Thanks to multiple earning methods, points are most commonly accrued through everyday spending with American Express credit cards, which can include higher earnings on travel, dining, and leisure. You can also accumulate points through American Express's travel booking platform, purchasing from partner merchants, booking hotels and rental cars, or participating in dining and lifestyle reward programs. Each point typically holds a value of approximately 1.5 cents, but their value can increase substantially when transferred to airline or hotel partners for premium redemptions, where savvy travelers often achieve redemption rates exceeding 2 cents per point.

American Express Membership Rewards is one of the most versatile credit card programs, offering transfer bonuses and special promotions with airline and hotel partners. Notably, Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as the account remains open and in good standing, ensuring members maintain their balance indefinitely. The best value for using Membership Rewards points usually comes from transferring to airline partners for long-haul international flights, particularly in business or first class, due to the high cash cost and superior travel experience these redemptions offer. Travelers typically find peak redemption value by planning ahead or booking during off-peak travel periods—typically between January and early May or September through November—when award availability is more abundant.