If you have American Express Membership Rewards points, you might be wondering how to maximize their value when shopping on Amazon.
Key Takeaways:
- Amex points can vary in value depending on how they are redeemed.
- Transferring points to travel partners often provides the best value.
- When using Amex points at Amazon, they are worth 0.7 cents each.
- Exploring other redemption options may offer higher value for Amex points.
- There are additional ways to earn Amex Membership Rewards points, such as credit card referrals and shopping portal rewards.
How to Earn Amex Membership Rewards Points
The easiest way to earn a significant amount of Membership Rewards points is by applying for an Amex Membership Rewards points-earning credit card. American Express offers a range of cards, each with different welcome offers, bonus-category structures, annual fees, and key perks. Let’s take a closer look at some of these options:
1. The Platinum Card from American Express
This premium card offers an attractive welcome offer of 80,000 points and provides 5 points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines. Cardholders also enjoy up to $200 in annual airline fee credits and access to exclusive airport lounges.
2. The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Designed for business owners, this card offers similar benefits to The Platinum Card, with the addition of 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. It also grants access to the Global Lounge Collection and offers a welcome offer of up to 100,000 points.
3. American Express Gold Card
This card is perfect for food enthusiasts, as it offers 4 points for every dollar spent at U.S. restaurants and supermarkets. It also comes with a welcome offer of up to 60,000 points and provides dining and travel credits.
Other cards, such as the American Express Business Gold Card, American Express Green Card, and The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express, also offer various bonus categories and benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your spending patterns and personal needs to choose the card that best suits you.
By strategically using these credit cards and taking advantage of their bonus categories, welcome offers, and key perks, you can quickly accumulate a substantial amount of Amex Membership Rewards points.
What are Amex Points Worth?
When it comes to the value of Amex points, it all depends on how you choose to redeem them. One of the most valuable options is transferring your points to travel partners. American Express has partnerships with various airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering you flexibility and potentially higher value for your points. For example, by transferring your points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, you can book flights to Hawaii for as low as 13,500 KrisFlyer miles or enjoy business class flights to Europe on Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue for under 40,000 points.
However, if transferring points isn’t your cup of tea, you can also use your Amex points to book flights directly through Amex Travel. In this case, the value of your points will be fixed at 1 cent each. This option can be useful when award availability is limited or when you need to book flights on specific dates.
To summarize, here are the key points regarding the value of Amex points:
- Transferring Amex points to travel partners offers flexibility and potentially higher value.
- Examples include booking flights to Hawaii with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer or enjoying business class flights to Europe on Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue.
- Booking flights directly through Amex Travel fixes the value of your points at 1 cent each.
- This option is useful when award availability is limited or specific dates are required.
Table: Comparison of Amex Points Value
| Redemption Option | Value per Point | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Transferring to Travel Partners | Varies | – Flights to Hawaii with Singapore Airlines for 13,500 KrisFlyer miles – Business class flights to Europe on Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue for under 40,000 points |
| Booking through Amex Travel | 1 cent | – Flexibility when award availability is limited – Booking flights on specific dates |
As you can see, there are multiple options available to maximize the value of your Amex points. Whether you choose to transfer them to travel partners or book through Amex Travel, it’s important to consider your travel preferences and needs to make the most of your Amex points.
Using Amex Points at Amazon
American Express cardholders have the option to use their valuable Membership Rewards points to make purchases on Amazon through the Amazon Shop with Points program. This program allows customers to apply their Amex points towards eligible purchases directly at checkout. However, it is important to note that the value of Amex points when redeeming on Amazon is significantly lower compared to other redemption options.
Typically, when using Amex points on Amazon, each point is worth approximately 0.7 cents. This means that 10,000 points would only be equivalent to $70 worth of merchandise. While it can be convenient to use points for Amazon purchases, it is generally recommended to explore other redemption options to maximize the value of Amex points.
There are several alternative redemption options that can provide a higher value for your Amex points, such as booking travel or transferring points to Amex’s travel partners. Transferring points to travel partners often offers the most value, as it opens up opportunities to utilize points for flights, hotels, and other travel experiences. The flexibility and potential for higher redemption rates make this option attractive for many cardholders.
Ultimately, whether you choose to use your Amex points on Amazon or explore other redemption options will depend on your individual preferences and priorities. While the convenience of using points on Amazon may be appealing for some, it’s worth considering the potential for greater value by exploring other avenues. By understanding the different redemption options available, cardholders can make more informed decisions about how to maximize the value of their Amex points.
| Redemption Option | Value per Point |
|---|---|
| Amazon Shop with Points | Approximately 0.7 cents |
| Transfer to Travel Partners | Varies (potentially higher) |
| Booking Travel through Amex | 1 cent |
Other Ways to Earn Amex Membership Rewards Points
In addition to the enticing welcome bonuses offered by American Express Membership Rewards credit cards, there are several other avenues to earn valuable Amex points.
One such way is through credit card referrals. By simply referring friends and relatives to Amex credit cards, you can earn bonus points. It’s a win-win situation – you get rewarded for spreading the word about the benefits of Amex cards.
Another fruitful option is to take advantage of shopping portal rewards. Utilizing the Rakuten Shopping Portal allows you to earn Membership Rewards points for your online purchases. So, why not earn points while shopping for your favorite products?
American Express also offers category bonuses on certain credit cards. By using these cards for specific spending categories, such as dining, supermarkets, gas stations, and travel, you can earn even more points. It’s like getting extra rewards for your everyday activities!
Lastly, keep an eye out for Amex Offers. These special promotions provide opportunities to earn additional points or cash back on select purchases. It’s an easy way to supercharge your point accumulation without much effort.
FAQ
How much are Amex Membership Rewards points worth?
The value of Amex points can vary, but they are typically valued at around 2 cents each. However, the actual value can be higher or lower depending on how they are redeemed.
How can I earn Amex Membership Rewards points?
The easiest way to earn a significant amount of points is by applying for an Amex Membership Rewards points-earning credit card. American Express offers a range of cards with different welcome offers, bonus categories, and annual fees.
What are the best redemption options for Amex points?
Transferring Amex points to travel partners is often the most valuable option. American Express partners with a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering flexibility in redeeming points. Booking flights directly through Amex Travel is also an option.
How can I use Amex points on Amazon?
American Express cardholders can use their Membership Rewards points to purchase items on Amazon through the Amazon Shop with Points program. However, the value of the points when redeeming on Amazon is significantly lower compared to other redemption options.
Are there other ways to earn Amex Membership Rewards points?
Yes, besides credit card welcome bonuses, you can earn points through credit card referrals, shopping through the Rakuten Shopping Portal, category bonuses on specific spending, and taking advantage of Amex Offers.