American Express credit cards (2026)
American Express is the second-most popular issuer for award travelers. Their Membership Rewards (MR) program transfers to 19+ airline and hotel partners, including ANA Mileage Club at 1:1 — the only US flexible-points program with this transfer.
Points program: American Express Membership Rewards · Realistic value: 1.7-3¢ per point (transfer to airline partners)
Strengths
- ANA Mileage Club transfer (unique among US banks)
- Centurion Lounge access on Platinum cards
- Strong dining + grocery bonuses on Amex Gold
- 35% rebate on flights via Business Platinum
- Premium customer service
- Wide transfer partner network
Weaknesses
- Once-per-lifetime restriction on most card SUBs
- Higher annual fees ($695 for Platinum)
- Financial Review can shut down accounts unexpectedly
- Fewer cards eligible for SUBs at any given time
American Express cards
Transfer partners
- ANA (1:1) — unique
- Virgin Atlantic (1:1)
- Air France/KLM (1:1)
- British Airways (1:1)
- Iberia (1:1)
- Aer Lingus (1:1)
- Singapore Airlines (1:1)
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1)
- Avianca LifeMiles (1:1)
- Etihad (1:1)
- Qantas (1:1)
- Hawaiian (1:1)
- Delta (1:1)
- Aeromexico (1,000:1,600 — favorable)
- Hilton (1:2)
- Marriott (1:1)
- Choice (1:1)
Best uses for American Express Membership Rewards
- ANA business class round-trip US-Japan (85K-95K via ANA)
- ANA First Class round-trip US-Japan (110K via Virgin Atlantic)
- Singapore Suites (95K KrisFlyer)
- Aeromexico business class to Mexico (favorable 1.6x ratio)
- Flying Blue Promo Awards 50K business to Europe
FAQ
What's special about Amex Membership Rewards?
Amex MR transfers to ANA Mileage Club at 1:1 — the only US flexible-points program with this transfer. ANA is the gateway to ANA First Class via Virgin Atlantic at 110K round-trip US-Japan.
Why is Amex Platinum's fee so high?
$695 annual fee, but Centurion Lounge access alone (worth $400+/yr for travelers) + $300+ in coupon credits + Priority Pass + Delta Sky Club + Global Entry credit + Trip insurance can make the math positive.
Related guides
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