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

Learn how easy and fast it is to apply for The American Express Essential® Credit Card and earn $100 back after spending $1,500 on eligible purchases within three months.

by Aline Augusto

Published on 03/10/2023

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

Apply for The American Express Essential® Credit Card: get a response within 60 seconds

This Amex has no annual fee! Read on to see how to apply for it. Source: The Mister Finance.
This Amex has no annual fee! Read on to see how to apply for it. Source: The Mister Finance.

If you want a zero annual fee credit card, take a minute to look at how easy it is to apply for The American Express Essential® Credit Card.

But first, check out the summary below on how many benefits you can get by getting this card:

  • Earn up to 1.25 points on eligible purchases;
  • Receive $100 back after spending $1,500 on eligible purchases within three months;
  • Get up to 55 days of free interest;
  • Enjoy a flexible redemption program;
  • Pay no extra cost when adding cards;
  • Get up to $500 as a Smartphone Screen Cover;
  • Access exclusive offers at your favorite stores;
  • Get purchase protection and Fraud Protection Guarantee;
  • Access the Plan It™ Instalments to pay your bills.

Also, this AMEX has great travel perks. 

If you want a card for your everyday needs, then learn how to apply for The American Express Essential® Credit Card.

The Low Rate Credit Card from American Express® review

How to apply for the Low Rate Credit Card

Are you looking for a card with great value and no annual fee? If so, read on to learn how to apply for the Low Rate Credit Card from American Express®!

Online Application Process

Get this card at the American Express website. Source: Canva.
Get this card at the American Express website. Source: Canva.

The application takes less than ten minutes, and you can get a response within only 60 seconds.

To apply for this card, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Be an Australian citizen or hold a long-term visa;
  • Have no history of bad debt or payment default;
  • Agree to access online statements via AMEX.

Also, the following documentation will be asked:

  • Proof of income;
  • Details of debts and expenses;
  • Australian Driver’s License number (if you have it).

Then, access the official website to start applying. Firstly, you need to provide your personal information.

Secondly, your employment status and financial details.

Finally, you will be asked to personalize your card features to submit the application.

Application Process using the app

After applying online as described above, download the American Express mobile app to manage your card information and account.

The American Express Essential® Credit Card vs. HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card

On the other hand, if you want a card with more travel perks, check out the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card.

Before applying, take a look at the comparison, though.

The American Express Essential® Credit CardHSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
Credit ScoreGood (no history of bad debt or payment default)Good – Excellent 
APR16.99% on purchases
Rates & Fees   
19.99% p.a. on purchases;
21.99% p.a. on cash advances
Annual Fee$0
Rates & Fees  
$0 (in the first year);$450 thereafter
FeesForeign Transaction fee: 3% of a converted amount
Rates & Fees  
Cash Advance Fees: The higher of 3% or $4;
Late Payment Fees: $30;
Overseas Exchange Fees: 3%
Welcome bonus$100 back when applying online and after approval spending at least $1,500 on eligible purchases within 3 months
*Terms Apply 
Fast track to Star Alliance Gold Status in the first year after spending at least $4,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of the account opening
Rewards1.25 points per dollar spent on purchases excluding government bodies;
1 point per dollar spent at government bodies
*Terms Apply 
1 Star Alliance Point per dollar spent on eligible purchases, up to $3,000 (per statement period);
0.5 Star Alliance Points per dollar spent on eligible purchases, then

Then, learn how to apply for an HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card.

HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card

How to apply for the HSBC Star Alliance Card

Learn how to apply for an HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card and earn a complete range of travel benefits at a $0 annual fee in the first year!

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

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