How to Maximize Your Miles with American Express
If you’re a frequent traveler or just getting into the rewards game, maximizing your miles with American Express can unlock incredible travel opportunities.
American Express offers various strategies to help you get the most out of your Membership Rewards® points. Here’s how to make the most of your miles:
Choose the Right American Express Card
The first step in maximizing your miles is selecting the best American Express card for earning points. Here are some top options:
- American Express Platinum Card: 5x points on flights and 1x on other purchases. Best for those who travel frequently.
- American Express Gold Card: 4x points on dining and 3x on flights. Ideal for foodies and travelers.
- American Express Green Card: 3x points on travel purchases. Great for those starting out or who prefer lower fees.
The right card for you depends on your spending habits and travel goals.
Use Amex Travel for Booking Flights and Hotels
When you book your travel through American Express Travel, you can earn more points on flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. The American Express Platinum Card offers 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, making it a top choice for frequent flyers.
Take Advantage of Bonus Point Offers
American Express regularly offers limited-time promotions where you can earn bonus points for specific purchases. Always check for these promotions and make sure to use your American Express card when shopping or booking services during these periods.
Transfer Points to Airline Partners
American Express has a range of airline partners, including Delta, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines. By transferring your Membership Rewards® points to one of these partners, you can often get more value out of your miles for award flights, upgrades, or other travel perks. Transfers typically happen at a 1:1 ratio, so it’s easy to turn points into miles.
Maximize Category Bonuses
Many American Express cards offer category bonuses on specific purchases, such as dining, travel, or supermarkets. The American Express Gold Card, for instance, offers 4x points on restaurants. Make sure you’re using the right card for your spending habits to rack up as many bonus points as possible.
Use American Express Offers
American Express provides special offers that can help you earn more points when you shop with certain retailers. Check the “Amex Offers” section on your account for discounts and additional points on purchases at participating merchants.
Combine Your Points with Family or Friends
If you have a family member or friend with an American Express card, you can combine your Membership Rewards® points to earn faster and redeem for higher-value rewards. American Express allows for point transfers between accounts, so this can be a great way to accumulate points quickly.
Redeem Points for Travel
The most straightforward way to maximize your miles is to redeem your Membership Rewards® points for travel. This can include flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. By booking travel with your points through Amex Travel, you can get great value and avoid blackout dates.