Amex Membership Rewards · Membership Rewards Points

Best way to use Amex points.

Verified July 2026

TL;DR

Amex Membership Rewards are one of the most versatile points currencies. With 1:1 transfers to 20+ airline and hotel partners, you can book everything from ANA first class to Hilton stays. The key is avoiding the Amex Travel portal (only 1 cpp) and instead transferring to partners for 2-20x more value.

Top 5 redemptions.

The highest-value uses for your membership rewards points.

1

ANA First Class via Virgin Atlantic

20+ cpp

Transfer to Virgin Atlantic and book ANA's The Suite first class round-trip to Japan for 120,000 points. Cash value: $20,000+. This is the single best redemption in the points world.

2

Singapore Suites

10+ cpp

Transfer to Singapore KrisFlyer and book Singapore Suites (the double-bed suite) for 92,000 miles one-way from JFK to Singapore. An unforgettable experience.

3

Short-Haul Avios Flights

2-5 cpp

Transfer to British Airways and book short European flights from just 4,000 Avios one-way. London to Paris, Dublin, or Amsterdam for pennies.

4

Air France Flying Blue Promo Awards

3-8 cpp

Transfer to Flying Blue during monthly Promo Rewards and get up to 50% off award flights. Business class to Europe for as low as 35,000 miles.

5

Etihad First Class Apartments

8-15 cpp

Transfer to Etihad Guest and book the famous First Class Apartment from Abu Dhabi to New York for 104,000 miles one-way.

Transfer strategy.

Transfer Amex points on a 1:1 basis to partners only when you have a specific booking in mind. Never speculatively transfer — points in Amex are more flexible than in any single airline program. Check for transfer bonuses (10-40% extra) before transferring.

Amex sweet spots.

ANA first class round-trip via Virgin Atlantic: 120,000 points

Cathay Pacific first class via Asia Miles: 110,000 one-way

British Airways short-haul from 4,000 Avios one-way

Hilton stays at 1:2 ratio (1 MR = 2 Hilton) during transfer bonuses

Flying Blue Promo Rewards: 50% off select routes monthly

Common mistakes.

Using the Amex Travel portal at 1 cpp when transfers yield 2-20x more

Transferring points speculatively without a specific booking in mind

Missing transfer bonuses — Amex regularly offers 20-40% bonuses to specific partners

Not considering the Schwab Platinum cash-out at 1.1 cpp as a baseline for comparison

Overlooking the Hilton 1:2 transfer ratio which is good during hotel stay promotions

Related resources.

Amex points value

What are your membership rewards points actually worth?

Amex transfer partners

Every airline and hotel partner, ratios included.

Search award flights

Live availability across every partner airline.

Frequently asked questions.

What is the best way to use Amex points?

Transfer to airline partners for premium cabin award flights. The best single redemption is ANA first class via Virgin Atlantic for 120,000 points round-trip, worth $20,000+ in cash. For everyday value, British Airways Avios for short-haul flights and Air France Flying Blue for Europe offer great returns.

Should I use Amex points through the travel portal?

Almost never. The Amex Travel portal only gives 1 cent per point, while airline transfers average 2+ cents per point. The only exception is if you can't find award availability and need to book a specific flight at a reasonable cash price.

How many Amex points do I need for a good redemption?

For a single premium cabin flight: 50,000-120,000 points for business or first class. For short-haul economy: 4,000-15,000 points. A balance of 100,000+ points opens up most of the best redemptions.

What are the best Amex transfer partners?

Virgin Atlantic (for ANA first class and Delta flights), British Airways (short-haul flights), Air France/KLM Flying Blue (European business class with Promo Rewards), ANA Mileage Club (round-trip first class), and Singapore KrisFlyer (Singapore Suites).

Ready to use your Amex points?

Search award space across every partner — or open the chat and tell it where you want to go.

Search award flights Talk to your points

Need More Points?

Earn bonus points with these credit card offers

Can't find availability at your current points balance? These credit cards offer generous welcome bonuses to help you book your dream flight.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Business · Annual fee $895

US only

200,000 points

after $20,000 in 3 months

  • Hotel credit ($600)
  • Dell credit ($1150)
  • Adobe credit ($250)
Learn more & apply

American Express Business Gold Card

Business · Annual fee $375

US only

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)
Learn more & apply

The Platinum Card from American Express

Personal · Annual fee $895

US only

175,000 points

after $12,000 in 6 months

  • Hotel credit ($600)
  • Digital entertainment credit ($300)
  • Uber Cash and One credit ($320)
Learn more & apply

American Express Gold Card

Personal · Annual fee $250

US only

100,000 points

after $8,000 in 6 months

  • Dining credit ($120)
  • Resy credit ($100)
  • Disney Streaming credit ($120)
Learn more & apply

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)
Learn more & apply

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)
Learn more & apply

Credit card approval subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply. American Express cards shown are available to US residents only.