Amex Qantas Ultimate vs Amex Velocity Platinum
Rates and conditions verified 14 June 2026
Rates can change without notice. Last verified: 14 June 2026 (AEST). Please confirm details on the bank’s official page.
Two American Express rewards cards that differ mainly in airline program — Qantas Points versus Velocity. If you're loyal to one airline, that usually settles it; otherwise it comes down to the perks and fee.
At a glance
| American Express Qantas American Express Ultimate | American Express Velocity Platinum | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus points | 50,000 pts | 50,000 pts |
| Annual fee | $450 | $440 |
| Condition to earn it | Sign-up bonus after meeting a minimum spend in the first few months | Sign-up bonus after meeting a minimum spend in the first few months |
American Express Qantas American Express Ultimate
Condition: Sign-up bonus after meeting a minimum spend in the first few months
Best for: Qantas flyers who want points feeding straight into their Qantas Frequent Flyer account
- • Earns Qantas Points
- • Travel credit + perks
- • Issued directly by American Express
American Express Velocity Platinum
Condition: Sign-up bonus after meeting a minimum spend in the first few months
Best for: Virgin Australia flyers who collect Velocity Points
- • Earns Velocity Points
- • Velocity status credits / perks
- • Issued directly by American Express
The verdict
The biggest question is which frequent flyer program you actually use: Qantas or Virgin's Velocity. Points between the two aren't directly comparable, so if you're loyal to one airline, match the card to it. If you're program-agnostic, compare the sign-up bonus and annual fee in the table and the specific travel perks each carries. As Amex cards, both are accepted at fewer merchants than Visa or Mastercard — worth considering if you spend where Amex isn't taken.
FAQs
Should I pick Qantas Points or Velocity Points?
Match the card to the airline you fly. Qantas Points suit Qantas and oneworld flyers; Velocity Points suit Virgin Australia and its partners. The points aren't interchangeable, so your preferred program usually decides it more than the headline bonus.
Is American Express widely accepted in Australia?
Amex acceptance has improved but still trails Visa and Mastercard, especially at smaller merchants. Many cardholders keep a Visa or Mastercard as a backup. If you often spend where Amex isn't accepted, factor that into the decision.
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Information verified 14 June 2026. Rates are variable and subject to change. Confirm current rates and conditions on each provider's website before applying. This is not financial advice.