American Express Membership Rewards is a credit card rewards program available to those with select American Express cards. The versatile rewards program allows you to earn points on every dollar you spend, which you can redeem for travel, gift cards and statement credits, or even transfer to 21 Amex hotel and airline partners.
Most people will get the best value by using Amex points to book travel through Membership Rewards or transferring points to airline and hotel partner programs.
American Express Membership Rewards points value
American Express reward points are worth anywhere from 0.5 cents to 2 cents each, depending on how you redeem them.
Tip
Using points to shop or for a statement credit is usually the least cost-effective way to redeem your Membership Rewards points. Transferring points to the right travel partner is usually the way to get the most out of your points.
Keep in mind that the value of points transferred to travel partners varies depending on the partner and the reward you choose, so it’s important to plan out your travel and calculate the redemption value before transferring points to a travel partner.
If you prefer an easy redemption method that still offers decent value, using your Amex points to buy flights, hotel rooms, rental cars and cruises through the Membership Rewards portal is a happy medium. Another straightforward redemption option with a reasonable value is gift cards that offer a 1-cent-per-point value.
How much are American Express points worth?
Below is a breakdown of how much American Express Membership Rewards points are worth based on available redemption options.
Do Amex points expire?
American Express Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as you have a Membership Rewards-earning card account that is open and in good standing. If you want to close your card, you’ll lose your points unless you spend them first. You can also redeem points for travel by transferring them to an Amex hotel or airline partner, so you can use those points after you close your card.
You may also consider downgrading to or opening a Membership Rewards-earning card with a low or no-annual-fee, like the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express.
The information related to the Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication.
Credit cards that earn Membership Rewards points
These Amex cards come with large welcome offers that can help you earn a lot of Membership Rewards points fast, as long as you’re able to meet the minimum spending requirement. You’ll also want to pay attention to the earning rate, though — when a card’s bonus categories align with your spending habits, you’re able to continue collecting points for years to come.
In addition to the credit card rewards rate and welcome offers, these cards often have extra perks, like statement credits and complimentary airport lounge access, that can help you recoup the annual fee.
Other ways to earn American Express Membership Rewards
There are many other ways to earn American Express Membership Rewards points so that you can stockpile points for your next vacation. Luckily, they’re not hard to accumulate, especially if you use multiple earning strategies.
How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards points
You can redeem your Membership Rewards points in multiple ways, from travel to statement credits and gift cards. However, not all redemptions offer the same value — it’s best to get at least 1 cent per point when using American Express Membership Rewards points. You’ll also want to check minimum reward redemption amounts before deciding how to use your points.
How to book a flight with Amex points
Booking flights using Amex points is a straightforward process. You can redeem points through a partner airline or through Amex directly.
Book a flight with an Amex travel partner
The most valuable way to use Amex points for flights is to transfer your points to an Amex Membership Rewards transfer partner. Once you’ve transferred your points into the partner program, you will then follow that partner’s procedure for booking a flight with points. This procedure differs by partner, so it’s smart to get familiar with airline rewards programs you plan to use regularly.
Savvy traveler Tip
Make sure you’re 100% certain about your redemption plans before you transfer your Membership Rewards points to a travel partner. Once transferred, you can’t move the points back to your Amex account.
Booking flights through Amex travel
You also have the option to redeem Amex points for travel through the American Express Travel portal. Here, you can book a flight, hotel, car rental, cruise or package. You’ll get less value per Amex point, but you may find the procedure more straightforward.
To use your points this way, log in to your American Express Travel account and select the item you want to buy. Then proceed to checkout and select “Use all or some Membership Rewards points,” choose the amount you would like to use and select “Apply.” At the time of purchase, the full amount will be charged to your Amex card, but it will be credited back to your account within 48 hours.
Are American Express Membership Rewards worth it?
The American Express Membership Rewards program is one of the most lucrative travel rewards programs. If you normally prefer cash back versus points or miles, this may not be right for you. However, if you’ve got the travel bug, Amex’s long list of transfer partners makes these points particularly valuable, and there are many excellent Membership Rewards-earning cards to help you rack up points.
Pros and cons of American Express Membership Rewards
The American Express Membership Rewards program is a traveler favorite, and for good reason. That being said, the program has some weaknesses, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons.
- Flexible points that can be redeemed through the Amex Travel portal for flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises.
- Transferable points that can be converted to rewards with 21 popular airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Points are easy to earn with a long list of cards that earn Membership Rewards points and offer generous welcome offers.
- Non-travel redemptions offer a low value, so this program isn’t a good choice if you want to redeem for statement credits, gift cards or shopping.
- No points bonus when you redeem through the Amex Travel portal, so you’ll always get 1 cent per point regardless of which card you hold. In contrast, Chase Ultimate Rewards® offers 1.25 to 1.5 cents per point as a bonus on travel portal redemptions for certain cards.
How to sign up for American Express Membership rewards
You must have an eligible American Express card to enroll in the Amex Membership Rewards program. For most cards, enrollment is automatic once you activate an eligible new card. Just keep in mind, some cards may charge an annual enrollment fee, although most don’t. Once you receive your card, follow these steps to sign up for the program:
- Follow the instructions listed on the sticker on the front of your new Amex card.
- Log in to your American Express account online or set up a new account.
- Follow the instructions online to link your new card. Amex will ask you to provide your card number and four-digit security code listed on the front of your card.
- Ensure that all eligible cards are linked to your account will help you maximize your Amex points earnings.
Amex Membership Rewards vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Amex Membership Rewards is a credit card loyalty program that stands out for its valuable transferable rewards. It’s particularly popular among travelers because of its flexibility. Chase Ultimate Rewards® is a similar credit card loyalty program. Both allow you to redeem points for travel, gift cards, shopping and transfers to travel partners.
Despite their similarities, point values and transfer partners vary between the programs. Because of these differences, it’s a good idea to determine whether an American Express or Chase credit card will get you the most bang for your buck. Then, you can take a look at redemption options from Chase Ultimate Rewards® and Amex Membership Rewards and see which will give you high-value rewards that you can actually use.
Frequently asked questions
The information related to the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express, The Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express® Business Gold Card, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express and Business Green Rewards Card from American Express has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
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