Swiping credit cards on goods and services while earning rewards can be highly satisfying. One of the best ways to do this is through using reward programs offered by American Express. This financial company provides a variety of services, including multiple rewards cards, that allow users to earn Amex points through their Membership Rewards® program. These rewards can vary based on factors such as card type, spending categories, eligibility criteria, and redemption method, among others.

Amex membership rewards points through cards

Eligible American Express cardholders can apply for the Membership Rewards® program and start earning points. There are two top choices.

Personal card 

Platinum Card® American Express
This card offers up to 175,000 points after qualifying spends ($8,000 within six months). There are also 5X points per dollar spent on flights, prepaid hotel stays, and premium travel perks. While there is an annual fee of about $900, it can be offset by dining, hotel, and airline credits. There’s even lounge access and lifestyle benefits for frequent travelers and high spenders.

Business card 

American Express® Business Gold Card

Small to mid-sized business owners who invest substantial funds in advertising, shipping, travel, dining, and office supplies can benefit from this card. It is also an ideal option for those who prefer flexible, high-earning rewards. Key features include high earning rates, 4X points on capped annual spending of $150,000, and a low annual fee of about $375. 

Referrals

Another way how users can earn Amex rewards points is by referring a friend or a relative. This referral process is simple – Users can invite a friend via email, text, or by sharing a personalized referral link. The new user can choose from all available American Express® Personal and Business Card offers. If they are approved for a card, they could receive a welcome offer. The number of points offered per referral can vary based on a specific card. Here, users should note that the provider typically limits the number of points earned through referrals to 100,000 points per year, with an annual reset.

Amex offers

The provider offers eligible cardholders personalized deals, bonus rewards, and statement credits when they shop, dine, or buy books with participating merchants. Users can access these offers through the mobile app or through their online account. The offer can include saving a particular amount or percentage on a purchase in the form of a statement credit or earning extra Membership Reward points. The offer must be added to an eligible Membership Rewards®-earning card before the purchase is made.

Rakuten shopping portal

Users who want to maximize American Express rewards can take advantage of the online portal, Rakuten, as it helps boost Membership Rewards® balance. Rakuten provides cash back on purchases across 3,500 stores through its website, browser extension, or app. While earnings can be paid out, including via PayPal, one can also sign up to earn Membership Reward points. These points earned through the portal are in addition to those earned from spending on the credit card. Once an eligible purchase is made, users can expect points to be credited to their Rakuten account instead of cash back. Users can earn around 100 Membership Rewards® points for every $1 cash back.

American Express rewards redemption

In addition to earning rewards, users can redeem them in many ways.

• One can transfer Membership Rewards® points to travel partners, including over 20 airlines and hotel partners.
• American Express allows users to redeem their rewards through the Amex Travel portal. This is an online agency where users can use MP points to pay for eligible travel-related products and services, including flights, rental cars, accommodation, and cruises.
• Platinum Card or Business Platinum card members can sign up for the International Airline Program and gain access to special fares on select international first, business, and premium economy tickets booked through American Express Travel.
• Amex users can redeem MR for gift cards by making the points the primary payment method at checkout, rather than using the card. However, the value of the points depends on the brand chosen for the gift.