American ExpressAmerican Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card
Expect extra with the American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card.
At a glance
- Purchase rate
- 23.99%
- Interest-free days
- 55
- Annual fee
- $0
- Foreign transaction fee
- 3.50%
- Rewards
- Membership Rewards
How it compares
This credit card in ink, against the best that every other institution publishes for anyone to apply for. Each figure is counted the same way for all of them.
| Rate | This credit card | Best anywhere | Typical institution | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any credit cardOngoing purchase rate, not introductory offers | 23.99% | 7.49%Unity Bank's Low Rate Visa Credit Card | 12.95%of 51 institutions | 50th lowest of 51 |
| No annual feeOngoing purchase rate | 23.99% | 10.99%American Express' Low Rate Credit Card from American Express® | 14.84%of 10 institutions | 10th lowest of 10 |
| Rewards cardOngoing purchase rate on a card that earns points | 23.99% | 9.90%Westpac Lite Card | 19.99%of 25 institutions | 25th lowest of 25 |
| Interest-free daysDays without interest on purchases when the balance is paid in full | 55 days | 62 daysBeyond Bank Australia's Low Rate Credit Card | 55 daysof 42 institutions | 2nd longest of 42, level with 30 others |
Rates
The one rate American Express publishes for this credit card.
| Type | Applies to | Term | Band | Rate | Comparison | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PurchaseInterest rate applied to outstanding balances not paid in full by the due date. | - | - | - | 23.99% | - | - |
Fees
8 fees published, grouped by when they're charged.
While you hold it2
- Additional Card Fee
Applies to the first 4 Additional Cards
No fee - Annual Fee$9 a month
When you make a transaction2
- Over The Counter Fee
$3 Payable if you pay your Card Account in person at Australia Post by EFTPOS.
$3 - Currency Conversion Fee
3.5% of the converted amount. Payable when any charge is processed in a currency other than Australian dollars.
3.50% of transaction
When particular things happen4
- Additional Statement Fee
Payable if you or an Additional Card Member requests an additional posted monthly paper statement. You may access statements free of charge through your online Account.
$10 - Dishonour Fee
$6 for each dishonour or debit rejection. Payable if there aren’t enough funds in your nominated account to pay the Card Account or if the whole or part of a payment by direct debit is rejected.
$6 - Late Payment Fee$30
- Record of Charge Fee
$7 for charges in Australia, $10 for other charges
$7
Features
- Whether it's shopping, dining, travel or entertainment, eligible Card Members can access Amex Offers providing statement credits or bonus points. Amex Offers must be saved to the Card and used for qu…
- Get pre-sale tickets and access to some of your favourite events, and enjoy the Amex Entertainment Lounge before the show at select venues. With Amex, you can dive into unforgettable experiences.
Eligibility and limits
- Minimum age 18
- Residency: You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident or hold a long term visa.
- Available to individuals
- Amount from $2,000, no maximum
- Additional Cards are available for any friend or family member 16 years and over.
- Applications are assessed based on the information provided and are subject to credit approval.
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Published by American Express under the Consumer Data Right, last changed by them on 8 July 2026. Figures are shown as the institution publishes them and can change without notice; confirm on their site before applying. The Finance Algorithm earns nothing from any product listed here.