When it comes to choosing the best rewards program for your travels, American Express and Chase are two major players in the game. With their flexible credit cards and enticing perks, they offer a plethora of benefits for both frequent and occasional travelers alike.
American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards are renowned for their value and versatility. Let's break down the key features of each to help you determine which one suits your needs better.
Amex Membership Rewards
Card options: Amex offers a variety of personal and business cards, giving you ample choices to find the one that fits your lifestyle best.
Transfer partners: With 18 airline partners and 3 hotel partners, you have plenty of options to transfer your points and maximize their value.
Redemption options: Whether you prefer booking travel through the issuer's portal, transferring points to partners, getting statement credits, purchasing gift cards, or using points for online purchases, Amex provides numerous ways to redeem your rewards.
Points value: While the baseline value of Amex points is up to 1 cent per point, their worth can increase significantly when transferred to partner airlines or hotels.
How to earn Amex Membership Rewards points
You can accrue Membership Rewards points by using an eligible Amex credit card for your purchases. Opting for a card that offers bonus rewards in categories you frequently spend on can accelerate your points earning.
It's worth noting that while you can earn points on purchases made with authorized user cards linked to your primary account, certain transactions like cash advances and card fees won't earn you points.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Card options: Chase also provides a selection of personal and business cards, catering to different preferences and spending habits.
Transfer partners: Although Chase offers fewer transfer partners compared to Amex, with 11 airline partners and 3 hotel partners, you still have plenty of opportunities to get the most out of your points.
Redemption options: Similar to Amex, Chase allows you to redeem points for travel through its portal, transfer them to partners, get statement credits or cash back, purchase gift cards, or use points for online shopping.
Points value: While Chase points typically have a baseline value of up to 1.5 cents per point, the actual value can vary depending on the credit card you have and the transfer partners you utilize.
Both Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards offer robust rewards programs with various benefits and redemption options. Your choice ultimately depends on your spending habits, travel preferences, and which transfer partners align better with your needs.
Whether you opt for Amex or Chase, maximizing your rewards entails selecting the right credit card, leveraging bonus categories, and strategically redeeming your points for maximum value. With either program, you're sure to enhance your travel experiences and enjoy the perks that come with being a savvy rewards cardholder.
Best credit cards for earning Amex points
If you're looking for a travel-friendly credit card without breaking the bank, consider the American Express® Green Card. Here's what you need to know in simple terms.
1. American Express® Green Card
● Annual fee: $150
● Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 points after you spend $3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of account opening
● Rewards:
- Get 3 times the points on travel expenses like flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation rentals.
- Earn 3 times the points on transit, which covers things like buses, trains, and taxis.
- Enjoy 3 times the points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery within the U.S.
- Get 1 point for every dollar spent on everything else.
● Benefits:
- Receive up to $189 in credits each year toward CLEAR Plus membership, helping you breeze through airport security faster.
- Enjoy up to $100 in credits annually to buy lounge access through Lounge Buddy, giving you a comfortable place to relax before your flight (terms apply).
With its straightforward rewards structure and valuable benefits, the American Express® Green Card is a great choice for travelers who want to earn points on their everyday purchases while enjoying perks that enhance their travel experience.
2. American Express® Gold Card
If you're a foodie or frequent shopper, the American Express® Gold Card could be your perfect match. Here's a breakdown in simple terms
● Annual fee: $250
● Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of account opening
● Rewards:
- Get 4 times the points at restaurants worldwide, so every dining experience earns you more.
- Earn 4 times the points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per year, making grocery shopping more rewarding.
- Enjoy 3 times the points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, perfect for jet-setters.
- Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on everything else.
● Benefits:
- Receive up to $120 in Uber Cash annually, helping you save on rides and meals with Uber Eats (up to $10 in credits per month).
- Enjoy up to $120 in annual credits ($10 per month) for purchases at popular spots like Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, and more (terms apply).
With its focus on dining and groceries, along with valuable credits for Uber and select merchants, the American Express® Gold Card is a great choice for food lovers and savvy shoppers looking to earn rewards on their everyday purchases.
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you're on the lookout for a credit card that's all about rewards and perks, the Platinum Card® from American Express is a standout choice. Let's break it down in simple terms:
● Annual fee: $695
● Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of account opening
● Rewards:
- Earn a whopping 5 times the points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 spent each year.
- Get 5 times the points on prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel.
- Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on everything else.
● Benefits:
- Enjoy up to $200 in annual statement credits for eligible hotel bookings through Amex Travel, making your stays even more affordable.
- Receive up to $200 in annual statement credits for incidental fees with your chosen airline, covering things like baggage fees or in-flight purchases.
- Get up to $155 in annual statement credits to cover your Walmart+ subscription, ensuring you never miss out on those auto-renewing monthly perks.
- Receive up to $240 in annual statement credits ($20 each month) for various entertainment subscriptions like Disney+, ESPN+, and more.
- Enjoy $15 in Uber Cash every month for rides or meals with Uber Eats, plus an extra $20 in December to spread that holiday cheer.
- Receive up to $300 in annual statement credits for Equinox+ or Equinox club membership, helping you stay fit without breaking the bank.
- Enjoy up to $189 annually for CLEAR Plus membership, making airport security a breeze.
- Get up to $100 in annual credits for Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com spending ($50 each January-June and $50 each July-December), ensuring you stay stylish throughout the year (terms apply).
With its generous rewards rates and an array of benefits covering travel, entertainment, shopping, and more, the Platinum Card® from American Express is a top contender for maximizing your Membership Rewards points while enjoying a host of valuable perks.
Read More: Interest rates are on hold – here's what it means for credit card users
Business credit cards that earn Amex points
For small business owners looking to earn valuable rewards, American Express offers a range of business credit cards that earn Membership Rewards points. Here's a look at your options:
1. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
2. American Express® Business Gold Card
3. Business Green Rewards Card from American Express
4. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
How to redeem American Express points
Now, let's delve into how you can make the most of your Amex points when it comes to redemption. Here are some strategies to consider:
Book travel through Amex Travel
● You can redeem your points for various travel expenses through the Amex portal. However, the value of your points may vary depending on the type of travel:
- Flights: You'll typically get 1 cent per point.
- Prepaid hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages: These generally yield around 0.7 cents per point.
- Fine hotel and resort bookings (available for Platinum cardholders only): You can get 1 cent per point.
● For example, if you're planning a trip to Paris and find a round-trip flight for $650 and a 4-night hotel stay for $700 prepaid, totaling $1,350, you could redeem 65,000 points for the flight (1 cent per point) and 100,000 points for the hotel (0.7 cents per point), or a total of 165,000 points.
● While booking through Amex Travel can be convenient, you'll typically get the best value by redeeming points for flight reservations or, if you have a Platinum Card, for bookings in the Fine Hotels and Resorts collection. Other redemptions may offer less than 1 cent per point, meaning you're not maximizing your rewards potential.
By leveraging these redemption options, you can make the most of your Amex points and enjoy valuable benefits while traveling for business or leisure.
Transfer partners
When it comes to maximizing the value of your Amex Membership Rewards points, transferring them to partners can be a strategic move. Here's a simplified overview of Amex's airline and hotel partners, along with their transfer ratios.
Airline Partners
1. AerLingus Aerclub: 1:1 transfer ratio
2. AeroMexico Rewards: 1:1.6 transfer ratio
3. Air Canada Aeroplan: 1:1 transfer ratio
4. Air France KLM Flying Blue: 1:1 transfer ratio
5. ANA Mileage Club: 1:1 transfer ratio
6. Avianca LifeMiles: 1:1 transfer ratio
7. British Airways Executive Club: 1:1 transfer ratio
8. Cathay Pacific: 1:1 transfer ratio
9. Delta SkyMiles: 1:1 transfer ratio
10. Emirates Skywards: 1:1 transfer ratio
11. Etihad Guest: 1:1 transfer ratio
12. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles: 1:1 transfer ratio
13. JetBlue TrueBlue: 1.25:1 transfer ratio
14. Qantas Frequent Flyer: 1:1 transfer ratio
15. Qatar Airways Privilege Club: 1:1 transfer ratio
16. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: 1:1 transfer ratio
17. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 1:1 transfer ratio
Hotel Partners
1. Choice Privileges: 1:1 transfer ratio
2. Hilton Honors: 1:2 transfer ratio
3. Marriott Bonvoy: 1:1 transfer ratio
Keep in mind that while most transfers occur at a 1:1 ratio, some partners offer more lucrative redemption values, such as AeroMexico Rewards at 1:1.6 or JetBlue TrueBlue at 1.25:1. Additionally, always check for any limited-time transfer bonuses offered by Amex to further enhance the value of your points. By transferring your points strategically, you can unlock greater flexibility and value when booking flights or hotel stays with Amex's partners.
How much are Amex points worth?
When it comes to getting the most out of your Amex points, transferring them to partner hotels and airlines can be a smart move. Here's why,
Dynamic Pricing: Partner hotels and airlines often offer dynamic pricing on award flights or stays, meaning your points can go further depending on availability and demand.
Example Scenario: Let's say you're planning a trip from New York to Los Angeles with Delta Air Lines for Memorial Day weekend. By transferring your Amex points to Delta SkyMiles, you can take advantage of potential savings and flexible booking options.
While travel redemptions typically offer the best value for your Amex points, there are other redemption options to consider.
1. Retail Purchases: You can use your points at checkout with select retailers like Amazon.com and Best Buy. However, this option usually yields around 0.7 cents per point.
2. Gift Cards: Redemption values for gift cards can vary, ranging from 0.5 cents to 1 cent per point. Be sure to compare options to maximize your value.
3. Statement Credits: Using points for statement credits towards eligible purchases may provide around 0.6 cents per point.
Calculating Point Value
American Express has a straightforward system for determining the value of your points. Typically, you can expect up to 1 cent per point with travel redemptions. Transferring points to airline and hotel partners can potentially yield even higher value, depending on your itinerary.
Maximizing Points
If you want to get the most out of your Amex Membership Rewards, focus on travel redemptions. Whether booking flights through American Express Travel or transferring points to partner programs, sticking to travel redemptions can help you maximize your points and get the most value out of your rewards.
Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
If you're looking to rack up Chase Ultimate Rewards points, getting a Chase credit card is your best bet. Here's how to earn points and a closer look at some top Chase cards.
- With eligible Chase cards, every dollar spent earns you at least 1 point.
- This includes purchases made by authorized users on your account.
- Keep in mind, you won't earn points on certain transactions like balance transfers, cash advances, or lottery tickets.
Best Chase credit cards for earning points
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
● Annual fee: $550
- Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
● Rewards:
- 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 5x points on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on other travel and dining
- 1x point per dollar on everything else
● Benefits:
- Points are worth 1.5 cents each when booking travel through Chase
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access
- Up to $100 statement credit every four years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS fee
- Additional perks like Lyft, Peloton, DoorDash, and Instacart benefits.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
● Annual fee: $95
● Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
● Rewards:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on dining and select streaming services
- 1x point per dollar on other purchases
● Benefits:
- Points are worth 1.25 cents each when booking travel through Chase
- Up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays
- Additional perks like Lyft, Peloton, DoorDash, and Instacart benefits.
Note: Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited cards earn cash back but can be paired with a Chase Sapphire card to access the full flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
By choosing the right Chase card for your spending habits, you can earn valuable points and enjoy a range of perks and benefits to enhance your overall financial experience.
If you're looking for a credit card with no annual fee and great rewards, Chase has you covered with the Freedom Flex℠ and Freedom Unlimited® cards. Let's break down their features in simple terms:
3. Chase Freedom Flex℠
● Annual fee: $0
● Welcome offer: Earn $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months; also get 5% cash back on grocery store and gas station spending for the first 12 months (up to $12,000 in purchases).
● Rewards:
- 5% back on rotating quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500 combined spending, with activation).
- 5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 3% back at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery).
- 3% back at drugstores.
- 1% back on all other spending.
● Benefits:
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 20.49%–29.24% variable APR).
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025.
- Additional perks with DoorDash and Instacart.
4. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
● Annual fee: $0
● Welcome offer: Earn $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months; also get 5% cash back on grocery store and gas station spending for the first 12 months (up to $12,000 in purchases).
● Rewards:
- 5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 3% back at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery).
- 3% back at drugstores.
- 1.5% cash back on all other spending.
● Benefits:
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 20.49%–29.24% variable APR).
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025.
- Additional perks with DoorDash and Instacart.
These cards offer valuable rewards on everyday spending, plus a generous welcome offer and introductory APR. Whether you prefer rotating bonus categories with the Freedom Flex or consistent cash back with the Freedom Unlimited, both cards are excellent options for maximizing your rewards without an annual fee.
Chase Business credit cards to earn points
For small business owners, Chase offers several business credit cards that can help you earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Here are the top options,
1. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: This card also gives you a 25% boost on redemptions when you use points to book travel through Chase Travel.
2. Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
3. Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
How to redeem Chase points
When it comes to redeeming Chase points, there are a few options to consider
1. Book travel through Chase Travel portal: Using your points for Chase Ultimate Rewards travel purchases can offer great value, especially if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. With these cards, you'll get even more value:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: 1.5 cents per point
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: 1.25 cents per point
- For example, if a flight costs $800 round trip, you could use just 53,400 points with a Reserve card or 64,000 with a Preferred card instead of the full 80,000 points.
2. Transfer partners: Chase points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, with a minimum transfer of 1,000 points. Some partners include Aer Lingus Aerclub, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, and more.
AerLingus Aerclub - 1:1
Air Canada Aeroplan - 1:1
British Airways Executive Club - 1:1
Air France KLM Flying Blue - 1:1
Emirates Skywards - 1:1
Iberia Plus - 1:1
IHG Rewards Club - 1:1
JetBlue TrueBlue - 1:1
Marriott Bonvoy - 1:1
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer - 1:1
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards - 1:1
United MileagePlus - 1:1
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club - 1:1
World of Hyatt - 1:1
Compared to Amex, Chase has fewer partners, but many are the same. For instance, United Airlines is a Chase partner but not an Amex partner. So, if you prefer flying with United Airlines for your Memorial Day trip, Chase might be the better choice for you.
How much are Chase points worth?
Apart from travel, Chase Ultimate Rewards points offer other ways to cash in on your rewards. Here's what you need to know.
1. Cash Back and Gift Cards
- You can redeem points for cash back as a statement credit or deposit into your account, getting 1 cent per point.
- Similarly, gift cards offer a 1 cent per point value, though you might find occasional discounts.
- You can also use points for purchases on Amazon or PayPal, but the redemption value is lower.
2. Value of Chase Points
- Generally, Chase points are worth at least 1 cent per point across all redemption options, including cash back.
- With transfer partners, the value can vary depending on your card. Sapphire Reserve or Preferred cardholders get a boost, with points worth 1.5 cents or 1.25 cents per point respectively.
- Booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards is often the most lucrative, especially with Sapphire cards.
3. Transfer Partners
- Chase points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. This can offer higher value, especially with Sapphire cards.
- The value you get from transfer partners can vary based on your travel plans and the partner you choose.
4. Card Specifics
- Sapphire Reserve and Preferred cards offer enhanced redemption options, while non-Sapphire cards typically have a standard 1 cent per point value.
- Combining a Freedom and Sapphire card can offer more flexibility and potentially higher value for your points.
Understanding how your Chase card's rewards work within the Ultimate Rewards program can help you maximize your points and get the most value out of your rewards, whether you're redeeming for travel, cash back, or gift cards.
Amex vs. Chase: Which should you choose?
When it comes to choosing between Amex points and Chase points, it boils down to your spending habits and travel aspirations. Let’s break it down:
Credit Card Rewards Categories
- Both Amex and Chase offer various travel rewards credit cards, catering to different needs and budgets.
- Pick a card that aligns with your spending patterns and budget to get the most out of your rewards.
Card Combinations
- Consider pairing your existing card with another points-earning card to boost your rewards potential.
- For instance, pairing Chase Freedom Unlimited with Chase Sapphire Reserve or having both Amex Gold Card and The Platinum Card from American Express can maximize your points.
Transfer Partner Options
- Amex boasts a broader range of partners, ideal for global travelers seeking diverse redemption options.
- Chase, on the other hand, may suit domestic travelers better with partners like United Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
- Your location, preferred airlines, and hotel chains can influence your choice between the two.
Ultimately, your choice should align with your travel preferences and spending habits. Remember to consider annual fees and whether the rewards and benefits justify them. And always check for the latest updates and offerings from both issuers to make an informed decision.
Editorial Disclosure: The details provided in this article have not been reviewed or endorsed by any advertiser. The information regarding financial products, such as card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products and services are presented without warranty. For the latest information, please refer to the bank's website.
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