How to Transfer AMEX Points to Qantas: Guide for Aussies

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If you have an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, those points do not have to sit idle. One popular option for Australians is to transfer them into your Qantas Frequent Flyer account, where they can go towards reward flights, upgrades, and more.

This guide walks through how to link your AMEX to Qantas, how the transfer actually works, and the key things to know before you move any points over. We'll also introduce the Wise card as a smart way to manage your spending when those Qantas points take you somewhere abroad.

Can You Link Your AMEX to Qantas?

Yes, if your American Express card earns Membership Rewards points, Qantas Frequent Flyer is a transfer partner of the program.¹

It is worth noting that not all AMEX cards in Australia work the same way. Some cards, such as the co-branded Qantas American Express Ultimate Credit Card, earn Qantas points directly on spend. These cards do not go through Membership Rewards, so there is nothing to link or transfer. The process in this guide applies specifically to AMEX cards enrolled in the Membership Rewards program, such as the American Express Explorer Credit Card or the American Express Platinum Card.

If you are not sure which program your card uses, log in to your American Express account and check whether your points balance is listed under Membership Rewards.

Step-by-Step: How to Link Your AMEX to Qantas

Before you can transfer any points, you need to add your Qantas Frequent Flyer account to your Membership Rewards profile. You only need to do this once.

Here is how to link your AMEX to Qantas:¹

1. Log in to your American Express account at americanexpress.com/en-au
2. Go to your Membership Rewards Dashboard
3. Select Travel and then Airline Partners
4. Find Qantas Frequent Flyer in the list and select Add Account
5. Enter your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership number and personal details exactly as they appear in your Qantas account
6. Submit your request

Your Qantas account will need to be verified by AMEX before the link is confirmed. Once it is, you are ready to transfer.

If you are not yet a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, you can join for free on the Qantas page before completing the steps above.

How to Transfer Your AMEX Points to Qantas

Once your accounts are linked, transferring is straightforward. Here is how to do it:¹

1. Log in to your American Express account
2. Open your Membership Rewards Dashboard
3. Navigate to Travel, then Airline Partners
4. Select Qantas Frequent Flyer
5. Enter the number of Membership Rewards points you want to transfer
6. Review the details carefully, as transfers cannot be reversed
7. Confirm the transfer

Transfers typically take up to one business day to appear in your Qantas account, though they are often faster than that.¹

What Is the AMEX to Qantas Transfer Ratio?

The conversion rate between AMEX Membership Rewards points and Qantas points depends on the specific card you hold and the Membership Rewards program tier you are enrolled in.

For cards enrolled in the Membership Rewards Ascent Premium program, the typical transfer rate is 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Qantas point.¹ This applies to premium cards such as the American Express Platinum Card and the American Express Explorer Credit Card.

For cards enrolled in the Membership Rewards Ascent program, the rate is generally lower, often 2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Qantas point depending on the card.

Check your specific card's terms or the Membership Rewards Dashboard for the exact ratio that applies to your account before you transfer, as rates can vary and can also change over time.

Crucial Things to Note Before You Transfer

Before moving your points across, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Transfers are permanent. Once Membership Rewards points have been moved to Qantas, they cannot be reversed or returned to your AMEX account. Do not transfer more than you plan to use.
• Points can only be transferred to the primary cardholder's Qantas account. You cannot transfer points into someone else's Frequent Flyer account.
• Check award availability first. Before committing your points to a transfer, confirm that the Qantas reward flights you want are actually available. There is no point transferring a large balance if your preferred route or dates have no award seats open. Search for availability at qantas.com before you transfer.
• Qantas points may expire. Qantas Frequent Flyer points expire if there is no qualifying activity on your account for 18 months. Once points are transferred from AMEX to Qantas, they are subject to Qantas's own terms and conditions rather than those of Membership Rewards.
• AMEX travel insurance does not cover flights booked with reward points. American Express Card travel insurance benefits do not apply to flights booked using Qantas points that were converted from Membership Rewards.¹ Make sure you have separate travel insurance in place for any trip booked with points.
• Points must be transferred in minimum amounts. There is a minimum transfer amount, and transfers must be made in specified point increments. Check the Membership Rewards Dashboard for the current minimums before you begin.

Use the Wise Card to Save on Foreign Transaction Fees When Spending Abroad

While earning points with your AMEX credit cards can be a great perk, spending internationally with credit cards often comes with hidden costs like high foreign transaction fees and poor exchange rates. The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 4x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up AUD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in AUD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

🚀 Get your Wise card

FAQs

How Long Does an AMEX to Qantas Transfer Take?

Transfers are often completed quickly, but AMEX advises allowing up to one business day for the points to appear in your Qantas account.¹

Can I Transfer AMEX Points to Someone Else's Qantas Account?

No. Qantas points converted from AMEX Membership Rewards can only be transferred into the Qantas Frequent Flyer account of the primary cardholder.¹

Do AMEX Membership Rewards Points Expire?

Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains active and in good standing. However, once transferred to Qantas, the points are subject to Qantas Frequent Flyer's expiry rules, which require account activity at least once every 18 months.

Can I Transfer Qantas Points Back to AMEX Membership Rewards?

No. Transfers from AMEX Membership Rewards to Qantas are one-way and final. Once points have been converted, they cannot be returned to your Membership Rewards account.¹

What Is the Best Way to Spend Money on a Qantas Reward Trip?

If you are heading abroad on a Qantas reward booking, consider using the best travel card for overseas for your day-to-day spending. A dedicated travel card like the Wise card avoids foreign transaction fees and currency markups, helping your travel budget go further.

1. American Express Membership Rewards Program | AMEX AU