Credit Cards (AU)

The American Express Essential® Credit Card review

Read The American Express Essential® Credit Card review to find out its main benefits and any disadvantage it might have, so you can decide whether to apply or not for it!

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more

Partner Offer through CreditCards.com

The American Express Essential® Credit Card: earn points on each dollar spent on eligible purchases

Use this point to earn rewards points! Read on to see how. Source: The Mister Finance.
Use this point to earn rewards points! Read on to see how. Source: The Mister Finance.

The American Express Essential® Credit Card review gathers the principal information about this AMEX so you can balance the pros and cons before applying.

The American Express Essential® Credit Card

How to apply for Amex Essential® Credit Card?

Check out how easy it is to apply for The American Express Essential® Credit Card and earn $100 back after spending $1,500 within 3 months.

As can be seen, the card offers points on each dollar spent on eligible purchases while charging no annual fee.

Credit ScoreGood (no history of bad debt or payment default)
APR16.99% on purchases
Rates & Fees 
Annual Fee$0
Rates & Fees 
FeesForeign Transaction fee: 3% of a converted amount
*Rates & Fees  
Welcome bonus$100 back when applying online and after approval spending at least $1,500 on eligible purchases within 3 months
*Terms Apply 
Rewards1.25 points per dollar spent on purchases excluding government bodies;
1 point per dollar spent at government bodies
*Terms Apply 

Of course, this credit card comes with other advantages. So, continue reading to learn more about them.

How does The American Express Essential® Credit Card work?

American Express gathers a range of credit cards for every need and goal. In the case of The American Express Essential®, it is suitable for those who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases.

Also, the card gives you a good welcome bonus of $100 back if you apply online, be approved, and spent at least $1,500 on eligible purchases within three months.

The promotion is only available for new members, though.

Even though it charges a 16.99% p.a. on purchases, it offers a free interest period of up to 55 days.

Moreover, there is no annual fee whatsoever.

Certainly, the rewards are worth checking, as follows:

  • 1.25 points per dollar spent on purchases excluding government bodies;
  • One point per dollar spent at government bodies.

Additionally, this AMEX includes some extra benefits you may love to know, including additional cards at no cost, $500 as a Smartphone Screen Cover, and an Airline Partner Program to which you can choose an airline to transfer your points.

As an American Express card, it will provide some other features, such as:

  • Exclusive offers at eligible stores;
  • Purchase protection and Fraud Protection Guarantee;
  • Plan It™ Instalments that help you get flexible payments through fixed monthly installments.

On the other hand, it is important to note that it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on a converted amount.

The American Express Essential® Credit Card benefits

Amex has excellent partners for you to redeem your points with. Source: The Mister Finance.
Amex has excellent partners for you to redeem your points with. Source: The Mister Finance.

As shown on this American Express Essential® Credit Card review, it can be a great choice for you if you are looking for a cheap card option for your everyday needs.

Also, the card offers a reasonable reward program with flexible redemption, although it charges a foreign transaction fee.

Pros

  • The American Express Essential® offers up to 1.25 points on purchases;
  • There is no annual fee;
  • Free interest period of up to 55 days;
  • Access a flexible redemption program;
  • It provides coverage and protection;
  • Exclusive offers at eligible stores.

Pre-approved credit cards for low credit score available now

We analyzed your profile and found some offers that you can apply for today.

You will be redirected to another website

Cons

  • It charges a foreign transaction fee.

How good does your credit score need to be?

Although not disclosed, it is important to only apply for this card if you don’t have a history of bad debt or payment default.

Also, other eligibility requirements apply. So, check out the following post!

How to apply for The American Express Essential® Credit Card?

Now, learn how to apply for The American Express Essential® Credit Card. The application takes less than ten minutes, and you can get a response within 60 seconds.

The American Express Essential® Credit Card

How to apply for Amex Essential® Credit Card?

Check out how easy it is to apply for The American Express Essential® Credit Card and earn $100 back after spending $1,500 within 3 months.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more

Partner Offer through CreditCards.com

About the author

Aline Augusto

My name is Aline Mesquita; I'm a writer here on the blog, where I write about finance in general and other subjects. I have been working with content creation for ten years. Also, I'm post-graduated in Project Management, with expertise in SEO practices. Currently, I am studying finance, market trends, and cryptocurrencies.

Reviewed by

Aline Barbosa

Senior Editor

Trending Topics

content

How to apply for the HSBC Student Credit Card?

Are you a student looking for a card with online banking and no annual fee? Read on to apply for the HSBC Student Credit Card!

Keep Reading
content

HSBC Platinum Credit Card full review: Intro interest rate!

Do you need a card with an intro interest rate on balance transfers and a low intro annual fee? Read our HSBC Platinum Credit Card review!

Keep Reading
content

Afterpay Card full review: Buy now, pay later

Do you love shopping at your favorite brands? If so, you can get incredible perks and sales with Afterpay! So, read our Afterpay Card review!

Keep Reading

You may also like

content

What happens if you don't use your credit card?

Learn why it's important to use your credit cards regularly and the consequences of not doing so!

Keep Reading
content

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® review: is it legit and worth it?

If you're looking for a new credit card with cash back rewards, the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® is an interesting option. We are going to show you its pros and cons on this full review.

Keep Reading
content

How to get low interest rates on loans

When shopping for a loan, it's important to consider rates. So, we made a complete list of how to get low interest rates on loans. This post will tell you everything you need to understand and learn what impacts these rates. Read on!

Keep Reading