American Express Membership Rewards points are a valuable currency that can be redeemed for a wide variety of things, from travel and gift cards to covering charges on your statement. Knowing your point balance is the first step to unlocking these benefits. Let's dive into how you can easily find out how many American Express points you have.
Step 1: Get Ready to Log In!
Before we begin, you'll need a few things handy:
Your American Express Card details: This usually means your card number.
Your American Express User ID and Password: If you haven't set up an online account yet, don't worry! We'll cover that.
A device with internet access: This could be a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Are you ready? Great! Let's find those points!
Step 2: Accessing Your Points Balance
There are a few convenient ways to check your American Express Membership Rewards points balance. Choose the method that best suits you!
Sub-heading: Option A: Through the American Express Website (Recommended for Detailed View)
This is often the most comprehensive way to view your points, offering not just your balance but also redemption options and program details.
Open your web browser and go to the official American Express website. You can typically find it by searching for "American Express" or by directly typing
americanexpress.cominto your address bar.Look for the "Login" or "My Account" button, usually located in the top right corner of the homepage.
Enter your User ID and Password in the designated fields. If you've forgotten them, look for "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links and follow the prompts to recover them.
Once logged in, navigate to the "Rewards" or "Membership Rewards" section. This is usually clearly labeled in the main navigation menu or dashboard.
On the Membership Rewards page, you should see your current points balance prominently displayed. It's often at the top of the page or within a "Rewards Summary" section.
Sub-heading: Option B: Using the Amex Mobile App (Quick and Convenient)
The American Express mobile app is fantastic for on-the-go access and quick checks.
Download the American Express App from your smartphone's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) if you haven't already.
Open the app and log in using your American Express User ID and Password.
Once logged in, look for a tab or section usually labeled "Rewards" or "Membership" at the bottom of the screen.
Tap on this section, and your available points balance will be displayed at the top of the screen.
Sub-heading: Option C: Via Your Monthly Statement (Traditional Method)
While not instantaneous, your monthly American Express statement (paper or electronic) will also include your Membership Rewards points balance.
If you receive paper statements, simply locate your most recent statement in your mail.
If you receive electronic statements, you can log in to your American Express online account (as described in Option A) and navigate to the "Statements & Activity" section to view and download your past statements.
Look for a section on the statement dedicated to "Membership Rewards" or "Points Summary," where your balance will be listed.
Sub-heading: Option D: Calling American Express Customer Service (Personalized Assistance)
If you prefer speaking to someone directly or are having trouble with the online or app methods, customer service is always an option.
Find the customer service number on the back of your American Express card.
Dial the number and follow the automated prompts. You'll likely need to input your card number for verification.
Once connected with a representative, simply state that you'd like to inquire about your Membership Rewards points balance. They will be able to provide you with the information after verifying your identity.
Step 3: Understanding Your Points and Next Steps
Once you know your points balance, you might be wondering what those points are actually worth and what you can do with them.
Sub-heading: What are American Express Membership Rewards Points Worth?
The value of your American Express Membership Rewards points can vary significantly depending on how you redeem them.
Travel: Often, you'll get the best value by transferring your points to American Express's airline or hotel transfer partners (like Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors, or Marriott Bonvoy). This can yield a value of 1 cent per point or even higher, especially for premium travel experiences.
Statement Credits: Redeeming for a statement credit typically offers a lower value, often around 0.6 cents per point. While convenient, it's generally not the most advantageous use of your points.
Gift Cards: The value for gift cards can vary, but it's usually around 0.7 to 1 cent per point, depending on the merchant.
"Pay with Points" at Checkout: When using points with partners like Amazon or PayPal, the value is often around 0.7 cents per point.
To truly maximize the value of your points, research and strategic redemption are key!
Sub-heading: What Can I Do with My Points?
American Express Membership Rewards offers a plethora of redemption options:
Book Travel: Use points for flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through American Express Travel Online, or transfer them to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Gift Cards: Redeem for gift cards from a wide range of popular retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Cover Card Charges: Apply points as a statement credit to offset eligible purchases on your Amex card.
Shop with Points: Use points directly at checkout with select online retailers.
Donate to Charity: Contribute your points to various charitable organizations.
Purchase Merchandise: Browse the Membership Rewards catalog for various products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about American Express Points
Here are 10 common questions about American Express Membership Rewards points, with quick answers:
How to Check My American Express Points Balance?
You can check your balance via the Amex website, the Amex mobile app, your monthly statement, or by calling customer service.
How to Redeem American Express Points?
Log in to your online Amex account or the Amex app, navigate to the "Membership Rewards" section, and explore the various redemption options such as travel, gift cards, or statement credits.
How to Transfer American Express Points to Airlines?
Within the Membership Rewards section of your online account, look for the "Transfer Points" option. Select your desired airline partner and follow the instructions to link accounts and transfer points.
How to Know the Value of My American Express Points?
The value varies by redemption method. Generally, transferring to travel partners yields the highest value (often 1 cent or more per point), while statement credits offer less (around 0.6 cents per point).
How to Avoid Losing My American Express Points?
American Express Membership Rewards points generally do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, closing all linked Amex cards that earn Membership Rewards could result in forfeiture of points.
How to Earn More American Express Points?
You earn points on eligible purchases with your Amex card. Many cards offer bonus points in specific spending categories (e.g., dining, groceries, travel) or through welcome offers for new cardmembers.
How to Use Points for a Statement Credit?
Log in to your American Express online account, go to the "Membership Rewards" section, and look for an option like "Cover Your Card Charges" to apply points as a statement credit.
How to Link My American Express Card to Membership Rewards?
If your card earns Membership Rewards, it's automatically linked. You'll typically see your points balance within your online account dashboard.
How to Find Out Which American Express Cards Earn Membership Rewards?
You can visit the American Express website and browse their credit card offerings. Cards that earn Membership Rewards will explicitly state "Membership Rewards" in their benefits description.
How to Contact American Express Customer Service for Points Inquiries?
Dial the customer service number on the back of your American Express card. Be prepared to verify your identity.
