Platinum Edge Review: A Great Card For Home
*UPDATED AUGUST 2019*
In this quick guide we’ll talk about the Platinum Edge card and how to use it for earning travel reward points in 2019:
The AMEX Platinum Edge is a great card for being rewarded on everyday household essentials. This entry level Platinum can sometimes be overlooked, but there is a unique edge to this card that makes it a great companion for earning more reward points, at the shops, in the car and overseas.
Key Features:
- Earns AMEX Ascent points
- Redeem your points with 8+ airlines, at 2:1 transfer
- Earn 3x points per $1 at major supermarkets
- Earn 2x points per $1 on overseas transactions
- Earn 1x point per $1 everywhere else, (excluding utilities and gov)
- Earn 0.5 points per $1 for ATO
- No points earning cap
- $195 fee, offset by a travel credit
The Edge has a number of benefits that make the $195 worthwhile for those who travel at least once a year. Let’s take a look at the three top features:
1 — Earning Ascent Points
The Edge earns Ascent points, which can be converted to a handful of airlines at a 2:1 ratio.
Where can I transfer my AMEX points?
- Virgin Australia (Velocity)
- Emirates (Skywards)
- Etihad (Etihad Guest)
- Virgin Atlantic (VA Flying Club)
- Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
- Air New Zealand (Airpoints)
- THAI Airways (Royal Orchid Plus)
- Malaysia Airlines (Enrich)
- Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles)
Example of using your points:
For 90,000 Asia Miles, you could fly with Cathay Pacific in Business Class to Hong Kong, from Brisbane/Sydney return. This trip would cost between $4,000 and $6,000 using cash.
2 — Bonus Categories
Have you ever felt like you’re spending more and more on fuel and groceries each year? As Major supermarkets expand their product line, and fuel prices continue to rise — this card has a unique edge to reward you for all that heavy spending.
I’m referring here to the two bonus point categories:
- Earn 3x points per $1 at major supermarkets and fuel stations
- NEW Earn 2x points per $1 on overseas transactions.
This is a great initiative by AMEX, making this card quite valuable for everyday household spenders. When you think about it, fuel and food are two big items in a home budget.
‘Supermarkets’ include the following: Bi-Lo, Coles (and online), IGA, Foodland, Flemings, Safeway, Woolworths (and online), Thomas Dux, BigW, Food For Less, Fishers, Fresh Provisions, Macro Wholefood, Superbarn, Franklins, Harris Farm Markets
‘Petrol Stations’ include the following: Coles Express, Ampol, Shell, 7-Eleven, BP, Safeway Petrol, Woolworths Petrol, Peak, Gull, Caltex, Caltex Woolworths, Mobil, Quix
3 — Travel Credit
Your card comes with a $200 travel credit, to offset the annual $195 fee. This credit can be used to book travel through the online American Express Travel website.
You can redeem it against a single flight, accommodation or car rental booking with a cost of $200 or more. The credit becomes available after you pay the annual fee each year.
Other Benefits
It’s good to note that this card comes with AMEX complimentary Travel & Protection Insurance for you, your partner and dependants (terms apply, see card info).
If you’re new to American Express, you can likely pick up bonus points using a friend’s referral link. It’s worth asking around to see if they have the card. Or apply yourself, and then refer others to receive bonus points as well.
Every American Express card comes with the added benefits such as Amex Offers, Amex Invites, Amex Local Champion, and more. It’s just one of the many reasons why we love their reward cards.
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