Mastering the American Express Rewards Credit Card

Unlock the full earning potential of your card with practical strategies, hidden perks, and smarter redemptions.

Practical Guide to Using the Amex Rewards Credit Card

Getting approved is only the beginning. To truly maximise the American Express Rewards Credit Card, cardholders need to understand the nuances of earning and redeeming points strategically. Here’s how to optimise its use:

Hit the Welcome Bonus Early

To earn the 5,000-point bonus, spend £2,000 within the first 90 days. This equates to roughly £667 per month — achievable for most households when including groceries, utilities, and transport.

Tip: Avoid large one-time purchases that might trigger fraud alerts. Instead, spread spending evenly across categories Amex recognises.

Leverage Bonus Categories and Amex Offers

While the base rate is 1 point per £1, Amex regularly pushes bonus-point campaigns through Amex Offers. Activate them through the app to earn up to 5x points or get cashback at UK retailers like John Lewis, Deliveroo, or Boots.

Combine with Other Amex Cards

If you later upgrade to the Preferred Rewards Gold Card, you can pool Membership Rewards points. Many seasoned users begin with the Rewards Credit Card, then upgrade after 12 months to access airport lounge passes and 2x points on select categories.

Use the Amex Travel Portal

Rather than redeeming points for Amazon purchases (low value), use the Amex Travel portal or transfer points to partners like British Airways Executive Club (Avios) or Virgin Points. Redemptions for flights and upgrades can fetch up to £0.01 per point, effectively turning 5,000 points into £50+ of travel value.

8 Smart Hacks to Maximise Rewards Value

1. Pay Your Council Tax with Curve: Link your Amex to a Curve card and pay council tax to generate points on expenses that normally don’t accept Amex directly.
2. Stack Offers with Retailer Cashback Sites: Use TopCashback or Quidco in combination with Amex Offers for double-dipping savings.
3. Book Group Travel, Get Reimbursed: Pay for friends’ flights or hotels, then collect the cash — all points stay with you.
4. Use PayPal with Amex: Many merchants accept PayPal but not Amex directly. Set Amex as your funding source in PayPal.
5. Annual Shop Small Bonus: During “Shop Small Week”, earn £5 back for every £15 spent at small businesses — a rare cashback-style perk on a rewards card.
6. Transfer to Hotel Partners During Promotions: Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy occasionally offer 30%–50% bonuses for points transfers. Wait for these.
7. Split Bills with Amex’s “Send & Split” Feature: Easily divide restaurant or group payments — keep the points and get reimbursed instantly.
8. Negotiate Large Purchases Through Amex Concierge: For premium items (e.g., watches, event bookings), the concierge may secure bonus-point offers or unique pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do Membership Rewards points expire?

No, as long as your account is active and in good standing.

Can I combine points with a spouse or partner?

No, but you can book rewards travel for others using your own points.

Are there restrictions on which purchases earn points?

Yes — cash advances, gambling transactions, and balance transfers do not earn points.

Can I have more than one Amex card earning Membership Rewards?

Yes. Multiple MR-earning cards can pool into one central points account.

Is it worth using the card abroad?

Yes, particularly because this version has 0% foreign transaction fees, unlike many UK cards.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Card Name	Key Benefit	Ideal For
Amex Preferred Rewards Gold	Lounge access + double points	Frequent flyers
Chase Sapphire Preferred (US)	Strong travel ecosystem	US-based users only
Barclaycard Avios Plus	Avios accumulation	British Airways loyalists
Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday	Straight 0.5%-1% cashback	Those who prefer cash rewards

For users who prefer cashback or airline-specific points, these alternatives may offer stronger ROI depending on spending habits.

Maximising the Lifetime Value

While the American Express Rewards Credit Card starts as a no-fee, entry-level product, its true long-term value lies in its relationship benefits. Users who maintain good standing are often targeted with exclusive upgrade offers, spending bonuses, and pre-sale tickets to events.

Lifetime Value Tip: Spend £10,000+ per year and you’ll often receive targeted incentives, like 5,000 bonus points or complimentary upgrades to Gold.

Final Verdict: Who Should Use This Card?

The Amex Rewards Credit Card is best suited for those entering the rewards space who want access to a powerful points ecosystem without committing to a fee-based product. While it lacks some of the travel insurance and concierge-level perks of its Gold and Platinum counterparts, it punches well above its weight given the zero cost.

It’s also a smart long-term play — cardholders who understand the value of Membership Rewards can graduate to more advanced Amex products with a solid foundation already in place.

Ideal user profile:

• Urban professionals with moderate monthly spending (£600–£1,000)
• UK residents planning international travel within 12–18 months
• Consumers willing to learn how to redeem points for high value