- The Ascent
- Best Credit Cards for April 2020
- Best American Express Credit Cards of April 2020
Best American Express Credit Cards of April 2020
Elizabeth is a writer specializing in credit cards, debt repayment, and small business. Her work has also appeared on MSN Money, Yahoo! Finance, and Business Insider.
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Our picks for best American Express credit cards of April 2020:
- Premium travel and welcome bonus: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- U.S. supermarkets and gas: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- U.S. supermarkets and gas with no annual fee: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- One-card wallet: American Express Cash Magnet® Card
- Dining and travel: American Express® Green Card
- Intro $0 balance transfer fee: The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express
- Dining and travel: American Express® Gold Card
- Delta flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Delta flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Great for: Premium travel and welcome bonus The Platinum Card® from American Express
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Why Apply
The high annual fee is justifiable for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of a deep bench of valuable perks, including the big welcome bonus and lucrative annual travel credits. Read Full Review
Rewards
5 points per $1 on flights booked with airlines and American Express Travel, and on eligible hotels booked on amextravel.com, 1 point per $1 on all else
Annual Fee
$550
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Ongoing APR
N/A
Bonuses & Perks
60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months, Global Lounge Collection access, Uber VIP status and free U.S. rides (max $15 each month, bonus $20 in December)
Highlights
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Great for: U.S. supermarkets and gas Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Why Apply
This card is a triple hitter with stellar cash back rates -- particularly at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, a big welcome offer, and a competitive 0% intro APR offer. Read Full Review
Rewards
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets ($6,000 spending cap per year), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, 1% back on all else
Annual Fee
$95
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 12 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 months
Ongoing APR
12.99%-23.99% Variable
Bonuses & Perks
$250 statement credit after spending $1,000 within three months, get free 2-day shipping on eligible items at a growing network of 100+ online stores with ShopRunner.
Highlights
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Don't wait for your Card in the mail. Start earning cash back before your card even arrives, if eligible for Instant Card Number.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, currently 12.99% to 23.99%
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- $95 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Great for: U.S. supermarkets and gas with no annual fee Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Why Apply
One of the highest rewards-earning gas and U.S. supermarkets cards we've seen with no annual fee. The big welcome bonus and 0% intro APR offer round out a diverse feature set. Read Full Review
Rewards
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets ($6,000 spending cap per year), 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores, 1% back on all else
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 15 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months
Ongoing APR
12.99%-23.99% Variable
Bonuses & Perks
$150 statement credit after spending $1,000 within three months, get free 2-day shipping on eligible items at a growing network of 100+ online stores with ShopRunner.
Highlights
- Earn a $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores, 1% back on other purchases.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, currently 12.99% to 23.99%.
- Don't wait for your Card in the mail. Start earning cash back before your card even arrives, if eligible for Instant Card Number.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits.
- No annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Great for: One-card wallet American Express Cash Magnet® Card
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Why Apply
Brings one-card wallet versatility with a big welcome bonus, long 0% intro APR offer, and unlimited cash back Read Full Review
Rewards
Unlimited 1.5% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 15 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months
Ongoing APR
12.99%-23.99% Variable
Bonuses & Perks
$150 statement credit after spending $1,000 within three months, get free 2-day shipping on eligible items at a growing network of 100+ online stores with ShopRunner
Highlights
- Earn a $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on your purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, currently 12.99% to 23.99%.
- 0% introductory plan fee on each purchase moved into a plan during the first 15 months from the date of account opening with Plan It®, a feature that lets you split up big purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee. After that, your plan fee will be up to 1.17% of each purchase moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase.
- Don't wait for your Card in the mail. Start earning cash back before your Card even arrives, if eligible for Instant Card Number.
- No Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Great for: Dining and travel American Express® Green Card
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Rewards
3x points for travel and restaurants, 1x points on all else
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Ongoing APR
See Rates & Fees
Bonuses & Perks
30,000 points after spending $2,000 within three months, receive up to $100 per year in statement credits to pay for your CLEAR® membership
Highlights
- Earn 30,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $2,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on all eligible travel, from subway swipes and window seats to hotel stays and city tours.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide.
- Receive up to $100 per year in statement credits when you use the American Express® Green Card to pay for your CLEAR® membership at select airports and stadiums across the U.S. and Permissible Biometric Scanning Technology terms: eye scanning, irises scanning and fingerprints scanning.
- Use the American Express® Green Card to purchase lounge access through LoungeBuddy to any of the lounges in the LoungeBuddy network — no memberships, elite statuses, or first class tickets required. Earn up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year on your LoungeBuddy purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $150 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Great for: Intro $0 balance transfer fee The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Why Apply
This card is unavailable on site and card details may be out of date -- One of the few remaining balance-transfer cards that include an intro $0 balance transfer fee. Add in the premium rewards and welcome bonus, and it's hard to ignore. Read Full Review
Rewards
2x points at US supermarkets ($6,000 spending cap per year), 1x points on all else. Use your Card 20 or more times in a billing period to earn 20% more points
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 15 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months for transfers made within 60 days
Ongoing APR
12.99%-23.99% Variable
Bonuses & Perks
10,000 points after spending $1,000 within three months
Highlights
- Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable rate, currently 14.74% to 25.74%.
- $0 balance transfer fee. Balance transfers must be requested within 60 days from account opening.
- 2x points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x); 1x points on other purchases.
- Use your Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% more points on those purchases less returns and credits.
- Over 1.5 million more places in the U.S. started accepting American Express® Cards in 2017.
- No annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Great for: Dining and travel American Express® Gold Card
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Why Apply
The welcome offer, dining and airline credits, and premium rewards more than justifies the annual fee. Read Full Review
Rewards
4x points for dining worldwide and U.S. supermarkets purchases ($25,000 spending cap), 3x points for travel booked with airlines or amextravel.com, 1x on all else
Annual Fee
$250
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Ongoing APR
See Rates & Fees
Bonuses & Perks
35,000 points after spending $4,000 within three months, up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees at one selected qualifying airline
Highlights
- Earn 35,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points when you dine at restaurants worldwide. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Airline Fee Credit: up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees at one selected qualifying airline.
- Choose to carry a balance with interest on eligible charges of $100 or more.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
Great for: Delta flyers Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Rewards
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$550
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Ongoing APR
15.74%-24.74% Variable
Bonuses & Perks
Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Also, receive a fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
Highlights
- Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- NEW! With Status Boost™, earn 15,000 MQMs after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- NEW! Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free and Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
- NEW! Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Complimentary access into the Delta SkyClubs® for you when travelling on a Delta flight.
- NEW! Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book your Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Great for: Delta flyers Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Why Apply
The big welcome bonus and rewards rate on Delta purchases make the annual fee worth it if you fly on Delta regularly. Read Full Review
Rewards
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, earn 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets, earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$250
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Ongoing APR
15.74%-24.74% Variable
Bonuses & Perks
Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Plus, earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. Also, receive a fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
Highlights
- Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Plus, earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
- NEW! With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 MQMs after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- NEW! Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free and Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
- NEW! Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- NEW! Earn 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Great for: Delta flyers Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.
Why Apply
The best card for most Delta travelers, given the balance of a premium rewards program and low annual fee. Read Full Review
Rewards
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases, receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets.
Annual Fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Ongoing APR
15.74%-24.74% Variable
Bonuses & Perks
Earn 35,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Also, save 20% on eligible in-flight Delta purchases.
Highlights
- Earn 35,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free and Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
- NEW! Get ready for your next trip - spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year and receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit to get you there sooner.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
- Terms Apply.
The information for American Express® Gold Card and The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by The Ascent and not provided by the issuer. Therefore, some terms may be out of date. Visit the issuer's website for more information.
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American Express cards offer some of our favorite perks and promotions, and it's no surprise that the issuer is one of the most valuable brands in the world. Whether you're looking to score some serious cash-back rewards, pay off debt with a balance transfer, or travel the world on points and miles, the best American Express cards have you covered. But before you hit "apply," here's everything you need to know about the issuer to help you choose the best Amex card for you.
What is American Express?
American Express is a financial services company that primarily issues credit cards and charge cards. Known for their excellent service and luxury perks, American Express's rewards credit cards and travel credit cards are some of the most popular on the market.
What are the top perks of American Express?
The best American Express cards offer bonuses and perks that help you make your money work for you while minimizing your costs. No credit card has it all, but here are some of the central perks offered by the best American Express credit cards:
- Sign-up bonuses: We look for a big bonus that will get you started with a stockpile of rewards. American Express cards tend to come with generous bonuses in the form of either statement credits or valuable Membership Rewards® points that can be redeemed for travel and more.
- Ongoing rewards: We want to see useful bonus categories and a high rewards rate on regular spending. The best Amex credit cards offer a high cash back or rewards rate on your regular spending, and many offer bonus points for spending in certain categories.
- Additional benefits: Extra perks are always good to have in your wallet. The best American Express cards come with a long list of benefits and protections, such as annual statement credits, travel insurance, and access to programs that make travel easier and more enjoyable. The perks that come with American Express's premium credit cards can be worth hundreds of dollars, including complimentary airport lounge access, airline credits, rental car insurance, and an exclusive global emergency assistance hotline.
- 0% intro APR: While it's smart to never carry a balance, sometimes it's unavoidable, so we do consider the ongoing APR. Several of the best American Express cards come with 0% intro APR offers on purchases, balance transfers, or both. This allows you to pay off your balance for a period of time -- usually 12 to 15 months -- without accumulating any interest fees.
- Charge cards: American Express offers charge cards, which have to be paid in full each month, and credit cards, which can carry a balance. Of the best American Express credit cards listed here, only The Platinum Card® from American Express is a charge card, while many others are regular credit cards. With charge cards, your balance must be paid in full each month, so you get the rewards and benefits of a credit card without the risk of accumulating finance charges. These cards also come without a preset spending limit, unlike credit cards. While both of these features can be appealing, if you do need to carry a balance from time to time, it's better to go with a credit card.
What could be improved about American Express?
American Express might be a favorite amongst credit card aficionados, but it's not perfect. Here are some features that even the best American Express cards could improve on.
- Wider acceptance: American Express is accepted in most places nowadays, but it's still not quite as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard. This becomes more apparent if you travel abroad frequently, as some countries are less likely to accept American Express than others.
- Travel insurance: The best American Express credit cards offer generous travel benefits and protections, including rental car insurance and emergency evacuation coverage. But they don't quite compare to the best Chase credit cards when it comes to features like trip cancellation insurance and lost and delayed luggage insurance.
Who should get an American Express card?
The credit cards in most consumers' wallets don't make the most of their spending habits and credit score. You should take your time and do your research when choosing a credit card, making sure that you maximize the rewards available to you. If you find an American Express card that meets your needs, then this might be the best issuer for you.
Choosing a credit card is a personal decision. It's important to pick a credit card with both your spending habits and your specific goals in mind. The table below will help you decide whether or not one of the best American Express cards is right for you.
| You want to... | You spend a lot of money on... | You should get... |
|---|---|---|
| Pay off debt using a balance transfer while avoiding fees and earning rewards | Groceries | The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express |
| Get cash back on bonus categories and a welcome bonus with no annual fee | Groceries and gas | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express |
| Earn valuable travel rewards and premium perks worth a high annual fee | Travel | The Platinum Card® from American Express |
| Use one card for all purchases and earn unlimited cash back with no annual fee | Anything | American Express Cash Magnet® Card |
| Earn travel rewards and a big welcome bonus | Groceries and gas | Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card |
| Pay an annual fee for the highest cash back rate possible and earn a statement credit | Groceries and gas | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express |
| Build credit and minimize the risk of being denied while earning rewards | Anything | Blue from American Express® |
FAQs
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When redeemed through Membership Rewards® programs, such as booking travel through the travel portal, purchasing with shopping partners like Amazon, redeeming for statement credits or gift cards, using points for Uber rides, or purchasing event tickets through the Membership Experiences portal, Membership Rewards® points yield a value of $0.005 to $0.01 each.
However, Membership Rewards points are also transferable. When you transfer your points to one of the issuer’s airline or hotel partners, you can easily get more than $0.01 out of each point. Some transfer options consistently yield a value of more than $0.02 per point.
When calculating a point value across all redemption options, we estimate that Membership Rewards® points are worth $0.012 on average.
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Membership Rewards® points offer highly flexible redemption options. They can be redeemed through various American Express portals and partners for a flat-rate value, or they can be transferred to a number of different partners.
If you want to redeem your Membership Rewards® points with American Express, you’ll find the value you get per point for each option below.- Gift cards: Up to $0.01
- Shopping portal: $0.05
- Shopping partners (Amazon, Best Buy, Grubhub, Rite Aid, Staples, and more): $0.07
- Airfare: $0.01
- Travel (hotels, vacation packages, cruises): $0.007
- Event tickets (Ticketmaster®, AXS): $0.005
- Charitable donations: $0.01 up to 500,000 points
- Transportation (NYC Taxi): $0.01
These redemption options are easy and useful to just about everyone. However, the redemption rates aren’t great. If you’re looking to maximize the value of your Membership Rewards® points, you also have the option to transfer them to the loyalty programs of nearly 20 different airline and hotel partners listed below.
- Airline transfer partners: AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air France KLM, Alitalia, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Asia Miles, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, El Al Israel Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia Plus, Jetblue Airways, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways
- Hotel transfer partners: Choice Privileges and Hilton Honors, Starwood Preferred Guest coming soon
- Gift cards: Up to $0.01
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Apart from getting an American Express credit card, there are a number of things you can do to earn rewards at a faster rate. Here are a few tips to help you pile on the Membership Rewards® points.
Aim for a good welcome bonus
While you shouldn’t apply for a credit card you won’t use just to get the welcome bonus, it is something you want to consider when choosing an American Express credit card. Often, credit cards with the biggest bonuses can provide you with more points than a year or two of use.
Pair two American Express cards
In order to maximize the rewards you get from your everyday spending, it often makes sense to pair up two, or sometimes even combine three, different credit cards that offer different spending bonuses. For example, if you got the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express, you could use the former on purchases at supermarkets for 3 points per $1 and the latter on travel for 5 points per $1 in order to maximize your rewards.
Refer friends
Refer a Friend is American Express’s credit card referral program. You’ll find your personalized referral link on your account page, which you can give out to friends and family. Each time someone applies for the card and is approved through your link, you’ll receive bonus points, miles, or cash back. While your rewards are capped, the maximum is often very high. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders get 15,000 Membership Rewards® points for each successful referral, up to 55,000 points per year.
Buy gift cards
Many of the American Express credit cards on this list offer bonus points for purchases at U.S. supermarkets. In order to take advantage of this bonus category, consider buying gift cards at your local supermarket for purchases you know you’ll make elsewhere. For example, if you spend a lot of money dining out -- which only gets you 1 point per $1 on most of these cards -- purchasing gift cards for your favorite restaurants ahead of time at the grocery store will get you 2 to 3 points per $1.
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There are dozens of ways to redeem your Membership Rewards® points, but with so many options, it’s easy to slip up and redeem your points for less than they’re worth. Here are the best ways to redeem your Membership Rewards® points.
Transfer your Membership Rewards® points to an airline or hotel
This is easily the best way to maximize the value of your Membership Rewards® points, as it’s the only redemption option offered by the cards above that gets you over $0.01 per point. You’ll still have to redeem your airline miles or hotel points wisely. Popular transfer partners for high-value redemptions are British Airways, Singapore Airlines, AeroMexico, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, ANA, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Jetblue Airways, and Air Canada.
Don’t use points for shopping or gift cards
Alternatively, some of the lowest value redemptions are the gift card and shopping portal options, which will only get you $0.005 to $0.007 per point. The same is true of redemptions done through the American Express travel portal.
Avoid redeeming points for a statement credit
While redemptions for statement credits are convenient, you only get $0.006 per point. I’d avoid this option unless you can’t find any other redemption options that work for you.
About the Author
Elizabeth is a personal finance writer specializing in credit cards, debt repayment, and small business. Her work has appeared on The Motley Fool, MSN Money, Yahoo! Finance, and Business Insider. She’s an avid credit card points collector and perpetual traveler currently living in Costa Rica.
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