Whether you’re heading off for Aperol in Amalfi or a rail trip through the Riviera, Euro Summer is calling, and the American Express Explorer® Credit Card could be the perfect travel companion to elevate your journey.
From valuable travel credits to airport lounge access and luxe hotel perks, this card is designed to help you travel smarter (and in style). Here’s how the Amex Explorer Credit Card can go the extra mile for your European getaway – and how it could provide value that rivals the annual fee.
The American Express Explorer® Credit Card
Sign-up Bonus: 130,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points¹
Rewards Earn Rate: Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all eligible purchases, except for spend with government bodies, for which you will earn 1 point per $1 spent⁶
Annual Fee: $395 p.a.
Offer expires: 21 October 2025
Receive 130,000 Membership Rewards® Bonus Points¹ when you apply online through the link on this page by 21 October 2025, are approved and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Explorer® Credit Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New American Express Card Members only.
This article is brought to you in partnership with American Express.
Offset your travel costs with a $400 Travel Credit²
One of the standout benefits of the Amex Explorer Credit Card is the $400 Travel Credit², which can be redeemed through American Express Travel on eligible flights, hotels and car hire. Whether you’re booking a boutique stay in Barcelona or flights to Berlin, this annual credit goes a long way in covering essential trip costs.
Notably, the yearly $400 Travel Credit offers consistent value against the card’s annual fee of $395. It’s a card well-suited for savvy travellers looking to make their money work harder.
Enjoy airport lounge access at Centurion Lounges³
There’s no better way to start your Euro Summer adventure than lounging with a delicious buffet and a glass of bubbly, right? The Amex Explorer Credit Card grants two complimentary entries per year to the Centurion Lounges³ in Sydney and Melbourne’s international terminals.
These stylish spaces offer a calm oasis from the airport bustle, with complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi and more – ideal for kicking off your European escape in comfort. You can use the second complimentary entry for your travel buddy or save it for your next international flight. We won’t judge.
Luxe hotel perks through The Hotel Collection⁴
Thanks to the Amex Explorer Credit Card, when you book a two-night stay or more through The Hotel Collection⁴ with American Express Travel, you’ll enjoy a range of perks that could include:
- Room upgrades (when available).
- Up to US$100 hotel credit to spend on eligible dining, spa and resort activities, when you stay at least two consecutive nights.
- Noon check-in and late check-out, depending on availability.
From Parisian boutiques to sun-drenched Greek island resorts, The Hotel Collection includes hundreds of properties across Europe and beyond. Even better, these benefits can sometimes be included for a similar price as a standard room rate elsewhere, making it easy to enjoy a luxe-for-less experience.
Bonus points to jump-start your next trip
New card members can receive a welcome bonus of up to 130,000 Membership Rewards® points¹ when you apply through the link on this page by 21 October 2025, are approved and spend a min. of $4000 within the first three months. T&Cs apply. New American Express Card Members only.
These points can be transferred to a range of airline rewards partner programs, including Singapore Airlines⁵ – potentially unlocking Economy reward flights to Europe or even upgrades to a higher cabin on a leg, depending on how you use them.
For example, a one-way reward seat from Sydney to London in Singapore Airlines Economy Class costs 58,500 KrisFlyer miles* – transferred from 175,500 Membership Rewards points – plus fees and taxes.
Or if you have an existing booking in Economy Standard to Europe, you could use 34,000 KrisFlyer miles* for an upgrade to Premium Economy on the Sydney-Singapore leg, or 65,000 KrisFlyer miles* for the Singapore-Europe leg. That’s 102,000 or 195,000 Membership Rewards points, respectively.
Prefer to play the long game? Keep the points and continue to earn more to save up for an outright premium cabin reward seat in the future. With a generous earn rate of 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on most everyday purchases in Australia (uncapped)⁶, you could continue to build rewards long after your trip.
*All options are subject to award seat and/or upgrade availability. Pricing was accurate as of 23 September 2025 and was taken from the Singapore Airlines award chart and Singapore Airlines upgrade chart.
Travel Insurance⁷
Eligible Card Members can also enjoy complimentary travel insurance⁷ when you pay for your return trip with the Amex Explorer Credit Card – covering things like trip cancellation, baggage issues and overseas medical emergencies. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions, and coverage limits).
Smarter, more rewarding travel is possible
For savvy travellers looking to add a touch of luxury to their Euro Summer adventures without paying full price, the Amex Explorer Credit Card delivers real value. With its versatile Travel Credit, airport lounge access, hotel perks, and a generous Membership Rewards points program, it’s designed to reward those who plan ahead.
Ready to travel better this summer? Learn more about how the Amex Explorer Credit Card can elevate your next European escape.
Terms and Conditions (1-7):
1. Bonus & Eligibility
130,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points is only available to new American Express Card Members who apply by 21 October 2025 via the link on either Point Hacks or Australian Frequent Flyer, are approved and spend $4,000 or more on eligible purchases on the 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. This offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Please allow 8-10 weeks for the Bonus Points to be credited to your Account after the spend criteria has been met. The Bonus Points will not be applied to your Account if it has been suspended or cancelled. The Bonus Points may be reversed if your qualifying purchase is refunded or cancelled. All Amex Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any other 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.
2. Travel Credit
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.
3. The Centurion® Lounge
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.
4. The Hotel Collection
5. Partner Programs
To redeem points to any Frequent Traveller Program you must be a member of the applicable Program. Enrolment in such Programs is solely your responsibility and fees may apply. The minimum requirement and transfer rate varies. Subject to the Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions.
6. Membership Rewards Program.
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.
7. Explorer 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 Explorer 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 Explorer 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.
This guide is brought to you in partnership with American Express.
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