Are you ready to unlock the value of your spending?
Your American Express card isn't just a payment tool—it's a gateway to incredible rewards, especially when it comes to travel. Whether you've been using your card for everyday purchases or saving up for a special trip, knowing how many "air miles" you've accumulated is the first step toward your next adventure. While American Express doesn't technically offer "air miles" in the traditional sense on all cards, they do offer the incredibly valuable Membership Rewards program. These points are a flexible currency that can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners, essentially becoming air miles.
Let's dive in and figure out exactly how to check your balance and get one step closer to that dream vacation!
Step 1: Accessing Your American Express Account
The foundation of checking your rewards is accessing your account. This can be done in two primary ways: online or through the mobile app.
Sub-heading: The Online Method
Using your computer or tablet is a reliable way to get a comprehensive view of your account.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official American Express website for your region. For example, in the US, it's
americanexpress.com
.Look for the "Log In" button, which is typically located in the top-right corner of the page.
Enter your User ID and Password. If you don't have an online account, you'll need to register for online services first. This is a quick and easy process that requires your card number and some personal information to verify your identity.
Once logged in, you'll be on your account dashboard. From here, you'll see a quick summary of your card's activity and benefits.
Sub-heading: The Mobile App Method
For on-the-go access, the Amex mobile app is the most convenient option.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Download the American Express App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Open the app and log in using your User ID and Password. The app also supports biometrics like Face ID or fingerprint scanning for a faster, more secure login.
On the app's home screen, you'll see a snapshot of your account. Look for an option related to "Membership Rewards" or "Rewards."
How Do I Check My American Express Air Miles |
Step 2: Locating Your Membership Rewards Point Balance
Once you're in your account, it's time to find the treasure! Your point balance is prominently displayed, but the exact location can vary slightly depending on the platform you're using.
Sub-heading: On the Website
Navigate to the "Rewards" or "Membership Rewards" section. You'll often find a link to this in the main menu or directly on your account homepage.
Your total point balance will be displayed on the rewards dashboard. This page is your hub for all things points-related. You'll not only see your current total but also a detailed breakdown of how you've earned points, and a history of any points you've redeemed.
This page might also have a link to the "Point Summary" page, which offers an even more granular look at your points.
Sub-heading: In the Mobile App
From the app's home screen, look for a card or tile that shows your point balance.
Tapping on this will likely take you to the "Rewards Summary" or "Membership Rewards Dashboard."
Here you can see your total balance, recent points earned, and options for redemption. The app makes it easy to track your progress toward your next reward!
Step 3: Understanding Your "Air Miles"
Now that you have your point balance, it's crucial to understand what those numbers mean in terms of travel. American Express Membership Rewards points are not directly "air miles" but are a flexible currency that can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
Sub-heading: The Power of Transfer Partners
This is where the real value of Amex points lies. A key benefit of the Membership Rewards program is the ability to transfer your points to a host of partner airlines and hotels.
Find the "Transfer Points" section on your rewards dashboard.
You'll see a list of American Express's travel partners, which often includes major airlines like Delta, Air Canada, British Airways, and many more.
The transfer ratio is often 1:1, meaning 1,000 Membership Rewards points equal 1,000 airline miles. However, this can vary, so it's always wise to check the specific transfer rate for the partner you're interested in.
Once transferred, these points become the airline's specific miles (e.g., Avios, SkyMiles, etc.), and you can then use them to book flights directly with that airline's program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my Amex point balance on my statement?
Your monthly American Express statement often includes a summary of your Membership Rewards points activity, including your starting balance, points earned during the statement period, points redeemed, and your ending balance. It's a great way to keep a regular eye on your rewards.
How to check my point balance if I have multiple American Express cards?
If you have multiple American Express cards, your Membership Rewards points are typically pooled into a single account. When you log in to your online account or the mobile app, you'll see a consolidated total. You can then view the points earned from each individual card.
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
How to check my point balance over the phone?
You can call the number on the back of your American Express card. A customer service representative can provide you with your current Membership Rewards point balance after verifying your identity. This is a good option if you are having trouble with the online or app portals.
How to find out which airlines are American Express transfer partners?
To see the full and current list of airline and hotel partners, log in to your American Express account and navigate to the "Membership Rewards" section. There, you'll find a dedicated page for "Transfer Points" with all the available partners and their respective transfer ratios.
How to check if my points expire?
One of the best features of the American Express Membership Rewards program is that the points generally do not expire. However, it's important to remember that if you cancel your card, you may lose your points. Always check the terms and conditions of your specific card for details.
How to check my pending points?
When you make a purchase, the points you earn will initially appear as "pending." They will become available for use after you pay your card bill and the payment is applied to your account. This typically happens within 24-72 hours after the payment posts.
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
How to check the value of my points?
The value of your points can vary greatly depending on how you redeem them. Transferring them to airline partners for business or first-class flights often yields the highest value. You can use online tools and blogs that specialize in points and miles to help you calculate the best redemption options.
How to check my points history?
On your online account or mobile app, in the Membership Rewards section, there is a "Points History" or "Activity" page. This will show you a detailed log of every transaction where you earned or redeemed points.
How to check if a specific purchase earned bonus points?
Your points activity log will usually specify how points were earned for each transaction. You can look for transactions with a higher point-per-dollar ratio to see if they were eligible for any bonus categories or special offers associated with your card.
How to get a printout of my point balance and activity?
You can log in to your online account and navigate to the Membership Rewards section. From there, you can often print a page showing your current balance and recent activity directly from your web browser. This can be useful for your personal records.