American Express Membership Rewards points are generally earned at a rate of 1 point per dollar spent on eligible purchases as a base rate. However, many Amex cards offer bonus points in specific categories:
- The Amex Platinum Card gives 1 point per dollar on most purchases, with additional points in select categories
- The Amex Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), and 1 point per dollar on other purchases
- The Amex Everyday Card offers 2 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), then 1 point per dollar thereafter
Points value varies depending on how you redeem them. Typically, points are worth about 1 cent each when redeemed through Amex travel or for statement credits, but can be worth more (around 1.2 cents or more per point) when transferred to airline or hotel partners strategically
. In summary:
- Base earning: 1 point per dollar spent.
- Bonus categories: 2x to 5x points per dollar depending on card and category.
- Redemption value: ~1 cent per point on average, potentially higher with transfers.
This means a $100 purchase could earn 100 points at base rate or up to 400 points with the Gold Card in restaurants or supermarkets
