Home » Important Changes - American Express Rewards Program

Important Changes - American Express Rewards Program

12 March 2009 - 12:30pm

 

 

 

Dear Member,

Changes to the American Express® Rewards Program

We would like to take this opportunity to answer some questions about the recent changes to the American Express Rewards Program. As you may be aware, Qantas decided not to renew its participation as an airline rewards partner in the Membership Rewards Ascent 2 program.

This means that from 1 April 2009, you will no longer be able to transfer points from Membership Rewards Ascent to the Qantas Frequent Flyer1 program. As a result American Express created a new program called Qantas Direct3, so that you can continue earning Qantas Frequent Flyer points if that is your preference.

Q1. What are the differences between Membership Rewards Ascent and Qantas Direct?

  Membership Rewards Ascent
Qantas Frequent Flyer (accessed via Qantas Direct)
Access to airline loyalty programs
6 airline rewards partners, allowing you to redeem on Velocity partnered by Virgin Blue, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Thai Airways International, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and 57 other partner airlines flying to hundreds of destinations worldwide. Qantas Frequent Flyer, allowing you to redeem on Qantas, Jetstar and 25 other partner airlines to hundreds of destinations worldwide.
Other travel Use your points to book any of your travel needs with any one of our 1,500 travel agents program partners - Travelscene American Express, Harvey World Travel or Flight Centre4. 10,000 points equals $100 worth of travel. Use your Qantas Frequent Flyer points to redeem for vouchers with Qantas Holidays and other travel partners. 13,500 points equals $100 travel voucher with Qantas Holidays.

Q2. What do I do to continue earning Qantas Frequent Flyer1 points with my AMA American Express Card?

You need to switch from the Membership Rewards Ascent program to Qantas Direct, please call before 1 April 2009, on 1300 307 493, between 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday, AEST, and ask to be enrolled into Qantas Direct.

If you choose this option, all your accrued Membership Rewards points will be automatically converted to Qantas Frequent Flyer points on 1 April 2009. All future points earned will automatically convert to Qantas Frequent Flyer points every month.

Q3. Will I lose my current rewards points if I choose to switch to Qantas Direct?

No, your points will be transferred across to your new rewards program Qantas Direct if you have told American Express that is your preference before 1 April 2009.

Q4. What happens if I miss the deadline?

You are still able to transfer to Qantas Direct, however your current points balance will remain in Membership Rewards Ascent for 30 days only.

Q5. Comparison table for the earn rates effective 1 April 2009?

Rewards Program
Ascent
Qantas Direct
AMA Gold Credit Card 1 point per $1 spent 1 point per $1 spent
AMA Platinum Credit Card 1.5 points per $1 spent* 1.25 points per $1 spent*
AMA Gold Charge Card 1 point per $1 spent 1 point per $1 spent

* spent up to $100,000 p.a. (reset annually), 1:1 thereafter.

If you have any further questions or would like to talk through your options, please contact the AMA on 1300 133 655

Yours sincerely

Mr Francis Sullivan

Secretary General

Australian Medical Association

Terms and Conditions

1. Qantas Frequent Flyer members only. Membership of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and earning and redemption of Qantas Frequent Flyer points are subject to the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. A joining fee applies. Once rewards points have been redeemed for Qantas Frequent Flyer points, they are governed by the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and can not be reversed. Award seats are subject to capacity controls and availability is limited. Award flights must be booked at least 24 hours before scheduled departure (and other advance booking requirements may apply). For further information see qantas.com.

2. Subject to Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program. To transfer Membership Rewards points into an airline rewards or frequent guest partner program you must be enrolled in Membership Rewards Ascent and be a member of the partner program. Membership of the partner program is the Cardmember's responsibility and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the applicable program. A joining fee may apply. The redemption of Membership Rewards points will be administered solely by American Express and is subject to the enclosed Agreement for the Membership Rewards Ascent program.

3. Available to Qantas Frequent Flyer members only. Membership of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program is subject to the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. A joining fee applies. Once rewards points have been redeemed for Qantas Frequent Flyer points, they are governed by the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and can not be reversed.

4. Available to Cardmembers enrolled in Membership Rewards Ascent. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program. American Express International, Inc. (ABN 15 000 618 208). Incorporated with limited liability in Delaware, USA. Licensed Travel Agent, 12 Shelley Street, Sydney NSW. Travelscene Pty. Ltd. Licence Nos: NSW 2TA003629, VIC 32089, SA TTA163633, QLD 1431, WA 9TA974. Harvey World Travel Franchises Pty. Ltd. Licence Nos: ACT TC373, NSW/WA 2TA5129, NT NT001, QLD TAG 1718, SA TTA 165258, TAS TAS 097, VIC 32392. Each Travelscene American Express and Harvey World Travel shop is independently owned and has its own travel agent's licence. Travel agent service charges may apply.

American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085). ® Registered Trademark of American Express Company, GPO Box 1582, Sydney NSW 2001

 

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