How to Redeem Amex Points for MAXIMUM Value

[@TheCreditShifu]

USEFUL ARTICLES: 59 Best Ways to Redeem Amex Points: bit.ly/3nEBlCX Full List of Amex Transfer Partners: bit.ly/3nF43n6 Transfer Partners Graphic: bit.ly/3fEnDeN Info on ANA Round the World Award Tickets: ana.ms/3FKCdMu

[@HockeyJock]

💪🏼

[@pardawesome]

Learned a lot of new things here (didn't know about the transfer tax on U.S. airlines). Appreciate the detail put into this!

[@kvom01]

But if you transfer to LifeMiles or Virgin Atlantic for use on US airlines you don't pay it.

[@EC-iu3yb]

@@kvom01 does virgin Atlantic charge other fees for flying

[@dayised3556]

گحگگحءگح

[@dayised3556]

گگحح

[@Daniel_Braun]

MAXIMUM VALUE!! Great video and examples Ben

[@Basta11]

Hotels are generally bad. But if you look hard enough, you can get over 2 cents per points at times. This is especially true during high season where prices can go over 4x normal rates. The fanciest hotels can also have tremendous value. So, in low season, pay with cash and earn points to use in the high season. Consider that a hotel room can hold 2 to 4 people normally, sometimes more which is great for families. The redemption nights also count for getting status. When combining redemption and status, you can have a really luxurious vacation indeed.

[@SimX9000]

Love maximize AMEX points value. Great to see an updated video. Hope you do more on a regular basis. Thank you!

[@SuperDibbya]

Thanks for a wonderful informative video. I feel some commentators down below have already asked this question in one way or another. Could you please either explain in a comment or do a video just explaining which airlines have the best points value for premium seats? For e.g. you mentioned ANA seems to have great value for booking business class seats. I basically want to know where to find this information, THanks

[@chrisbrown8748]

Just got the green card and I’m working on the 50k point bonus to go along with the 35k I already have so this video is right on time for me.

[@beinggood5720]

Nice name

[@marklihsu]

The travel portal is excellent for domestic travel with the business Amex. Most of the time you will get the same price as coach or cheaper than transfer to partners for booking for first class bookings. Plus the ticket counts as cash so you will also earn miles.

[@ATdaBomb]

I appreciate the video, particularly the specific accounts of real redemptions. I feel that most of the uncertainty from people new to these redemptions is the differing points amongst the many transfer programs, and the chance that when we'll try it that it won't actually be that good. Real life examples help with that.

[@DoremonUCR]

Excellent video! Nicely broken down and easy to understand!

[@Smart_Think]

Excellent information, especially w the transfer points never even knew half that stuff. Thank you 🙏

[@wendelmontero2046]

Thank you Ben, this video is incredible and really informative. Liked and sharing 💪🏻

[@jillyanmacmorris5176]

I’m re-listening because this was really valuable!!!

[@supremeobliterator]

Same ! New platinum member and I am trying to learn all about this card.

[@2808Heavy]

The way you said “ah-di-das” made me giggle. Thanks Ben, for the giggle and the info!

[@banderson1979]

Came here to say this also. 😂

[@_CookieJAR_]

Technically it’s the correct way to pronounce it. It’s how they say it in Germany (where adidas was founded) and Europe

[@2808Heavy]

@@_CookieJAR_ no one said he didn’t say it correctly, I said it made me giggle 🤭

[@BMCHP]

Please do maximum value for Chase points video too 😌🙌🙌🙌

[@AshCash281]

Thanks for this video. Just got the Gold and after I hit minimum spend, going for the Charles Schwab Platinum next.

[@ynsam]

Great insights!!! How to book delta flights with virgin Atlantic points? When I look on delta with skymiles the ratio is generally just around 1.2x even for 1st class

[@John-lw9bn]

Ben, can you talk about how i can use my Amex points and bonus transfer them to different airlines (aka Virgin?) so i can book a flight for Delta.

[@livinginsaltlake]

I’ve been looking for this video for a long time

[@chewie94116]

Love the maximum value tips!

[@dlzmedia2792]

Amex didn't seem to understand what I meant by "what is the difference if I redeem this as Avios or just pay off the flight. Now I get it.

[@jinandtaearebae]

Hi Ben, huge fan of vids. Thank you so much for all the info you provide. Would like to ask you a quick question though, how to get the info at time stamp 8.07? Is it available on Amex while we use the point transfer option or is it from Delta? My question is: how do we get to know, What is the point requirement for US to Europe trips or to other countries for business class or economy for different airlines?

[@rumbero08]

Thanks again for the great info, when traveling do you rent a car out with Amex if so would you recommend getting the premium car rental protection Amex offers? I have the Amex gold any recommendations with car rentals?

[@mlmson7098]

I have the Charles Schwab Platinum. I move the points to my brokerage account to invest or use towards travel. Those are only two things I found value in it for me.

[@BeyondNarratives]

11:27 *IF* you can ever find a business class SAVER ticket on United to Hawaii

[@Smart_Think]

Thanks for the video ben!

[@martinaltmann1658]

How do you use one airlines miles for another? Sorry I’m confused 🤔 for example you said use Singapore miles for Lufthansa? Thank you 🙏🏼

[@haroldreynoldsii9857]

Bump it up, thank you for this

[@911eVoX]

Good video. You made the information simple and easy to understand. Ty!

[@beecee2k11]

This is awesome! Can you do a CSR video just like this !?!?!

[@TheCreditShifu]

Yep!

[@ChristianRomo]

What is the best way to use points to fly from West Coast USA to Europe? Germany and/or scandinavian countries.

[@cameronmachado1774]

we've reached the advanced stage of the credit card game.

[@TheCreditShifu]

Level 99

[@dannylo7769]

Can you do one with identifying good deals for regular flight tickets. I have a lot of points but I’m having challenges on when to transfer to certain airlines or what’s considered a good deal to transfer to a particular airline (flying southwest vs delta vs American). Thank you for your help

[@maritestaylor8458]

Great information I did not know that thanks.

[@RichardServello]

I’m flying in June but I had a credit from a COVID cancelled flight from 2020 so I wasn’t able to use points to buy my tickets. I have 140k points. Next trip will be used tho!

[@SiiKPrOpHeTzXx]

Hey, Howcome in my Amex Gold I don’t get 4x points per dollar spent in restaurants?

[@TheCreditShifu]

If it is the US version it should do. Different countries have different versions of the card

[@forever_hum]

Nice video. I am thinking of flying from SFO to DEL (INDIA) this March and I would like to use my AMEX points. How do you think I should optimize my points for the best value. Any particular travel partner I should be putting my points in for any travel from US to India? Would like to hear your opinion. Thanks.

[@nicolemassie576]

Stuff like this can change due to random deals and promotions, so always shop around before deciding. Keep your Amex points in your Amex account, and don't transfer to a partner until you see the best points to miles transfer deal. That way you don't get forced to pay for a transfer or forced into using a certain airline alliance just because you already put your points in there.

[@tonyvaldivia2016]

Thoughts on transfer partners for flights to Grand Cayman? Also, when traveling with the family, what's the probability of finding 4 award seats together like you did?

[@TheCreditShifu]

I used Jet Blue when i went, got a terrible deal, like 1.2 cents per point. But it was direct! Lol Finding 4 seats together really depends on the route, transatlantic is her to find, short haul routes are easier

[@tonyvaldivia2016]

@@TheCreditShifu at 1.2 cents per point, I'd be better off using the CSP with its 25% bonus through Chase portal to get 1.25 cents per point and save the MP for other air travel.

[@martinlasprilla3278]

How do you know which airlines you can fly with certain programs? You mentioned transfer to Virgin and travel with Delta? I assumed it was with alliance but I see Virgin and Delta aren't even in the same alliance, cheers.

[@Driven-t1u1r]

So Ben I wanted to see if you can answer this question. Since Qatar is now part of the Avios, I was planning on transferring my Amex points to British Airways and then using those Avios points to fly to Seoul, Korea on business class with my family. But I am seeing that Qatar dosent allow you to actually see available flights unless you have sufficient points. Does this mean I need to tranfer the Avios points first to see if there are any available flights using Avios points or is there a way around this. It shows the Business class to Seoul from LA is 200K round trip points but will not actually allow me to see available flights and I dont want to risk transferring my points over unless I am sure of the available flights and see the exact points+fees before making the jump. Please help!

[@TheCreditShifu]

Yeah don’t risk it, use Expert Flyer to search for award space

[@mickylord21]

One thing I wish more youtubers would mention is that you will likely not get greater than 1.5 cents per point if you are an economy flyer. Setting the bar at 2 cents per point isn't super realistic unless you want business class and are okay with burning a ton of points chasing the illusion of "value"

[@TheCreditShifu]

Yeah in my opinion, Chase, using the sapphire reserve through the portal @1.5c pp, is the best choice for economy fliers

[@jimmefz3328]

@@TheCreditShifu and Hotels too.

[@colorfullifettt5251]

Great video with good content.

[@victorbalta1402]

If I wanted to book business class seats to Korea what would be the best strategy?

[@gibsonfranchise]

I have 108,671 with Amex platinum I just became a member in November spend the 6k to hit the 100k mark so I’m all ears 👂

[@pablopintobean]

Chase next?

[@TheFedExMan702]

I’d be curious to find a list that tells you what transfer partners allows you to book US domestic flights. Ex. BA Avios to American

[@ellenmorin5761]

What if I don’t have the loyalty program number and want to book a flight on Air France?

[@TheCreditShifu]

If you dont have a loyalty program number, just go set up an account and link it

[@definitelynotatroll]

I didn't like the effect but I was clicking the like button as you said that because your videos are always quality.

[@TheCreditShifu]

Thanks

[@bobo9085]

I’m confused. How are you using other airlines points for different airlines… for example you said you could use Singapore airlines points for a domestic United flight?? How do you do that, how is that possible?

[@TheCreditShifu]

They are in alliances, e.g. you can book united with air Canada miles since they are both star alliance, you can book AA with BA points because they are both one world alliance

[@joshz7872]

What about using the Amex travel portal?

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing..

[@DarthDaddy-cg6ro]

Thanks.

[@jdonaldson7500]

Which Hilton and/or Marriott cards do you have for keepers?

[@TheCreditShifu]

Hilton surpass, marriott bonvoy (modern art, discontinued)

[@thebeddoctor4273]

What amex cards transfer to partners? Is it only gold and platinum?

[@TheCreditShifu]

Any card that earns MR points

[@danielsetiady9396]

How does it work when you use Airline A points to fly on Airline B? Do you book through Airline A's website or Airline B's?

[@TheCreditShifu]

A (although sometimes you have to call)

[@danielsetiady9396]

Many thanks! Been wondering that for a while. That would be a great idea for a video, I don’t know of anyone else who has done it

[@medismailben]

What would you recommend doing with Hilton Honors points ?

[@TheCreditShifu]

Ok thanks for the idea, after i have done Chase and citi, i will do Hilton

[@iancancel4427]

@@TheCreditShifu Would you consider doing one on capital one? New venture x members would benefit a lot. Thanks!

[@davidw8249]

Does RETURN=ROUND TRIP?

[@bryantramos2382]

What's the math on how to find out what value your getting for your points?

[@TheCreditShifu]

For flights, search what the full cash price for the ticket is, then deduct the fees from your points booking, then divide the remaining cash price by the number of points

[@bryantramos2382]

@@TheCreditShifu thank you. Appreciate you and all your videos.

[@llchrisb901]

I’m trying to figure out the best airlines redemption for the Maldives.

[@TheCreditShifu]

From Amex points you could use Singapore airlines (change in Singapore) or middle eastern airlines like Emirates and Etihad.

[@Barry17599]

Thanks ben

[@jaimeerindy4573]

I made the mistake of redeeming airfare through AmexTravel instead of transfering to a travel partner 😓 Felt like such an idiot omg. But I'll never do that again!

[@Basta11]

When you say return - does that mean round trip?

[@TheCreditShifu]

yes

[@AQ_EE]

I saw the video KZbin I thought it’s someone who was impersonating the credit chief

[@TheCreditShifu]

Yeah, changed the name, still the same content (and adding in more personal finance content as well)

[@swagmasterswag12]

Damn i thought i was getting a good deal with Hilton

[@BlakeMadsen]

I have 360K points - should I use them sooner rather than later? I was planning on saving to a million and taking a world trip

[@TheCreditShifu]

Check out ANA for booking that, there should be some articles online about booking a round the word ticket with points through them

[@BlakeMadsen]

@@TheCreditShifu Perfect, thanks a ton Ben!

[@albertogomez9022]

i feel sad, i didnt transfer my points :( and i just used 100k :(

[@Chris..........]

This Ben Hedges guy reminds me of The Credit Shifu

[@rfv423]

😭😭😭😭😂😂😂😂😂

[@Traderbear]

Flowers are expensive!

[@mateengolchin2893]

Why u so amazing beo

[@Angelinesekle]

So I see now MR points are not valuable as cash back

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

No mention of ANA around the world?

[@TheCreditShifu]

I think it deserves a separate video

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

@@TheCreditShifu ok looking forward to it!

[@cptgunhadaable]

Cancun is so nice this time of year, a US senator willing to run away there to get out of a disaster

[@TheCreditShifu]

Was that a year ago?

[@Barry17599]

Ok

[@jollama]

Good comment

[@LoLo-so6ow]

When you say 'return' that means RT?

[@PurpleDrazi]

No! . . . Wait! . . . Go ahead and do a 20 minute video! 😃

[@kalmtraveler]

I wonder how many takes he had to do of the intro when he switched from CF to his name. I still hear him introduce himself as Credit Shifu in my head at the start of these.

[@donaldmcdolope4535]

I get 50% back with my card

[@TheCreditShifu]

Centurion holder in da house! Welcome.

[@michaelgiovanniello3230]

So it is only business class that makes sense? Business class is cool and all, but I'm used to flying garbage seats and would like to get the most out of my 300k miles. Business class ins't important to me at all. Xanax + gin and tonic = wake up where you're going.

[@TheCreditShifu]

So book economy, but you won't be getting maximum value, just 1 cent per point.. That's ok though, since you can do what gives you value personally. But what I would recommend is getting the Amex Business Gold or Platinum which gives a points rebate when you book even economy tickert (has to be your selected airline) through amex travel. Gold gives you 25% of your points back to use next time, Platinum gives you 35%.

[@michaelgiovanniello3230]

@@TheCreditShifu I have a platinum AMEX. So i guess that rebate happens automatically?

[@TheCreditShifu]

Its only on business platinum and gold, and has to be your selected airline that you chose for the credit (if booking economy)

[@Mylittleponyplushies]

The like button doesn’t help the yt algorithms

[@TheCreditShifu]

I used to think that, but that is not what my KZbin partner manager told me. He said any engagement (views, likes, comments etc) helps a video. Obviously the two biggest factors are still CTR and AVD but i do believe likes help

[@happysaucey5700]

Great video. I'm trying to get from Texas to South Korea (who isn't these days LOL). I have about 155K AMEX points from my Gold Card and my spouse traveling with me, and want to travel business class. Would love a tips video or something that literally walks the viewer through the step by step process of transfer points. I need hand holding.

[@tcgtpl]

Thank you so much for this kind of content. I'm hoarding my AMEX points now & my plan is to take business or first class flights once I'm retired (in a couple of years), so this is a welcome topic. I figure the world should be opened up a lot more then.

[@ianmichael7401]

ANA RTW business class is my favorite Amex redemption. Planning our second RTW trip now thanks to Amex being way too generous giving out MR points lately.

[@sonictonic_]

SO helpful. Thank you! Now I just have to wait for my 75k gold card bonus to come in a few mos 🤤

[@alangrinberg3871]

Great timing with this video. Currently working on my Amex gold's bonus points

[@lukasz4505]

Great video Ben! Very helpful, im currently searching everywhere the best way to redeem some Aeroplan miles, maybe you have some suggestions? But I am thinking one way in Business class Chicago - Taiwan on Eva for 75k points..ticket price is around $6k

[@nahiduddin2723]

Can you do chase or Barclays next?

[@thebeddoctor4273]

How do you find such good return on points? I looked at the same flight in 2023 and it's 300,000 points for Delta One. I know times change. Have you found any good deals in 2023?

[@victoravilacamera]

I’ve had Delta Amex and I feel that was a mistake since miles are 1 Mile per $1, but a one way ticket lax to NYC cost 50,000 miles.

[@rajivshah0]

Great vid and examples! Do you have (or recommend) a service that can get deals like you showed?

[@steviedickson4736]

Wow!! Very informative video. As a new card holder of the Gold card, I appreciate this greatly. If by any chance youre reading this, would you have any suggestion as to how I can use my points most efficiently for a trip the continent of Africa? Thanks in advance

[@TheCreditShifu]

Look in the 59 best amex redemptions article in the top comment, there are a few example itineraries to Africa

[@steviedickson4736]

@@TheCreditShifu Thanks

[@nerdvana2557]

I got Amex gold card because of your videos. Thanks

[@Yves_Ka]

SIA dont actually have an aircraft with 1st Class Suites currently flying as the A380 has been removed form their schedule due to we all knw why. They are only offering 1st Class SEATS

[@franciscomesquita000]

Eu quero.

[@cjjunkee8602]

Please put more info and make it 20 mins, lol, listening shifu....taking it all in....i have over 500k mr point i want to spend, i need info for flight to the philippines please, thank you shifu!!!

[@xporkrind]

I am trying to get a mileage upgrade on JAL, AA, or ANA on a flight from LAX to HND. But most flights seem to be code sharing flights where my understanding is that upgrades are not permitted. The problem is that to find a non-codeshare flight. I would have to pay instead of say $900 for coach, perhaps $1400 or $1500 for coach. Will I be able to use my mileage upgrade from coach, after paying $1400. Or will I risk NOT being able to upgrade at all. This is all very confusing.

[@goalie0621]

I just booked our honeymoon to South Africa via Istanbul for 7.9 cents per point by using ANA. Thanks for the helpful tips.

[@DHJakon]

I built up enough pts to get a first class flight to Japan. But I need borders to open.

[@YanLuo]

dear shifu, which transfer partner would you recommend to book trips to china ? many thanks

[@Abhinav123able]

Hey Ben, hope you are well. I would like to make a request for you to make a video on airport concierge services and which credit cards offer it. I think a lot of us would appreciate it. Thank you

[@eljjtp]

I almost never stop to hit the like button but dude this was awesome. This was legit good information and well out together. Thanks 👍🏽