• With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024 with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with this card. Enrollment required.
• Complimentary access to The Global Lounge Collection that includes 1,400+ lounges
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card‍
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
• Receive a statement credit every 4 years when you apply for Global Entry ($120) or every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider) and pay the fee with your card.
• NEW! Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• No foreign transaction fees
• Terms Apply

When it comes to Membership Rewards points, the best way to maximize your points is to redeem them with travel.

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[.dontreco] We don’t recommend: Redeeming your Membership Rewards points for cash back [.dontreco] 

While you can use your Membership Rewards points for a statement credit, essentially getting cash back, those points are typically worth just 0.6 cents each. This simply doesn’t provide the best value for your points.

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[.sometimesreco] We sometimes recommend: Booking through the Amex travel portal [.sometimesreco]

You can redeem your points for flights, hotel stays, and car rentals through Amex Travel, but this usually gives you a value of 1 cent per point or less, which is at least 50% lower than the normal value of Membership Rewards points. While this is a decent option, it’s still not the best.

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[.alwaysreco] We always recommend: Using Membership Rewards points to book with transfer partners [.alwaysreco]

The bottom line is — if a flight or hotel room can be bought with cash, you can use your points to book it. Transferring your Amex Membership Rewards points can score you more than 1.25 cents per point by moving rewards to Amex’s super-duper-wonderful airline and hotel partners. Top picks include Delta, Emirates, Qatar, Hilton, Marriott, and so many more. Taking advantage of these transfer partners is one of the best ways to justify your card.

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But how can I actually transfer my Membership Rewards points?

Simply log into your Amex account, click on “earn and redeem,” and you’ll see Amex’s long list of transfer partners. From there, make your transfer selection based on your trip and transfer those points. And just like that, you’re on your way! ✈️

Here’s that sweet list of American Express Membership Rewards points transfer partners we were just chatting about:

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1. Frequent Flyers

For business owners who are constantly on the move, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express is an invaluable asset. The card’s travel perks, including access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, $200 Airline Fee Credit, and $199 CLEAR® Credit, are just a few reasons to have this card in your wallet. With 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, frequent flyers can accumulate rewards quickly. Despite the high annual fee, the premium benefits and earning potential make it an ideal choice for those who travel frequently for work (or just in general).

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2. High-Expense Businesses

The Business Platinum Card® is designed to maximize your rewards if your business involves substantial spending. Earn 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more, and 1x points on all other purchases. These high earning rates make it easy to accumulate Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners. The added benefits, such as elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors only add to the card's value (enrollment required). For businesses with high expenses, this card offers a solid rewards program that can translate into realllly sweet travel benefits.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: You probably shouldn’t own a credit card if you: (1) have a bad credit score, (2) are a non-U.S. resident (for this particular card), and (3) cannot control your spending. If your credit score is below 700, you'll need to improve it before applying for travel credit cards, as approval for the best ones, like The Amex Business Platinum, is unlikely. Be honest with yourself: if a new credit card will tempt you to overspend, it's best to avoid it. Credit cards are crucial for earning miles and points, but they require responsible use.

An excellent credit score of 740 - 850 is recommended for The Business Platinum Card®. But again, if you’re in a solid place with your credit and feel you are ready for a new card, don’t let the fear of being rejected keep you from applying. We’ve known several people to be rejected on their first application, use the reconsideration line, and be granted the Amex Business Platinum. While it’s not considered a beginner card, the worst they can say is “no.”