American Express and Point.me Launched a Brand-New Free Tool. Eligible Amex Cardholders Can Use It to Find the Best Award Flight Redemption Options

Earlier this month, American Express announced a partnership with travel rewards search platform point.me. Eligible American Express cardholders can use the tool to search for award flights from airline partners of the Membership Rewards® program. This partnership can help travelers maximize the value of their American Express Membership Rewards® points. If you're an American Express cardholder, here's what you should know about the news.

What to expect from the Amex and point.me partnership

Point.me is a paid search platform that lets users search for award flight options. This tool makes it easier for travelers to find the best redemptions to maximize the points and miles they earn from credit cards and airline loyalty programs. To search for award flights, travelers start by entering their preferred travel dates and destination.

The search tool supports economy, premium economy, first, and business class flights across over 150 airlines. Users will be shown flight options, the total number of points or miles required, and any taxes or fees they'd need to pay when booking. They'll also be shown step-by-step instructions for redeeming their points for an award flight of their choice.

A point.me standard membership, which includes unlimited searches, costs $12 a month or $129 annually. However, eligible Amex cardholders get free access to this tool. Cardholders can log in to their Amex accounts at point.me/amex to confirm eligibility and use the program. (Terms apply; enrollment required.)

Point.me will show users award flight options for airline loyalty programs participating in the Membership Rewards® program. After performing an award flight search, users must transfer their points to a participating program through their Membership Rewards® account and book the flight directly with the airline. Award flights can't be booked directly on the point.me platform.

Pricing award flights across multiple airline rewards programs can be time-consuming. Using a tool like point.me lets busy travelers like you search numerous airline loyalty programs simultaneously to plan their next award flight redemption faster. You may benefit from this partnership if you have one of the best American Express cards.

Travel transfer partners can help you maximize your points

Travel credit cards with rewards programs that include airline and hotel partners can be a win. While many rewards credit cards offer multiple redemption options, transferring rewards to a travel partner can be a great strategy if you want to maximize the value of your rewards.

While many credit cards allow users to redeem their rewards for cash back or a statement credit, this usually isn't the best use of points. You may get more value from your rewards by transferring your points to an airline partner and redeeming them for an award flight, for example.

Review your redemption options before redeeming your credit card rewards, and consider which redemption will best suit your needs and goals. If you like to travel, redeeming your rewards for award flights may be worthwhile. Using tools like point.me can help you plan your next trip.

Should you add a travel rewards credit card to your wallet?

Can you benefit from getting a travel rewards credit card? If you like to travel, it's likely. There are many options available, including general travel credit cards and airline credit cards. A travel credit card may be ideal if you want to earn points or miles and access travel-specific benefits.

But consider your needs and goals before applying for a new credit card. Many frequent travelers find these rewards credit cards valuable because they can continue to prioritize their travel goals while keeping more money in the bank. Browse our list of the best travel rewards credit cards to learn more.