Card Overview
The Qantas Premier Platinum is our top recommendation for frequent Qantas flyers with monthly spending between $3,000 and $7,500. This premium American Express card offers an exceptional combination of a substantial sign-up bonus, competitive earning rates, and valuable travel benefits that justify the annual fee for regular users.
With a 100,000 Qantas Points sign-up bonus (worth approximately $1,200 for business class redemptions), you're already ahead even after the first-year fee of $149. The ongoing earn rate of 1.25 points per dollar up to $7,500 monthly spend means active users can accumulate significant points for Qantas flights, upgrades, and partner airline redemptions.
Key Benefits
- Qantas Club Access: Complimentary lounge access on Qantas flights—normally worth $600+/year as a separate membership
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive cover including medical, cancellation, and luggage when you pay for travel with the card
- Priority Check-in: Skip the queues with dedicated priority lanes at Qantas terminals
- 2 Lounge Passes: Additional single-use passes for guests or domestic travel
- Concierge Service: 24/7 assistance for travel, dining, and event bookings
Earning Structure
You'll earn 1.25 Qantas Points per dollar on everyday purchases up to $7,500 per statement period. After reaching this cap, the earn rate drops to 0.625 points per dollar. For most users spending $5,000-7,000 monthly, this means earning at the full rate all year. High spenders exceeding $7,500 monthly should consider supplementing with a second card or the higher-cap Amex Platinum Charge.
Who Should Get This Card?
This card is ideal for Qantas loyalists who fly domestically or internationally several times per year, can spend $3,000+ within the first 3 months to earn the bonus, value lounge access and premium travel benefits, and pay their balance in full monthly (never carry a balance on rewards cards).
Potential Drawbacks
The 3% foreign transaction fee makes this card unsuitable for international purchases—pair it with a 28 Degrees Platinum for overseas spending. American Express acceptance can also be limited at some merchants, though coverage has improved significantly in Australia.