American Express Business Explorer business card in Australia with points, lounge access and no-fee staff cards

Why Australian businesses choose the American Express Business Explorer

The American Express Business Explorer card is built for Australian SMEs that want to turn everyday spend into useful rewards. It combines a strong points rate with travel perks and expense control features tailored to local business needs.

With the card you can earn points on flights, suppliers and even ATO payments, helping small businesses offset costs while keeping cashflow tidy. That blend of rewards and practical controls makes the Business Explorer a top pick across Melbourne, Sydney and beyond.

Rewards, ATO payments and partner transfers

American Express Business Explorer gives a competitive earn rate that stacks up well against other business cards in Australia — typically 2 points per $1 on eligible spend and 1 point per $1 on government payments like the ATO. Those ATO points are a genuine advantage for businesses that otherwise miss out on rewards for tax outlays.

Points are flexible: redeem via American Express Travel or transfer to partners such as Velocity Frequent Flyer, KrisFlyer, Emirates Skywards and Hilton Honors. That makes it easy to convert everyday bills into flights or accommodation for business travel and rewards for staff.

Lounge access, travel insurance and staff cards

The card throws in travel comfort with complimentary lounge passes each year and comprehensive travel insurance for business trips, helping keep your team productive and protected on the road. These travel perks are handy for frequent flyers and senior staff who represent your company interstate or overseas.

One of the standout features for Australian firms is the ability to add up to 99 employee cards at no extra annual fee, simplifying expense tracking and centralising payments. No-fee staff cards mean you can issue cards to your team without surprising costs, while still earning points on their purchases.

Fees, eligibility and how to apply

There’s usually a $0 annual fee for the first year when you apply within promotional windows, then a competitive fee thereafter that can be offset by the value of points and travel benefits if you use the card regularly. Be mindful of interest on balances and any merchant surcharges when calculating true cost.

Applying for the American Express Business Explorer in Australia is straightforward: confirm your ABN, business details and paperwork, then apply online and manage the account through Amex’s business portal. Compare estimated points earnings against your typical monthly spend to see if the card will genuinely pay for itself.