American Express Gold Ascent Credit Card Review
This is a very cheap credit card with a great deal of travel benefits and good access to the account.
Rewards
Rewards that come with the American Express Gold Ascent Card include rewards with Air New Zealand, KrisFlyer, Thai Airways International, Virgin Atlantic and Velocity. Every $2 spent earns one membership rewards point, and with some specific airlines, purchases earn more points per dollar. Points are uncapped and there is no expiry date, meaning you can build up your points for as long as you want. Additionally, there is no annual card fee, and online access to the account is available 24/7, which comes with online fraud protection.
Is This the Card For Me?
This card is perfect for anyone who flies regularly for work or for holidays and wants to collect some rewards on their travel spending, but wants to avoid the complicated shopping offers and high annual fees that some credit cards carry.
Eligibility
You must be 18 years of age or older and an Australian resident to be eligible for this credit card.
Summary
The American Express Gold Ascent Card is a simple yet very rewarding credit card, which is cheap and a great option for frequent flyers.
The Small Print
Applicants must be 18 years of age or over, reside in Australia and earn a minimum income of $40,000 p.a. to apply for a Gold Ascent Credit Card. American Express credit approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Fees and charges apply. All Interest Rates are quoted as an Annual Percentage Rate. All information is correct as at 22 January 2009 and is subject to change. Cards are offered, issued and administered by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085) ®Registered trademark of American Express Company. 1. Enrolment in Membership Rewards Ascent required (annual fee may apply). Enrolment in Membership Rewards Ascent is complimentary. If you choose to select the 'Boost my points (A)' option on the Card application form, an $80 annual fee will apply to your Membership Rewards Ascent program. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program. To transfer Membership Rewards points into an airline rewards partner program you must be enrolled in Membership Rewards Ascent and be a member of the relevant airline rewards program. Membership of the relevant airline rewards program is the Cardmember's responsibility and membership of, and points in that program are subject to that program's Terms and Conditions. A joining fee may apply. The redemption of Membership Rewards points will be administered solely by American Express and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program. You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points (applicable to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and Thai Airways International Royal Orchid Plus), 2,000 points (applicable to Air New Zealand Airpoints, Velocity Rewards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club) or 500 points for Malaysia Airlines Enrich Miles and redeem Membership Rewards points in whole numbers. 2. Source: Canstar Cannex as at January 2009. 3. Based on March 2009 CANSTAR CANNEX analysis of conversion rates from credit card rewards points to airline frequent flyer points (excludes cards with a direct earn frequent flyer point scheme). 4. By selecting to receive your statements online you understand that you have agreed to receive electronic online statements and account information from us. These communications will include notification of online statements and may also include product updates and other important information related to your account. You will be notified at your nominated email address when your statement is available to view. By agreeing to receive statements online, you understand you will not receive your statements by mail. You can elect to change this nomination or your email address at any time by notifying us on 1300 363 687. 5. Provided that you notify us no later than 60 days after the date of the first statement on which the error has occurred and you have complied with your Card Conditions, you will not be held liable for unauthorised charges. 6. The number of actual interest-free days depends upon when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued and whether or not you are carrying forward a balance on your account from your previous statement period. 7. Interest rates are current as at 22 January 2009 and subject to changes under our Interest Rate Policy. Our Interest Rate Policy describes how we intend to adjust Credit Card interest rates based on your payment history.