The Ultimate Guide to Amex Membership Rewards for Canadians
By Otis De Marie | Published on 27 Jul 2023

What is the Amex Membership Rewards program?
The Amex Membership Rewards program, proudly presented by the renowned American Express, is a sophisticated and comprehensive rewards system designed to elevate the experience of Canadians who use American Express credit cards. As one of the most sought-after loyalty programs in the financial landscape, it has captivated the attention of discerning customers and savvy spenders alike, promising an array of exciting opportunities that cater to individual preferences and lifestyle choices. At its core, the Amex Membership Rewards program operates on a simple yet powerful premise: the more you spend, the more you earn. As cardholders engage in routine transactions and indulge in extraordinary purchases, they accumulate points at a rapid pace. These accumulated points form the cornerstone of an unparalleled redemption platform, unlocking access to an enviable catalogue of rewards spanning travel, shopping, dining, entertainment, and much more. Flexibility and versatility are at the heart of the Amex Membership Rewards program, allowing users to tailor their experiences based on personal interests and aspirations. Whether it’s redeeming points for a well-deserved vacation, upgrading to a higher travel class, or treating loved ones to memorable experiences, the program empowers cardholders with the freedom to design their own rewards journey. Moreover, the program extends beyond traditional reward options, introducing innovative features that enhance the overall value proposition. From seamless point transfers to partner loyalty programs, exclusive access to sought-after events, and attractive welcome bonuses, the Amex Membership Rewards program has mastered the art of combining luxury with practicality.How do I earn Amex Membership Rewards points?
For those looking to maximise their rewards potential, understanding the ins and outs of earning Amex Membership Rewards points in Canada is essential. Let’s explore some methods to earn points and some helpful tips to accumulate them more quickly.Choose the right Amex card
The first step in earning Amex Membership Rewards points in Canada is to select the right credit card. American Express offers several cards with varying rewards structures to cater to different lifestyles and spending habits. Some of the most popular options include the American Express Gold Rewards Card and the American Express Cobalt Card. Each card has its unique benefits and welcome bonuses, so it’s essential to assess individual preferences and needs before making a decision.Welcome bonuses
Once you’ve acquired an Amex card, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a substantial number of Membership Rewards points through welcome bonuses. These bonuses typically require a minimum spend within the first few months of card membership. For instance, the American Express Platinum Card offers a 100,000 points welcome offer if you spend $10,000 in the first three months of your card membership, and then make a purchase between months 14-17 of having the card. Such offers are an excellent way to jump-start your rewards journey.Everyday spending
Beyond welcome bonuses, Amex cardholders can accumulate points through everyday spending. Depending on the card, you can earn a certain number of points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. One such example is the American Express Green Card, which offers 1 point per dollar spent on everyday expenses. Consistently using your Amex card for daily transactions can significantly boost your Membership Rewards balance.Bonus categories
Some Amex cards offer bonus categories, allowing you to earn extra points on specific types of purchases. These categories often include travel, dining, groceries, and more. For example, the American Express Gold Rewards Card offers 2 points per dollar spent on eligible travel and gas purchases and 1 point per dollar on other expenses. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your card to identify these bonus opportunities. Utilising your card for these purchases can help you accumulate points more rapidly.Refer-a-friend program
Amex offers a referral program that gives rewards to cardholders who invite their friends and family to apply for an Amex card. If your referral gets approved, both you and the new cardholder can earn bonus points. Currently, you can receive a maximum of 55,000 bonus points per year. The amount per referral, which ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 points, depends on the specific card your friend decides to apply for. This program provides an excellent opportunity to earn extra Membership Rewards points just by sharing the perks of your card.Partner offers
American Express has various partnerships with airlines, hotels, and retailers that offer special promotions and opportunities to earn extra points. By taking advantage of these partner offers, you can supercharge your rewards balance. The offers are available on your americanexpress.ca account or within the mobile app. Simply register your card for the offers you want, then use your registered card to make qualifying purchases during the offer period. You could earn either a statement credit, bonus points or miles, as applicable.Supplementary cards
Certain American Express cards offer the option to add supplementary cardholders to your account. This allows you to earn points on the purchases made by these additional cardholders, which can significantly enhance the rewards you accumulate within your household. Some of these cards even allow you to add an extra cardholder without incurring any additional annual fees. Moreover, there are bonus points incentives for adding another cardholder to your account. Additionally, certain card benefits, such as travel insurance and airport lounge access, also extend to the supplementary cardholders.Buying points
Sometimes, you might find a reward offer that you really love, but unfortunately, you don’t have enough points to redeem it. In such situations, there is a solution available: you can purchase additional points at a rate of $3.00 per 100 points. This way, you can accumulate enough points to get the reward you desire. However, you can only purchase points up to 25% of the total points needed for a reward at the time of redemption. Keep in mind that you can only buy points in increments of 100, and the minimum purchase should be 1,000 points.How do I redeem my Amex Membership Rewards points?
Redeeming Amex Membership Rewards points is an enticing prospect for millions of American Express cardholders, offering a plethora of benefits and opportunities to maximise the value of their accumulated points. As one of the leading credit card rewards programs in the industry, Amex Membership Rewards has garnered a reputation for its flexibility, diversity of redemption options, and seamless process. So, how does one redeem these coveted points? The process of redeeming Amex Membership Rewards points is designed to be user-friendly and can be accessed through various channels. Cardholders can initiate redemption via the American Express website or mobile app, providing quick and convenient access to their points balance and redemption options. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the things you can spend your Amex Membership Rewards points on.Book your next holiday with Amex Travel
Amex Travel is a proprietary travel platform that offers Canadian cardholders a seamless and rewarding experience for utilising their Amex Membership Rewards points. With a wide array of travel options, cardholders can redeem their points to book flights, hotels, and car rentals at their convenience. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an international adventure, the platform provides access to an extensive network of airlines and hotel partners worldwide.Splurge on retail goods
For those who enjoy retail therapy, the Membership Rewards catalogue boasts an array of merchandise options, ranging from electronics and fashion to home goods and gift cards. Cardholders can directly purchase items using points or use a combination of points and cash, granting them the flexibility to maximise the value of their rewards. Below is a list of some brands that are offered by Amex.Redeem points for cash
Another exciting option is to redeem points for statement credits, which can be applied to offset purchases made with the American Express card. This method allows for a straightforward redemption process, ideal for cardholders who prefer a hassle-free approach. With 1,000 points, you can reduce the cost of a previous purchase by $10. To redeem your points, follow these simple steps:-
- Log in to your Online Services account or use the American Express® App.
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- Choose the card purchases for which you want to redeem points.
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- Follow the easy prompts to submit your redemption.
Donate to charity
For the philanthropically-minded, Amex enables the redemption of points to support charities and nonprofit organisations. This initiative allows cardholders to contribute to causes they are passionate about while making a positive impact on communities in need. Canadians currently have the option to donate points to Save the Children, with 1,000 points leading to a $10 charity donation.Transfer to partner airlines and hotels
Transferring Amex Membership Rewards points to partner programs provides exceptional flexibility and value. By connecting with various leading travel and loyalty programs, such as airlines and hotels, members can access a wide range of redemption options. The process of transferring points is straightforward and can be easily completed on their website. All you need to do is log in to your Amex Membership Rewards account and select the partner you want to transfer your points to. The duration it takes for the points to be transferred ranges between one to five days.Program | Membership Rewards | Points |
Hilton Honors | 1000 | 1000 |
Marriott Bonvoy | 1000 | 1200 |
Aeroplan | 1000 | 1000 |
Flying Blue | 1000 | 750 |
Executive Club | 1000 | 1000 |
Delta Skymiles | 1000 | 750 |
Asia Miles | 1000 | 750 |
Etihad Guest | 1000 | 750 |
How much are Amex Membership Rewards points worth?
Understanding the value of Amex Membership Rewards points is crucial, as it depends on how you choose to redeem them. Opting for travel or transferring points to airline partners usually gives you more value compared to using them for merchandise. To maximise the benefits of your earned points, it’s essential to be diligent and conduct thorough research. To help you save time, we’ve prepared a table below that provides a general overview of the points’ worth when spent in various ways.Redemption | Point Value |
Online checkout | 0.5 cents per point |
Gift cards | 0.5 – 1 cent per point |
Statement credit | 0.6 cents per point |
Travel | 0.5 – 1 cent per point |
Transfer to partner programs | 0.8 – 2 partner points per AMEX point |
Online shopping | 0.5 cents per point |
The top 4 credit cards to earn Amex Membership Rewards points
Now that you know how to earn, spend and maximise the value of your Amex Membership Rewards points, let’s take a look at some of the best American Express credit cards in Canada.American Express® The Platinum Card
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
American Express Cobalt® Card
American Express® Green Card
Amex Membership Rewards in Canada: The Bottom Line
Congratulations! You’ve now unlocked the full potential of the Amex Membership Rewards program. By delving into this comprehensive guide, you’ve gained valuable insights on how to earn, redeem, and make the most of your rewards. From travel enthusiasts to everyday spenders and entertainment aficionados, the Amex Membership Rewards program offers something for everyone. We hope that by using these expert tips and insights, you’re well-equipped to make the most of the Amex Membership Rewards program and unlock a world of extraordinary experiences. Happy earning and happy redeeming!FAQs About Amex Membership Rewards in Canada
Amex Membership Rewards points are a type of loyalty program currency offered by American Express. Cardholders earn points for eligible purchases made on their American Express cards, which can be redeemed for various rewards such as travel, merchandise, gift cards, or transferred to partner loyalty programs.
Amex Membership Rewards points work by rewarding cardholders with points for eligible purchases made on their American Express cards. Each card may have different earning rates for specific categories. Accumulated points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel bookings, merchandise, gift cards, or transferred to partner loyalty programs for added flexibility and value.
Amex Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, policies may change over time, so it’s essential to verify with American Express for the most current information.
The value of Amex Membership Rewards points can vary depending on how they are redeemed. On average, their value ranges from 0.5 to 1 cent per point when used for travel, gift cards, or other rewards. However, it’s best to check specific redemption options for precise valuations.
You can redeem Amex Membership Rewards points for various options, such as travel bookings, gift cards, merchandise, and statement credits. Log in to your Amex account, navigate to the rewards section, and choose your preferred redemption method. Ensure to check for any special promotions or transfer partners for added value.
You can transfer Amex Membership Rewards points by logging into your American Express account, selecting the u0022Transfer Pointsu0022 option, choosing the desired loyalty program, and providing the recipient’s account details. Points can be transferred to partner airline or hotel loyalty programs for various rewards and benefits.
Various American Express credit cards earn Membership Rewards points, including the Amex Platinum Card, Amex Gold Card, Amex Green Card, and some co-branded cards like the Marriott Bonvoy cards. These points can be used for travel, shopping, or transferred to partner loyalty programs. Make sure to compare credit cards so that you can find the one that best suits your needs.
Yes, besides Amex Membership Rewards, there are several other rewards programs available in Canada. Some popular ones include Aeroplan (Air Canada), PC Optimum (Loblaw stores), AIR MILES (BMO), SCENE+, and Avion Rewards (Royal Bank of Canada). These programs offer various benefits and rewards for their members.
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