Frequent Flyer Credit Card Analysis: Qantas American Express Discovery Card
Related Products
Qantas and American Express – considered as market leaders in their industries. Put them together and you produce a lethal combination of great rewards and benefits across millions of locations worldwide.
With high bonus points available and a $0 p.a. annual fee, the American Express Discovery Card is a cut higher than most non-Platinum credit cards in the market.
| Product Name | American Express Qantas Discovery Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate on Purchases | 20.74% p.a. | |
| Offer end date | 30 June 2013 | |
| Annual Fee | $0 p.a. | |
| Interest Free Period | up to 44 days | |
| Minimum Credit Limit
This is the lowest credit card limit that you can request. It is possible to apply for a higher credit card limit but not a lower one than this figure.
|
$1,000 | |
| Max Credit Limit | $100,000 | |
| Minimum Monthly Repayment | 3% | |
| Credit Card Type | American Express | |
| Late Payment Fee | $30 | |
| Complimentary Travel Insurance | No | |
| Available to Temporary Residents | No | |
| Joint Application | No |
The Reward Points
Your Qantas American Express Discovery Card gives you 1 point for every $1 dollar spent on eligible purchases. Furthermore, it gives you 1 Qantas Frequent Flyer point for every $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services. The reward points are unlimited and they are automatically transferred to your Frequent Flyer account. But the reward does not stop there. Here’s the real whopper.
Upon approval you receive a whopping 7,500 bonus points which could be broken down as:
- 5,000 extra points for $300 worth of purchases using your credit card 3 months upon membership.
- 2,500 extra points for first Card spend on various Qantas products and services.
These points can be redeemed on Qantas and their partner airlines.
Zero Card Fee
Some credit cards would boast of very low annual fee. The Qantas American Express Discovery credit card wipes out all competition with its zero annual card fees – a very rare commodity for such a Prestige card. Consider a couple of hundred dollars of saving from this alone.
A 44-day Interest Free Period
Another feature that the Qantas American Express Discovery Card has is the 44-day interest free period. Just imagine a 6 month period of zero interest and after that is 44 days of no interest as long as you pay off the account in full every month. You have ample time to pay off whatever purchases you made.
Flying with Your Card
Sometimes, if you have a card like this – $0 p.a. annual fee – you are left wondering if there is a catch somewhere. Of course, it is still advised to read the fine print so you can be fully and thoroughly acquainted with your card.
Again, the question lingers: What are the real perks for a card like this, or are there really any tangible benefits I can get from this card?
For one, the card gives you access to Qantas’ partner airlines. This means you have a wide variety of destinations to select from as you accumulate points to your Frequent Flyer account. With your card, you can have full control where to go.
The trick is to use your card every time you shop instead of cash. This is convenient since there isn’t any interest for 44-days. Instead pay it promptly and earn point after point which you can use for travelling.
To give you an idea, here are a few examples:
- For a flight from Melbourne to Sydney, it will take you only 8,000 points and an additional $10.82 for taxes and fees or 3,000 extra points.
- How about escaping the heat from Darwin to Brisbane? That would only cost you 18,000 points plus a $23.02 or 3,000 points. Before you know it, you are already enjoying the cool weather of Brisbane.
- If you are thinking of traversing from Perth to Adelaide, all you need is 18,000 points, $18.85 in fees and taxes and an extra 3,000 points.
- A flight from Sydney to Hobart will cost you only 18,000 points and an $11.69 in fees and taxes. Add to that the 3,000 extra points.
- But if you are planning to go international and planning to tour Los Angeles with Sydney as the starting point, it would take you 48,000 and $192.48 in taxes and fees. Pretty low than when you are not using the Qantas American Express Discovery card.
Features and Other Benefits
If there are some downsides the American Express Discovery has, it would be only two things:
- No Balance Transfer. For those who are thinking of putting all their balances under one card, you will have to find another card.
- High per Annum Rate. Another disadvantage of this card is the interest rate on purchases which is at 20.74% p.a. every year. However, this can be avoided when you pay on time and take advantage of the free interest period instead.
But then, despite the above mentioned disadvantages, the American Express Discovery has other extra benefits:
- You have access to their customer service anywhere and anytime in the world.
- You are protected with their Purchase Protection. This means that any item you bought that has been damaged or stolen can be repaired or replaced within 90 days of purchase.
- You are also covered by the Amex Refund Protection which will credit you for any refused refund within 90 days of purchase.
- You are also protected from any questionable or fraudulent purchases made from your card with Amex’s Fraud Protection Guarantee.
- And just in case you lost your card while travelling, you can request for immediate card replacement anywhere and anytime.
How to Apply for the American Express Qantas Rewards Card
If you have been totally impressed by the Qantas American Express Delivery Card, you can get it after meeting the following requirements:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You are a permanent Australian citizen.
- You are earning a pre-tax income of at least $35,000 every year.
- You are in good credit standing.
- If you are self-employed, a trading record minimum of one year.
The Qantas American Express Discovery Card holds great potential for the wise consumer. With the promise of great savings and rewards, all you need to do is go online or call for further assistance.
Read the American Express Qantas Discovery Card terms and conditions.
| Minimum Income | $35,000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age | |
| Available to Temporary Residents | No | |
| Credit Rating Requirement | Good | |
| Min Credit Limit This is the lowest credit card limit that you can request. It is possible to apply for a higher credit card limit but not a lower one than this figure. | $1,000 | |
| Max Credit Limit | $100,000 |
| Annual Fee | $0 p.a. | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Repayment | 3% | |
| Late Payment Fee | $30 | |
| Over Limit Fee | $30 | |
| Overseas ATM Withdrawal | $2.50 | |
| Gambling Transactions Allowed | No | |
| Additional Cardholder Fee | $0 |
Pros
- $0 annual fee ever which is a rarity for a prestigious card plus, equal points for spending.
- Your points will be transferred straight into your QANTAS frequent flyer account.
- 24/7 assistance covers fraud, replacement cards and theft. AMEX Express purchase protection covers you for the stolen, broken or defective items within 90 days of purchase.
Cons
- Must have a good credit rating without defaults.
- Income before tax must be $35000 or over.
Read the American Express Qantas Discovery Card terms and conditions.
Was this content helpful to you? No Yes
Ask a Question About This Card
2 Responses to Frequent Flyer Credit Card Analysis: Qantas American Express Discovery Card
Credit Cards Comparison
* The credit card offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of credit cards CreditCardFinder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms 'Best' and 'Top' are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your own personal financial circumstances when comparing cards.
Hi.
Is there any charges will be applied when use the card?
Hi,
Thanks for the question. There are the standard interest rate for purchases and cash advances that apply depending on how you use this card. Other changes include the transaction fees that are standard with all credit card transactions.
Cheers,
Jeremy