American Express and Velocity Frequent Flyer have announced enhancements to their American Express Velocity credit cards.

The new American Express Velocity Platinum Card and American Express Velocity Escape Plus Card* offer richer travel perks and powerful Velocity Points earning potential.

The American Express® Velocity Platinum Card now includes annual access to Virgin Australia Lounges for domestic flights.

As part of the enhancements, Velocity Status Credits are easier to earn each year. When card members spend $25,000 on the card, they earn 50 Status Credits with another 50 Status Credits awarded once $50,000 in spend is reached on the card.

These new benefits are in addition to existing features Card Members enjoy today, including:

• An annual complimentary Virgin Australia domestic return economy flight
• 1.25 Velocity Points per dollar on everyday spend on the card
• 2.25 Velocity Points per dollar on Virgin Australia spend
•  No Points caps on the number of Velocity Points you can earn

The card carries an annual fee of $440.

American Express® Velocity Escape Plus Card

American Express® Velocity Escape Plus Card Members can now earn points more easily with 1 Velocity Point earned on everyday spend on the card until the first 12,000 Points are reached each calendar year, reverting to 0.75 Points per dollar. Previously Card Members earned 0.75 Points per dollar on everyday spend.

Card Members will receive a $50 statement credit on their account every year when they enrol and spend $50 or more with Virgin Australia. The American Express

Velocity Escape Plus Card has an annual fee of $95.

Both cards offer complimentary domestic and international travel insurance for any travel bookings made on the cards. Additionally, large purchases can be split over equal monthly instalments for a fixed fee utilising the American Express Plan It® feature, offering greater payment flexibility.

Liana Kohn-Gardner, vice president of Loyalty and Partnerships at American Express, said: “For over a decade Velocity and American Express have joined forces to create a rewarding experience for people wanting more from their credit card. Australians love travelling and earning Points to offset the cost. Now through these new benefits we’ve introduced, it’s even more rewarding to travel. With summer right around the corner, it’s a great time to hold an American Express Velocity credit card to get you closer to your next holiday.”

Nick Rohrlach, Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO, said the new American Express Velocity credit cards give Card Members access to Velocity Frequent Flyers’ most exciting and exclusive benefits.

“Our partnership with American Express is key to making travel more rewarding for our members. With benefits like unlimited access to Virgin Australia Lounges and increased Points earning through everyday spending, members can maximise their travel experiences and boost their Points balance.

“Card Members can now use as little as 5,900 Velocity Points for a one-way domestic flight from Sydney to Byron Bay or 35,500 Points for a one-way business class trip from Sydney to Queenstown. There’s never been a better time to turn your next holiday into a cashless one,” he said.