If you’re looking to travel more using points and miles, one of the best ways to start is with American Express credit cards that earn Membership Rewards points. These points are incredibly valuable for booking flights, especially international business class redemptions.
We’ve used Amex points to book flights valued at thousands of dollars while paying only minimal taxes and fees. If you’re looking to earn Membership Rewards points efficiently, these are the most effective strategies, because there are far more ways to earn than simply using your card for everyday purchases.
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Open American Express personal credit cards to earn Membership Rewards
One of the fastest ways to earn a large stash of Amex Membership Rewards is by signing up for American Express personal credit cards that offer high welcome bonuses. Cards like the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum regularly offer anywhere from 60,000 to 150,000 points after meeting minimum spending requirements.
These cards also reward you for everyday spending. For example:
- American Express® Gold Card earning rate is 4x at restaurants, 4x at U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights
- American Express® Platinum Card earning rate is 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, 5x on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
If you’re dining out, grocery shopping, or traveling with your family, you can earn Amex points effortlessly just by using the right card.
Open American Express business credit cards to earn Membership Rewards
If you have a side hustle or small business (even a part-time one, such as freelance work or selling on Etsy), you may qualify for an American Express business card. These often come with larger welcome offers (you can earn up to 250,000 Membership Rewards® Points!) than personal cards.
For example:
- American Express Business Gold Card®: Often 150,000+ Membership Rewards points after meeting a spend threshold
- American Express Business Platinum Card®: Bonus points on top two business categories each month
Having both a personal and business card can dramatically boost your earning potential.
Use Amex offers for bonus points or cash back
Don’t sleep on Amex Offers, these are targeted promotions available on most Amex cards that can earn you bonus points or statement credits. We’ve earned extra points just for making purchases we were going to make anyway (like booking a hotel, buying flights, or shopping online).
Always check your account for new offers and add them before you spend.
Add Authorized Users strategically to earn Membership rewards
You can earn additional points by adding authorized users to your Amex cards (especially during promotions). Some Amex cards offer bonus points when your authorized user makes a purchase within a certain time frame.
Just make sure your authorized users are trustworthy, since you’ll be responsible for their charges.
Refer friends and family to earn Membership rewards
The Amex Refer-a-Friend program is a fantastic way to earn extra Membership Rewards. You’ll receive bonus points every time someone applies and is approved using your referral link, and they’ll often get a better welcome offer, too.
You can find your referral link in your Amex account under the “Refer a Friend” section.
Shop through Rakuten to earn Membership rewards
Here’s a lesser-known trick for boosting your Membership Rewards balance: link your Rakuten account (a popular online shopping portal) to your American Express Membership Rewards earning account.
Normally, Rakuten offers cashback when you shop through its links, but if you choose to earn Membership Rewards points instead, that cashback is converted into Amex points at a 1:1 ratio.
So instead of $5 in cashback, you could be earning 500 Amex points, which can go a long way toward your next flight or hotel stay.
How Rakuten works with American Express
Rakuten partners with thousands of online retailers, including major travel brands like Viator, Expedia, and even booking platforms for airport transfers and luggage delivery. When you shop or book through Rakuten:
- You click on a retailer link via the Rakuten portal.
- Rakuten tracks your purchase.
- You earn cashback or, if your Amex account is linked, Membership Rewards points instead.
Real-life example: earning 3,800 Amex points from a Maui Tour
We used this strategy when booking the Maui Pineapple Farm Tour through Viator, which is one of Rakuten’s travel partners.
At the time, Rakuten was offering 12% cashback on Viator purchases. By booking through Rakuten and having our Amex account linked, we earned 3,800 Membership Rewards points instead of $38 in cashback. That’s a significant points haul for a fun family activity we were planning to do anyway!
Step-by-step: how to book through Rakuten and earn points
- Sign up for Rakuten (it’s free).
- Link your Amex Membership Rewards account in your Rakuten profile.
- Search for Viator (or any other retailer) on Rakuten.
- Click through to the partner site via Rakuten.
- Complete your booking or purchase as usual.
- Receive Amex points in your account once the transaction is tracked and posted.
This is one of the easiest ways to earn Membership Rewards points on purchases you’re already planning—whether you’re booking a tour, shopping for travel gear, or reserving a hotel.
Pay bills and everyday expenses with Amex to earn Membership rewards
Don’t forget the slow and steady method: earning points through your everyday spending. From groceries and gas to school supplies and travel, using your Amex card for regular purchases can yield a surprising number of points over time.
Make sure you’re always using the right card for the bonus category—and that you’re meeting any minimum spend requirements for new card bonuses.
Bottom line
Whether you’re saving Amex points for a family trip to Europe or dreaming of flying in lie-flat business class seats to Asia, understanding how to earn Amex Membership Rewards points is key. The process doesn’t have to be complicated.
Amex Membership Rewards points earning strategies:
- Start by applying for the best Amex credit cards
- Use them for everyday spending
- Take advantage of referral bonuses, Rakuten offers, and limited-time promotions.
We’ve used Amex points to book flights to Japan, Portugal, and beyond, without paying thousands of dollars. Learning how to earn Amex points efficiently has transformed the way we travel.
