Best Ways to Make the Most of Your Amex Points

Maximize the benefits of your AMEX points: from booking flights to donating your points, explore the best ways to make the most of your rewards.

The rewards program offered by American Express (Amex) can transform your everyday spending into fantastic rewards, but do you know how to make the most of them? We’re here to guide you through the best ways to use your Amex points.

Transfer points to airline and hotel partners

THIS OPTION OFFERS THE MOST VALUE FOR YOUR POINTS

Your Amex points are your passport to a host of exciting travel opportunities. You’re able to access multiple Travel Partners , including carriers like Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Air New Zealand, plus the Hilton and Marriott hotel chains. The program lets you take your AMEX Membership Rewards Points and funnel them into your preferred airline of hotel loyalty program; essentially swapping your points for flights or luxury stays.

If you get strategic about planning your next trip, this can be the highest-value way to use your points, making your next holiday more affordable than ever.

Book your dream trip through Amex Travel or partner agencies

You can also book your travel through the Amex Travel portal. Use your points to secure flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and holiday packages. For flights, you’ll get about 1 cent per point in value, and slightly less for other travel options.

Additionally, you can make use of Amex’s travel agency partner, Helloworld Travel, or Webjet for booking your trips. Using your points to purchase a travel agency gift card is also an option.

For holders of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you get a 35% points rebate if you use the Pay With Points feature for all or part of a first class or business class flight booked with American Express Travel. This is a golden nugget for frequent business travellers!

Treat yourself to retail therapy

There’s a shopping spree at your fingertips with Amex points; use them to make purchases with select retail partners. From the latest tech gadgets and homeware to gifts, fashion, and cosmetics, your points can buy you more than just essentials.

Here’s how to redeem points:

  • Login to your Account online or via the Amex App.
  • Select an eligible item and click Use Points in the Amex App or Use Points for Charges in your Account online.
  • Redeem. Get a credit on your Account within 72 hours.

Credit your account

Sometimes, it’s the simplest rewards that are the most satisfying. Amex gives you the opportunity to transfer your points into a credit on your card, giving you extra spending power. This bonus credit can be used towards any purchase of your choosing.

Grab a gift card

Gift cards are a flexible way to use your Amex points. With American Express’s wide array of partners, you can use your points to purchase gift cards from popular brands like Bunnings, Countdown, Event Cinemas, Westfield, and many more.

The process is easy: choose your brand, select the gift card value, and use your points at checkout.

Check your American Express account for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the specific redemption rate for gift cards.

Eat at New Zealand’s best restaurants

Make your Amex points work for your palate! The Pay With Points Dining program allows you to use your points to pick up the bill at some of the best restaurants across New Zealand.

Simply use your American Express Card at participating locations, and you’ll have the option to offset the cost with your points when you receive your statement. It’s a delicious way to get a taste of New Zealand’s dining scene.

Make a donation

Want to use your points to help others? Amex partners with online donation platform JustGiving. You can use your points to donate to a range of US-based charitable causes.

Simply login to the JustGiving platform, find the charity you want to support, enter the donation amount, and apply your membership rewards points at the checkout.

Don’t let your points pile up unused — make them work for you. However you decide to treat yourself, the perfect reward is waiting for you.

Explore American Express Credit Cards today!