The Ultimate Guide to Amex Membership Rewards for Canadians

If you’re a Canadian looking to maximise the benefits of your American Express credit card, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of the Amex Membership Rewards Program, exploring how you can earn, redeem, and make the most of your rewards. Whether you’re a frequent traveller, a shopping enthusiast, or simply seeking to enhance your financial savvy, our expert tips and insights will help you unlock the full potential of this exclusive program, tailored specifically for the Canadian market.

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 Canadian 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 an 80,000 points welcome offer if you spend $7,500 in the first three months of your card membership. 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.

This flexibility allows Canadians to personalise their travel plans while enjoying exclusive perks and benefits. Moreover, the user-friendly interface simplifies the booking process, ensuring a stress-free journey from start to finish. Amex Travel empowers Canadians to turn their points into unforgettable travel experiences. All you need to do is log in to your Amex account, plan your itinerary on Amex Travel, and choose to pay with cash, your Membership Rewards points, or both at checkout.

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.

Furthermore, Amex allows cardholders to shop with points on Amazon. All you need to do is link your American Express card to use your Membership Rewards points at Amazon checkout. Currently, 1000 Membership Rewards points are worth $7 at Amazon.ca.

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:

1. Log in to your Online Services account or use the American Express® App.
2. Choose the card purchases for which you want to redeem points.
3. 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.

To make it even more convenient for you, we’ve created a table below that displays all the partner programs and the corresponding amount of points you can receive with your Amex Membership Rewards points.

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

There are multiple ways to earn and redeem Membership Rewards points. The value of American Express points varies based on the method and location of redemption, typically falling between 0.5 cents to 1 cent per point. Therefore, it’s essential to grasp all the redemption options before making a transaction. By selecting redemption choices with high point-to-dollar ratios, savvy shoppers can maximise the value of their points.

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

The American Express Platinum Card stands as one of the most prestigious and sought-after personal rewards cards in the market, and for good reason. With an array of exclusive benefits and unparalleled rewards potential, it has rightfully earned its place as a top choice for frequent travellers and luxury lifestyle enthusiasts.

One of the most enticing aspects of this card is its generous welcome bonus. New Platinum cardmembers have the opportunity to earn a substantial 80,000 Membership Rewards points after charging $7,500 in net purchases within the first 3 months of membership. These points can be redeemed for a value of $800, making it an excellent incentive to jumpstart your rewards journey.

The card’s earning potential is also highly appealing. For every dollar spent on dining and food delivery, you earn an impressive 3 Membership Rewards points. Additionally, 2 points per dollar can be earned on travel expenses, and 1 point per dollar on all other expenses. This multi-tiered earning structure ensures that cardholders can accumulate points rapidly, leading to more redemption opportunities.

Furthermore, the American Express Platinum Card provides travel insurance and protection, making it an ideal choice for those constantly on the go. From $5,000,000 eligible medical expenses coverage while travelling outside Canada to trip interruption and cancellation insurance, as well as flight delay and car rental theft and damage insurance, it offers comprehensive coverage to enhance peace of mind during your journeys.

While the American Express Platinum Card does come with a $699 annual fee, the array of benefits and rewards more than justifies the cost for those who frequently travel and indulge in a luxury lifestyle. Additionally, the ability to obtain additional Platinum and Gold cards at reasonable fees provides even more value for families and loved ones.

American Express® Gold Rewards Card

The American Express Gold Rewards Card is a standout choice for individuals seeking a rewards card that offers a plethora of benefits while earning valuable Amex Membership Rewards points. With its impressive features and benefits, it’s no surprise that this card is highly regarded among travel enthusiasts and everyday spenders alike.

One of the most attractive aspects of the American Express Gold Rewards Card is its generous points earning potential. New Cardmembers can earn 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which they spend $1,000 in net purchases, totaling up to 60,000 points in a year. These points can be redeemed for various rewards, including up to $600 towards the next vacation, making it a fantastic option for those with travel aspirations.

The absence of an annual fee is another significant advantage, saving cardholders money without compromising on benefits. Additionally, the option for complimentary supplementary cards for a spouse or partner means that the rewards can be maximized across family spending.

The card’s travel-related insurances further add to its appeal. Car rental theft and damage insurance provide coverage for rental cars, while trip cancellation insurance ensures peace of mind when unexpected events disrupt travel plans. Flight delay insurance takes care of expenses incurred during flight cancellations or delays, and the travel accident insurance and hotel burglary insurance offer additional protection during travel.

For those seeking medical coverage, the card provides up to $5,000,000 in eligible medical expenses coverage while travelling outside the province or territory of residence in Canada for the first 15 consecutive days. Furthermore, trip interruption insurance helps mitigate expenses when a trip gets delayed or interrupted for covered reasons.

Lastly, the American Express Gold Rewards Card offers a touch of luxury with 4 complimentary Plaza Premium Lounge visits in Canada per calendar year, making travel more enjoyable and relaxing.

American Express Cobalt® Card

The American Express Cobalt Card is a standout option for earning Amex Membership Rewards points, making it a highly attractive choice for frequent travellers, food enthusiasts, and entertainment aficionados. Despite its $12.99 monthly fee, the card offers an array of benefits and rewards that more than justify the cost.

One of the most enticing features of the American Express Cobalt Card is the generous welcome offer. New cardholders can earn 30,000 Membership Rewards points by spending just $500 monthly on purchases, totaling 2,500 bonus points per month. These points can be redeemed for a total value of $300, with every 10,000 Rewards points equating to $100.

Earning points with the Cobalt Card is easy and rewarding. Cardholders can earn an impressive 5 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent at restaurants, bars, cafes, and on food delivery. Additionally, streaming enthusiasts will appreciate the 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada, while travel and transportation expenses garner 2 points per $1 spent. For all other purchases, cardholders can still earn 1 point per $1 spent.

The card’s comprehensive insurance coverage further adds to its value. Mobile device insurance ensures that eligible devices purchased with the card are covered for up to $1000. In case of travel disruptions, Flight Delay Insurance can provide reimbursement for expenses like meals and hotels up to $500 per day. The $250,000 travel accident insurance offers peace of mind during trips, while the generous $5,000,000 coverage for eligible medical expenses when travelling outside the province or territory of residence in Canada is especially beneficial.

For travellers who rent cars, the car rental theft and damage insurance, covering rentals with an MSRP of up to $85,000, provides added reassurance. Lastly, the inclusion of $500 hotel burglary insurance offers protection for personal belongings during hotel stays. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that the American Express Cobalt Card is so popular among Canadians.

American Express® Green Card

The American Express Green Card is an excellent choice for Canadians looking to earn Amex Membership Rewards points at a low cost. With its no-fee structure, this rewards card caters to frequent travellers, making it a desirable option for those who love to explore the world while earning valuable points along the way.

One of the card’s key advantages is its generous rewards program. Cardholders can earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on everyday purchases. Moreover, for those who frequently book their accommodations and car rentals online through Amex Travel, the card offers an additional point per $1 spent on eligible transactions, helping points accumulate even faster.

The American Express Green Card also boasts an attractive sign-up bonus for new members. By making $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership, users can earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards points, jumpstarting their points balance.

For those who share finances with family or friends, the option to add supplementary cards at no cost is a great feature. With the possibility of having up to 9 supplementary cards on one account, users can pool points with their loved ones, maximising their rewards potential.

Furthermore, the card provides various insurance benefits that offer peace of mind during travels. The Purchase Protection Plan covers eligible items purchased with the American Express Green Card for up to $1,000 per occurrence from accidental damage or theft for 90 days from the purchase date. Additionally, the extended warranty of 1 additional year for eligible purchases ensures extra protection for valuable items.

Lastly, the card’s interest-free period of up to 25 days for new purchases on the next statement is beneficial for managing expenses and avoiding interest charges, provided the balance is paid in full each month.

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