American Express Membership Rewards Program Credit Cards
American Express Membership Rewards Program Overview
A rewards program is a program that is designed to compensate customers for their loyalty to the card. American Express understands that you have other choices in credit cards. So, in order to acknowledge and reward you for your faithful and continued business, they have set up a system that allows you to receive gifts and benefits just for being a customer.
Each time you use your card, you are awarded a point according to how much you spend. The more you spend on your card, the more points you are able to accumulate. There are number of different rewards for which you are able to redeem your points. For instance, there are shopping rewards, travel options and entertainment benefits. You are able to choose how you want to redeem your points and for which type of reward.
If you want to transfer your rewards to another type of program, you are able to do that, as well. Depending on the program you are enrolled in, you can transfer your points over to a frequent flyer program or a hotel program.
Comparison of American Express Membership Rewards Program Credit Cards
The Various Partners Participating In The Program
American Express has partners ranging from Thai Airways International to David Jones to Hilton Hotels. Whether you want to travel, shop or rest, you will be able to find a partner that will meet your needs.
When you choose to redeem with the airline rewards program, you have access to nearly 1,000 agents who are ready to assist you with your travel plans. You can also opt to use the travel booking service that is available online. There are many travel partners and you can even receive assistance in getting currency for the country you are travelling to.
For travelling, here are some of the top partners you are able to redeem with:
If shopping is more your style, you will be able to pick from all of the top brands. You can find the latest innovations in technology, gift options, housewares, wines from all over the world and even gear for sports.
And, if you don’t find just what you are looking for, take heart because the options are changed and updated each month. With thousands of items to choose from there are yet thousands more that will be added and updated.
You can also use a gift card from over 50 of our partners. This makes it easier and provides you with flexibility to shop when you want.
Food And Entertainment Rewards
There is no shortage of food and entertainment options with the American Express rewards program. You will be able to dine at the finest restaurants courtesy of your rewards program.
You also have the opportunity to take part in the entertainment awards. You can receive passes to exclusive events and concerts. There are excellent choices at your disposal and with them you are able to spend time creating memories with family and friends.
Car Hire And Hotel Options
If you are travelling abroad, most likely, you will need a car hire service and a place to stay. Both needs are covered with your American Express Rewards card. You can stay at any number of the participating partners.
Here are a few you can enjoy:
Your membership and rewards program grants you access to some of the premier hotels across the world.
When you are ready for your car hire, you will be able to choose from a number of different partners.
Here are just a couple that are featured:
Earning Your Points
Earning points with your rewards card is actually quite simple. Each time you spend on your card, you are earning points. Buy the things that you would normally buy every day and watch the points in your program go up with each purchase.
If you want to accumulate points even faster, you can choose to shop with our Bonus Partners. When you shop at these participating partners with your Amex card, you will earn even more points than with other purchases.
Earning points can also be achieved by adding additional members to your card. You can add supplementary cards to your account and that allows you to earn points even faster. Other card members will spend and rack up more points in the process.
Easy Tips To Earn Points Faster
If you want to earn points quickly, there are some simple steps that you can take in order to acquire as many points as possible.
- Use your card for purchases that you would make anyway - If you are going to the petrol station to fill up your car, use your American Express card for the purchase. Buying groceries can also help you earn points quickly. Use your card at the grocery store and watch your points soar.
- Use your card for major purchases - If you are planning a wedding, holiday or purchase of a major appliance, use your card and you will receive a large number of points at once.
- Shop at the participating Bonus Partners – These purchases will provide with your regular amount of points plus bonus points by virtue of the exclusive partnership.
- Add more cardholders to your account – You can add your spouse, partner, family member or close friend to your account so you can earn additional points. Also, the cardholder will be able to take advantage of all of the benefits and services that American Express offers.
Featured Bonus Points Offered
If you are motivated to earn as many points in short order then you should take advantage of the many participating bonus partners who are ready to provide you with regular rewards points in addition to bonus points.
Here are just a few of the offers that are currently available:
BP Petrol Stations
If you make a purchase at any BP station, you will be able to earn 5 extra bonus points for every dollar you spend. You can find these service stations at over 1,300 locations throughout the metropolitan and rural areas of Australia. In addition to getting the best in quality fuel, you will also be able to fuel yourself up at over 100 Wild Been Cafes that are located in some of the BP stores. Get a great cup of coffee while your car is getting filled up.
Harvey Norman Computers
If you shop at any Harvey Norman Computers and Electrical stores you will be able to earn 5 extra bonus points for every dollar you spend in the store. They have the largest array of computers, technology and communications devices and accessories in one place than any other technology store. You can find software, cameras and equipment from all of the leading manufacturers.
AAMI
AAMI is offering a huge number of points for purchases made with them. If you take out an insurance policy with AAMI, you will receive 10 additional bonus points for every dollar you spend. That’s 10 times the normal amount you regularly earn! If your insurance premium costs you $500 then you will earn a massive total of 5,000 points! They provide a wide range of products from policies on your home, car, possessions, business and travel. Just use your American Express and you will earn maximum points.
Bob Jane T-Marts
Bob Jane T-Marts is ready to help you earn more points. They have the widest range of tyres, wheels and batteries for your car in all of Australia. You will find quality names like BFGoodrich, Pirelli and Michelin just to name a few. For every dollar you spend at Bob Jane T-Marts, they will match you will one bonus point. Not only do you earn extra points when you purchase products but you can also earn extra points when you purchase services.
APIA
You can maximise some serious points when you make a purchase at APIA. They make it nearly impossible not to give them a try. In fact, in addition to maximising your points at a whopping 10 times the normal amount, you can also be eligible to win a terrific getaway to London or a car by Nissan – the new Micra 1. Even if you just come in for a quote, you are still able to win the trip or car. The quotes are valid for up to twelve months so acting quickly is in your best interest in order to keep prices low.
iPrimus
You can always have better internet service and iPrimus knows this. They are ready to provide you with one extra bonus point for every dollar you spend with them. In addition, if you sign up for a new contract that lasts for 24 months, you will earn an extra 7,500 bonus points. You receive super fast connections and they can service your home phone and mobile phone plans, as well. It’s nice to have everything settled in one place.
Avis
When you plan your next holiday, you may need the services of Avis car hire. If you want your trip to be hassle-free then Avis is the place. They are one of the most well-known car hire
brands in the world and can offer a great number different types of vehicles. With so many to choose from, you will without a doubt be able to find something that suits your comfort and needs. You will find cars with airbags, power steering and all of the amenities that come standard plus much more.
Buying Points To Top Up
If you are getting close to the amount you need to reach a certain reward (one you are interested in obtaining), you are able to ‘top up’ your balance by buying points. The points can be purchased for $22.00 for every 1,000 points if you are planning to redeem them towards your “Non-Frequent Traveller Rewards.”
Tips For Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming points is quite simple. All you need to do is go online at the membership rewards site and search for the reward you are interested in and then click on ‘redeem.’ You will need to sign in and go through and fill in all of the necessary information to complete the redemption process.
If you have not enrolled on the website and want to follow and manage your account information online, you can do so by visiting the website and signing up. You can also call 1300 363 276 and ask to speak to a service representative who would be happy to help you.
Choosing The Right Rewards Program
Not sure about what to choose? There are many different types of rewards to choose from. If you want to travel, you can opt for the travel rewards prizes or you can find many different items with the shopping rewards program. There are all of the major brands represented making it possible for to find something you will like. Entertainment and dining is also very popular.
If you choose the travel program, there are nearly 1,000 travel agents ready and waiting to help you with your travel plans. You can also use the booking service that is available online. There are over 20 hotel partners. You have more options for travelling than any other rewards program.
When it comes to shopping, you will not find more brands available anywhere. You will find the latest in technology, premier gifts, items for your home, premium wines and even sporting goods. You can even redeem your points for gift cards that can be used at over 50 partners. This allows you to have more flexibility to shop when you want and even give your cards as gifts.
If you want to have a wonderful meal, you can with your rewards points. There are countless food, wine and entertainment options. In fact, you can have a meal, a bottle of wine and see a show all as part of your rewards card! There are many unique events that are available exclusively for you as a card member.
Transferring Your Points
If you want to transfer points it is quite simple. You can transfer to the Airline Rewards or Frequent Guest program very easily.
Before transferring your points, you must register your number for membership. You will have to go online and log into the account and connect your number with the partner that you want to transfer to. For example, link your Velocity number to your regular Rewards account. Once you have done this then your information will be in the system and you will be able to transfer rewards points to a variety of partners. When you are ready to redeem, then you can contact the hotel or airline and set up your arrangements for travel.
You can even receive bonus points by transferring your points. There are some programs that offer promotions for transferring points. The partners program are usually free to register. If you want to know offers before anyone else, you should sign up to have a newsletter sent to you that provides all information about the latest offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I made several purchases during my billing cycle but my Membership Rewards statement doesn’t reflect the points accumulated from those purchases. Why is this?
All of the points you have accumulated will not be reflected on your Rewards statement because the Rewards statement cycle ends approximately 4-6 days before your card statement cycle. The purchases that you made during those 4-6 days will be accurately reflected on your next statement. However, you can always go online to check your most current balance.
2. I have two Rewards cards. Is it possible to add them together so I can combine my rewards points into one pool?
Unfortunately, no. The only accounts that you can combine are the ones that are enrolled in the same program.
3. Is it possible for me to enrol my Corporate Card into the Rewards program?
This is possible if your company will allow you to do it. Companies are not eligible to participate in the program but if your company allows you to participate as an individual member, there is no problem with that. You will earn points just like any individual member.
Utilising Your Membership Rewards
American Express works hard to make it possible for its card members to utilise their Membership Rewards in a variety of ways. Card members are able to enjoy a touch of luxury with regularity when they take advantage of the wide variety of rewards including shopping with world-class merchandise, travel and accommodations in domestic and foreign destinations, and a vast selection of other benefits as well.
American Express is dedicated to the idea of adding luxury, innovation, and entertainment to the every day life of its card members. Not only is the American Express card itself accepted at the finest retailers and locations in the world, but simply using the card for any purchase can add significant points to a members account.
This opens up opportunities with gift cards, earned merchandise, or stylish goods selected for oneself or as a cherished gift for someone special. There are more than 50 selected partners for redeeming the American Express gift cards, meaning that you will find an array of options that are sure to suit any one’s taste.
American Express members who opt to use their accrued points to choose merchandise from the vast selection of goods that are available will find that this can be a challenging task. You can select from more than 1500 outstanding choices out of a broad selection of categories, ranging from cutting edge electronics, to fashion and beauty, to entertainment, sports and leisure… and even more.
In addition, you will find that many American Express card members choose to make the most of the extensive and exciting travel opportunities available through their accrued points. Many savvy members will opt to make their travel arrangements directly with “American Express Travel,” relying on the excellent customer service and attentive care that they receive in managing all of the details for their upcoming trips. Of course, since the points are directly from American Express, there is no difficulty at all in using these points to book travel in this manner.
Other members, however, may elect to simply transfer their points to another one of the frequently used travel companies that partner directly with American Express. This is another simple and quick solution for many people’s travel needs. Some travel agencies are partnered directly with American Express, and you will also note that airlines such as WebJet will allow American Express card members to book travel over the internet with their points. Finally, if you are traveling overseas, you can use your points to obtain foreign currencies for the ultimate in travel convenience.
The American Express Choices Membership Rewards Programme
All of the above options are available if you join the Choices program with American Express Membership Rewards. With this exciting program you will find that you are able to choose the aforementioned merchandise from selections that are updated each and every month to keep things interesting for members. Members with Choices are able to book their points-based travel with more than 1000 travel agencies, as well as selecting from more than twenty hotel chains that will accept American Express points for travel accommodations.
The simple fact is that American Express Choices members have the most options and benefits for travel in the industry, and there are always intriguing and creative ways for you to take advantage of them.
First rate entertainment is a key concept for members of the Choices program, and there are outstanding choices for wines, fine dining, passes and vouchers for shows, and a myriad of other ways for you to enjoy memorable times with a valued client, or with the people who are closest to you. For those interested in exciting outdoor activities, there is also the Ultimate Choice membership option. Check with your American Express Choices representative for more details.
There is a yearly fee of $40 for the addition of this excellent program to your business or personal American Express account, and the agreement follows the conditions and terms set forth by Membership Rewards. The Choices program is not available for those who have corporate American Express cards.
The American Express Ascent Membership Rewards Programme
Another Membership Rewards option for American Express card members is the Ascent program, which adds an additional array of rewards for your points. Once again, you are able to select top quality merchandise from more than 1500 goods that are selected each month. These include luxury gifts, technological marvels, sporting goods, foods, wines and a vast selection of other items. Gift cards are also available on the Ascent program, with more than fifty stores selected as partners.
Ascent offers members the opportunity to transfer points to one of seven industry-leading airline reward programs, and allows for amazing flexibility in using your points in the manner that suits you best… from shopping to booking travel with an airline or partner travel agent offering special benefits for Ascent members, to arranging for travel accommodations and car hire, you cannot go wrong with this Membership Rewards option.
The annual fee for Ascent membership is $80 added to your business card, your personal or charge card, your Blue or Gold Card. If you are a Platinum Card member, whether Platinum Charge, Platinum Credit, or Platinum Business, the Ascent program membership is included with your card. Corporate Card members are eligible for membership, and may choose to add the Ascent program for an annual fee of $89 (alternatively 13,350 points). Again, this program is operated under the required conditions and terms outlined in the overall Membership Rewards scheme.
The American Express Ascent Premium Membership Rewards Programme
The Ascent Premium Membership Rewards scheme is not universally available to American Express card members. It is a special program that is limited to members who hold the Platinum Business, Platinum Charge, or Rewards Advantage Cards. This option allows members to choose their merchandise rewards from an online selection of amazing, high-class goods.
These options are updated each and every month to offer members the best selections available, ranging from excellent foods and wines to the most up to date electronics and technological breakthroughs. Others may be interested in high fashion and the very finest in beauty products, while still others may want to try out the latest and greatest in sports equipment. With over 1500 goods to choose from each month, there is truly something for everyone.
Gift cards are an exciting option for many Ascent Premium members, with more than 50 store chains working with American Express as gift card partners, while others may wish to opt for a direct transfer of cash from accrued points to be spent as desired.
Travel rewards abound for Ascent Premium members, with online booking options with airline partners such as WebJet, and American Express’ own internet service for booking travels. The program for partnered airline rewards is expanded for Ascent Premium members to include eight options, as well as four popular “Frequent Guest” programs. Other travel benefits include point redemption for foreign currencies when traveling overseas, as well as partnerships with more than 1000 travel agencies and 20 chains of excellent hotels around the world.
The heart-pounding “Unique Experience” options are also available for Ascent Premium members who crave something new and exciting, but this program is not currently open for Corporate Card members. The program is operated under the conditions and terms of Membership Rewards.
The American Express Spirit Membership Rewards Programme
The Spirit program has been developed specifically for members who have a Qantas Corporate Card, Qantas Business Card, or another approved Corporate Card with American Express. This program offers merchandise of the highest quality through online selection of over 1500 items, which is updated each and every month to assure prime selection.
Gift cards are available at more than fifty exciting retail partners, providing excellent shopping and gift options, and of course the points can also be transferred easily to Qantas Airlines frequent flyer benefits. Other frequent guest plans are also available through partnership agreements, as well.
Entertainment including tickets and passes to shows, fine dining, great wines, and memorable “Unique Experience” rewards allow for unparalleled entertainment options, as befits an American Express Membership Rewards client.
It is important to note that, due to the corporate and business card accounts that are required for Spirit membership, it is not possible to transfer points for additional credit or travel rewards that may be available through other similar programs.
The yearly fee for the Spirit program is $89 (alternatively 13,350 points) with a Corporate Card, or $59 with a Business Card. The Spirit program operates under the conditions and terms inherent to the American Express Membership Rewards.
American Express offers the comprehensive rewards program than any other card. You can see the world, taste the finest wines and enjoy the latest technology all with one card. No other card can boast that.
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