Amex Membership Rewards® guide: Amex points value, redemption and how to use your rewards points
Whether you're saving for your next holiday, treating yourself to something special or looking for everyday ways to get more from your spending, Membership Rewards gives you the flexibility to choose how you use your rewards points.
The American Express Membership Rewards program allows eligible Card Members to earn points on eligible purchases1 and redeem them across a wide range of rewards, including travel2, Gift Cards3, shopping4, eligible Card charges5 and transfers to participating Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs6.
Read on to understand the different ways you can redeem your Amex points, how to get the most out of your points and what your points are worth to choose the rewards that best suit your lifestyle and needs.
Discover Amex Membership Rewards.
What is the Amex Membership Rewards program and how does it work?
Membership Rewards is the loyalty program from Amex that allows you to earn points on eligible purchases and redeem them for a variety of rewards through Amex and participating partners6.
Earning rewards points
Whether you're using your Card for dining out, travel bookings, groceries, entertainment or online shopping, eligible spending can contribute towards your points balance1.
What’s more, Membership Rewards points don’t expire as long as your Account is active and in good standing. This means you can redeem your points at a time that suits you.
Why flexibility matters when choosing how to use your points
One of the key benefits of the Membership Rewards program is flexibility. Rather than being locked into a single type of redemption, you can choose how and when to use your points based on what suits your needs at any time.
Some Card Members may prefer to transfer points to Airline or Hotel Partners6, while others may use points for a credit to their Card7, Pay with Points when shopping online4, for Gift Cards3 or travel bookings through American Express Travel Online2.
Earning rewards points
Whether you're using your Card for dining out, travel bookings, groceries, entertainment or online shopping, eligible spending can contribute towards your points balance1.
What’s more, Membership Rewards points don’t expire as long as your Account is active and in good standing. This means you can redeem your points at a time that suits you.
How to maximise the points you earn with Amex.
Why flexibility matters when choosing how to use your points
One of the key benefits of the Membership Rewards program is flexibility. Rather than being locked into a single type of redemption, you can choose how and when to use your points based on what suits your needs at any time.
Some Card Members may prefer to transfer points to Airline or Hotel Partners6, while others may use points for a credit to their Card7, Pay with Points when shopping online4, for Gift Cards3 or travel bookings through American Express Travel Online2.
How to use and redeem Membership Rewards points
Tapping into Amex Membership Rewards program gives you the flexibility to redeem your rewards points across a variety of options.
Use your rewards points for travel
If you're planning a holiday or family trip, using Membership Rewards points towards travel can help reduce the cost of your booking or contribute towards flights, accommodation or car hire. Your options include:
- Using points to book eligible flights, hotels and car rentals with American Express Travel Online2. Depending on the booking, you may be able to choose how many points you'd like to use, with any remaining balance charged to your Card. Explore American Express Travel.
- Transferring points to Airline Partners6, including Velocity, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand Koru and more
- Transferring points to Hotel Partners6, including All Accor, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy®.
If you're already collecting points with a participating frequent flyer or hotel rewards program, transferring Amex points may help you work towards future flights, hotel stays or other eligible rewards available through that partner program. Explore Amex transfer partners.
Use rewards points for everyday rewards
Not every redemption needs to be saved for a special occasion. Many Card Members prefer using their rewards points more regularly, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of the program throughout the year. These can include:
- Transferring points to our Retail Partner Everyday Rewards6.
- Redeeming points for Gift Cards3 including Amazon, Uber, The Iconic, Sephora, Ticketmaster, JB Hi-Fi and more, making them a convenient option for birthdays, celebrations or everyday purchases. The full list of retailers can be found here
- Using points to make purchases online with Pay with Points4 at your favourite brands like Apple, Ikea, David Jones, Myer, Louis Vuitton, The Good Guys and more.
- Using points to receive credits on your Card7 or cover existing eligible purchases on your Card with Cover Charges with Points5.
Use your rewards points for travel
If you're planning a holiday or family trip, using Membership Rewards points towards travel can help reduce the cost of your booking or contribute towards flights, accommodation or car hire. Your options include:
- Using points to book eligible flights, hotels and car rentals with American Express Travel Online2. Depending on the booking, you may be able to choose how many points you'd like to use, with any remaining balance charged to your Card. Explore American Express Travel.
- Transferring points to Airline Partners6, including Velocity, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand Koru and more
- Transferring points to Hotel Partners6, including All Accor, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy®.
If you're already collecting points with a participating frequent flyer or hotel rewards program, transferring Amex points may help you work towards future flights, hotel stays or other eligible rewards available through that partner program. Explore Amex transfer partners.
Use rewards points for everyday rewards
Not every redemption needs to be saved for a special occasion. Many Card Members prefer using their rewards points more regularly, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of the program throughout the year. These can include:
- Transferring points to our Retail Partner Everyday Rewards6.
- Redeeming points for Gift Cards3 including Amazon, Uber, The Iconic, Sephora, Ticketmaster, JB Hi-Fi and more, making them a convenient option for birthdays, celebrations or everyday purchases. The full list of retailers can be found here
- Using points to make purchases online with Pay with Points4 at your favourite brands like Apple, Ikea, David Jones, Myer, Louis Vuitton, The Good Guys and more.
- Using points to receive credits on your Card7 or cover existing eligible purchases on your Card with Cover Charges with Points5.
Points value: what Amex points are worth?
The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. Rather than there being a single "best" redemption, the right option often depends on your personal priorities.
The examples below show what you could receive when redeeming points across selected options.
What 50,000 Amex Membership Rewards points are worth
25,000 Velocity Points2
Membership Rewards points can be transferred to the Velocity Frequent Flyer program, allowing you to use points for eligible flights, upgrades and more.
$250 Credit with Amex Travel Online6
When you book through Amex Travel Online, you can redeem points for credit to spend on eligible travel benefits like flights or hotels and resorts.
$250 Statement Credit using Cover Charges with Points7
With Cover Charges with Points, points can be applied to eligible purchases that have already been charged to your Card. After selecting an eligible transaction in your Account, a statement credit is applied to help cover all or part of that charge.
Up to $250 in Digital Gift Cards5
Points can be redeemed for digital Gift Cards from a range of participating brands, including Woolworths, Bunnings, and many more.
What 75,000 Amex Membership Rewards Points are worth
37,500 Velocity Points2
Use your points to fly to hundreds of destinations worldwide or treat yourself to a flight upgrade by transferring Membership Rewards points to the Velocity Frequent Flyer program.
$375 Credit with Amex Travel Online6
Take care of eligible car hire, flights, or other travel essentials with credit through American Express Travel Online.
$375 Statement Credit using Cover Charges with Points7
Use points to receive a $375 statement credit on eligible purchases charged to your Card, such as dining, travel, or everyday spending.
Up to $375 in Digital Gift Cards5
Points can be redeemed for digital Gift Cards from participating retailers such as Amazon, Coles and more.
What 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards points are worth
50,000 Velocity Points2
Plan your next break by transferring points to the Velocity program3, to use on eligible car hire, flight upgrades, hotel resorts and more.
$500 Credit with Amex Travel Online6
As an eligible Card Member, you can use points for all or part of your eligible flight, hotel, car rental, and more with Amex Travel Online.
$500 Statement Credit using Cover Charges with Points7
Use points after you’ve made a purchase by applying them to eligible charges on your Card to receive a statement credit using Cover Charges with Points.
Up to $500 in Digital Gift Cards5
Points can be redeemed for $500 in digital Gift Cards from participating retailers, including Coles, Woolworths and more.
Please note that these redemption values are correct as at 1 August 2026 and may be subject to change.
What affects Amex points redemption value?
Several factors can influence the value you receive when redeeming Membership Rewards points.
These may include:
- the redemption option you choose
- participating partner redemption rates
- minimum redemption requirements
- the Amex Card linked to your Membership Rewards Account
- current partner offers or promotions
- applicable terms and conditions
For example, transferring your points to participating Airline or Hotel Loyalty Programs may provide different value outcomes compared to redeeming your points for Gift Cards.
It's also important to remember that value isn't always measured solely by the monetary outcome. For some Card Members, using rewards points to reduce the cost of an upcoming holiday may provide greater personal value than redeeming the same number of points for everyday spending. Others may appreciate the convenience of applying points towards eligible purchases they've already made.
Ultimately, the best redemption is the one that helps you achieve your own goals and makes the most of the flexibility offered by the Membership Rewards program.
Don’t forget, before redeeming, it’s always a good idea to review the latest options available in your Account, as redemption choices, partners and availability can change over time.
Best way to use Amex points
The best way to use Membership Rewards Points depends on your goals. Comparing the available redemption options can help you choose the one that's right for you.
Compare Amex points redemption options
| If you want to… | Consider using your points for… | Things to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Book your next holiday | Eligible travel through Amex Travel Online2 | You may be able to pay or part-pay for eligible flights, prepaid hotels or car hire. Availability and T&Cs apply. |
| Work towards future travel rewards | Transfers to Airline or Hotel Partners6 | Transfer rates, participating partners and eligibility requirements may vary. Minimum redemption amounts may also apply. |
| Reduce the cost of eligible purchases you've already made | Cover Charges with Points5 | You can apply points to eligible Card charges after they've been made. Minimum redemption amounts and T&Cs apply. |
| Treat yourself or someone else | Gift Cards from participating retailers3 | Available brands and redemption requirements may change over time. |
| Put your points towards everyday purchases | Shopping with selected partners with Pay with Points4 | Participating retailers and redemption options may vary. |
Which Amex Cards offer Membership Rewards points?
Membership Rewards is available with the following Amex Cards:
- The American Express® Platinum Card with elevated travel benefits and experiences;
- The American Express Explorer® Credit Card, your travel companion;
- The American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card to get extra Membership Rewards points;
- The American Express® Platinum Edge Credit Card for higher rewards on everyday spending;
FAQs
There isn't a single fixed value for Amex points. The value of Membership Rewards points depends on how you choose to redeem them. Different redemption options, such as travel, Gift Cards, shopping or transfers to Airline and Hotel Partners, may provide different values. Before redeeming your points, it's worth reviewing the available options to determine which best suits your needs.
The best way to use Membership Rewards points depends on your individual goals. If you're planning a holiday, you may choose to use your points towards eligible travel2 or transfer them to an Airline or Hotel Partner6. If you prefer everyday rewards, you might redeem your points for Gift Cards3, shopping4 or eligible Card charges5. The right redemption option is the one that delivers the most value for your circumstances.
Card Members can transfer Membership Rewards points to Airline Partners. Simply log in to your Online Account or the Amex App8 to link to the Partner loyalty program, then follow the steps to redeem your rewards by selecting 'Transfer Points to Partners' from the Catalogue and the number of points you would like to transfer. Once your transfer has been processed, you can visit the Partner's site to use your points.
To redeem points to any Frequent Traveller program you must be a member of the applicable program. Enrolment in such programs is solely your responsibility and fees may apply. The minimum requirement and transfer rate varies.
Card Members can redeem their Membership Rewards points for digital Gift Cards3 as well as physical ones from the Membership Rewards Catalogue. Select the Gift Card you would like to order (if a digital Gift Card option is available, it will be listed) in your Online Account or the Amex App8.
Normal retailer gift card or voucher conditions apply, refer to the gift card or retailer website for details.
Cover Charges with Points allows Card Members to use their Membership Rewards points towards eligible purchases5 that have already been made using their Amex Card to reduce their Card balance. If your transaction is eligible, you can select it within your Online Account or the Amex App8 and use points to cover all or part of the purchase.
If you choose to use this feature, points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account and a credit placed on your Card in line with the points chosen to be used for the eligible transaction.
You can check your Membership Rewards points balance by logging in to your Online Account or the Amex App8 and go to the Membership Rewards section.
Check out the range of American Express Cards to find the right Card for you.
1. Membership Rewards program
Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available at americanexpress.com/en-au/rewards/membership-rewards/terms. Government transactions will earn 1 point per dollar spent with Merchants classified as "government", including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post), Federal/State and Local Government bodies. Industry specific earn rate may apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to Local Government bodies processed through a payment aggregator may earn rates at the government earn rate.
2. American Express Travel Online.
To earn or redeem Membership Rewards points, Cards must be enrolled to the American Express Membership Rewards program, and your Card Account must be in good standing. To redeem Membership Rewards points with American Express Travel Online, you need to have available limit on your Card for the full transaction amount of the booking. You will then receive a statement credit within 3 business days for your points redemption. If the credit isn’t on the same statement as the transaction, it should appear on your next statement. Please pay all amounts due each month. You will earn Membership Rewards points on the full dollar amount charged to your Card. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of our Membership Rewards Program.
3. Gift Cards.
Gift Card or voucher rewards are not redeemable or exchangeable for cash or credit and are valid for a period of minimum 3 years from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated. We are not responsible if any Gift Card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, or the Gift Card is used without your permission. Membership Reward terms and conditions apply. Normal retailer gift card or voucher conditions apply, refer to the gift card or retailer website for details.
4. Pay with Points.
You may use Points to make purchases at certain retailers listed on our website. You need to indicate at the time of purchase that you wish to Pay with Points. Individual retailers provide specific delivery and refund polices. Refund policies for Pay with Points retail Partners are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the retail Partner. The retailers’ conditions and refund policies may be amended by the retailers from time to time.
5. Cover Charges with Points.
For each successful transaction using Cover Charges with Points, points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account and a credit placed on your Card in line with the points chosen to be used for the Eligible Charge. A minimum of 1,000 Membership Rewards points is required to cover any eligible transaction with points. Any credit to your Card account cannot exceed the amount of the relevant Eligible Charges. A credit will appear on your statement identified as “Membership Rewards Credit”. Points will be debited immediately and the credit will take up to 3 business days to appear online. Credits processed after the Card account’s statement closing date will appear in the following statement. You are still responsible for payment of the amount due on your Card account by the due date. Any charges covered by points is not redeemable for cash via Credit balance refund. American Express will select and display each eligible charge that can be covered with points (“Eligible Charge”) and the points rate required to cover the Eligible Charge. Each Eligible Charge must: (a) appear within the Online Statement of the Summary of Accounts page; (b) be redeemed within 2 months of the charge appearing on your Card account; (c) not currently or have previously been disputed; and (d) not be a fee. Eligible Charges, including the points rate required to pay for the Eligible Charge, may be changed at any time without notice. Eligible transactions can be covered by points via your online account or American Express mobile app. Covering charges with points is available only to Basic Cardmembers enrolled in the Australian Membership Rewards program and is subject to the full Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions. Authorised agents, authorised account managers, additional Cardmembers and Authorised Additional Cardmembers are not eligible. All Linked Card accounts must be in good standing.
6. Transfer Points to Partners.
To redeem points at any Partner Program you must be a member of the applicable Program. Enrolment in such Programs is solely your responsibility and fees may apply. The minimum requirement and transfer rate varies. Subject to the Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions.
7. Points for Credit.
The redemption of Points for a credit to your Card (Points for Credit) will be administered by us within three business days and cannot be reversed. Amounts credited will appear on the first monthly statement following redemption. If you hold multiple Cards linked to the one Membership Rewards Account, the Points for Credit redemption will automatically be credited to the Primary Account only. Points may be redeemed by the Card Member for a credit on the Primary Card Account. American Express may decline a Points for Credit request where the Card Account or Card Member’s other accounts with American Express are not in good standing.
8. The Amex App.
The Amex App is available to download for eligible Card Accounts in Australia. To use the App, you must be registered for Online Services. Apple, the Apple logo, Touch ID, Face ID and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.
Partner up:
Transfer rewards points to hotel & airlines partners.
Lavish overseas holiday? Or exploring closer to home? Whatever your travel goals, American Express’ Credit Card Membership Rewards points can help get you there.
The great news is that American Express is one of the world’s most connected Cards to a number of airline and hotel Frequent Traveller Partners1. This makes points transfers to your preferred airlines easy and will have you taking off sooner. Depending on the type of Credit Card you are holding, you can transfer your Membership Rewards points to major Airline and Hotel Reward Partner Programs. Discover the transfer rates and more details here.
American Express also has a special relationship with our national carrier, Qantas. With the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, the points you earn will be directly credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer Account2. These Qantas Points can then be redeemed directly with Qantas for thousands of amazing rewards ranging from a flight upgrade, a memorable rail journey, a food and wine indulgence, or something from Qantas’ Rewards store which stocks brands like Apple, Bose, Sony, Samsonite and Dyson.
One-Stop shop: Book flights, hotels & cars.
American Express Travel Online also offers one of the most comprehensive online booking services for flights, hotels, cars - putting it all together for you in convenient bundles.
Once you’ve earnt Membership Rewards Points, log in to the American Express Travel Online portal. Here you can pay, or part pay, for travel with your Membership Rewards points3. On top of that, if you hold an American Express® Platinum Card, Explorer Credit Card or Platinum Edge Credit Card, you can also use your annual Travel Credit4 towards the booking. You’ll also be able to access exclusive travel benefits and enjoy selected offers only available to American Express Cardholders.
ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO USE YOUR POINTS AND GET MAXIMUM MILEAGE FROM THEM IS TO PLAN AHEAD. USUALLY, AIRLINES AND HOTELS START MAKING REWARD SEATS AND ROOMS
One of the best ways to use your points and get maximum mileage from them is to plan ahead. Usually, airlines and hotels start making reward seats and rooms available to book about a year in advance. Another way is to be flexible with your travel dates. Just shifting around your departure and return dates by a few days can save you money and points.
Landing now: Special offers, perks & protection
When you shop and travel with American Express®, the Card you hold may entitle you to a range of special offers, privileges, and, in some cases, higher points earning rates. For example, with an American Express® Platinum Edge Credit Card, you can earn 3 points for every dollar you spend at supermarkets and petrol stations5, tripling your points earning potential.
Some American Express® Cards also include domestic and international Travel Insurance, Shopping and Purchase Protection, and/or Smartphone Screen Insurance. Check insurance with your Card6 for more information.
Presents sorted: Gift Cards.
When it comes to gifts for special occasions, you could travel all over the city looking for presents for friends and family or get the job done thanks to Membership Rewards points, without ever leaving home.
From Apple to Amazon, Xbox to Coles & Myer, you can redeem points to find the perfect gift card for everyone. Discover dining, entertainment, wellness, retail, travel and more gift cards here.
WITH MORE OF US CHOOSING TO SHOP FROM HOME, IT'S IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE EVERY DOLLAR WE SPEND ONLINE EARNS REWARD POINTS.
Always open:
Online shopping with American Express partners.
With more of us choosing to shop from home, it’s important to make sure every dollar we spend online earns Reward Points.
Turn online stores into rewards stores by setting American Express as your preferred payment option at the checkout. American Express is accepted at major retailers like Amazon, Apple, David Jones, Coles and Woolworths, so you can enjoy earning Rewards Points while doing your everyday shopping.
From time to time, Amex Offers also rewards Card Members with cashback or a percentage off at participating businesses, just for spending with your Card. To view current Amex Offers, simply log into your Online Account or the Amex App.
American Express: Playing your Cards right.
If you’re still thinking, ‘how can I get the best value for money from my rewards points?’, our best tip is to stay goal focused. Have an end goal in mind and then work towards it. But first, you’ll need to choose the right Card. Check out our range of rewards earning Cards here.
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