How to earn rewards points with American Express
With an American Express Card, your eligible everyday spending could earn you Membership Rewards points, from groceries and petrol to dining and online shopping1.
You could also build your points balance through Additional Cards2, successful referrals3 and welcome bonus points.
Here’s how you can start earning rewards points.
Discover Amex Membership Rewards.
What are Membership Rewards points?
Membership Rewards is the Amex rewards program available on eligible Cards that allows Card Members to earn points on eligible purchases, redeeming them for a range of perks1.
Your Amex points are linked to your Card Account. As you earn them, they’re added to your Membership Rewards balance, ready to use whenever you choose.
Earning Membership Rewards points with your Amex Rewards Card
You can earn Amex points when you use your Card to pay for eligible purchases1 like:
- Groceries, petrol and mobile phone bills.
- Meals out and food delivery.
- Streaming subscriptions and online shopping.
- Flights, hotels, car hire and other travel bookings.
However, points are not earned on fees applicable to your Account such as Annual Card Fees, interest charges, late payment fees and currency conversion fees. Points earned on refunded purchases are also reversed.
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Earn rates, caps and expirations
Different Cards are designed around different spending patterns, so the way points are earned varies. Some Rewards Cards earn points across broad purchase categories, while others offer higher points earning in selected areas.
Caps and thresholds can also shape how points build. If there’s a cap, a different earn rate may apply once the threshold is reached until it resets. For example:
With Amex rewards program, points don’t expire as long as your Account is active and in good standing and there is no limit to the amount of points you can earn. |
Earn rates, caps and expirations
Different Cards are designed around different spending patterns, so the way points are earned varies. Some Rewards Cards earn points across broad purchase categories, while others offer higher points earning in selected areas.
Caps and thresholds can also shape how points build. If there’s a cap, a different earn rate may apply once the threshold is reached until it resets. For example:
With Amex rewards program, points don’t expire as long as your Account is active and in good standing and there is no limit to the amount of points you can earn. |
Ways to boost your points balance
Beyond individual purchases, here are a few tips to help your points balance build steadily.
Use your Card for everyday purchases
Using your Card as part of your usual routine means everyday purchases – the weekly shop, a coffee, a subscription renewal – can contribute to the same points balance as bigger moments, like booking a holiday. Whether big or small, eligible purchases all add to one balance over time.
Make the most of boosted spend categories
Some Cards offer higher points earning in selected categories, so you can give your balance a boost. For example, the American Express® Platinum Edge Credit Card earns 3 points per $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations5.
Get Additional Cards for household purchases
With Additional Cards, you can earn rewards points every time your family use their Additional Cards2, as all the points they earned are added to the Primary Card Member’s balance. You can add up to 4 Additional Cards at no extra cost with all Amex Membership Rewards Consumer Cards.
Successfully refer your friends to get bonus points
Depending on the Card you hold, you could earn bonus points for each friend you refer who applies using your unique referral link and is approved3. Check out how Amex referral program works.
Make the most of welcome bonus offers
If you’re thinking of applying for an Amex Card, you can check the welcome bonus point offers available to boost your initial point balance if you decide to apply for a Card. Eligibility, minimum spend and Terms & Conditions apply.
Successfully refer your friends to get bonus points
Depending on the Card you hold, you could earn bonus points for each friend you refer who applies using your unique referral link and is approved3. Check out how Amex referral program works.
Make the most of welcome bonus offers
If you’re thinking of applying for an Amex Card, you can check the welcome bonus point offers available to boost your initial point balance if you decide to apply for a Card. Eligibility, minimum spend and Terms & Conditions apply.
Track your Amex points balance
Need an easy way to see how your eligible purchases are adding up? Log in to your Online Account or the Amex App6 and visit the Membership Rewards dashboard to see your Amex points balance, recent points activity and the redemption options available to you.
Compare Amex Rewards Cards that earn Membership Rewards points
When comparing Membership Rewards Cards, ask yourself: does the way this Card earns points reflect the way I spend? For example:
Some Cards such as the American Express® Platinum Edge Credit Card earn extra points at major supermarkets and petrol stations5, which can suit you if you use your Card for regular household shopping.
Others like the American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card earn more points on eligible dining, food delivery and streaming4.
The American Express Explorer® Credit Card keeps it simple, offering a flat earn rate of 2 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases across the board7, excluding government bodies.
Premium Cards, like the American Express® Platinum Card offer a higher earn rate of 2.25 points per $1 spent across all eligible purchases, excluding government bodies1.
How quickly a Card earns points is just one part of the comparison. Annual fees, thresholds, purchase exclusions and other benefits all shape how a Card works day to day.
A Card with higher points earning in selected categories may suit some routines, while a Card with broader points earning, premium benefits or a different annual fee may suit others. Weighing these options gives you a full picture of what each Card could offer you.
Amex Membership Rewards vs. other rewards programs
Not every American Express Card earns Membership Rewards points. If you are an airline loyalist, other Cards are linked to specific Frequent Flyer programs such as Qantas Points earning Cards and Velocity Points earning Cards where points are earned directly with Qantas and Velocity loyalty programs.
From earning points to redeeming them
Part of the appeal of earning points is what you can do with them. With the Amex rewards program, you can choose how and when to use your rewards points based on what suits your needs at any time. Some Card Members may prefer to transfer points to airline or hotel partners8, while others may use points to cover charges on their Cards9, to get Gift Cards10 or for travel bookings through American Express Travel Online11.
FAQs
No. Some Amex Cards are connected to Membership Rewards, while others earn different rewards, such as airline frequent flyer points like Qantas Points and Velocity Points. Some Cards do not earn rewards points.
Eligible purchases depend on your Card and the Terms and Conditions. Usually, everyday purchases such as groceries, petrol, utilities, dining out, entertainment, subscriptions and online shopping are included, as well as holiday and travel spend.
Log in to your Online Services or the Amex App to see your balance, recent points activity and available redemption options.
Yes, points earned on Additional Card purchases contribute to the Primary Card Member’s Account.
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. Additional Card Members.
Additional Card Members must be 16 years of age or over. The Primary Card Member will be liable to pay for all transactions made by Additional Card Members. Earning of points is subject to the terms and conditions of the Rewards Program the Primary Card Member is actively enrolled. All points earned on Additional Card Member spend will go to the Primary Card Members Account. The Primary Card Member cannot add an Additional Card under their own name or email address and cannot add an Additional card under the name or email address of a previously approved Additional Card application on the Account.
3. Refer a Friend.
American Express credit approval criteria apply. Participation in the "Refer A Friend" program is subject to eligibility deemed by American Express. All information is correct as at 1 August 2026 and is subject to change. This offer is only available to those who reside in Australia. Cards are offered, issued and administered by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085), Australian Credit Licence No. 291313. ® Registered Trademark of American Express Company.
Don't Spam!
American Express discourages spamming. You should only send referral messages to friends and family who genuinely want to receive them. By participating in ‘Refer a Friend’, you agree to these terms and conditions:
- Friend: For the purpose of these terms and conditions, the term ‘friend’ means:
- For American Express Consumer Card referrals, individuals that are your friends, family or close associates; and
- For American Express Business Card referrals, entities that are known to you including companies, partnerships and sole proprietors that hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
- For the avoidance of doubt, if you already have an American Express Card, you are prohibited from referring yourself for any American Express Card.
- Only Friends & Family: You must only send referral messages to close friends and family.
- Ask Their Permission First: You must ask the person for their permission and be given consent to send them an email about your Card product. Sending emails to people without permission is considered spam.
- We encourage fair usage of this referral program and so limit the number of individuals who can apply using your referral link. This is capped at 25 in any 30-day period. The amount of Bonus Points you may receive under the 'Refer a Friend' program for Personal Cards is capped at 200,000 points per year. The amount of Bonus Points you may receive under the 'Refer a Friend' program for Business Cards is capped at 10,000,000 points per year.
- Your friend must apply from the referral link we have given you. If your friend applies from a separate link or applies independently (i.e. if they visit www.americanexpress.com.au directly) you will not receive your points.
- You must not market or promote this offer through paid advertising channels or to the public at large (i.e. on public blog sites, search engines or in sponsored ads).
- You will only receive Bonus Points if your friend's Card application is approved (in accordance with our usual Card application processes and assessments). Note: We will not tell you if your friend's Card application is approved or declined for privacy and confidentiality reasons.
- Your friend may not receive any points if they hold or previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the past 18 months.
- You must be enrolled in the relevant rewards loyalty program to receive Bonus Points.
- It may take 8 to 10 weeks to be credited Bonus Points if you are successful.
Why should I comply?
Any violation, abuse or failure to comply with these 'Refer a Friend' Terms and Conditions including, sending emails to individuals with whom you have no business, personal or family relationship, referring yourself, and efforts to bypass, manipulate, obscure or otherwise modify the delivery and accurate presentation of the referral link, sharing tools, content, disclosures, instructions or other materials we provide will be considered a breach of these Terms and Conditions and make you ineligible for any referral bonus, reverse any referral bonus awarded, and may result in your termination from the ‘Refer a Friend’ program and cancellation of your Card account.
4. Membership Rewards Program for The American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card.
Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards® program available at americanexpress.com/en-au/rewards/membership-rewards/terms.
Earn 5 points per $1 spent at restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, bars and selected food delivery services in Australia (“Eats and Drinks”). See the list of selected food delivery services here. Earning points at this rate is dependent on how the merchant categorises their business and provide us this information (directly or through their financial institution). Locations such as a bar in an entertainment venue or a restaurant in a hotel may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. The Eats and Drinks category does not include supermarket, grocery store or catering spend.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions at selected providers in Australia. The current list of streaming services is available here. Purchases must be made directly with the merchant on our list. Spend will not be eligible for accelerated earn if the product is bundled with another product or service or billed by a third party such as a digital platform or a TV, telecommunications or internet provider. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn.
Earn 2 points per $1 spent at selected major retailers in Australia. The following merchants have been classified as Selected Major Retailers: Amazon, Kmart, Bunnings Warehouse, Uniqlo, Myer, The Iconic, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman. Purchases with these Selected Major Retailers are only eligible for additional points if the transactions are made online or in-store in Australia. Spend through an aggregator or intermediary platform for these transactions may not be eligible for accelerated points earn. The current list of selected retailers and corresponding terms and conditions are available here. The list is subject to change.
Eligible spend outside the accelerated earn rate categories will earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent.
American Express reserves the right to change this list of Eats and Drinks providers, selected food delivery services, selected streaming services and selected major retailers that earn points at an accelerated rate.
Monthly Points Threshold: You will earn points at an accelerated earn rate on spend at eligible Eats & Drinks, select food delivery services, select streaming services and selected major retailers up to a combined maximum of 10,000 points posted to your account monthly. After a total of 10,000 points is earned in a month, you will earn 1 point for every $1 regardless of credits, returns and adjustments until the threshold resets at the start of the next calendar month.
Refunds and returns: When the Basic Card Member or an Additional Card Member obtains a refund or reimbursement for items purchased on the Card or an Additional Card as applicable, Membership Rewards points will be deducted. Points are deducted based on the earn rate applicable on the day a refund or reimbursement transaction is processed.
5. Membership Rewards Program for the American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card
Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. The following merchants have been classified as major supermarkets: Bi-Lo, Coles, Fishers, Food For Less, Fresh Provisions, Harris Farm Markets, IGA, Macro Wholefoods, Safeway, Supabarn, Thomas Dux, Woolworths. The following merchants have been classified as major petrol stations: Ampol, BP, Caltex, Gull, Metro, Peak, Safeway Petrol, Shell, United, Woolworths Petrol, 7 Eleven.
Exceptions may apply if an individual merchant trading as one of the above named retailers does not accept American Express as a form of payment.
Purchases at major supermarket & major petrol station retailers are only eligible for additional points if the transactions are made in Australia.
Certain transactions will earn 2 points per dollar spent, including the use of foreign currency overseas and overseas online payments. Additional points for major supermarkets, petrol stations and foreign currency may not 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 a major supermarket processed through a payment aggregator may not earn the additional points.
6. 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.
7. Membership Rewards Program for the American Express Explorer Credit Card
Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. You 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, including where you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant.
8. 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.
9. 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 are 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.