How Do I Claim My American Express Points?
Do you know about Amex points, or would you like more information? If yes, then you must know this. American Express (Amex) membership rewards points are the ways Amex says ‘thank you’ every time you spend on your Card.
American Express Membership Rewards is a points program where you earn at least 1 point for every dollar spent with certain American Express cards.
There are no limits to how much you can earn. Whether it’s a new pair of headphones, a family trip away, or even your morning coffee and pastry. When we say you can use them for pretty much anything, we mean exactly that.
As a member, if you’re looking for the best way to make use of Amex points, continue reading to find out.
What’s the Value of the AmEx Points?
American Express Membership Rewards points offer a lot of redemption options, each with its value proposition.
1. Book Travel
Whether it’s flights, hotels, or vacation packages, you can use your points to book directly through the AmEx Travel site or Expedia at checkout.
The value per point falls between 0.7 and 1 cent.
2. Transfer to Travel Partners
American Express boasts an extensive network of transfer partners, allowing you to convert your points into various loyalty programs.
Most transfers occur at a 1-to-1 ratio, although there may be exceptions. Note that transfers to U.S. airlines incur a fee of 0.06 cents per point, capped at $99.
3. Upgrade Your Seat
Bid for seat upgrades on over 20 participating airlines through the Upgrade with Points feature.
While convenient, be cautious as the value of your points may diminish with higher bids.
4. Statement Credit
If you prefer a simple approach, redeeming your points for a statement credit offers an easy cash-back option.
This allows you to offset eligible charges on your card. This effectively reduces your overall expenses.
5. Shop with Points
American Express extends its rewards program beyond travel, enabling cardholders to shop at a wide range of retailers using their points.
It does not matter whether you’re stocking up on household essentials at Walmart or treating yourself to a luxury item on Amazon, the ability to pay with points at checkout provides added convenience and value.
6. Gift Cards
Exchange your points for gift cards at numerous retailers, with the value per point fluctuating depending on the store.
For instance, at Target, each point is worth about 0.7 cents, while at Tiffany, it’s valued at 1 cent.
7. Donate to Charity
Beyond personal benefits, American Express empowers cardholders to make a positive impact by donating their points to charitable causes.
Each point donated allows you to support causes that resonate with you while maximizing the impact of your rewards.
How Do I Redeem Points?
Follow the steps below to redeem points:
1. Log in to your Online Services account.
2. Click on ‘Use Points for Purchases’ under the ‘View and Redeem Points’ button.
3. Choose the purchases you want to redeem points for and follow the steps to submit.
Once you’ve done that, a statement credit will usually be applied to your account within 48 hours.
If you want to redeem points for a purchase made in the last 12 months that isn’t shown online, just call the number on the back of your Card.
Ineligible Expenses on Amex Card
When making use of your Amex Points, please note. The following are not eligible to spend, so will not earn membership rewards points:
1. Interest.
2. All fees (including annual membership fees and default fees).
3. Balance transfers.
4. Cash advances (including transactions treated as cash).
5. Loading of pre-paid Cards.
6. American Express travelers’ cheque purchases.
7. Foreign exchange transactions.
8. Also, any amounts that are subsequently credited to your Card Account. This can be either by way of refunds or other types of credits.
What’s the Worth of American Express Points?
The value of American Express points varies depending on how you choose to redeem them. The Average value of American Express points is captured in the table below:
| Number of American Express Points | Average Value |
| 50,000 | $335 |
| 60,000 | $402 |
| 70,000 | $469 |
| 80,000 | $536 |
AmEx Cards That Earn Membership Rewards Points
American Express offers over a dozen cards that let you earn Membership Rewards. Some of the most popular ones even come with no annual fee.
1. Amex EveryDay Credit Card
With the Amex EveryDay Credit Card, earning points is easy. You’ll receive 2 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, with a cap of $6,000 in purchases per year.
Also, for all other eligible purchases, you’ll still earn a solid 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent.
2. American Express Green Card
The American Express Green Card offers an enticing rewards structure that enhances your travel and dining experiences.
With this card, you’ll earn a remarkable 3 Membership Rewards points for each dollar spent on eligible travel and transit purchases, allowing you to accumulate points quickly while exploring the world.
Additionally, dining out becomes even more rewarding as you earn 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide.
For all other eligible purchases, you’ll still earn a solid 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent, ensuring that every transaction contributes to your rewards balance.
3. American Express Gold Card
Earning points with the American Express Gold Card is simple and rewarding.
Get 4 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent at restaurants, making dining out even more satisfying.
Enjoy the same generous 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 in spending each year, and then 1 point back thereafter.
For flights booked directly with airlines and through American Express Travel, earn 3 points per dollar spent, enhancing your travel experiences.
Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases, ensuring that every transaction contributes to your rewards balance effortlessly.
4. The Platinum Card from American Express
Receive 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, enriching your travel experiences.
Enjoy the same generous 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked on American Express Travel, ensuring a luxurious stay wherever you go.
For all other eligible purchases, earn a solid 1 point per dollar spent, making every transaction count towards your rewards balance effortlessly.
5. American Express Business Gold Card
Earn 4 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent in two categories from a selection of six, where you spend the most each billing cycle, up to the first $150,000 in combined purchases per year.
After reaching this threshold, you’ll still receive 1 point back. Categories include:
- Airfare is purchased directly from airlines.
- U.S. purchases at restaurants.
- Purchases at gas stations.
- U.S. purchases for shipping.
- U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio).
- Purchases are made directly from select technology providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutions.
6. The Business Platinum Card from American Express
With The Business Platinum Card from American Express, maximizing your rewards is both simple and lucrative.
Earn an impressive 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on eligible flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express, enhancing your travel experiences.
Also, earn 1 point for each dollar spent on eligible purchases, ensuring rewards for all your transactions.
For select categories, enjoy even greater rewards:
- Earn 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers, and shipping providers.
- Receive 1.5 points per dollar on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
American Express Membership Rewards lets you earn points easily when you use specific AmEx cards for your purchases.
Every dollar you spend on shopping, dining, or traveling adds up to points that you can later redeem for rewards.
Keep in mind, though, that not every American Express card is part of the Membership Rewards program, so always check your card’s details.