American Express® Membership Rewards are one of the most valuable currencies in the points and miles world. If you want to book business or first class flights, or relax in 5 star hotels, understanding how to earn and use American Express® points can transform your travel.

Let’s break down how the program works and how to squeeze the most value from every point.

The Best Ways to Earn

You can earn American Express® points in several ways through different cards. Just be sure you are choosing cards that earn full Membership Rewards rather than airline or hotel specific points.

Here are the most common ways to earn American Express® points:

1. Welcome bonuses. Many cards such as the American Express® Gold Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express® offer strong introductory bonuses, often between 60,000 and 150,000 points once you meet the required spending in the first few months.

2. Category bonuses. Some cards earn extra points on specific everyday purchases.

   • American Express® Gold Card earns 4x points on dining and U.S. supermarkets.

   • The Platinum Card® from American Express® earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express® Travel.

   • American Express® Blue Business Plus earns 2x points on all purchases up to 50,000 dollars a year.

3. Referral bonuses. Share your referral link with a friend, family member, or coworker. When they are approved, both of you earn points. These bonuses often fall between 10,000 and 40,000 points each time.

4. American Express® Offers. Inside your American Express® app you will often find targeted deals that earn extra points or cash back for purchases you already plan to make.

5. Rakuten. Switching Rakuten from cash back mode to American Express® points mode can generate a steady flow of extra Membership Rewards.

Redeeming American Express® Points for Max Value

Not every redemption gives you the same value.

To get the most from your points, focus on one method.

Transfer to airline and hotel travel partners.

American Express® has more than 20 partners. This opens the door to booking premium cabins and great hotel stays on many of the world’s top travel brands.

Using the American Express® Travel Portal is possible but usually gives you far less value. A flight that costs 1,000,000 points in the portal might be available for 100,000 points through the right transfer partner.

Big difference.

Whatever you do, avoid redeeming points for statement credits, gift cards, or Amazon purchases. These options give you some of the lowest returns.

A Simple Step by Step Approach

If you want to elevate your travel using American Express® points, follow this roadmap.

1. Choose the right cards. Pick cards that earn Membership Rewards, such as the American Express® Gold Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express®, American Express® Business Gold Card, or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express®.

2. Earn your welcome bonuses. Meet the spending requirement on time so you never miss out on the big points.

3. Optimize everyday spending. Use the right card for the right category. Dining, groceries, and flights all earn differently depending on the card.

4. Use transfer partners for flights and hotels. Skip the portal and skip low value redemptions. Partners are where the magic happens.

5. Keep earning and replenishing points. Lean into referral bonuses, American Express® Offers, and Rakuten to keep your balance growing.

American Express® Membership Rewards can unlock an incredible level of luxury travel when you use them strategically. By earning points wisely and redeeming through partners, you can enjoy world class flights and premium hotels for a fraction of the cash cost.

Talk soon,

Your Maestro Concierge

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are only the author’s and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity.