Earning Membership Rewards

American Express has a family of cards that earn flexible Membership Rewards.

You can earn and spend Membership Rewards from any card that earns Membership Rewards.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Welcome & Retention Offers

American Express states that credit card welcome offers are available once in a lifetime.

Data points show that a “lifetime” is once every seven years. It also shows that people can get targeted mail or email offers that allow individuals to be eligible for welcome bonuses again.

How to get retention offers

A retention offer is a bank offer that offers a point bonus, a waiver of an annual fee, or a statement credit in exchange for meeting a spending goal within a specific time frame.

Secure chat or call the card issuer after the annual fee has been posted to let them know you are considering closing the card and would like to know about retention offers.

If you are offered a retention offer, keep any documentation that supports that you accepted the offer and what the criteria are.

Application Frequency

American Express has a “Once in a Lifetime” Rule. This means you are only eligible for ONE welcome bonus per card in a “lifetime.”

Data suggests the phrase “Once in a Lifetime” = once every seven years.

The maximum number of American Express credit cards you can hold once is five.

Limit applications to no more than two every 90 days.

Combining Points

Before transferring or combining your points, the Membership Rewards program has a few essential rules.

If you combine Amex points, you can combine points across your accounts. You are not allowed to pool or combine points earned by another person with Membership Rewards points.

If you are transferring Amex points, you can only transfer points to a frequent traveler account in your name. You cannot transfer Membership Rewards points to another person’s frequent traveler account, except for authorized users (personal cards) or employees (business cards) listed on the account for at least 90 days.

Transfer Partners

Aer Lingus AerClub

Aeromexico

Air Canada

ANA

Avianca Lifemiles

British Airways

Cathay Pacific

Delta Air Lines

Emirates

Etihad airways

Flying Blue Air France KLM

Hawaiian

Iberia

JetBlue

Qantas

Singapore Airlines

Virgin Atlantic

Choice Hotels

Hilton

Marriott

Once you’ve found your redemption through an American Express airline or hotel transfer partner, your next step is to transfer your points from American Express to the loyalty program. This will allow you to use the points to book your reservation.

1. Log into American Express. Click “Explore Rewards,” and you’ll see various options. Click “Transfer Points.” Click “View All,” and the transfer partners will pop up.

2. Click “Transfer Points” next to your chosen transfer partner. Then, enter your airline or hotel loyalty number to connect your accounts.

3. Transfer your points. Most of the time, the transaction will go through immediately.

Pro tip: Create a free account with any loyalty programs you may be interested in. This will allow you to search for point availability and streamline transfers and bookings.

American Express Travel Portal

American Express offers a travel booking portal. Membership Rewards, cash, or a combination of both may be used to pay for travel.

Like other banks, such as Chase and Capitol One, rates are typically higher within the portal than when booking directly.

Check the point-earning multipliers when booking within a portal. They can be fantastic earning opportunities.

Fine Hotels & Resorts

What Is Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts Program?

It is a benefit that offers perks at over 1,300 luxury hotels and resorts.

This is available with The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the Corporate Platinum Card, and the Centurion Card.

You can use Amex Rewards to book your stay.

Benefits Include

$100 experience credit toward things like dining or spa services

Noon check-in when available and guaranteed 4 pm late check-out

Complimentary breakfast for two

Complimentary Wifi

Room upgrade upon arrival when available

Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection $200 Credit

Platinum Card members get a $200 statement credit each year on prepaid bookings with Amex Express Travel when they pay with their Platinum Card.

The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

Off Setting Annual Fees

American Express cards can have hefty annual fees. Understanding how to use the benefits and credits provided by each card can help you offset the fees.

Here are a few credits and benefits of different American Express cards.

• Access to Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium Lounges.
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four to five years.
• Up to $400 annual credit for U.S. Dell purchases
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit
• $155 Walmart+ Credit
• $189 Clear Credit

Point Multipliers

Once you have used your welcome bonus, it is important to accumulate more Membership Rewards for your next trip.

American Express cards have some of the best point multiplier categories available, with some cards offering 4X the points on groceries and dining.

Rakuten

Rakuten is a cash-back shopping portal that lets you earn rewards when purchasing.

When shopping online, browse through the Rakuten portal before you make a purchase. You’ll receive a portion of your purchase back in the form of a check, PayPal transfer, or Membership Rewards points.