Updated: 9 Mar 2026
Apply for a designated American Express credit card through MoneyHero and enjoy a free gift! Choose from HK$5,000 Apple Gift Voucher - Apply while gift supplies last!
Travel Offer
New offer launched in August!The Country Club at Hong Lok Yuen Admission Privilege Basic Cardmembers of The Platinum Card can enjoy complimentary access to The Country Club at Hong Lok Yuen for 2 times per calendar month upon successful registration through designated link. Promotion details please refer to The Country Club at Hong Lok Yuen Admission Privilege | American Express HK.
New! “Up to 9X” Membership Rewards® points Accelerator Program to earn as low as HK$2 = 1 mile
From now to June 30, 2026, enroll your Platinum Card at designated link to enjoy an exclusive offer of earning as low as HK$2 = 1 Mile for spending in Foreign Currencies, airlines, and at designated travel & everyday spend merchants.
Designated travel merchants include Agoda, Trip.com, Expedia, Booking.com etc. Designated everyday spend merchants include Wellcome, ParknShop, Mannings, Watsons, YATA etc.
Promotion details please refer to “Up to 9X” Membership Rewards points Accelerator Program | American Express HK
Dining Offer
Basic and Supplementary Cardmember can enjoy
NEW! Enjoy 30% savings on the original price of the designated dinner menu at participating restaurants of Wooloomooloo Group
Earn Rewards points when you spend with the Card
Lifestyle Offer
Shopping Protection
Terms and Conditions apply.
Reminder
Earn Membership Rewards points when you spend with the Card. Enjoy as low as HK$3.6 = 1 mile on selected online everyday spend merchants.
| Local Currency Spend | Basic Points Reward:HK$1 = 3 points (HK$6/mile or 1% cash rebate) Welcome Offer Points Reward:HK$1 = 6 points (HK$3/mile or 2% cash rebate) |
| Foreign Currency Spend |
HK$1 = up to 10.75 Membership Rewards points (HK$1.68 = 1 mile) |
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Airlines and Selected Online Travel and Everyday Spend Merchants
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Click Here and Register: You can earn up to 10.75 points when making purchases through airlines or designated travel websites (such as trip.com, klook, etc.) (HK$1.68 = 1 mile) |
No expiry dates for Membership Rewards points. You can transfer your points to redeem diversified rewards.
Travel Privileges - take care of your travel needs
Register for Travel Spending Offer
Shopping Protection
Spend with the Card to enjoy the following protection:
Entertainment and Shopping Privileges
Things to know
Cardmembers who are currently holding or applicants who have held or cancelled any approved Basic Credit Card or Charge Card issued by American Express Hong Kong within the past 12 months from the date of this application, are NOT eligible for the Welcome Offer and First Year Annual Fee Waiver. American Express reserves the right to debit the original price of the Welcome Offer and First Year Annual Fee from such Cardmember’s account without prior notice.
^Based on a maximum of two annual-fee-free supplementary credit cards per American Express Explorer Card account. In each calendar year, upon reaching the specified amount of cumulative eligible spending on the Card Member account, each account may enjoy up to a total of 12 complimentary benefits.
Earn rewards when you spend with the Card
Shopping Protection
Spend with the Card to enjoy the following protection:
Dining Offer
Basic and Supplementary Cardmember can enjoy
Lifestyle Offer
Travel Offer
Card Benefits Terms and conditions apply. Annual fee is HK$2,200 with the entitlement of 2 Supplementary Platinum Credit Cards (annual fee cannot be waived) Existing Cardmembers or applicants who have held the Card at any time within the past 12 months are not eligible for MoneyHero Exclusive Offer and Welcome Offers.
American Express® Platinum Credit Card welcome offer will be ONLY eligible to those who paid the annual fee and account stays active
Better Control with the Business
Business Insurance
American Express cards stand out in Hong Kong's competitive credit card market by offering unparalleled benefits that elevate daily experiences. From unlimited airport lounge access to exclusive dining privileges at top restaurants, AMEX credit cards transform routine transactions into rewarding moments. Cardholders enjoy enhanced purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and complimentary travel insurance—benefits that provide peace of mind alongside financial flexibility. With accelerated points earning on travel, dining, and everyday purchases, your American Express card becomes a powerful tool for accumulating rewards faster while enjoying premium lifestyle privileges unavailable with standard credit cards.
American Express, founded in 1850 in New York, is a globally recognised financial services corporation specialising in payment cards, travel services and business solutions. Operating in Hong Kong for decades, American Express has become synonymous with premium credit card services, catering to discerning consumers who value exceptional customer service, comprehensive rewards programmes, and exclusive membership privileges.
In Hong Kong, American Express issues both charge cards that require full payment monthly and credit cards that allow revolving credit, each designed to meet different financial needs. The company's Membership Rewards programme enables cardholders to earn points on every purchase, which can be converted into air miles with major airlines, hotel points, cashback, or redeemed for premium merchandise and experiences—all without point expiry or conversion fees for most card types.
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Card Name |
Description |
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Premium charge card offering unlimited Centurion Lounge access worldwide, annual dining credits, hotel elite status, comprehensive travel insurance coverage, and earn as low as HK$2 per mile on foreign currency and travel spending. Includes complimentary supplementary cards. |
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Travel-focused credit card with complimentary airport lounge visits annually, enhanced earning of up to 10.75X points on foreign currency and travel merchant spending (as low as HK$1.68 per mile), no point expiry, and zero conversion fees when transferring to airline partners. Annual fee waiver available with qualifying spend. |
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Mid-tier credit card offering accelerated points on annual spending, enhanced earning at designated supermarkets and gas stations, dining discounts at premium restaurants, and comprehensive purchase protection. Includes complimentary supplementary cards. |
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Entry-level card perfect for newcomers, providing flat 1.2% cashback on all spending (local, online, and overseas), automatic monthly credit of cashback rewards, 45-day purchase protection, and no minimum income requirement. First-year annual fee waived. |
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Business card earning enhanced points on foreign currency spending and local business expenses, complimentary business insurance, free airport lounge visits annually, and extended payment terms. First-year annual fee waived with complimentary supplementary cards. |
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American Express I.T Cashback Card |
Co-branded card with I.T retail group offering enhanced cashback at I.T stores, basic cashback on general spending, and exclusive fashion retail privileges. Ideal for fashion enthusiasts. |
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American Express Cathay Pacific Elite Corporate Card |
Corporate card designed for business travellers, earning Cathay Pacific Asia Miles on company spending, complimentary Priority Pass membership, travel insurance coverage, and streamlined expense management for corporate accounts. |
The American Express Membership Rewards programme is one of Hong Kong's most flexible and valuable credit card rewards systems. Unlike restrictive airline-specific programmes, Membership Rewards points offer ultimate flexibility in how you redeem your earnings.
The American Express Membership Rewards programme is one of Hong Kong's most flexible and valuable credit card rewards systems. Unlike restrictive airline-specific programmes, Membership Rewards points offer ultimate flexibility in how you redeem your earnings.
American Express offers several Membership Rewards programme tiers to suit different cardholders:
Membership Rewards Basic Program: Enjoy free enrollment, where every HK$1 spent earns 1 point. Your points never expire as long as your account remains active. Points accumulate across all your American Express cards linked to your account, allowing you to build substantial balances faster. Redeem points for dining offers, cash vouchers, hotel stays, card fee waivers, charitable donations, and merchandise.
Membership Rewards Turbo Program: Available for select card types, including The Platinum Card®, Gold Cards, and Credit Cards. Earn 2 points for every HK$1 spent on the first HK$160,000 during each 12-month programme period. From HK$160,001 onwards, every HK$1 spent earns 1 point. Transfer points to airline frequent flyer programmes and hotel loyalty programmes. The annual programme fee is HK$240 (waived for The Platinum Card®).
American Express Platinum Credit Card Program: Exclusive to Platinum Credit Card holders. Earn 3 points for every HK$1 spent on the first HK$120,000 during each calendar year (January 1 to December 31). From HK$120,001 onwards, every HK$1 spent earns 1 point. Transfer points to frequent traveler programmes and redeem regular rewards.
American Express Explorer® Credit Card Program: Exclusive programme for Explorer® cardholders with specialized earning rates and benefits tailored for travel enthusiasts.
American Express Essential® Credit Card Programme: Earn 2.5 points for every HK$1 spent locally, and 3 points for every HK$1 on foreign currency spending.
American Express offers industry-leading conversion flexibility for airline miles transfers:
Airline Partners: Transfer points to 7 participating airline frequent flyer programmes. Partners include:
Cathay (Asia Miles): 18,000 points = 1,000 Asia Miles, estimated transfer time 48 hours
British Airways Executive Club (Avios) — 18,000 points = 1,000 Avios, estimated transfer time up to 10 days
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: 18,000 points = 1,000 KrisFlyer miles, estimated transfer time up to 15 days
Malaysia Airlines Enrich: 18,000 points = 1,000 Enrich miles, estimated transfer time up to 10 days
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 18,000 points = 1,000 Virgin Points, estimated transfer time 48 hours
Qantas Frequent Flyer: 18,000 points = 1,000 Qantas Points, estimated transfer time 48 hours (HK$300 administration fee applies)
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands — 18,000 points = 1,000 Miles, estimated transfer time up to 10 days
Conversion Requirements: Minimum points transfer is 18,000 points per transaction, with additional transfers in multiples of 9,000 points. Allow 3-5 days for processing. A maximum of 9,999,000 points can be transferred per transaction.
Conversion Fees: An administration fee of HK$400 applies for each air mile conversion. Fee waived for:
Centurion® Card
American Express Explorer® Credit Card
American Express® Gold Corporate Card
American Express® Corporate Card
Note: Qantas transfers have a reduced administration fee of HK$300 (not applicable to Centurion members and Corporate Cardmembers).
Hotel Partners: Transfer points to hotel loyalty programmes with no conversion fees:
Marriott Bonvoy
Hilton Honors
Points converted to hotel programmes typically offer different conversion ratios and may include bonus points during promotional periods. Ideal for luxury hotel redemptions and accessing hotel elite status benefits.
Beyond points, AMEX cardholders in Hong Kong access exclusive merchant partnerships providing year-round discounts. Enjoy up to 40% off at participating restaurants, including prestigious groups like Maxim's, CafeDeco Group, and m.a.x. concepts. Cinema enthusiasts receive buy-one-get-one-free movie tickets at Broadway Cinemas and AMC Pacific Place Cinema every Friday, plus discounts on other days. Premium cardholders unlock additional privileges, including up to HK$1,100 annual statement credit for prepaid hotel and car rental bookings via Amex Travel Online, plus HK$2,000 Global Dining Credit (HK$1,000 local, HK$1,000 overseas).
Choosing the right American Express card depends on your spending patterns, travel frequency, and desired benefits. Here's how three popular AE cards compare across different lifestyle tiers:
The American Express Cathay Pacific Card serves as an accessible entry point for Asia Miles collectors. This credit card offers HK$8 = 1 Asia Mile on local purchases and HK$8 = 1.5 Asia Miles on foreign currency spending (with no cap), making it ideal for frequent travellers within the Asia-Pacific region. Cardholders earn 2 Asia Miles for every HK$8 spent on Cathay Pacific online flight bookings and enjoy complimentary Green Tier membership of The Marco Polo Club, unlimited Plaza Premium Lounge access year-round, and up to 3-day priority redemption for selected discount flight awards bookings. The annual fee of HK$1,800 can be waived by spending HK$100,000 annually.
Minimum Requirements: Hong Kong or Macau resident aged 18+, Asia Miles membership account, and meeting the minimum annual income requirement
Best suited for: Budget-conscious travellers focusing primarily on Asia Miles redemptions who value airport lounge access.
The American Express Cathay Pacific Elite Credit Card elevates the Cathay partnership with enhanced earning rates and premium travel benefits. This card delivers HK$6 = 1 Asia Mile on local purchases and HK$6 = 1.5 Asia Miles on foreign currency spending (with no cap)—a significantly higher rate than the standard Cathay card. Cardholders earn 2 Asia Miles for every HK$6 spent on Cathay Pacific online flight bookings, enjoy complimentary Priority Pass membership with 4 free lounge visits plus unlimited Plaza Premium Lounge access, and benefit from up to 3-day priority redemption for selected discount flight awards. The card includes a complimentary Green Tier membership of The Marco Polo Club and comprehensive travel insurance. The annual fee of HK$1,800 can be waived by spending HK$100,000 annually.
Minimum Requirements: Annual income of HK$300,000, Hong Kong or Macau resident aged 18+, Asia Miles membership account
Best suited for: Frequent Asia-Pacific travellers earning HK$300,000+ annually who maximise Asia Miles earning and value-enhanced airport lounge access networks.
The Platinum Card® represents American Express' flagship offering in Hong Kong, delivering unmatched luxury and convenience. With unlimited worldwide lounge access (including exclusive Centurion Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport where cardholders can bring up to two guests), annual dining credits totaling HK$2,000 at selected restaurants worldwide (through Local Dining Credit and Abroad Dining Credit offers valid until December 31, 2026), automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status enrollment, and comprehensive insurance coverage, this card transforms travel into seamless luxury. Benefits include 24/7 concierge service, Fine Hotels + Resorts privileges (room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary breakfast), and earning rates as low as HK$2 per mile for spending in foreign currencies, airlines, and designated travel & everyday spend merchants. Annual fee is HK$9,500.
Minimum Requirements: An annual income of approximately HK$1,000,000 is expected to be needed for approval. Applicants must be Hong Kong or Macau residents aged 18+ with a strong credit score and solid financial standing.
Best suited for: High-net-worth individuals who frequently fly business/first class and stay at luxury hotels, where the card's premium benefits substantially exceed the annual fee through actual usage.
Applying for an American Express credit card is straightforward and can be completed entirely online, typically receiving approval decisions within minutes for most applicants.
Basic eligibility for American Express cards requires:
Hong Kong or Macau permanent resident or employment visa holder
Minimum age 18 years
Minimum annual income varies by card. Blue Cash® has lower requirements; Explorer® and Platinum Credit Card require moderate income; The Platinum Card® is typically approved for high earners; Business cards generally require established income plus business documentation
Prepare the following for your AMEX credit card application:
Hong Kong Identity Card (both sides)
Proof of income
Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or government correspondence dated within the last 3 months)
Follow these steps to apply for your American Express card:
Step 1: Visit the American Express Hong Kong website or apply through authorised partners like MoneyHero for exclusive welcome offers
Step 2: Select your desired card and click "Apply Now"—online applications typically take 5-10 minutes
Step 3: Complete the application form with personal details, employment information, and financial data
Step 4: Upload required documents or submit them via the American Express mobile app
Step 5: Submit application and receive instant preliminary decision for most applicants—physical card arrives within 7-10 business days upon approval
Step 6: Activate your card immediately upon receipt through the AMEX app, phone hotline, or online portal to begin earning rewards
American Express offers flexible payment solutions in Hong Kong, allowing cardholders to convert eligible purchases into manageable installment plans. Whether through the Amex HK App or in-store programs, AMEX provides multiple options to spread out larger expenses.
To set up American Express purchase installment plans in Hong Kong, cardholders can use the Amex HK App to convert eligible transactions into installment loans (Access It) or utilise interest-free merchant installment programmes at participating retailers. The process typically involves selecting the purchase, choosing the repayment term, and confirming the arrangement.
There are several key ways to set up AMEX installments:
AMEX Access It (Loan on Card):
Process: Log in to the Amex HK App or Online Services, select an eligible transaction, and choose to convert it into an installment plan
Requirements: Purchases must meet minimum and maximum amount thresholds set by American Express
Mechanism: The installment amount reduces your available credit limit, which restores progressively as you make payments
Important Note: Terms and interest rates apply—review carefully before converting purchases
Merchant Interest-Free Installments:
Process: At participating merchants, request an installment plan at the point of sale for qualifying purchases
Approval: Complete the merchant's installment application at the time of purchase
Benefit: Many participating merchants offer zero-interest plans, making this an attractive option for larger purchases
Digital Wallet Installments:
Process: When using digital payment methods like Apple Pay, select a supported AMEX card and choose an available installment option if offered
Availability: Subject to card eligibility and merchant participation
American Express Membership Rewards points offer exceptional redemption flexibility. Here are the primary methods to maximise your points' value:
Airline Miles Transfer: Transfer Membership Rewards points to airline frequent flyer programmes, including Cathay (Asia Miles), Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, British Airways Executive Club, Qantas Frequent Flyer, and others. Initiate transfers through the American Express website or by calling the Membership Rewards hotline. Processing times vary by partner, typically ranging from a few days to up to two weeks. Points transfer in set increments with minimum requirements that differ by partner.
Pay-with-Points (Statement Credits): Use points to offset eligible transactions directly through the Amex HK App or Online Account Summary. This convenient option reduces your statement balance, though the redemption value is typically lower compared to airline transfers.
Shop with Points: Redeem points directly at checkout with participating merchants or through specialised reward stores for instant purchases at partner retailers and online platforms.
Gift Cards & Lifestyle Vouchers: Access dining, retail, and lifestyle vouchers through the American Express Rewards portal, including popular restaurants, department stores, hotels, and entertainment venues throughout Hong Kong.
American Express is widely accepted at major hotels, department stores, premium restaurants, and established merchants throughout Hong Kong. However, acceptance is lower compared to Visa and Mastercard, particularly at smaller local shops and street vendors. AMEX maintains a strong presence at premium establishments where cardholders typically spend. For everyday purchases at smaller merchants, consider carrying a backup Visa or Mastercard alongside your American Express card.
American Express operates as both a credit card issuer and a payment network, unlike Visa and Mastercard, which solely provide payment networks for banks to issue cards. Key differences:
Network: AMEX is less widely accepted globally, but offers superior customer service and rewards
Rewards: American Express typically provides richer rewards programmes, premium travel benefits, and luxury perks
Fees: AMEX charges merchants higher processing fees, resulting in some merchants declining AMEX
Customer Service: American Express consistently ranks highest for customer service, fraud protection, and dispute resolution
Target Market: AMEX focuses on affluent consumers valuing premium experiences; Visa/Mastercard targets broader mass-market acceptance
Activate your new AMEX credit card immediately upon receipt through three convenient methods:
Download the Amex HK App and activate within 2 minutes
Visit americanexpress.com.hk and log in to Online Services to activate your card, or
Call the American Express customer service hotline printed on the sticker attached to your new card.
Activation is required before making your first purchase. We recommend registering for online services to manage your account, view statements, pay bills, and track Membership Rewards points conveniently.
Several American Express credit cards offer annual fee waivers with qualifying spend:
Explorer® Credit Card: Annual fee waived with HK$150,000 annual spending
Blue Cash® Credit Card: Annual fee waived with HK$25,000 annual spending; first-year fee waiver for new cardholders
Cathay Pacific Cards (Standard & Elite): HK$1,800 annual fee waived with HK$100,000 annual spending
The Platinum Card®: HK$9,500 annual fee is typically non-waivable, though retention offers may be available upon renewal when contacting customer service
American Express approval difficulty varies significantly by card tier. Entry-level cards like Blue Cash® are accessible to applicants with no minimum income requirement and limited credit history. Mid-tier cards such as Explorer® and Cathay Pacific Elite require HK$300,000 annual income and moderate credit history. Premium cards like The Platinum Card® target high-net-worth individuals with approximately HK$1,000,000 annual income requirements. American Express reviews both income and credit bureau reports, but often approves applicants with solid financial standing who meet income thresholds, even with limited credit history. Business cards require additional business documentation and established business income.