What’s the best way to use Amex points?

Key takeaways

• You can use Amex points for travel, gift cards, statement credits, charity donations and everyday shopping.

• Travel transfers can offer some of the best value, but it depends on the route, reward availability, fees and the cash price.

• Some redemptions have limits, minimum transfer amounts or restrictions, so always check the latest terms before converting your points.

What is American Express Membership Rewards?

If you’re a UK American Express cardholder with a card that earns Membership Rewards points, you can use them in a range of ways, from travel and gift cards to shopping or reducing your card balance.

Whether you want to travel, shop smarter or cut down your card bill, this guide explains how to earn, redeem and get more from your Amex points.

How long do I have to spend my Amex points?

Your Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open, in good standing and enrolled in the programme.

If you close your card and do not have another linked card on your points account, you usually have 30 days to redeem your points before they are forfeited. You may also lose points if American Express closes your account, or if you miss a monthly payment.

Always check the latest American Express terms before closing an account, as this could affect your points balance.

How do I earn Amex points?

Earning points is simple — but knowing where they come from and what does and doesn’t count can make a real difference to your balance:

Everyday spending

• Earn 1 point per £1 spent on eligible purchases with your Membership Rewards card

• Points typically post within 24–48 hours of the transaction appearing on your account

Bonus categories and welcome offers

• Some cards offer higher earn rates (e.g. 2× or 3× points) in categories like travel or dining

• Welcome bonuses can boost your balance quickly if you meet the minimum spend in the early months

• Targeted promotions and partner offers can also give temporary bonus earn rates

Referrals

• You can earn bonus points for referring friends who successfully apply and are approved for an Amex card

What doesn’t earn points

• Fees, interest, balance transfers, and cash advances

• Prepaid card loads and foreign exchange fees

• Refunds or returned purchases

Earning limits

• There’s no overall cap on Membership Rewards points in the UK

• Certain bonus categories or promotional rates may have spend caps

Top tip: Set up regular payments like utilities or streaming services on your card to grow your points balance steadily

What can I use Amex points for?

AMEX points can be used across a range of spending categories. Here are your main redemption options, with typical values:

Need to know: Transfers to travel partners are usually irreversible and must go to a loyalty account in your own name

How can I maximise my Amex points?

To get the most out of your points, compare the cash price with the points cost before you redeem. Travel transfers can offer strong value, especially for flights or upgrades, but the best option depends on availability, taxes and fees, and how much the same booking would cost in cash.

Why travel transfers are the best way to maximise your Amex points:

• Travel partners often give the best pence-per-point value

• Transfers can be boosted by limited-time transfer bonuses (e.g. +20% or +30%)

• Premium cabin flights (e.g. business or first class) often offer disproportionate value compared to cash fares

• Booking during off-peak dates can stretch your points further

Examples of popular UK travel redemption options:

• British Airways Club: A popular option for converting Membership Rewards points into Avios, which can be used towards flights, upgrades, hotels and car hire.

• Partner airlines (e.g. Oneworld, SkyTeam, Star Alliance): Good for long-haul sweet spots.

• Hotel transfers: Can provide solid value at off-peak rates.

What to avoid using American Express points for:

• Using points at checkout with retailers like Amazon or PayPal gives less value per point

• Statement credits are convenient but usually less rewarding than travel

Before redeeming, always compare the cash price vs the points cost to make sure it’s a good deal.

Are there any limits on earning Amex points?

There are a few things to consider when it comes to earning Amex points:

• Transfers are one-way: Once moved to a travel partner, they can’t be reversed

• Transfers can only go to loyalty accounts in your own name

• Some redemptions have minimum transfer blocks (e.g. 1,000 points)

• If your account is closed or you default on payments, points may be lost

• Redemption values can change over time, so check the latest rates before redeeming

What's the best way to use my Amex points?

The best way to use your American Express points is to choose a card that fits your spending habits and look out for high earning rates and bonus categories.

It also helps to make the most of welcome bonuses and referrals, and stay flexible to unlock better deals from airlines and hotel partners.

Travel transfers can often offer better value than shopping or statement credit redemptions, but they are not automatically the best choice. Always compare the points cost, cash price and any taxes or fees before you redeem.

Finally, keep your account active and in good shape. Don't lose points unnecessarily if you can help it.