American Express Membership Rewards points value (2026).
Amex Membership Rewards points are worth about 2.0 cents each on average when transferred to airline partners. Using them through the Amex Travel portal gets only 1 cent per point, so transferring to partners is the best way to maximize value.
TL;DR
Amex points are worth roughly 2.0 cpp on average and up to 3.0+ cpp on the best redemptions. Portal value is fixed at 1.0; transfer to one of 7 top partners for premium-cabin sweet spots.
Verified July 2026
Average value
2.0 cpp
Best value
3.0+ cpp
Portal value
1.0
Top partners
7
Value assessment guide
How to judge whether you're getting a good deal with your Amex points.
Poor
< 1.0 cpp
Amex Travel portal baseline
Average
1.0 - 2.0 cpp
Standard transfer redemption
Good
2.0 - 3.0 cpp
Solid partner redemption
Excellent
> 3.0 cpp
Premium cabin sweet spot
Best transfer partners
Where to transfer your membership rewards points for maximum value.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
High valueTransfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spot: ANA first class for 120k points round-trip
British Airways Avios
High valueTransfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spot: Short-haul flights from 4,000 Avios one-way
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
High valueTransfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spot: Promo Rewards for up to 50% off award flights
ANA Mileage Club
Very High valueTransfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spot: Round-trip first class to Japan for 150k miles
Singapore KrisFlyer
Very High valueTransfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spot: Singapore Suites for 92k miles one-way
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
High valueTransfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spot: First class to Hong Kong for 110k miles one-way
Etihad Guest
High valueTransfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spot: First class apartments for 104k miles one-way
Sample redemptions
Real-world examples of what your Amex points can get you.
| Redemption | Points | Cash value | Value (cpp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC to Tokyo (ANA First Class via Virgin Atlantic) | 120,000 | $25,000 | 20.8 cpp |
| NYC to London (Virgin Atlantic Upper Class) | 60,000 | $4,500 | 7.5 cpp |
| US to Europe (Air France Business Class) | 70,000 | $3,500 | 5.0 cpp |
| London to Paris (British Airways Economy) | 4,000 | $100 | 2.5 cpp |
| Amex Travel Portal Booking | 50,000 | $500 | 1.0 cpp |
Approximate values; vary by date, availability, and route.
Cards that earn Membership Rewards Points
Best credit cards for earning Amex points.
Amex Platinum
5x flights & hotels booked directly
$695/yr
Amex Gold
4x restaurants & U.S. supermarkets
$250/yr
Amex Business Gold
4x on top 2 categories
$295/yr
Frequently asked questions
What are Amex Membership Rewards points worth?
Amex Membership Rewards points are worth about 2.0 cents each on average when transferred to airline partners. Through the Amex Travel portal, they're worth a fixed 1.0 cent per point. The best redemptions through airline transfers can yield 5-20+ cents per point on premium cabin flights.
What is the best way to use Amex points?
The best way to use Amex points is to transfer them to airline partners like Virgin Atlantic, ANA, or Air France for premium cabin award flights. Transferring to Virgin Atlantic to book ANA first class is one of the highest-value redemptions, worth up to 20+ cents per point.
Should I use Amex points through the travel portal or transfer to partners?
Transferring to partners almost always provides better value. The Amex Travel portal gives a fixed 1.0 cent per point, while partner transfers average 2.0+ cents per point and can reach 5-20 cents per point for premium cabin flights.
Which Amex cards earn Membership Rewards points?
The main Amex Membership Rewards cards are the Amex Platinum (5x on flights & hotels), Amex Gold (4x on restaurants & supermarkets), Amex Green (3x on travel & transit), and their business equivalents. All cards in the MR ecosystem pool points together.
Do Amex points expire?
Amex Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. If you close all your MR-earning cards, you'll lose your points, so always keep at least one MR card active.
Related resources
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Earn More American Express Membership Rewards Points
Credit cards that transfer to American Express Membership Rewards
Build your American Express Membership Rewards balance faster with these credit cards offering welcome bonuses and transfer partnerships.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Business · Annual fee $895
200,000 points
after $20,000 in 3 months
- Hotel credit ($600)
- Dell credit ($1150)
- Adobe credit ($250)
American Express Business Gold Card
Business · Annual fee $375
200,000 points
after $15,000 in 3 months
- ChatGPT Business Statement Credit ($300)
- FedEx, Grubhub and Office Supply Statement Credit ($240)
- Walmart+ Statement Credit ($155)
The Platinum Card from American Express
Personal · Annual fee $895
175,000 points
after $12,000 in 6 months
- Hotel credit ($600)
- Digital entertainment credit ($300)
- Uber Cash and One credit ($320)
American Express Gold Card
Personal · Annual fee $250
100,000 points
after $8,000 in 6 months
- Dining credit ($120)
- Resy credit ($100)
- Disney Streaming credit ($120)
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Personal · Annual fee $95
100,000 points
after $5,000 in 3 months
- Chase Travel hotel credit ($100)
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit ($120)
- DoorDash DashPass ($120)
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Personal · Annual fee $795
100,000 points
after $6,000 in 3 months
- Travel credit ($300)
- The Edit hotel credit ($500)
- Dining credit ($300)
Credit card approval subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply. American Express cards shown are available to US residents only.