Skip to content Point Hacks

Search

SUBSCRIBE

From Earning to Booking - We've Got You Covered

Join thousands who use our free updates to travel smarter.

Welcome Aboard.

Your Points Game Just Levelled Up.

We've sent your welcome email - it's probably waiting in your inbox (or playing hide and seek in spam.)

Confirm your email address and add us to your contacts so the good stuff always lands where it should.

Close

Up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points¹ + $450 annual Travel Credit with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

FIND OUT MORE & APPLY

Up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points¹ + $450 annual Travel Credit with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

Card Overview

Earn 70,000 bonus Qantas Points¹ with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card when you apply online by 17 November 2026, are approved, and spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, an additional 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend a further $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of your second year Card Membership. New Amex Card Members only. T&Cs apply.

Offer ends: 17 Nov 2026

Annual Card Fee is $450. Offer available to new American Express Card Members only. T&Cs apply.

FIND OUT MORE & APPLY

Point Hacks may receive a commission from the card issuer for each applicant of this card More about this.

Financially reviewed by Michael Ebstein — Written by Daniel Sciberras and published Jul 3, 2025 | Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Our Review Process

Point Hacks' content is created, fact-checked, and reviewed by qualified experts across credit cards, loyalty programs, personal finance, and travel rewards.

This article went through a multi-step process led by our Editors, Financial Reviewers, Loyalty Specialists, and Compliance Advisors to ensure accuracy, clarity, and practical value for Australian travellers.

We continuously update our content to reflect:

Read about our editorial process

Our Editorial Team

Michael Ebstein

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL REVIEWER

Daniel Sciberras

PR MANAGER & MEDIA SPOKESPERSON

Up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points¹ + $450 annual Travel Credit with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

Offer ends: 17 Nov 2026

FIND OUT MORE & APPLY

Point Hacks may receive a commission from the card issuer for each applicant of this card More about this.

Financially reviewed by Michael Ebstein — Written by Daniel Sciberras and published Jul 3, 2025 | Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Annual Card Fee is $450. Offer available to new American Express Card Members only. T&Cs apply.

Up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points¹

Signup Bonus

$450 p.a.

Annual Fee

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Loyalty Program

Key Attributes

Earn

Qantas Points per $1

After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent²

2.25 Points

on selected Qantas products and services in Australia²

1.25 Points

on eligible everyday purchases²

0.5 Points

at government bodies in Australia²

Travel Benefits

Travel Credit

$450 Qantas Travel Credit each year³

Qantas Club Lounge

2 Qantas Club lounge passes each year⁴

Travel Insurance

Complimentary Intl. Travel Insurance⁶. Terms, conditions, cover limits and exclusions apply (such as a maximum age limit of 79 when travel is purchased and a pre-existing medical condition(s) exclusion). Read full PDS here.

Bonus Minimum Spend

$5,000

on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from your approval date.

Annual Fee

$450 p.a.

Points Cap

No

After 100,000 Points earned in a calendar year, everyday earn rate is 1 Point per $1, uncapped².

ATO Points

Yes

0.5 Points per $1²

Overseas Transaction Fee

3.5%

of the converted amount

Interest-free period

Up to 44 days

Purchase Rate

23.99% p.a.

Why Choose This Card

What makes this card stand out is how well it balances everyday Points earning with genuine travel value – giving frequent travellers meaningful perks rather than hard-to-use extras.

– $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year³: Use this credit towards Qantas flights and other travel booked through American Express Travel.

– Two complimentary lounge passes each year⁴: Access Qantas lounges in Australia and internationally with 2 Qantas Club Lounge passes.

– Complimentary international travel insurance⁶: Cover for trip cancellations, delays, accidents and baggage when you pay for your trip with the card (PDS).
Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age-limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).

We also appreciate the uncapped Points earning and quick online application, which takes less than 10 minutes. Plus, with American Express now accepted by more merchants across Australia, it’s easier than ever to make your everyday spend count.

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

Eligibility Criteria

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

Why Choose This Card

What makes this card stand out is how well it balances everyday Points earning with genuine travel value – giving frequent travellers meaningful perks rather than hard-to-use extras.

– $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year³: Use this credit towards Qantas flights and other travel booked through American Express Travel.

– Two complimentary lounge passes each year⁴: Access Qantas lounges in Australia and internationally with 2 Qantas Club Lounge passes.

– Complimentary international travel insurance⁶: Cover for trip cancellations, delays, accidents and baggage when you pay for your trip with the card (PDS).
Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age-limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).

We also appreciate the uncapped Points earning and quick online application, which takes less than 10 minutes. Plus, with American Express now accepted by more merchants across Australia, it’s easier than ever to make your everyday spend count.

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

READ MORE

Card Overview

Earn 70,000 bonus Qantas Points¹ with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card when you apply online by 17 November 2026, are approved, and spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, an additional 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend a further $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of your second year Card Membership. New Amex Card Members only. T&Cs apply.

Key Attributes

Earn

Qantas Points per $1

After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent²

2.25 Points

on selected Qantas products and services in Australia²

1.25 Points

on eligible everyday purchases²

0.5 Points

at government bodies in Australia²

Travel Benefits

Travel Credit

$450 Qantas Travel Credit each year³

Qantas Club Lounge

2 Qantas Club lounge passes each year⁴

Travel Insurance

Complimentary Intl. Travel Insurance⁶. Terms, conditions, cover limits and exclusions apply (such as a maximum age limit of 79 when travel is purchased and a pre-existing medical condition(s) exclusion). Read full PDS here.

Bonus Minimum Spend

$5,000

on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from your approval date.

Annual Fee

$450 p.a.

Points Cap

No

After 100,000 Points earned in a calendar year, everyday earn rate is 1 Point per $1, uncapped².

ATO Points

Yes

0.5 Points per $1²

Overseas Transaction Fee

3.5%

of the converted amount

Interest-free period

Up to 44 days

Purchase Rate

23.99% p.a.

READ MORE

Why Choose This Card

What makes this card stand out is how well it balances everyday Points earning with genuine travel value – giving frequent travellers meaningful perks rather than hard-to-use extras.

– $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year³: Use this credit towards Qantas flights and other travel booked through American Express Travel.

– Two complimentary lounge passes each year⁴: Access Qantas lounges in Australia and internationally with 2 Qantas Club Lounge passes.

– Complimentary international travel insurance⁶: Cover for trip cancellations, delays, accidents and baggage when you pay for your trip with the card (PDS).
Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age-limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).

We also appreciate the uncapped Points earning and quick online application, which takes less than 10 minutes. Plus, with American Express now accepted by more merchants across Australia, it’s easier than ever to make your everyday spend count.

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

Eligibility Criteria

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

Why Choose This Card

What makes this card stand out is how well it balances everyday Points earning with genuine travel value – giving frequent travellers meaningful perks rather than hard-to-use extras.

– $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year³: Use this credit towards Qantas flights and other travel booked through American Express Travel.

– Two complimentary lounge passes each year⁴: Access Qantas lounges in Australia and internationally with 2 Qantas Club Lounge passes.

– Complimentary international travel insurance⁶: Cover for trip cancellations, delays, accidents and baggage when you pay for your trip with the card (PDS).
Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age-limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).

We also appreciate the uncapped Points earning and quick online application, which takes less than 10 minutes. Plus, with American Express now accepted by more merchants across Australia, it’s easier than ever to make your everyday spend count.

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

READ MORE

Where could 120,000 Bonus Qantas Points take you?

You could redeem them for the following:

Business class to island time

Fly return from Sydney or Brisbane to Fiji in Business Class for 87,200 Points (redemption value calculated on 20 July 2026). Taxes and carrier charges apply**.

Cross the Pacific in style

Fly one-way from Sydney to Honolulu in Hawaiian Business Class from 108,000 Points (redemption value calculated on 20 July 2026). Taxes and carrier charges apply**.

Where could 120,000 Bonus Qantas Points take you?

You could redeem them for the following:

Business class to island time

Fly return from Sydney or Brisbane to Fiji in Business Class for 87,200 Points (redemption value calculated on 20 July 2026). Taxes and carrier charges apply**.

Cross the Pacific in style

Fly one-way from Sydney to Honolulu in Hawaiian Business Class from 108,000 Points (redemption value calculated on 20 July 2026). Taxes and carrier charges apply**.

Extra Benefits

Complimentary Insurance

Complimentary Insurance⁶: Medical Emergency Expense Cover, Personal Accident Cover, Trip Cancellation and Amendment Cover, Travel Inconvenience Cover, Personal Baggage, Valuables, Money And Travel Documents Cover, Card Purchase and Card Refund Covers (read full PDS here)

Qantas Wine Membership

Complimentary Qantas Wine Premium Membership (valued at $99 per year)⁵

Complimentary Insurance

Complimentary Insurance⁶: Medical Emergency Expense Cover, Personal Accident Cover, Trip Cancellation and Amendment Cover, Travel Inconvenience Cover, Personal Baggage, Valuables, Money And Travel Documents Cover, Card Purchase and Card Refund Covers (read full PDS here)

Qantas Wine Membership

Complimentary Qantas Wine Premium Membership (valued at $99 per year)⁵

READ MORE

American Express is offering up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points1 for New American Express Card Members who apply for the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card by 17 November 2026. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.

The bonus is split into two parts, with the first 70,000 bonus Qantas Points to be received after spending a minimum of $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of approval and an additional 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend a further $5,000 on your Card within three months of paying the 2nd year annual Card Membership fee.

The American Express Qantas Ultimate Card is targeted towards Card Members who want to maximise the Qantas Points earned from spend on an American Express, as well as receive a range of travel-related benefits.

You can fly Cathay Pacific First Class for as little as 29,000 Qantas Points (Hong Kong to Taipei)

You’ll also receive:

Digging into the benefits of the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is a competitive card in the premium card market and comes with a high points earn and generous benefits.

Card Details

Card Qantas American Express Ultimate
Loyalty program Qantas Frequent Flyer
Points earned from spend 1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible purchases

2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia

0.5 Qantas Points per $1 at government bodies in Australia



After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.
Points cap None
Travel benefits $450 Qantas Travel Credit each cardholder years³

2 Qantas Club lounge invitations each year⁴
Included insurances Medical Emergency Expense Cover

Personal Accident Cover

Trip Cancellation and Amendment Cover

Travel Inconvenience Cover

Personal Baggage, Money or Travel Documents Cover

Card Purchase and Card Refund Cover (PDS)
Overseas transaction fee 3.5% of the converted amount
Mobile wallet Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay
Annual fee $450

Earning Qantas Points from spend

With the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, you can enjoy uncapped Qantas Points earning potential for every dollar you spend on your Card, and it will sweep over your points to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account on a monthly basis, as you’d expect.

You’ll earn a solid 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on most everyday purchases, plus earns 0.5 Qantas Points per dollar on government spend, uncapped.

If you find yourself booking several hundreds of dollars in Qantas flights on a regular basis, the additional 1 point per $1 on Qantas spend will quickly rack up to boost your Qantas Frequent Flyer balance.

After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.2

Read the Point Hacks guide to American Express cards acceptance here.

$450 Qantas Travel Credit

This benefit gives Card Members $450 towards the purchase of a Qantas domestic or international flight through American Express Travel.

The Qantas Travel Credit3 is designed to give Card Members more flexibility than the return domestic flight previously offered and helps to directly offset the $450 annual fee.

You can access the Qantas Travel Credit after you have paid your annual fee and as long as your account is current and in good standing. Do note that if you do not use the entire credit in one booking, you forfeit the remaining balance, so try to save it for a booking over the value of $450.

You can use your Qantas Travel Credit for a Qantas flight in any class on any domestic or international flight

You’ll receive the credit each year you have your Card but you can use it to book travel into the future, e.g. if the credit expires on July, you can book travel for October.

As for points earn on the booking, the Qantas Travel Credit terms and conditions state:

Except for the $450 Qantas Travel Credit3 portion of your booking, any other amount charged to your Card as part of your booking will accrue Qantas Points in the usual way.

Customers can only book hotels, car hire or experiences if a Qantas flight is within the same transaction, i.e. Card Members will not be able to use their Qantas Travel Credit solely towards hotel, car or experience bookings.

As the taxes and fees on an award redemption using Qantas Points must be paid directly to Qantas through their website or over the phone and the Qantas Travel Credit is only available to use through the American Express Travel website, you cannot use your Qantas Travel Credit to pay the taxes and fees on an award redemption.

Note: You will need to use your annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit on a single travel booking of $450 or more on your eligible Card, made through American Express Travel Online. The Qantas Travel Credit can be redeemed for any eligible Qantas flight booked (i.e. a QF flight number on your ticket). Your booking will be charged in full to your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card and American Express will then credit $450 to your Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. You will still receive your $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year, and your Travel Credit anniversary will remain the same. Click here for the full Terms & Conditions.

Qantas Club Melbourne

Lounge access

Card Members are eligible to receive two Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations after eligible Qantas spend4.

You can access domestic Qantas Clubs, International Business Lounges (except at Los Angeles) and International (Premium) Lounges in Brisbane, Singapore, Hong Kong and London.

The Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations are valid for a single visit by one guest to a Qantas Club Lounge and must be used prior to their expiry

An important note is that in order to receive the Qantas lounge passes, you need to first make an eligible purchase with Qantas using the Card, which is defined as:

Qantas passenger airfares with a QF flight number purchased directly from Qantas Australia by you (or by a travel agent on your behalf) that appear on your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card statement as a Qantas transaction; Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club membership joining and annual fees; and Qantas Travel shop purchases.

So, basically, you must first purchase a Qantas flight or purchase a Qantas Frequent Flyer or Qantas Club membership before you can use your lounge passes. This excludes paying the taxes and fees on an award booking using this Card.

Two weeks after you do so, you’ll be sent an email and your two digital lounge passes will be attached to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. You could then choose to transfer them to another Qantas Frequent Flyer member.

The full terms and conditions of the Qantas Club lounge benefit are available here.

Complimentary Qantas Wine Premium membership

Worth $99 a year, a premium membership to Qantas Wine5, food & champagne portal gives you a bonus 3 points per $ spent as well as complimentary delivery within Australia (exclusions apply).

Plus, paying for these purchases with this Qantas-branded card will earn you a total of 4.25 points per $ spent on Qantas Wine products (3 points as a Qantas Wine Premium member + 1.25 points for regular spend on this Card). It’s a bit weird that this doesn’t qualify as a purchase of a Qantas product or service, earning 2.25 points.

Note: After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent2.

American Express Plan It

American Express launched ‘Plan It’ in mid-2020, which allows cardholders to create instalment plans that allow for equal payments to be distributed over a 3, 6 or 12 month payment period. There is a monthly fixed fee to access this feature, with up to 10 Plan It plans with a minimum of $100 balance able to be created.

Insurances and other benefits

In the Travel Insurance bucket you’ll get Medical Emergency Expense Cover, Trip Cancellation and Amendment Cover, Personal Baggage, Money and Travel Documents Cover and Travel Inconvenience Cover when you pay for travel with the Card. Read the PDS here.

You’ll need to dig into the various PDS of these policies if you intend on relying on this cover to make sure they work for you.

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

Mobile wallet integration

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

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

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

Summing up: the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is on the higher end for annual fees but does offer high points earn for the die-hard Qantas Points collector.

The Qantas Travel Credit each year is a useful bonus to offset the annual fee, and the lounge passes and complimentary Qantas Wine Premium membership top off a solid offer.

American Express is offering up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points1 for New American Express Card Members who apply for the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card by 17 November 2026. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.

The bonus is split into two parts, with the first 70,000 bonus Qantas Points to be received after spending a minimum of $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of approval and an additional 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend a further $5,000 on your Card within three months of paying the 2nd year annual Card Membership fee.

The American Express Qantas Ultimate Card is targeted towards Card Members who want to maximise the Qantas Points earned from spend on an American Express, as well as receive a range of travel-related benefits.

You can fly Cathay Pacific First Class for as little as 29,000 Qantas Points (Hong Kong to Taipei)

You’ll also receive:

Digging into the benefits of the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is a competitive card in the premium card market and comes with a high points earn and generous benefits.

Card Details

Card Qantas American Express Ultimate
Loyalty program Qantas Frequent Flyer
Points earned from spend 1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible purchases

2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia

0.5 Qantas Points per $1 at government bodies in Australia



After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.
Points cap None
Travel benefits $450 Qantas Travel Credit each cardholder years³

2 Qantas Club lounge invitations each year⁴
Included insurances Medical Emergency Expense Cover

Personal Accident Cover

Trip Cancellation and Amendment Cover

Travel Inconvenience Cover

Personal Baggage, Money or Travel Documents Cover

Card Purchase and Card Refund Cover (PDS)
Overseas transaction fee 3.5% of the converted amount
Mobile wallet Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay
Annual fee $450

Earning Qantas Points from spend

With the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, you can enjoy uncapped Qantas Points earning potential for every dollar you spend on your Card, and it will sweep over your points to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account on a monthly basis, as you’d expect.

You’ll earn a solid 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on most everyday purchases, plus earns 0.5 Qantas Points per dollar on government spend, uncapped.

If you find yourself booking several hundreds of dollars in Qantas flights on a regular basis, the additional 1 point per $1 on Qantas spend will quickly rack up to boost your Qantas Frequent Flyer balance.

After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.2

Read the Point Hacks guide to American Express cards acceptance here.

$450 Qantas Travel Credit

This benefit gives Card Members $450 towards the purchase of a Qantas domestic or international flight through American Express Travel.

The Qantas Travel Credit3 is designed to give Card Members more flexibility than the return domestic flight previously offered and helps to directly offset the $450 annual fee.

You can access the Qantas Travel Credit after you have paid your annual fee and as long as your account is current and in good standing. Do note that if you do not use the entire credit in one booking, you forfeit the remaining balance, so try to save it for a booking over the value of $450.

You can use your Qantas Travel Credit for a Qantas flight in any class on any domestic or international flight

You’ll receive the credit each year you have your Card but you can use it to book travel into the future, e.g. if the credit expires on July, you can book travel for October.

As for points earn on the booking, the Qantas Travel Credit terms and conditions state:

Except for the $450 Qantas Travel Credit3 portion of your booking, any other amount charged to your Card as part of your booking will accrue Qantas Points in the usual way.

Customers can only book hotels, car hire or experiences if a Qantas flight is within the same transaction, i.e. Card Members will not be able to use their Qantas Travel Credit solely towards hotel, car or experience bookings.

As the taxes and fees on an award redemption using Qantas Points must be paid directly to Qantas through their website or over the phone and the Qantas Travel Credit is only available to use through the American Express Travel website, you cannot use your Qantas Travel Credit to pay the taxes and fees on an award redemption.

Note: You will need to use your annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit on a single travel booking of $450 or more on your eligible Card, made through American Express Travel Online. The Qantas Travel Credit can be redeemed for any eligible Qantas flight booked (i.e. a QF flight number on your ticket). Your booking will be charged in full to your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card and American Express will then credit $450 to your Account within 3 business days but may take up to 30 days. You will still receive your $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year, and your Travel Credit anniversary will remain the same. Click here for the full Terms & Conditions.

Qantas Club Melbourne

Lounge access

Card Members are eligible to receive two Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations after eligible Qantas spend4.

You can access domestic Qantas Clubs, International Business Lounges (except at Los Angeles) and International (Premium) Lounges in Brisbane, Singapore, Hong Kong and London.

The Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations are valid for a single visit by one guest to a Qantas Club Lounge and must be used prior to their expiry

An important note is that in order to receive the Qantas lounge passes, you need to first make an eligible purchase with Qantas using the Card, which is defined as:

Qantas passenger airfares with a QF flight number purchased directly from Qantas Australia by you (or by a travel agent on your behalf) that appear on your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card statement as a Qantas transaction; Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club membership joining and annual fees; and Qantas Travel shop purchases.

So, basically, you must first purchase a Qantas flight or purchase a Qantas Frequent Flyer or Qantas Club membership before you can use your lounge passes. This excludes paying the taxes and fees on an award booking using this Card.

Two weeks after you do so, you’ll be sent an email and your two digital lounge passes will be attached to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. You could then choose to transfer them to another Qantas Frequent Flyer member.

The full terms and conditions of the Qantas Club lounge benefit are available here.

Complimentary Qantas Wine Premium membership

Worth $99 a year, a premium membership to Qantas Wine5, food & champagne portal gives you a bonus 3 points per $ spent as well as complimentary delivery within Australia (exclusions apply).

Plus, paying for these purchases with this Qantas-branded card will earn you a total of 4.25 points per $ spent on Qantas Wine products (3 points as a Qantas Wine Premium member + 1.25 points for regular spend on this Card). It’s a bit weird that this doesn’t qualify as a purchase of a Qantas product or service, earning 2.25 points.

Note: After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent2.

American Express Plan It

American Express launched ‘Plan It’ in mid-2020, which allows cardholders to create instalment plans that allow for equal payments to be distributed over a 3, 6 or 12 month payment period. There is a monthly fixed fee to access this feature, with up to 10 Plan It plans with a minimum of $100 balance able to be created.

Insurances and other benefits

In the Travel Insurance bucket you’ll get Medical Emergency Expense Cover, Trip Cancellation and Amendment Cover, Personal Baggage, Money and Travel Documents Cover and Travel Inconvenience Cover when you pay for travel with the Card. Read the PDS here.

You’ll need to dig into the various PDS of these policies if you intend on relying on this cover to make sure they work for you.

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

Mobile wallet integration

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

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

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

Summing up: the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is on the higher end for annual fees but does offer high points earn for the die-hard Qantas Points collector.

The Qantas Travel Credit each year is a useful bonus to offset the annual fee, and the lounge passes and complimentary Qantas Wine Premium membership top off a solid offer.

Read More Read Less

Eligibility Criteria

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

You Previously Viewed These Cards

See All Previous Cards

Find Out More & Apply

Read card guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the $450 Qantas Travel Credit work?

Each year, you receive a $450 credit to use on Qantas-marketed flights and other travel expenses booked through American Express Travel in a single transaction. Read more here.

Who is eligible to receive the bonus Qantas Points offer?

New Card Members who haven’t held a card issued by American Express Australia in the past 18 months and who meet the minimum spend requirement.

What lounge benefits are included with the American Express Qantas Ultimate?

You receive two Qantas Club invitations each year (after an eligible Qantas purchase).

Does this card include travel insurance?

Yes – this Card has domestic and international insurance⁶ for you, your partner and your dependent children, when you pay for your return trip on your Card. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply (such as maximum age-limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). Read full PDS here.

What can I use the sign-up bonus Points for?

You can use your Qantas Points for a range of rewards, from flights, hotels and even wine or fuel purchases. The best value rewards tend to be flights or flight upgrades via Classic Rewards. Read our guide of best uses of Qantas Points here.

Can you transfer Qantas Frequent Flyer Points to Amex?

No. Qantas Frequent Flyer points cannot be transferred to your Amex Rewards account, however, if you would like to earn Qantas points from your credit card spend, you will need to choose a Qantas Credit Card from American Express or alternatively, hold The Platinum Card or Centurion card.

Is it worth getting an American Express card?

If you looking to earn rewards points from your everyday spend, then American Express cards offer some of the best earn rates in the market. Make sure to consult your accountant or financial adviser before applying for a card to ensure that you are choosing the best one for your financial situation.

Terms and Conditions

1. Bonus & Eligibility

To earn up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points, you must apply online by 17 November 2026, be approved, and meet the following criteria. You’ll receive 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $5,000 or more on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months from the Card approval date. To receive an additional 50,000 bonus Qantas Points, you need to remain a Qantas American Express Ultimate Card Member and spend $5,000 or more on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of your second year of Card Membership. 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 after the spend criteria has been met in both your first and second years of Card Membership for the bonus points to be credited to your Account. You will still be eligible to earn the additional 50,000 bonus Qantas Points in your second year of Card Membership even if you did not meet the $5,000 minimum spend criteria to receive the 70,000 bonus Qantas Points in the first year of membership. This offer is only available to new American Express Card Members. 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. Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the Qantas American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership and the earning and redemption of points are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available at qantas.com/terms. $450 Annual Card Fee applies. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer. Information is correct as at 29 July 2026.

2. Qantas Points

You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and the earning and redemption of points are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available at qantas.com/terms. Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the Qantas American Express Cards Points Terms and Conditions, and exclusions apply. Eligible purchases do not include annual Card fees, cash advances, interest, fees and charges for traveller’s cheques and foreign currencies – these do not earn Qantas Points. For the full list of exclusions, please refer to the Qantas American Express Cards Points Terms and Conditions. You will earn 0.5 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.

3. Qantas Travel Credit

Qantas American Express Ultimate Primary Card Members are eligible for an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit, subject to the full Qantas Travel Credit Terms and Conditions at amex.com.au/qantasultimate-travelcreditterms. The Qantas Travel Credit can be redeemed through American Express Travel Online on a single eligible travel booking for Qantas Flights (i.e. a QF flight number on your ticket) by selecting the Qantas Travel Credit when you checkout. All Qantas Flight travel is subject to Qantas Conditions of Carriage. To redeem the Travel Credit, the full value of the Travel Credit (or more) must be charged to the eligible Primary Card. The Qantas 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 Qantas 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 Qantas Travel Credit has already been used and associated statement credit applied to your account, you will forfeit your annual Qantas 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 Qantas 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 Qantas Travel Credit.

4. Airport Lounge Access

Qantas Club Lounge.

You will be eligible to receive two Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations each anniversary year of your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card (Card) Membership, provided you: (a) register your Qantas Frequent Flyer number with your Card Account; and (b) make a purchase on selected Qantas products and services using your Card. Selected Qantas products and services are the purchase of (a) a Qantas passenger flight departing from Australia with a QF flight number purchased in Australian Dollars (AUD) directly from Qantas.com.au using your Card; or (b) using your Card to pay for joining or annual fees for Qantas Frequent Flyer or Qantas Club membership. Subject to Qantas American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions. Within 2 weeks of purchasing selected Qantas products and services, two Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations will be assigned to the Qantas Frequent Flyer account. In order to use your invitations, login to your Qantas Frequent Flyer Account or use the Qantas App to access your invitations and link them with an eligible Qantas flight booking prior to use (must be done at least 24 hours prior to your departure time). Each Complimentary Lounge Invitation is valid for a single visit by one guest to a Qantas Club domestic lounge, Qantas International or Qantas International Business Lounge, and must be used prior to expiry. Access and use are subject to the Complimentary Lounge Invitation Terms and Conditions and the Lounge Entry Terms and Conditions. Invitations may be revoked or withheld if your Card account is not in good standing, if the selected Qantas products and services are refunded in full or if you have not complied with these Complimentary Lounge Invitation Terms and Conditions, and the American Express Credit Card Terms and Conditions.

5. Qantas Wine

Qantas Wine Premium Membership and its benefits are subject to the Qantas Wine Terms and Conditions. To join or purchase from Qantas Wine, you must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member aged 18 years or older and have an Australian delivery address. An annual Membership fee usually applies for Qantas Wine Premium Membership, but this will be waived so long as you continue to hold your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. Complimentary joining gift is not available with this offer. Qantas Wine Premium Membership will be automatically applied within 2 weeks of Qantas Points being credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account from your first spend on your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. You will receive email confirmation from Qantas about your Qantas Wine Premium Membership enrolment. Qantas Wine Premium members will earn 3 Qantas Points per dollar on qantas.com/wine. Liquor Act 2007: It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Licence Number: LIQP770016736.

6. Qantas Ultimate Card Insurance

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

** Classic Flight Rewards

Classic Flight Rewards are available on Qantas, Jetstar and eligible partner airlines. These seats are subject to capacity controls and availability is limited—some flights may not have any Classic Flight Reward seats available.

The number of Qantas Points required, as well as taxes, fees and carrier charges, are accurate as at 20 July 2026 but may vary at the time of booking.

Status Credits and Qantas Points will not be earned on Classic Flight Reward bookings.

Classic Flight Rewards must be booked via the Qantas website or other authorised booking channels. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline and different baggage allowances and conditions may apply.

Changes to or cancellations of Classic Flight Rewards are subject to the rules outlined in the Qantas Frequent Flyer Terms & Conditions, including change/cancellation fees and any fare or points difference if applicable.

For full terms and fare rules visit the Qantas Frequent Flyer website at Classic Flight Rewards.

Quick Links Quick links category Quick Links Credit Cards Guides Loyalty Programs Deals Resources https://www.pointhacks.com.au/ Point Hacks® is published by Point Hacks Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 622 987 160), a corporate authorised credit representative (Number: 504786) of MSC Advisory Pty Ltd ACN 607 459 441 (Australian Credit License: 480649). Copyright © 2025 Point Hacks Australia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Site search

Close Matching card offers Quick results

Qantas American Express Ultimate: the complete points, credit and benefits guide

Source review: 17 September 2026. This information is general in nature. It does not take your personal circumstances into account. Fees, offers, benefits and eligibility conditions can change. Check the issuer's current terms and the relevant insurance PDS before applying or relying on a benefit.

The Qantas American Express Ultimate is designed for people who want to earn Qantas Points directly and who regularly pay for Qantas travel. Its central trade-off is straightforward: the annual fee is high, but the card provides a travel credit of the same face value, a strong everyday earn rate, Qantas lounge invitations and several smaller benefits. The value depends on whether those benefits match spending and travel that would happen anyway.

Card snapshot

Feature Reviewed position at 17 September 2026
Annual fee $450 a year
Everyday earn 1.25 Qantas Points per eligible $1, reducing to 1 point per $1 after the account earns 100,000 Qantas Points in a calendar year
Selected Qantas spend 2.25 Qantas Points per eligible $1 in Australia
Government spend 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 at government bodies in Australia
Points cap No hard cap; the everyday earn rate slows after the annual threshold
Annual travel benefit $450 Qantas Travel Credit for an eligible booking through American Express Travel
Lounge benefit Two Qantas Club invitations after eligible Qantas spend; two annual Australian Centurion Lounge visits end on 15 February 2027
Overseas transaction fee 3.5% of the converted amount
Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases, subject to the account terms
Purchase rate 23.99% p.a. in the reviewed product guide; check the current rate before applying
Mobile wallets Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Pay

These figures come from the current Point Hacks product guide and should be read with the issuer's live terms. The rewards are paid into Qantas Frequent Flyer rather than held in a flexible bank program, so they cannot later be redirected to Velocity, KrisFlyer or another airline partner.

Current introductory offer: check both membership years

At the review date, the product guide displayed an offer of up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points for new American Express cardholders who apply by 17 November 2026. It was divided into 70,000 points after $5,000 of eligible purchases in the first three months and another 50,000 points after a further $5,000 of eligible purchases in the first three months of the second membership year.

The split matters. The headline total is not received during the initial three-month period, and the second instalment requires the account to remain open into the second year, when another annual fee is payable. Applicants should verify the deadline, eligible-spend exclusions, posting time and second-year conditions on the application page. This dated snapshot explains the structure recorded in the KB; it is not a promise that the offer will remain available.

The American Express bonus-eligibility guide explains the usual 18-month exclusion for someone who holds, or recently held, a primary Australian-issued American Express card. Being only an additional card member does not generally create the same exclusion, but the exact offer terms control. Card approval and bonus eligibility are separate decisions.

How Qantas Points earning works

The earning structure rewards selected Qantas spending most strongly while paying a lower rate at government bodies.

Spending category Qantas Points earned
Selected Qantas products and services in Australia 2.25 points per $1
Eligible everyday purchases 1.25 points per $1
Eligible everyday purchases after the annual threshold 1 point per $1
Government bodies in Australia 0.5 points per $1

The threshold is often mistaken for a points cap. It is not. After the account earns 100,000 Qantas Points in a calendar year, the ordinary everyday rate reduces from 1.25 to one point per dollar for the rest of that calendar year. Earning continues. The threshold applies across card members on the account and excludes bonus points, according to the reviewed guide. If all eligible spending earned at the everyday rate, the higher rate would cover about $80,000 of purchases, although Qantas and government categories change the actual path to the threshold.

Points are swept to the linked Qantas Frequent Flyer account monthly. That direct transfer is convenient for a committed Qantas collector but removes the option to wait and choose another airline program. The value ultimately obtained depends on the redemption. The best uses of Qantas Points guide covers reward flights, upgrades and other uses, while also showing why availability, taxes and carrier charges matter. A points balance should not be valued as cash simply by multiplying it by the retail price of a premium ticket that may not be available as a reward.

The 3.5% foreign-transaction fee is also material. On a $1,000 equivalent overseas purchase, that fee is $35 before considering any interest. The Qantas Points earned may not compensate for it, so the Ultimate is not automatically the best card for foreign-currency spending even when the purchase earns points.

The $450 annual Qantas Travel Credit

The Qantas Travel Credit is the core recurring benefit. The card charges a $450 annual fee and provides a $450 credit each cardholder year, but the credit is conditional and should not be treated as a cash refund. It becomes available after the annual fee is paid while the account is current and in good standing.

The reviewed Qantas Travel Credit terms and product guide describe the following mechanics:

The credit is generally available for 365 days from the benefit anniversary. The booking can be for later travel, but the transaction must be completed while the credit remains valid. Cancellation and refund rules require particular care because the credit component may not be returned in the same way as a cash payment. Check the fare rules and credit terms before cancelling or changing a booking.

The Premium-versus-Ultimate comparison also warns that a flight price through American Express Travel can differ from the direct Qantas price. Its spot comparison found very small differences for the flights checked, but that result should not be generalised to every route and date. Compare the total price and fare conditions for the exact journey before treating the credit as $450 of realised savings.

The credit is likely to be useful when… Its practical value falls when…
You already intend to buy an eligible QF flight costing at least $450 You usually book Jetstar-numbered or partner-airline flights
One booking can use the full credit Your paid Qantas bookings are normally below $450
American Express Travel has a suitable fare and conditions A direct or alternative-channel fare is materially better
You remember to use it before expiry The credit expires or the account closes before use
The travel fits your existing plans The benefit causes an unnecessary trip or higher spending

Two Qantas Club invitations: how to unlock and use them

The card provides two Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations after eligible Qantas spending. They do not appear merely because the annual fee was paid. The reviewed product guide defines qualifying purchases as Qantas passenger airfares carrying a QF flight number and bought directly from Qantas Australia or through a travel agent, Qantas Frequent Flyer or Qantas Club joining and annual fees, and Qantas Travel Shop purchases. Paying only the taxes and charges on a reward booking does not qualify.

The invitations are generally attached to the cardholder's Qantas Frequent Flyer account after the qualifying transaction. Each invitation covers one person for one visit and has its own expiry. The digital lounge-pass guide explains that an invitation must be linked to an eligible flight at least 24 hours before departure. It cannot be unlinked inside that 24-hour window without being forfeited, so voluntary flight changes should be handled early.

General invitations can be used at domestic Qantas Clubs and selected Qantas-operated international lounges when travelling on an eligible Qantas, domestic Jetstar or qualifying Qantas-coded itinerary. Important exclusions include the jointly operated International Business Lounge in Los Angeles and the Perth International Lounge in Terminal 3. A directory of lounges is not proof that a particular invitation is accepted there.

Transfer rules changed on 1 July 2026. Domestic and General invitations can now be transferred only to someone travelling on the same flight as the holder. They can no longer be linked to Jetstar international flights unless the itinerary is sold as a Qantas codeshare with a QF flight number. This restriction does not mean the Ultimate's two Qantas invitations end in February 2027; the announced February change concerns Centurion access.

Australian Centurion Lounge access ends in February 2027

The American Express lounge guide records two annual visits to the Sydney or Melbourne Centurion Lounge for eligible Ultimate cardholders. Each visit admits one person, so two people entering together consume both visits. The access applies to these Australian lounges and does not provide the unlimited global Centurion access attached to the personal and business Platinum products.

American Express has announced that Qantas Ultimate cardholders lose Australian Centurion Lounge access from 15 February 2027. Existing visits must be used by 14 February 2027. This dated reduction should be built into any renewal calculation extending beyond that point. The separate Qantas Club invitations remain governed by their own terms.

Lounge benefit Current use Dated change
Qantas Club invitations Two single-use invitations after eligible Qantas spend; link to an eligible flight at least 24 hours before departure Transfer and Jetstar-international restrictions changed on 1 July 2026
Australian Centurion visits Two visits per year at Sydney or Melbourne for eligible departing travellers Access ends from 15 February 2027; use existing visits by 14 February 2027

Qantas Wine Premium membership

The Ultimate includes Qantas Wine Premium membership, which the reviewed product guide valued at $99 a year. The Qantas Wine guide describes benefits such as bonus points on eligible purchases, complimentary delivery within Australia subject to exclusions, and access to member offers.

The product guide records three Qantas Points per dollar through the Premium membership plus the card's ordinary 1.25 points per dollar, producing 4.25 points per dollar on an eligible Qantas Wine purchase while the higher everyday card rate applies. Curiously, the card component is treated as ordinary spend rather than selected Qantas spend. Wine promotions can offer additional bonus points, but they are product-specific and time-limited; check the quantity, price per bottle and whether the wine itself represents value rather than buying solely for points.

Insurance and purchase protections

The reviewed source lists medical emergency expenses, personal accident, trip cancellation and amendment, travel inconvenience, baggage, money and travel documents, and purchase and refund cover. The credit-card insurance comparison also identifies transport accident, resumption of journey and personal-liability categories for the Ultimate.

These headings are not a coverage decision. Activation usually depends on paying for eligible travel with the card, and the product guide flags a maximum age of 79 when travel is purchased and exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. Limits, excesses, trip duration, insured people, eligible expenses and points-booking treatment can differ by section. The Ultimate insurance PDS is the controlling document. The broader American Express travel-insurance guide provides useful context but covers several products and cannot replace the Ultimate PDS.

Plan It, interest and payment behaviour

The Plan It guide explains how eligible card transactions can be divided into equal payments over three, six or 12 months. The reviewed Ultimate source says up to ten plans can be created with a minimum plan balance of $100. Plan It uses a fixed monthly fee, so it should not be described as free finance. Compare the total plan fees with other payment options before using it.

The product guide records a 23.99% purchase rate and up to 44 interest-free days. Paying interest to earn Qantas Points is usually a poor exchange: even an unusually valuable redemption is unlikely to offset sustained card interest. The benefits make most sense for someone who can pay the statement balance according to the account terms.

Eligibility and what the first-year headline leaves out

The minimum criteria in the reviewed product page include being at least 18, being an Australian permanent resident or an eligible non-permanent resident with more than 12 months remaining on the visa, and having a good credit history without payment defaults. American Express may request proof of income and other information, and meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee approval.

The first-year calculation should include the annual fee, minimum spend and only benefits that will actually be used. The second-year calculation should remove the one-off first instalment of a sign-up offer, include the next annual fee, and determine whether the later bonus instalment is realistically achievable without unnecessary spending. After that, the ongoing card case rests on the travel credit, regular points earning and recurring benefits.

Ultimate versus Qantas American Express Premium

The Premium card provides a useful lower-cost comparison. The reviewed comparison records a $249 annual fee for Premium against $450 for Ultimate. Premium earns one Qantas Point per eligible everyday dollar, up to two points per dollar on selected Qantas spend and 0.5 points per dollar at government bodies. Ultimate increases the everyday and selected-Qantas rates to 1.25 and 2.25 respectively, adds the $450 Qantas Travel Credit and, until February 2027, includes Australian Centurion visits.

Decision factor Ultimate Premium
Annual fee $450 $249
Everyday earn before threshold 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 1 Qantas Point per $1
Selected Qantas spend 2.25 points per $1 Up to 2 points per $1
Qantas Travel Credit $450 under its booking conditions None
Qantas Club invitations Two after eligible Qantas spend Two after eligible Qantas spend
Qantas Wine Premium Included Included in the reviewed comparison
Centurion visits Two Australian visits until 14 February 2027 None

At $30,000 of eligible everyday spend, the extra 0.25 point per dollar produces 7,500 more Qantas Points before considering thresholds. Whether those points justify any remaining fee difference depends on redemption value. For many travellers, the decisive factor is simpler: if the Ultimate travel credit naturally fits a paid Qantas booking every year, it can materially change the comparison; if it expires, Premium may be easier to justify.

The retired complimentary flight benefit

Older Point Hacks articles discuss a complimentary Qantas domestic return flight. That was a previous version of the product. The benefit-transition analysis records that the $450 travel credit replaced the free-flight benefit from 31 October 2017, with transitional redemption ending on 30 April 2018. The historical free-flight guide remains useful for understanding the change but should not be combined with the current credit as though both are available.

Practical questions answered

Does the $450 travel credit make the annual fee effectively free?

Only when the credit replaces at least $450 of eligible Qantas travel that you would have bought anyway. It is redeemed through American Express Travel, expires if unused and may not cover the cheapest fare available elsewhere. Value it at the amount of planned spending it genuinely replaces, then assess the card's other benefits against the annual fee.

Can the credit be split across several bookings?

No. The reviewed terms require one eligible booking costing at least $450, and the whole credit is applied to that transaction. Any unused portion is forfeited, so a $300 booking does not preserve $150 for later. Check the live benefit terms before booking because eligible channels and payment requirements can change.

Can it pay the taxes and charges on a Qantas reward flight?

No. Reward-flight taxes and carrier charges are paid to Qantas as part of the reward booking, while this credit is used through American Express Travel for an eligible paid itinerary. Paying only a reward booking's taxes also does not satisfy the reviewed purchase condition for unlocking the Qantas Club invitations.

Does it work on Jetstar or partner-airline flights?

The reviewed terms require an eligible Qantas flight carrying a QF flight number. A JQ-numbered Jetstar service or a partner flight sold only under another airline's code should not be assumed to qualify, even if Qantas sells or connects to it. Verify the flight number and the American Express Travel checkout before relying on the credit.

Does points earning stop after 100,000 Qantas Points?

No. The reviewed guide says everyday earning falls from 1.25 to one Qantas Point per eligible dollar after the card has earned 100,000 Qantas Points in a calendar year. Eligible spending continues to earn at the lower rate for the rest of that year, and selected Qantas and government categories retain their applicable terms.

What unlocks the two Qantas Club invitations?

The cardholder must make an eligible Qantas purchase on the card. The reviewed definition includes qualifying QF airfares and specified Qantas membership or Travel Shop transactions, but excludes paying only the taxes and charges on a reward booking. After the invitations appear, their own expiry, guest and lounge-entry rules still apply.

Will Ultimate retain Centurion Lounge access after 14 February 2027?

No. The reviewed announcement removes Australian Centurion Lounge access from this card from 15 February 2027. That makes lounge value date-dependent: Qantas Club invitations remain a separate benefit, while personal and Business Platinum cards have different Centurion access rules.

Does being an additional Amex cardholder prevent a sign-up bonus?

Generally, holding only an additional card is not treated the same as being the primary member for the usual American Express exclusion. The exact offer wording and American Express's assessment control, so check the current eligibility period and product exclusions before applying. Do not cancel or apply solely on the assumption that an old offer's rule still applies.

Is the old annual complimentary return flight still included?

No. American Express replaced that benefit with the Qantas Travel Credit in 2017, and the transition period ended in 2018. Current value calculations should therefore use the travel credit's booking restrictions and expiry rather than assigning value to a complimentary flight that no longer exists.

Is the insurance automatic for every trip?

No. Cover depends on who is travelling, how the trip is paid for, trip dates, age limits, pre-existing-condition rules, exclusions and policy limits. Confirm that the activation conditions are met and read the current Ultimate insurance PDS before paying non-refundable costs or relying on the card instead of separate insurance.

Who the card is most likely to suit

The strongest fit is someone who already buys at least one eligible Qantas itinerary of $450 or more each year, wants points deposited directly into Qantas Frequent Flyer, can use the lounge invitations and pays the balance without interest. The card is harder to justify for someone who usually flies Jetstar or other airlines, prefers transferable points, spends heavily overseas, or may allow the travel credit to expire.

Evaluate three periods separately: the promotional first year, the second year in which a deferred bonus may be available, and a normal renewal year with no introductory points. That prevents a large headline offer from obscuring the card's ongoing economics and makes the effect of the February 2027 lounge change explicit.

Images on This Page