How To Redeem Amex Points For MAX VALUE (Beginner’s Guide)

In this video, we go over how to redeem Amex points for max value and the best way to use Amex points. American Express credit cards and the Membership Rewards Points that cards like the Amex Gold card and Amex Platinum Card earn are very valuable when you learn how to use them. So here we go over things like Amex transfer partners, redeeming Amex points for cash back, and more!
I think that MR points are a bit tougher to get good value from than credit card points from other issuers because of the complicated nature of the American Express transfer partners. Travel is definitely going to be your best bet to get the most value from Membership Rewards Points, but not all travel. So we’ll go over a few examples to show how to redeem Membership Rewards Points and how not to redeem these points.
In this full Amex Points guide, I try to keep everything very basic with how to calculate the value of different Amex point redemptions, what redemption methods give the best value, as well as plenty of examples explaining these things. Hopefully, this video will be useful if you have American Express credit cards that earn MR points like the Amex Platinum card or Amex Gold card. If you are thinking of getting these cards, then this video should also explain the best way to use Amex points so you can make sure that these credit cards will be good options for you.
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[@Van-tastic]

I feel like I just joined a cult, seriously, I just got an AMEX Platinum, youtube started recommending these videos… and I kid you not… my wife just bought me the EXACT same shirt you’re wearing last night! 😂

[@Daniel_Braun]

Welcome… we’re excited for you to join 😂

[@Van-tastic]

@@Daniel_Braun hahahaha oh boy! Thanks for the vid by the way. I have no idea how the transfer stuff works yet, but I did understand enough to know what NoT to spend points on.

[@OscarGonzalez-xt3bk]

Where is the e shirt from?

[@-Sam69]

She bought you the same shirt as her side piece? 😂😂 these western females

[@Noname-ly2lp]

Same

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

Daniel, today is my lucky day when I came across your video. I just saved $1,100 plus 66K miles by booking my AA flights via British Airways. It never crossed my mine to use my AMEX points to get these tickets. I ended up getting 2.8 cents/point. Thank you

[@nubianpwr]

This was a very good intro to MR pts Daniel👍🏾 I'd like to see pt 2 with more Transfer Partner examples for domestic, international, and bus/1st class.

[@DoremonUCR]

I second this!

[@sharkboi9348]

I third this! Thank you brotha! Just got my golf card!! I’m Ready to get to work 😎🤝

[@jerrynadler2883]

that's ALL i wanted to see.This guy wasted so much time.

[@sebastianf5156]

yess!!!

[@DaarioNeharis]

I fourth this

[@miremadmoafimadani411]

These kinds of travel partners redemptions for Amex MR points are among the the most overlooked topics in KZbin videos. Thank you so much for creating these videos.

[@Pz16]

I personally rack up as much MR points as I can, then wait for super promotions from transfer partners. I am part of the Hilton ecosystem, and a couple years ago it was +50%, so I believe I got a value of 1.8cpp which is excellent. It makes getting the 5th night free on stays extremely easy to obtain. I could care less about first class flights. I like to book base cheap room rates, then get super upgrades with my aspire diamond status.

[@ayhayuba3969]

Wow. I must’ve missed that email. Hilton diamond member and trying to find ways to get more points for my hotel stays. So it seems like the member rewards are the way to go

[@Thechoosenone41]

Great video! Just recently received my first Amex card (Rose Gold 🙂) and it fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I must have been living under a rock because I have never heard of these cards until I saw your videos! Can't thank you enough. Most likely will apply for platinum, beginning of next year.

[@rachelyan4385]

i just got my first amex card ever. got the rose gold. this video is exactly what i was looking for to start. please make more similar like these with examples and explanations - thanks!

[@keirynunez7804]

just got approved for the rosegold too

[@XxXK9]

Congrats to the both of you! I’m awaiting my gold card as well ! :)

[@vuho2075]

There's an additional item. Just remember what your lifestyle is like. Using the points for travel / transfer to partners is great only if you travel. Keep in mind what you personally find useful.

[@angelobowden]

This video was perfect timing for me! Just got approved for my first Amex Gold Card & these tips were definitely helpful! Thank you. Looking forward to getting the 75k bonus points to get a free flight to take a birthday trip to Mexico at the end of the year 😎

[@jmerk9556]

This video just saved me over $1k on international travel. Point transfer to British Airways is an amazing deal right now

[@DeeM-l9e]

I thought that this was a well detailed explanation. Helpful to anyone that would like to understand how to redeem Amex points for maximum value.

[@NeekRusher]

Daniel, Thank you so much for making this video. I’m a first time AMEX card holder. I just received my membership points. I was like, ok what do I do with these points. Then I started looking around on the AMEX portal to see what can I do. I stopped myself at the statement credit page. I said naaaah I am not trying to blow these points. Let me go to YT university for answers. LOL I’m glad I looked at your video first. Very clear and to the point. I liked and subscribed. ✌🏾

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thanks so much for watching, I'm really glad to hear that it was exactly what you were looking for! And thanks for subscribing too 👍 Gotta love KZbin University lol - so many great videos to watch and learn from!

[@PaoloMix09]

Definitely need a part 2 looking into transfer partners more with some more domestic examples but also international flights. Wanna see if I can score good flights to Peru next year with these points. Thanks so much for your help, so glad I got the gold card now lol

[@CalebChuChu]

Loved the tip about booking AA flights with British Airway points. Would love to see some more of those tips, or showing your research process for finding this info (websites you use, books you’ve read, other channels you recommend, etc.)

[@sbg1911]

There's really helpful, active Facebook groups for this, just look up the most popular ones for traveling traveling and points

[@yashwantmoharil5892]

Use Qantas for AA.

[@augustosandoval3171]

Best Amex points guide video I have seen so far! Keep them coming

[@ramonsuarez1051]

Great explanation. I like how you showed us the website from British Airways to book the AA flight. I think you can also apply this strategy to other cards as well.

[@angelfabia]

I’ve done this with chase as well

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thanks Ramon! Yeah exactly, hopefully that example just shows the process but it can definitely be applied to many other travel bookings as well

[@ericbumbera664]

why cant i find any AA flights through british airways

[@clemonscg]

I went to British airways website as it is shown on the video and it didn't show any American airlines flights neither.

[@jtluns9]

Best explanation of points I've ever seen

[@michelerobbins4761]

Thank you! I was just about to call Amex for help, but now realize they not likely at all to share what you did. Awesome info; yes please to more like this.

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thanks so much for watching Michele, I'm glad to hear it was helpful!

[@cjwalker1527]

Hands down the best breakdown I’ve heard! Thank you so much!! ❤❤❤

[@candicekellyhomes]

Very interesting! I did do a trip with family to Hawaii and figured out how to transfer regular AMX points to Hilton AMX when they were offering bonus points. Plus buying points and getting the 5th night free for the 3 rooms. I figured the regular price was $6K and I paid $3K.😊 I’d love to know more! Wish I knew about the British airways trick as I booked with them already for another trip 😏

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thanks for watching Candice, glad you liked the video! Sounds like you were able to make some good use out of your Amex points for your Hawaii trip to!

[@brucesabatoni3410]

Man, I love this stuff! You saved me hours of my own research! You rock, dude! Subscribed!

[@turyb.goodiii7356]

Great podcast Young Man, I'm glad I found it!

[@pg6299]

Great vid. Finally got the gold. 90k plus the $250 credits. Looking forward to spending the points wisely !

[@NicknNick99]

Where did you get the 90k bonus offer?

[@pg6299]

@@NicknNick99 it was a referral from a Chanel called Calby Ng , the “what’s in my wallet “ video . He has the offer on his description. I had been looking for it for days so I jumped on it lol good luck! 👍🏽 it’s 90k points plus 20% off dining ($250 limit) in the first 12 months. So basically first year is free .

[@timo7209]

Great Video, always looked for something like this and never found anyone explaining it. Very well done!

[@MrHawaiiboy510]

Definitely need a run down on reward flights and how the best way to find and take advantage. So far I’ve looked for reward flights for some date I already had planned and there was none. So is it better to base your trip off the flight first and then plan that way?

[@zacharybrooks9053]

Daniel, thank you so much for this very timely video. My wife and I are sitting on about 130k AMEX MR points and I’m particularly interested in how we can maximize those for flights. I am grateful I found your videos, but not before using nearly 200k AMEX points on various hotels and travel experiences. I think I averaged $.01 per point, which isn’t terrible, but I know I left sooo much value on the table. VERY excited for the video you’ll create for the $.04+ redemption methods! Thanks again

[@gabrielfariasjr6097]

Awesome job Daniel, the video was super helpful and full of useful information. For someone like me that is not very computer savvy you simplified it so well I understood much of what you covered. I am looking forward to follow up videos to take advantage of the Amex credit cards.

[@myzzkim88]

I really love your videos!!! I’m team Amex now and have the Platinum and Gold. I hit my bonuses too! You really helped me.

[@enfiestado]

Bro what the heck some of your most recent videos have been literally what I’ve been looking for and they coming out in that order too 😳 like the video about what gold card users are missing out on, CSP va CSR, now this video which is literally what I’ve been searching for idk I’m just mind blown lol

[@PhongLePersonal]

Would definitely want to see that transfer partner AMEX video! This has been super helpful

[@sjg6158]

Excellent summary Danny. While I don't own an AMEX card, I've heard that AMEX value is a bit more difficult to understand compared to Chase and other providers. Well done. This may made it easy!

[@wrldgaming4558]

If you do ever get an AMEX, make sure to apply through the Resy offer. Usually about 10-25% higher than standard sign up bonus

[@rebeccaoriza8614]

@@wrldgaming4558 dude you're a lifesaver literally 25% more thru resy

[@jhcheaux3200]

Lol shit I’m reading this after the fact

[@JasonHu88]

Amazin' vid, super clear and concise! Great job, dude!

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thanks so much Jason, I appreciate the support and glad you liked the video!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

This was an awesome video Daniel. As I am looking to get an Amex card in the near future, this was really helpful to see. Also, nice haircut!

[@anthonygardner400]

Excellent overview on a topic that often puzzles people, Daniel. Have a nice weekend.

[@sin2zz]

Thanks for sharing this valuable advices. I’ve always heard about the transfer partners but it’s great to hear it explained so clearly.

[@sonictonic_]

btw I def wanna see more videos like this especially digging in more on the airline/travel redemptions from AmEx. I'm working on my AmEx Gold welcome bonus right now and plan on using those points for a trip from Cali to Japan in a year or so. I'm so excited though I know I have a lot of research ahead of me. Wanna help? Haha. On the flipside, looking at cheaper domestic flights, tbh I usually only use Southwest. Any kind of trick you know of to transfer from AmEx to Southwest? Obviously I know that can't be done directly, but is there a lifehack for that?

[@therealjdavid]

Thanks for this video. Any prediction on when the Avios bonus will come back? Or do I just have to keep checking for it do you think?

[@tyree86]

I was watching the video and was enjoying it. Then you said your home city is Philly and now I‘m required to subscribe! #PhillyvsEverbody

[@Daniel_Braun]

Haha love to hear that! That's why I always like to mention Philly so thanks for subscribing!

[@sh.esc93]

What a fantastic video! Everything was so clear, thank you!

[@jonbanks653]

Thanks you helped me more than any math teacher I ever had

[@Haikuone]

Awesome information. I am doing research to see which card would work best for me. Thank you so much for great information.🎉

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thank you so much, glad to hear that the info was useful!

[@charlescook1275]

Extremely Helpful ! Thank you !

[@FunSized333]

The ending to this video is spot on. As someone who currently has 1M Amex pts. I still don't think it's worth it using pts on buisness class flights. Even though the theoretical value is higher. I've never found it valuable for me. You're the first person to use an example that isn't a crazy buisness class flight that I'll never be interested in. Great stuff

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thanks Erik! Yeah I feel like I might be in the minority of feeling this way when using points - but I'd rather stretch out my points for more things than just a business class flight. Even when the CPP value is high, I know that I wouldn't typically pay for business class anyway. Sometimes I will consider flying business class thought if it's maybe a red eye international flight that'll be 8 hours long - then I can see the points cost being worth it for me

[@chrisSea1346]

Great explanation of how to transfer points for flights. Subscribed!

[@jasperhardy2198]

Great video, straight to the point. Greatly appreciated

[@chefls1]

Do Amex points expire? Great video btw 👍

[@rahulscaria3890]

Subscribed! Great video presentation. I got a lot of useful information. Thank you!

[@ricardor2797]

Thanks for this video! I see all the time people just talking about the multipliers on cards but not how to use them effectively with airline alliances and whatnot

[@ChristopherczarSmith]

Thanks for this video. Every says Amex is bad for domestic travel, it's only good business class long haul flights, so great to see an example for a short domestic flight

[@erlobox20]

great video, you should do for chase to im interested on maximazed my UR points.

[@Daniel_Braun]

Just made that video recently too so here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX-1ammsqtaGick

[@erlobox20]

@@Daniel_Braun oh damm how did i miss it im going to watch it now thanks

[@robsuncoaching4472]

Just saw another of your videos. It seems transfer points are the best use of Amex Platinum points, but still, after all the time and energy, is it worth it?

[@CaptainGoosetronaut]

Thank you for such an amazing and detailed video. I appreciate your work! You earned a sub!

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thank you so much for subscribing! Glad to hear that you enjoyed the video!

[@gilloera8912]

I just got approved for amex gold card this morning. Good video.

[@Daniel_Braun]

Nice, congrats on the new card! Thanks for watching!

[@nate5400]

Is transferring points to BA still the most efficient use of points now that the promotion is over?

[@kingjohnathn]

I love you and how informative your videos have been. What’s the best cpp rate you have ever gotten

[@NM-hq1io]

Dude, that 1cpp metric is golden - you just saved me from wasting my welcome bonus on a kindle lmao, appreciate you Daniel

[@Daniel_Braun]

Great to hear that this video helped! Smart choice to save those points for higher CPP values!

[@amaniabdel-dayem985]

Thanks for this. I'd love to know exactly how to travel international in business or first for more the max value possible (greater than 2 cents per point)

[@thomashvo]

Thanks, very helpful! Do MR points usually transfer over to airline points/miles immediately so you can book any award flights you found at the miles you found before it changes

[@reggiew5514]

Great video. I would like to know how to transfer points to most of the domestic carriers, For example I didn’t know I could get to American Airlines by transfers points to British Air.

[@cabrilo4]

Beginner here!! I am wondering if I have Amex Gold and get Amex Platinum will I be able to use Gold to get more points and use those points in the same portal or to the points have a different portal? Of course got to maximize on the Amex Platinum sign up bonus first.

[@Juanefny]

Great video! I would love to see more examples. BTW, the SOFI link isn't working.

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thank you so much, glad you liked it! And gotcha, I had a few comments saying the link wasn't working so I just fixed it so should be good now for the best available offer danielbraun.me/SoFi

[@bphaychanpheng]

I appreciate this video, I am learning. I want to learn if it’s a good idea for my wife to get another Amex card “gold” since she’s doesn’t have a business Vs me getting a Amex business gold card. Hope that makes sense!

[@TheJCinator]

I use mine mostly on Amazon since I purchase from there a lot. The key is though, that Amazon constantly has an Amex offer where you get $20 - $60 off if you pay for any portion of your purchase with amex points. So you could use one point and reap the rewards. My cpp is probably like 2000 lol

[@thesneak281]

Do you have to use the amazon app? I have never seen this.. and I exclusively use my amex. Oh I think I found the problem. I have blue cash preferred so no points for me

[@littlebigmarc]

Thanks. Just got my gold with a really bad credit profile(670, 6 late payments, 5 charged off, all recent too. But 90k income) I'm rebuilding lol. Still can't believe it lol but I learned how to better my finances now. I think I'll be fine this time. Thanks for the video. Looking to get the welcome bonus in 3 months or so since I do have the money for all my upcoming expenses. Just gonna use Amex to get the points.

[@2-stepverified629]

thank you, I didn't realize the value difference between everything.

[@domdrty]

For those that have USAA or eligible for USAA their AMEX cards pay out $0.01 for each point. You can cash out and have the money transferred to your USAA account, or apply it to your credit card balance.

[@geoffcook3147]

I will use my points to go to Germany in the fall. I'd love a video on transfer partners with a few minutes on international flights. Appreciate the content. I'm an ana wheelchair user. So I'm a little skeptical of booking through the portal when I have to call the airline anyw to file my chair paperwork.

[@taryngabriel4459]

Is there a travel transfer partner that does cruises? Or am I solely stuck with the cruise line directly or Amex travel?

[@carolyn3494]

Just went to BA site and put in a couple domestic flight searches and repeatedly comes up "Sorry we have no flights available". Has it changed so we can no longer use Avios points for domestic partner airlines?

[@elyseb674]

Fly Eagles Fly! Great video. I have all the high-faluting cards because active duty doesn't have to pay annual fees. I was looking at the Hilton Aspire but I cannot pay my tuition with Amex. Because of you, and this video, I applied for BA Avois card. I can pay for my semester on this card, get the points, and let the card rest for a while. It's all about timing large purchases with card applications.

[@Daniel_Braun]

Go Birds!! Love the strategy and totally makes sense to get new card sign up bonuses with larger purchases!

[@Worldly876]

Good example with Avios. However, my experience is that saver availability on American Airlines (what you can book with Avios) sucks. A lot of times flights are available with AAdvantage points but as Websavers which only AAdvantage ,embers and Alaska Mileage Plan (the latter for domestic only) have access to. A more realistic use of Avios are on their own metal (especially for upgrades from Premium Economy to Club World) or on Qatar Airways.

[@tristanthoma1154]

Good insight, good video. Well edited and organized 👍

[@MannyCovington]

Can’t wait to see the advanced guides for UR and MR points, great video!

[@artaguilar7338]

Hi Daniel, great videos!! I was wondering if you know if redeeming my points using AVIOS will allow me to also pay with cash if I don't have enough points for the entire flight? Thanks

[@jacintofernandes2907]

Yes they do. The ba website shows how much cash you need to do so, check it out

[@jennym.5039]

Great info! I am sharing with my sister so she can use your useful tips! ....if she isn't already :)

[@maximillianjungreis2862]

Loved the video! Would be great to see you cover the Amex delta sky miles reserve card

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thanks Maximillian! I've seen a bunch of other people review that card lately so I'll add it to my list to talk about

[@LoreleiStockhausen]

It is important to note that you need to net the points you lose buying with points instead of with credit.

[@kimgrod]

Definitely interested in learning more about best values with transfer partners.

[@woollymvmmoth8134]

this is very clear cut man. gonna save this video when i get amex

[@Taleshia315]

I love watching your videos. They are so helpful :)

[@wrldgaming4558]

Great vid! For anyone wondering, British airways Amex offer is an extra 40% right now!

[@happysaucey5700]

Yep! This was great and need more about transfers.

[@Daniel_Braun]

Thanks! I'll definitely be making another video with some transfer examples for both flights and hotels with Amex!

[@carlstritzinger6724]

I agree, getting rewards points to work for for you is not user friendly. I have been attempting to book a round trip flight for two plus a hotel in two different cities and cannot. It is absolutely impossible and indeed frustrating. Also the hotels that are offered are far to expensive because i can book other 4.5 hotels for a week at half the price AE wants for one night. What do you think about asking Chat to help, that is my next step but i dont expect much.

[@Dougieeeeeee101]

Question! If there’s an Amex offer going on for a hotel, say “spend 250 at Marriott hotels, and get 50 back in statement credits.” Is this automatically combined when you book through Amex as well? Getting the Amex offer credit, $100 in spending, MR points, etc.?

[@jamiebrown956]

Correct me if I’m wrong but all your amex rewards points fall under one account even though you have multiple amex cards?

[@jawadarif5676]

Question, I would like to get the card just for travel point. Say I bought a car using the card, If I paid the balance bank the next day, will I still get the point

[@tompopolo8801]

One thing I like, is when Amazon offers a deal when you pay with Amex points. I’ll just use 1 point to apply the (10 percent off for example) deal, and purchase the same as usual :)

[@kenkersch]

One of my favorites is finding super saver Singapore business class from NYC to Maldives (or Singapore). At around 200,000 roundtrip it's a great way to book an otherwise $15,,000 fare. Just need to book super early.

[@definitelynotobama6851]

I get a base 1.4 CPP from cashing out the points from my local credit union’s credit card, with 2X points for all categories. For someone who doesn’t travel frequently, I’m honestly struggling to see why I would even want this card.

[@therellum8160]

Great video my man! Keep up the great work.

[@b23-j7u]

exceptionally useful and clear video thanks so much. would love to see another video on how to maximize Amex points, to get to above 2 CPP. Or how to maximize the various Amex benefits. Do you know how often Amex does promotion offer for transferring points to British Airways? I would love to get a bonus on transferring points but unfortunately the 40% bonus is over. Perhaps asking them through help chat would work?

[@geefunk07]

I'm a landscaping/construction contractor, and I always get home depot gift cards with my points since they're one of the few who value the points at 1c.

[@jrome1135]

When I got my 1st plat, the thought was that amex was gonna be my flight points, Chase and citi for hotels. Using credits and orphaned miles has left me only ever redeeming Mr through Schwab (mostly pre devaluation). I'm still sitting on 150k, been loving those fhr and airline credits. Super tempted by that gold 90k

[@sebastianvalenzuela8340]

Great video dude! Subscribed

[@wecollie]

@Daniel When you open an Amex Gold account,, will Amex give stand alone membership rewards point with the need to make minimum purchase?

[@mattskord9178]

I see no value in uber credits, food is way overpriced and I don’t get what other people uber around for? Any advice?

[@sandrayys]

When redeeming Amex Gold card points, can you only use it towards travel purchases? What other options aside from travel can I use my points for?

[@AayushSoni1196]

I'm not a US Citizen but I live and work here, and need to do a round-trip flight to my home country typically every year (which costs me upwards of $3200 on flight). In fact, I've taken British Airways multiple times in the past haha. I also go for a domestic trip every summer (add another ~$400/year on flight). Given this, Amex Gold sounds like a good option as I order delivery and dine-in a lot, plus Grocery shopping, etc. could accumulate a decent number of points for me every year to offset some of the flight costs (there's also 3X on flights which helps too). Is there any other card out there which could possibly beat Amex Gold for this kind of spending pattern?

[@josephbarone239]

How can you use this strategy for all inclusive resorts (flight and hotel included) overseas?

[@allanwu8296]

do you know if the amex gold business is pretty comparable to this card or is there another video covering business cards