673 760.
  14. Benefit is not redeemable or transferable for cash. Fine dining experience is valid only for Platinum Card Members and those travelling on the same booking, excluding alcoholic beverages, to the value of US$100 per person. Fine dining experience will be booked pre or post departure depending on specific itinerary. Not applicable for Venice Simplon-Orient Express Istanbul journeys. Benefits are only applicable on bookings made through Platinum Travel Service with a valid American Express Card.
  15. Benefits vary by market and location of rental, and may be subject to availability. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® enrolment is required to enjoy all benefits. Terms and Conditions apply. Visit the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards website for full Terms and Conditions.  American Express Terms and Conditions apply. American Express reserves the right to instruct Hertz to cancel your membership if you cease to be a Platinum Card Member or your Account is not in good standing. Valid only for new car rental bookings made through Platinum Travel Service. Available for the American Express Platinum Card Member. Payment must be made in full with an American Express Platinum Card in the Platinum Card Member’s name. Eligible Platinum Card Member must travel on itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described.
  16. Enrolment in the Avis Preferred program is required to receive benefits. Benefits are subject to change. All Avis Preferred Terms and Conditions apply. To view partner terms and conditions, visit avispreferred.eu. American Express Terms and Conditions apply. American Express reserves the right to instruct Avis to cancel your membership if you cease to be a Platinum Card Member or your account is not in good standing.

Why savvy points collectors choose Membership Rewards points

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With so many card reward programs available in Australia, choosing the right one can be hard. Each comes with its own benefits and limitations, and few people have the time to compare them in depth to decide which best meets their needs.

For us, the program that consistently delivers the most value is Membership Rewards® by American Express.

With strong points-earning potential, flexible redemptions, and Cards that provide a host of travel and lifestyle benefits, Membership Rewards stands out as a top choice for maximising the value from everyday spending.

In this guide, we’ll break down the benefits of Membership Rewards to help you work out if it’s right for you.

What is American Express Membership Rewards?

Membership Rewards is Amex’s flagship loyalty program, designed to reward Card Members with points for every dollar spent on everyday purchases.

Amex is widely accepted in Australia, so there’s no shortage of places where you can earn points with an Amex Card.

Unlike card reward programs that lock you into a specific airline frequent flyer scheme (such as cards that automatically earn Qantas or Velocity points), Membership Rewards is known for its flexibility.

Card Members can transfer points to over 10 airlines or use them in other ways, such as for hotel stays, online shopping, and even paying for Card purchases.

American Express Cards that earn Membership Rewards points

Amex offers four consumer Cards that earn Membership Rewards points:

  • American Express Platinum Card: This iconic, all-metal, premium Card offers a high points earn rate, luxury travel benefits such as access to over 1400 airport lounges worldwide¹, hotel elite status and the Fine Hotels & Resorts² program, a $450 annual Travel Credit³, and many other travel and lifestyle perks ($1450 annual fee).
  • American Express Explorer Credit Card: A travel-focused Card with a strong points earn rate, a $400 annual Travel Credit⁴, lounge access benefits⁵, hotel benefits⁶, and more ($395 annual fee).
  • American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card: A versatile rewards Card offering high points earn rates at major supermarkets and petrol stations⁷, along with a $200 annual Travel Credit⁸ and other benefits ($195 annual fee).
  • American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card: A low-fee option with high points earn rates on eligible food and drink, streaming subscriptions, and purchases at major retailers⁹, making it a cost-effective entry into the program ($9 per month fee).

Here’s a summary of the Cards’ points earning potential (turn your phone sideways if viewing on mobile).

Platinum CardExplorer Credit CardPlatinum Edge Credit CardEssential Rewards Credit Card
Sign-up offer for new Card Members¹⁰200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹¹75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹²$0 Annual Card Fee (usually $195) in the first year¹³60,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹⁴
Points earned on everyday spend
(per 1$ spent)
2.25 points¹⁵2 points¹¹1 point⁴1 point⁶
Points earned at government bodies
(per 1$ spent)
1 point¹¹1 point¹¹1 point⁴1 point⁶
Special points earn categories
(per 1$ spent)
NoneNone3 points at major supermarkets and petrol stations⁴
 
2 points on purchases in a foreign currency when overseas and online⁴
5 points at eligible restaurants, cafes, bars and selected food delivery in Australia⁶
 
3 points on eligible streaming subscriptions⁶
 
2 points at selected major retailers in Australia⁶
 
After a total of 10,000 points is earned in a month, you will earn 1 point per $1 spent for the remainder of that month⁶
Card fee$1450 per year$395 per year$195 per year$9 per month
Link to Amex’s websiteClick here Click here Click here Click here

Transfer points to airline and hotel partners

One of the great features of Membership Rewards is flexibility with using points, including the ability to transfer points to a range of travel partners.

With Membership Rewards, you’re not restricted to one airline or hotel loyalty program, rather you can transfer points to the partner with the best flight or accommodation option when the time comes to book.

Access to multiple airline partners can make it easier to find flight reward seats, especially for premium cabins like business and first class, where availability is limited.

Membership Rewards points can be transferred to the following airlines and hotels (accurate as at 1 June 2025. Rates may vary depending on tier. Check Amex’s website for the most up to date rate).

Other ways to use points

If transferring points to airlines or hotels isn’t for you, there are several other valuable ways to use them.

  • Cover Charges with Points¹⁶: Use points to pay for eligible purchases on your account, helping to offset everyday expenses.
  • Gift Cards¹⁷: Redeem points for gift cards from leading brands and retailers across fashion, dining, live entertainment and movies, wellness, health services and more.
  • Online Shopping¹⁸: Pay with points at partner merchants, making it easy to redeem points for items you need.
  • Amex Travel Online¹⁹: Book flights, hotels, and rental cars directly through Amex Travel Online, giving you the freedom to use your points on a wide range of travel expenses.

One key advantage of Membership Rewards is that points never expire as long as your account remains active and in good standing.

With Membership Rewards, you can accumulate points over time and redeem them when it best suits you.

Summing Up

Membership Rewards offers some of the most compelling value among card reward programs in Australia.

With generous earn rates, flexible redemptions and popular transfer partners, Membership Rewards can help you unlock the full potential of your everyday purchases.

Whether you’re a frequent traveller looking for premium travel perks or someone who just wants to maximise everyday spending, there’s likely a Membership Rewards Card that meets your needs.

If you’re interested in applying, don’t miss these great offers for new Card Members (min. spend and T&Cs apply; New Amex Card Members Only):

Happy travels!

Terms & Conditions – click here to view

1. The American Express Global Lounge Collection.

The Centurion® Lounge: Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Gold Card and Green Card Additional Cards on your Platinum Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members may bring up to two (2) companions into The Centurion Lounge. Children under 2 years of age can access the lounge free of charge, provided an accompanying parent or guardian is able to produce a “lap infant” boarding pass or proof of age. Guest access policies may vary internationally by location and are subject to change. To access The Centurion Lounge, the Card Member must present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. The Centurion Lounge is a day of departure lounge. Platinum Card Members who have landed will not be able to access the lounge. Card Members with layovers or connecting flights who produce proof can access the lounge. Platinum Card Members cannot access The Centurion Lounge more than 3 hours before the scheduled departure time on their same day, confirmed boarding pass. This does not apply to Card Members with a connecting flight. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. A Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. For locations with a self-service bar, the Card Member must be of legal drinking age in the location’s jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from the Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our lounge is not permissible. Access is subject to space availability. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Services and amenities in the Lounge are complimentary, however you are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you authorize our Member Services Professionals to perform on your behalf. Some American Express Cards are not eligible for all services provided by Member Services Desk. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by the purchaser or visitor inside The Centurion Lounge. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with lounge access in any way or that you intend to do so, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from the Account. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice. The Centurion Lounge – Sydney & Melbourne, Australia: Guest access policies for The Centurion Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia may vary to the Global Lounge Collection terms. For more information on the Australian Lounges access, visit americanexpress.com.au/airportlounge

Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner: This benefit is available to the Platinum Card. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any US location of the Escape Lounges. Card Member must present their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Card Members may bring up to two companions as complimentary guests. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Escape Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Escape Lounge locations are subject to change.

Delta Sky Club: Effective January 1, 2024: Eligible Card Members travelling on a same-day Delta-operated flight with Basic Economy (E) fare tickets will not have access to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go.
This benefit is available to the Platinum Card Members. Platinum Card Members must present their valid American Express Card, government-issued I.D., and boarding pass to the Delta Sky Club ambassador. Boarding pass must show a reservation for a same-day Delta-operated flight (Delta or Delta connection) departing from or arriving at the airport in which the Delta Sky Club is located. Name on boarding pass must match name on the Card. Eligible Platinum Card Members on departing flights can only access the Delta Sky Club within three hours of their flight’s scheduled departure time. During a connection between Delta-operated flights on the same ticket, you may use the Delta Sky Club in your connecting airport at any time during the layover. Delta reserves the right to limit access for non-revenue flyers at any Delta Sky Club. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Access to Delta Sky Club partner lounges is not permitted. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to access Delta Sky Club, and 21 years of age to access locations with a self-service bar, unless accompanied by a responsible, supervising adult who has access to the lounge. Eligible Card Members must adhere to all Delta Sky Club House Rules while accessing participating airport clubs. Participating airport clubs and locations subject to change without notice. Eligible Platinum Card Members may bring guests into the Delta Sky Club subject to the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policies, and must use their valid Platinum Card as the payment method for guest access. Guests must also be flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight. Guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating airport clubs.
For the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policy, please visit delta.com/skyclub. All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club membership and use. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/skyclub.

Plaza Premium Lounges: This benefit is available to Primary and Additional Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any global location of Plaza Premium Lounges. The Platinum Card Member may bring up to 2 guests into the lounge at no additional cost. All lounge access fees for additional guest visits will be charged directly to the Platinum Card Member’s Card, and at the prevailing retail rate, per person, per visit. Lounge access for infants under two years of age is complimentary. To access the Plaza Premium Lounges, the Platinum Card Member must present their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. The Platinum Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian where there is a self-service bar. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Plaza Premium Lounge reserves the right to remove any person from a lounge for inappropriate behaviour or failure to adhere to lounge rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Access is subject to space availability and is not guaranteed. The full Plaza Premium Lounge Facilities Terms and Conditions are available at plaza-network.com/terms. Facilities, amenities, services and hours of operation may vary among locations and are subject to change. Terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice.

Virgin Australia Access is complimentary for Primary Platinum Card Member and one complimentary guest only. The Primary Platinum Card Member and guest must be travelling with Virgin Australia domestically on the same Virgin Australia flight. Access is to Virgin Australia-branded lounges in Australia only. Name on boarding pass must match the name on Platinum Card and boarding pass must be presented. The Platinum Card Member and guest must present their valid Card and same-day boarding pass (containing your Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer number and status) to Virgin Australia lounge agents. One guest per Primary Platinum Card Member permitted. All access is subject to space availability. This benefit is subject to change.

Priority PassTM: These Terms and Conditions govern American Express Platinum Card Members’ participation in and use of the Priority Pass™ program. Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. Your Priority Pass benefit is limited to airport lounge access only. Non-lounge airport experiences in the form of credits for restaurants, cafes and bars are not available. Primary Platinum Card Members and one nominated Additional Platinum Card Member per Account are eligible for Priority Pass membership. At any visit to a Priority Pass lounge that admits guests, you may bring in 1 guest for no charge. You will be charged the prevailing retail rate for any additional guests. Some lounges do not admit guests. By enrolling in Priority Pass, you agree that you will be responsible for any additional accompanying guest visits and that your Card will be automatically charged after you have signed for the additional guest visit and it has been reported to Priority Pass by the participating lounge. Additionally, you acknowledge and agree that American Express will verify your Card account number and provide updated Card account information to Priority Pass. Priority Pass will use this information to fulfill on the Priority Pass program and may use this information for marketing related to the program. Once enrolled, Platinum Card Members whose Card account is not cancelled may access participating Priority Pass lounges by presenting your Priority Pass card and airline boarding pass. In some lounges, Priority Pass member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Priority Pass members must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Amenities may vary among airport lounge locations. Conference rooms, where available, may be reserved for a fee. Priority Pass lounge partners and locations are subject to change. All Priority Pass members must adhere to the Priority Pass Conditions of Use, which will be sent to you with your membership package, and can be viewed at prioritypass.com. Upon receipt of your enrollment information, Priority Pass will send your Priority Pass card and membership package which you should receive within 4-6 weeks.

Airspace: This benefit is available to the American Express Platinum Card. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Card Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Member must present their valid Card, government-issued I.D. and confirmed boarding pass for same-day travel. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. The Card Member may bring up to two companions into the club as complimentary guests per visit. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Airspace Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Airspace Lounge locations are subject to change.

Lufthansa: This benefit is available to the American Express Platinum Card. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Card Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to select Lufthansa Business Lounges (regardless of ticket class) and Lufthansa Senator Lounges (when flying business class). To access the Lufthansa lounges, Platinum Card Members must present a government issued I.D., a same-day departure boarding pass showing confirmed reservation on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian airlines) and a valid Platinum Card. For the current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit americanexpress.com.au/platinumlounges. Card Members must adhere to all rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges and locations subject to change without notice. Additional guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating lounges. In some Lounges the Platinum Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. For the most current Lufthansa rules and guest access and pricing policy, please visit lufthansa.com/de/en/lounges.

Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges: American Express offers access to additional lounges in the Global Lounge Collection where Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to participating locations. Card Members must present their valid Platinum Card, a government-issued I.D., and a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier. Guest access and associated fees are subject to the terms and conditions of the participating lounge provider. Participation, locations, rates, and policies of lounges are subject to change without notice, and Card Members and their guests will not be compensated for such changes. Access is subject to space availability, including capacity restrictions and limited hours that may be placed on the participating lounge. Amenities, services, and hours may vary by participating lounge and are subject to change without notice. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen, or damages suffered by the Card Member or guests inside the participating lounge. For participating lounges with a self-service bar, the Card Member may be required to be of legal drinking age in the participating lounge jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Card Members and their guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. Each participating lounge may have their own policy allowing for children under a certain age to enter for free with the Card Member who is a parent or legal guardian. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges reserve the right to remove any person from the premises for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive, or violent. If American Express, in our sole discretion, determines that the Card Member or their guests have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with access to participating lounges in any way, or that the Card Member or their guests intend to do so, we may remove access to the Additional Lounges from the Account. American Express and the participating lounge reserve the right to revise the rules at any time without notice. For the most current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit americanexpress.com.au/platinumlounges.

2. Average US$550 value based on FHR bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability and use of benefits. Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Platinum Charge Card Members and Centurion® Members. Platinum Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Platinum Charge Card Members or Centurion® Members, are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member’s name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the credit. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain US$100 credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room. The breakfast credit will be applied at check-out. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members travelling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, please call the number on the back of your Card.

3. If your Card has a Travel Credit benefit, the Primary Card Member is eligible for an annual Travel Credit, subject to the full Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/platinumtravelcreditterms. The Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking by selecting the Travel Credit when you checkout. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. Eligible travel includes flights, hotels and car hire when you prepay in advance. The Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date. To check the expiration date of your Travel Credit if you have not already redeemed it, please visit americanexpress.com.au/travel; log in and click ‘Travel Credit’. If your booking is cancelled, and your Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Travel Credit benefit and American Express may reverse the statement credits issued. You need to be able to spend on the Card to access the Travel Credit benefit and it should be credited to your Card Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. Your account must be in good standing and you must have paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date. If you cancel your Card, change your rewards program or Card type, you will no longer be eligible for the Travel Credit.​

4. If your Card has a Travel Credit benefit, the Primary Card Member is eligible for an annual Travel Credit, subject to the full Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/explorer-travelcreditterms. The Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking by selecting the Travel Credit when you checkout. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. Eligible travel includes flights, hotels and car hire when you prepay in advance. The Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date. To check the expiration date of your Travel Credit if you have not already redeemed it, please visit americanexpress.com.au/travel; log in and click ‘Travel Credit’. If your booking is cancelled, and your Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Travel Credit benefit and American Express may reverse the statement credits issued. You need to be able to spend on the Card to access the Travel Credit benefit and it should be credited to your Card Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. Your account must be in good standing and you must have paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date. If you cancel your Card, change your rewards program or Card type, you will no longer be eligible for the Travel Credit.

5. Entry into The Centurion® Lounge is governed by the full Terms and Conditions available at amex.com.au/airportlounge. All entrants must adhere to the General Conditions of Entry. American Express Explorer Card Members are entitled to a total of two (2) entries into The Centurion® Lounges in Australia per calendar year (1 January to 31 December). Complimentary access is available for the Card Member’s children 17 years and younger. Card Members wishing to bring additional guests may be subject to a charge that is to be processed on the Card Member’s American Express Card.

6. The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more, with participating properties, made through Platinum Travel Service, Centurion Travel Service or American Express Travel Online. Bookings are valid only for eligible Card Members of the following American Express Cards: American Express® Rewards Advantage Card, American Express® Explorer Credit Card, American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Gold Business Card, American Express® Business Gold Plus Card, American Express® Platinum Card, American Express® Platinum Business Card and American Express® Centurion Card. Excludes Gold Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Rewards Advantage, Gold or Platinum Charge Card Members. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member’s name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

7. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. The following merchants have been classified as major supermarkets: Bi-Lo, Coles, Fishers, Food For Less, Fresh Provisions, Harris Farm Markets, IGA, Macro Wholefoods, Safeway, Supabarn, Thomas Dux, Woolworths. The following merchants have been classified as major petrol stations: Ampol, BP, Caltex Woolworths, Gull, Metro, Peak, Safeway Petrol, Shell, United, Woolworths Petrol, 7 Eleven.
Exceptions may apply if an individual merchant trading as one of the above named retailers does not accept American Express as a form of payment.
Purchases at major supermarket & major petrol station retailers are only eligible for additional points if the transactions are made in Australia.
Certain transactions will earn 2 points per dollar spent, including the use of foreign currency overseas and overseas online payments. Additional points for major supermakets, petrol stations and foreign currency may not apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to a major supermarket processed through a payment aggregator may not earn the additional points.

8. If your Card has a Travel Credit benefit, the Primary Card Member is eligible for an annual Travel Credit, subject to the full Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/platinumedge-travelcreditterms. The Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking by selecting the Travel Credit when you checkout. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. Eligible travel includes flights, hotels and car hire when you prepay in advance. The Travel Credit can be used for 365 days from the benefit anniversary date and cannot be used past the expiration date. To check the expiration date of your Travel Credit if you have not already redeemed it, please visit americanexpress.com.au/travel; log in and click ‘Travel Credit’. If your booking is cancelled, and your Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Travel Credit benefit and American Express may reverse the statement credits issued. You need to be able to spend on the Card to access the Travel Credit benefit and it should be credited to your Card Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. Your account must be in good standing and you must have paid the annual fee and minimum payment by the due date. If you cancel your Card, change your rewards program or Card type, you will no longer be eligible for the Travel Credit.

9. 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.

10. Welcome offers are accurate as at 25 March 2025. These offers do not account for personalised offers

11. 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points are only available to new American Express Card Members who apply online by 8 July 2025, are approved and spend $5,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new 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 Platinum Card has an annual fee of $1,450. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.

12. 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points are only available to new American Express Card Members who apply online by 1 July 2025, are approved and spend $4,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new 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 Explorer® Credit Card has an annual Card fee of $395. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.

13. Offer only available to new American Express Card Members who apply online, are approved. The American Express® Platinum Edge Credit Card will have a $0 introductory annual Card fee for the first year of Card Membership. All Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer. Offer subject to change without notice.

14. 60,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points are only available to new American Express Card Members who apply online by 1 July 2025, are approved and spend $3,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new 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. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer.

15. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. You will earn 1 point per dollar spent with Merchants classified as ‘government’, including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post), Federal/State and Local Government bodies, including where you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant.

16. Cover Charges With Points.

For each successful transaction with covered 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.

17. 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.

18. You may use Points to make purchases at certain retailers listed on our website. You need to indicate at the time of purchase that you wish to Pay with Points. Individual retailers provide specific delivery and refund polices. Refund policies for Pay with Points retail Partners are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the retail Partner. The retailers’ conditions and refund policies may be amended by the retailers from time to time.

19. American Express Travel Online: To earn or redeem Membership Rewards points, Cards must be enrolled to the American Express Membership Rewards program, and your Card Account must be in good standing. To redeem Membership Rewards points with American Express Travel Online, you need to have available limit on your Card for the full transaction amount of the booking. You will then receive a statement credit within 3 business days for your points redemption. If the credit isn’t on the same statement as the transaction, it should appear on your next statement. Please pay all amounts due each month. You will earn Membership Rewards points on the full dollar amount charged to your Card. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of our Membership Rewards Program.

Qantas launches flights from Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg

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Qantas has announced the launch of two new international routes from Perth, connecting the Western Australian capital to Auckland, New Zealand, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

The new services are scheduled to commence in December 2025 and are now open for booking.

The announcement marks a significant expansion of Qantas’ international operations, adding over 155,000 seats annually through Perth and reinforcing the city’s role as a growing hub in the airline’s network, which spans more than 100 destinations worldwide.

Each route will operate three times per week using Airbus A330 aircraft, offering 27 business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and 224 economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout.

The Perth–Auckland service will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 7pm with a flight time of approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes, reaching Auckland at 4:45 am the next day.

The return service departs Auckland at 8.30 am, arriving in Perth at 11.30 am.

The Perth–Johannesburg service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays departing at 13:30, with a flight time of around 11 hours and 15 minutes, and a scheduled arrival of 18:45.

The return leg lifts off from Johannesburg at 21:35, arriving in Perth the following day at 13:30.

Partner airline Airlink will provide connections to destinations such as Cape Town.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the new routes offer greater choice and connectivity for travellers, while supporting tourism and job creation in Western Australia.

“By connecting Perth directly with Auckland and Johannesburg, we’re supporting the local economy by opening valuable inbound tourism opportunities and generating new jobs,” Wallace said.

The airline highlighted the support of federal funding allocated to the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, which has enabled Perth Airport to invest in enhanced border and biosecurity capacity, making the new services possible.

Fares are available now on Qantas.com with the inaugural Perth to Johannesburg service taking off on 7 December 2025 and inaugural Perth to Auckland service taking off on 8 December 2025.

Get 15% bonus Velocity Points on transfers from card partners

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Velocity Frequent Flyer is back with one of its regular promos offering bonus points on transfers from partners.

This time, Velocity members will receive 15% bonus Velocity Points when they either:  

  • Manually transfer eligible points from Participating Partners to Velocity between 1 – 31 May, or
  • Opt in to Auto Transfer with their Participating Partner and automatically transfer points during May.

The partners are:

  • American Express Membership Rewards
  • ANZ Rewards and Business Rewards
  • Bank of Melbourne Amplify Rewards
  • BOQ Q Rewards
  • BankSA Amplify Rewards
  • Card Services Rewards
  • Citi Rewards
  • HSBC
  • NAB Rewards
  • St.George Amplify Rewards
  • BankSA Amplify Rewards
  • NAB Rewards
  • St.George Amplify Rewards
  • Suncorp Credit Card Rewards
  • Westpac Altitude Rewards.

As usual, cards that automatically earn Velocity Points (i.e. Velocity-branded cards) are not eligible for this promotion.

For more info, visit Velocity’s transfer page.

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Earn double Velocity Points on flights booked via the app

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Virgin Australia is back with one of its regular double points promotions – a great way to boost your balance if you have a trip in mind. 

To be eligible for the promotion you must

  • have activated this offer via the Velocity app
  • book an Eligible Flight between 12.01am AEST 3 April 2025 and 11.59pm AEST 10 April 2025 (Promotion Period) and enter a valid Velocity membership number at the time of booking
  • complete travel on the Eligible Flight by 31 December 2025.

An Eligible Flight is any Domestic, Trans-Tasman or International Short Haul Virgin Australia marketed and operated flight for travel between 3 April 2025 and 31 December 2025 (inclusive) that normally earns Velocity Points.

Reward bookings and codeshare services marketed or operated by partner airlines are not eligible.

Happy travels!

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Qantas announces upgrade of Boeing 737 cabins

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Qantas has announced a major cabin overhaul for its Boeing 737 aircraft – the mainstay of its domestic and short-haul international fleet – aiming to provide a next-generation inflight experience for passengers.

This upgrade aligns with the airline’s broader fleet renewal strategy and ensures that existing aircraft remain competitive with modern features and amenities.

The upgrade program will see 42 Boeing 737 aircraft receive a comprehensive interior refresh, including:

  • New Business Class seats
  • New Economy Class seats
  • Larger overhead lockers with up to 50% more space
  • Full cabin enhancements, including new carpets, sidewalls, and mood lighting
  • Fast and free Wi-Fi across all upgraded aircraft

The first refurbished aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027. These planes operate on key domestic routes, as well as trans-Tasman services and flights to destinations such as Bali, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

The new seats on the upgraded 737s are expected to match those featured on Qantas’ forthcoming Airbus A321XLR, set to enter service in June 2025, with the familiar 2-2 recliner layout in business class and 3-3 in economy.

A321XLR Business Class seat

A321XLR Economy Class seat

Seats in both cabins are likely to feature device holders and USB-A and USB-C charging, with wireless charging also in business class.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasized that this initiative complements the airline’s historic fleet renewal program, which includes the phased introduction of new aircraft like the A321XLR and A220.

“Investing in our fleet is one of the most significant ways we can transform the flying experience for our customers and ensure we consistently deliver a great journey,” said Ms Hudson.

“With more new aircraft entering our fleet, we’re also making our existing aircraft look and feel brand new,” she added. “This investment in cabins will also support our people who are dedicated to providing the best inflight experience to our customers.”

All 737s are planned to be retired. The refurbished 737s are the youngest in the fleet and will be the last to be retired when the final batch of A321XLRs and A220s are delivered.

Earn 1,000 bonus Velocity Points with DiDi

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In 2024, the rideshare firm DiDi partnered with Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program to offer riders the chance to earn Velocity Points with every DiDi ride they take.

To benefit from this partnership, users must download the DiDi app, create an account, and link their Velocity Frequent Flyer or Virgin Australia Business Flyer membership number.

Both new and existing DiDi users who link their accounts can receive a one-time bonus of 1,000 Velocity Points.

Following this, you’ll earn one Velocity Point for every dollar spent on DiDi rides within Australia.

This program imposes no cap on the number of points one can earn, thereby enhancing the potential rewards for frequent travellers.

For more info on this opportunity, click here.

The best uses of Velocity Points [2025]

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Velocity Points are one of Australia’s most popular rewards currencies, giving travellers access to not just Virgin Australia flights but also those of partners like Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, ANA and Qatar Airways.

If you’re sitting on a stash of Velocity Points, you’re probably wondering what’s the best way to use them.

Our answer is always that you’ll get the best value by redeeming them for flights and upgrades. While these can be tricky to secure, if you figure out how the system works and are flexible with your travel plans, your Velocity Points can take you almost anywhere in the world.

Here are some tips to help you out.

Virgin Australia long-haul flights to Doha

Qatar Airways has taken a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. As part of the deal, Virgin will launch flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Doha (Qatar Airways’ home base) later in 2025.

From Doha, travellers will be able to access Qatar Airways’ extensive global network.

These Virgin flights will be operated by Qatar Airways crew and aircraft. That means travellers will enjoy the excellent Qsuites in business class.

Qatar Airways Qsuite – soon to be on Virgin Australia flights to Doha

Virgin Australia has just begun releasing reward seats on this route. We saw a big batch become available on 21 Jan 2025, and now we’re going to monitor availability to see if there’s a pattern with releases. Stay tuned!

Reward seats to Doha now available

At the time of writing, Velocity Points can’t be used to upgrade on Doha flights.

Virgin Australia domestic business class

With Australia’s second largest domestic network at your disposal and good reward seat availability, travelling around the nation in business class is a fantastic use of points.

Virgin’s all-Boeing 737 domestic fleet features a small business class cabin at the front of the plane, with two rows of recliner seats arranged in a 2-2 layout.

The fleet is currently being refurbished with wider business class seats, which also feature leg rests with extendable footrests, storage compartments, tablet/device holders and water bottle holders.

New Virgin 737 business class seats

When you fly business class with Virgin Australia domestically, you also get lounge access when departing from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports.

(Pro tip: if you want Virgin Australia lounge access every time you fly, it’s now complimentary with the fantastic American Express Velocity Platinum Card.)

You can also use points to upgrade from economy to business class on domestic and short-haul international flights. Availability is limited, of course – and status holders get first dibs. You can see how many points you’ll need on Velocity’s website here.

Business or first class with Singapore Airlines

One of our most popular articles is our guide for using Velocity Points to fly in style with Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines’ business and first class products are among the best in the world. Passengers not only enjoy comfortable and spacious seats, but the airline is also renowned for its excellent dining and customer service.

Try a ‘once in a lifetime’ first class flight

There are two ways to use Velocity Points to fly with SQ: either by booking via Virgin Australia or transferring your points to SQ and booking direct. Read our guide for more info.

Flying with other partner airlines

Aside from Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines, Velocity Points can also be used to fly with a range of other partner airlines.

These include Air Canada, United Airlines and ANA, which can be booked on the Velocity website.

You can also use points to fly with South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic, but these three can only be booked by calling Virgin.

Flying economy also provides solid value

While many people focus on using points for business and first class seats, flying economy is also a great option.

Sometimes, it’s the only option, given how rare premium reward seats are.

Rest assured, you are still getting good value from your points when redeeming them for economy seats. That’s especially the case since airfares remain relatively high following the pandemic.

This is a far better use of points than redeeming them for gift cards.

Tips for success

Book in advance: Award seats often sell out quickly, particularly during peak periods like school holidays. Plan as far ahead as possible to snag the best routes and dates.

Or … book last minute: If you’re in the fortunate position of being able to fly at relatively short notice (within the next 30 days), many airlines release reward seats late in order to help fill their planes. This is a great way to get sought-after business and first class seats.

Familiarise yourself with partner award charts: Each partner airline has its own redemption rates. Check the Velocity website to see how many points you’ll need for your chosen route.

Pool your family’s points: Got multiple family members collecting Velocity Points? Velocity’s Family Pooling feature allows family members to pool their points and status credits into one account, accelerating your ability to redeem for award flights.

Accelerate your points earn on everyday spend: Consider holding a Velocity-branded credit card. For example, you can earn 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 on everyday spend plus get a complimentary domestic flight each year, complimentary lounge membership, and other benefits, with our favourite Velocity card: the Amex Velocity Platinum Card.

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