Living in Sydney, we frequently visit our friends and family in Brisbane, so we’re always looking out for great deals to reduce the cost.

The ‘deal’ I’m referring to in this post is not as much as a deal, but rather $200 travel credit every year as part of one of the benefits attached to our American Express Platinum Edge credit card. The best part, there is no annual card fee in the first year!

American Express. I know, what is this doing here? Well, this is my favourite Australian credit card in terms of travel benefits. I say this because you have to be an Australian resident to sign up for the card.

In my opinion, it’s affordable, the rewards are great and it’s always easy to cancel if you change your mind. Some of the benefits attached to the American Express Platinum Edge credit card are:

• Travel credit of $200 every year (slightly more than the annual card fee, which is waived in the first year!). The travel credit can be used towards an American Express Travel booking, including flight, hotel and car rental.
• Complimentary domestic and international Travel Insurance when you pay for your travel on the card.
• Purchase Protection for items lost, stolen, damaged or refused a refund on an item within 90 days of the purchase date. (There are thresholds on what you can claim, but this was extremely handy when water was spilled on our 2 week old MacBook Air!).
• Receive 15,000 Membership Rewards points if you use my referral link and you spend $550 in the first 2 months of Card Membership. If you sign up with Amex directly, you’ll only receive 10,000 points.
• Complimentary Membership Rewards Ascent program.
• Points earned per $ is maximised for your everyday spend. You receive 3 reward points at supermarkets, 2 points earned on fuel, and 1 point on all other purchases excluding utilities, insurance, telecommunication providers and government bodies in Australia where you earn 0.5 points.

The cost of the card is $nil in the first year and $195 p.a. thereafter, which in my opinion is fantastic, especially given you immediately receive $200 travel credit, let alone the other benefits attached to the card.

Note: We have been American Express members since 2006 and frequently use our American Express Platinum Edge credit card, especially to receive the benefits of the complimentary travel insurance. We will receive reward points if you sign up through the referral link, this varies depending on promotional periods and therefore I have not stated the number of points.

Of course, as with any credit card, travel insurance, and other benefits, there are terms and conditions. I certainly have not listed each and every item in this post. I am not a financial adviser and therefore cannot provide you with advice. Signing up for any credit with a financial institution is based on your own assessment and acceptance to the product disclosure statement and any terms.

Back to the post headline – if you found this interesting and you’re considering signing up (or have already signed up), I have included a quick guide on how to redeem your travel credit.

Guide for redeeming your travel credit with the American Express – Platinum Edge Credit Card

There are a few things to know to be able to use the flight for maximum value, so I thought I’d run through some of the detail on how to redeem the flight and do so most effectively.

How to redeem your travel credit

Easy – online or give them a call.

In my opinion, the Amex Travel site is actually quite easy to use. Rather than stepping you through each of the steps, check out this handy video:

If you prefer speaking with a travel consultant, they would be more than happy to help you if you call the number on the back of your card. The number is 1800 059 388, then select option 2 for the redemption team who will be able to assist you with the booking.

Things to consider

I listed a couple of items as tips, or rather reminders that I identified over time.

• The travel credit has to be used in one booking and it cannot be for less than the value of the credit on your account (i.e. if you have $200, you need to use it on travel of $200 or more).
• The travel credit can be booked in anyone’s name (i.e. a gift for family or friends).
• The travel dates do not need to be within the 12 month card anniversary period, i.e. you as long as you make the booking within the period, the departure date itself can be well past your card anniversary date, provided with a few more options to use the travel credit.
• No refund is given if you cancel the booking (on the $200 travel credit portion).
• No Membership Rewards points are earned (on the $200 travel credit portion).
• The travel credit is recurring, meaning you will receive another $200 travel credit the following year once you renew the card and the annual fee is charged to your statement.

I hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any other tips attached to travel credit, please share these with us!