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The Guide to the AmEx Travel Portal 

Elina Geller

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Table of Contents

Who can use the American Express Travel portal?

Benefits of booking travel on amex travel, how to book travel in the portal, is travel insurance included when booking through amex travel, downsides of booking via amex travel, final thoughts on the amex travel portal.

The American Express Travel portal is similar to many other online booking sites in that it allows you to purchase flights, hotels and other travel reservations. The main difference is that only those who hold an American Express card can use it.

Certain cards come with additional perks for booking in the portal. For instance, some AmEx cards allow travelers to earn extra points for bookings, receive a 35% points rebate, pay for a portion of the reservation with points, get room upgrades and more. Terms apply.

Here's a look at what the AmEx Travel portal offers and how to use it to maximize your benefits.

American Express Travel flights, hotels and other reservations are available for American Express cardholders. Depending on which American Express card you have, you may earn additional points on your reservation or unlock additional features. Terms apply.

For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders earn 5x points on flights booked directly with an airline or through AmEx Travel and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel. They also have access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts collection through the travel portal. Additionally, American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders can book room reservations with The Hotel Collection . Terms apply.

is there an amex travel app

Here are eight reasons why booking with AmEx travel could be a good idea.

1. Earn up to 5x points

When you book flight through the AmEx Travel portal, your credit card may earn additional points for the purchase. In addition, prepaid hotel reservations through the AmEx travel portal also earn extra points. These are a few of the cards that offer a bonus when making reservations through AmEx travel:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

on American Express' website

American Express® Gold Card

• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.

• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 4 points per $1 at restaurant plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.

• 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year).

• 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.

• 3 points per $1 on eligible travel purchases.

• 3 points per $1 on restaurants worldwide.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year.

• 1 point per $1 on purchases above $50,000 in a calendar year.

» Learn more: AmEx Membership Rewards: How to earn and use them

2. Pay for reservations using Pay with Points

With American Express Travel, flights, hotels and more can be paid for with points instead of cash. Members can even choose to pay a portion of the trip with points and the rest with cash. Once your reservations have been booked, the full amount of your trip will be charged to your American Express credit card, and then a credit will be posted for the points redeemed within 48 hours.

You must redeem at least 5,000 points in order to use Pay with Points. Points are redeemed at a value of 1 cent per point when booking flights or making Fine Hotels & Resorts reservations. Other eligible travel receives only 0.7 cents per point. NerdWallet values Membership Rewards points at 2.8 cents per point if you take advantage of transferring to and booking through travel partners, so the redemption rates in the travel portal are significantly below our ideal value.

If you need to cancel your reservation, you'll receive a statement credit on your card for the cash equivalent. Members who would rather have the unused Membership Rewards points returned to their accounts must contact American Express customer service at 800-297-3276. Terms apply.

3. Upgrade flights with points

Eligible flights booked with cash can be upgraded using your American Express Membership Rewards points. You'll receive 1 cent per point credit towards the cost when upgrading a flight with points (which is again below our AmEx point valuation ).

To upgrade your flight with points, select your airline and provide your reservation details in the AmEx travel portal. You will be notified if your flight is eligible or not. If your flight is eligible, you can submit an offer to the airline for the upgrade. The airline will accept or reject your bid between one and five days of your flight's departure and you'll receive a decision via email.

If your upgrade offer is accepted, the points will be deducted from your account. Your statement will show a charge and a credit for the corresponding points.

» Learn more: You can now use AmEx points to bid on flight upgrades

4. Discounted international flights through AmEx IAP

Platinum cardholders have access to discounted flights through International Airline Program (IAP) , which allows members to book first, business and premium economy at a discount on select airlines and routes. Plus, you'll receive 5x Membership Rewards points on the booking when using your The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express to pay for the flight. Terms apply.

There are 25 airlines that participate in this program. You can book refundable and nonrefundable tickets for up to eight passengers through the IAP. Tickets can be paid with your card, points or a combination of the two. You will have to pay a $39 nonrefundable ticketing fee, however the discount received on these tickets should outweigh the fee.

5. Cancel For Any Reason insurance

CFAR is shorthand for an insurance policy that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason whatsoever and receive a refund. In May 2022, AmEx launched its own version of CFAR coverage for airfare booked through the travel portal using an AmEx card.

This feature, called Trip Cancel Guard, will get you up to a 75% reimbursement on nonrefundable airfare costs, provided you cancel at least two calendar days out from your departure. You'll need to purchase Trip Cancel Guard coverage at the point of booking and if you cancel, whether through the airline directly or through AmEx Travel, you can request reimbursement online or over the phone.

» Learn more: The guide to Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance

6. 35% points rebate with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

When The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardholder book flights using points through the AmEx travel portal, they can receive up to 35% of their points back . The benefit is available on first or business class flights on any airline and all economy flights with their chosen airline. This benefit provides up to 500,000 points back per calendar year.

However, as with all AmEx credits , it's not as straightforward as you may hope. You will have to designate the airline for the 35% rebate and the airline must be the same as the one chosen for the $200 airline incidental credit .

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

7. Fine Hotels & Resorts

is there an amex travel app

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. (Photo by Sally French)

Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) is a collection of resorts and benefits available only to Platinum Card members. There are over 2,000 properties worldwide that participate in this program. When making reservations with Fine Hotels & Resorts for one night or more, you'll receive the following benefits:

$200 statement credit provided once per year.

Noon check-in (when available).

Room upgrade upon arrival (when available).

Daily breakfast for two.

Guaranteed 4 pm late checkout.

Complimentary in-room WiFi.

Unique property benefit valued at least $100.

These benefits rival those that many travelers receive when booking directly with hotels to obtain elite status perks. Some locations also offer a last-night free benefit, depending upon when you make your reservation. And some of the best hotels to book using FHR credits offer especially-unique amenities.

For example, many theme park fans consider Loews Portofino Bay Hotel as the best FHR hotel in Orlando . That's because — on top of all the above benefits — guests receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access, which allows you to skip the lines inside the Universal theme parks .

8. The Hotel Collection

is there an amex travel app

The Loews Sapphire Falls at Universal Orlando falls under The Hotel Collection. (Photo by Sally French)

AmEx Gold and Platinum cardholders receive elite status-level perks at more than 600 hotels worldwide. When you stay for two nights or more, you'll receive a $100 resort credit and an upgrade upon arrival (when available). In addition, you can use your AmEx Membership Rewards credit card to book and pay for your reservation entirely or partially with your points.

While you can book travel over the phone with an agent, it is often quicker and more convenient to make your reservations through the AmEx Travel portal.

amex travel portal header

Here's how to book travel in the American Express travel portal:

Go to americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/ .

Log in with your username and password.

Select flights, hotels, flight + hotel, cars, or cruises.

Enter your travel dates, cities and other relevant information.

Choose options based on your trip.

Pay with your American Express credit card, points, or a combination.

Since you need an American Express card to make reservations through AmEx travel, you may already hold a card that offers complimentary travel insurance . If you don’t get travel insurance perks through your AmEx card, you can purchase Trip Cancel Guard through when making your booking.

Trip Cancel Guard works similarly to CFAR in that it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason whatsoever and get up to a 75% reimbursement of your travel costs as long as the cancellation is made two full days before your trip.

What is the AmEx Travel cancellation policy?

When you book travel through the American Express travel portal, you may be eligible to cancel your reservation within 24 hours and get a full refund. However, the cancellation policy is determined by the airline.

As such, AmEx instructs travelers to refer to the cancellation policy on the itinerary or reach out to customer service with any questions. Terms apply.

There are many appealing reasons why travelers want to book reservations with the AmEx travel portal. However, there are some downsides as well. These are some of the most common reasons why you shouldn't:

Low value for your points. Redeeming points through the AmEx travel portal yields a value of 1 cent per point or less. That's at least a 50% reduction compared to our value of Membership Rewards points.

Complicated customer service. Resolving flight or hotel reservation issues becomes more complicated when you book through a third party such as AmEx travel. The airline or hotel blames the booking agency and may not immediately resolve the problem in some instances. However, providers have no scapegoat when you book direct.

No hotel elite status benefits or loyalty credits. Most hotels require you to book directly to receive elite status benefits, stay credits or earn points. For travelers looking to take advantage of their elite status or earn status for the next year, booking AmEx travel hotel reservations is not a good idea.

Despite the above policy, hotels booked through Fine Hotels & Resorts allow you to earn elite night credit and earn loyalty perks associated with your elite status level on any hotel reservations — regardless if you book in the portal or not.

The AmEx travel portal offers numerous benefits for all American Express cardholders. If you have a Membership Rewards credit card, you can pay for all or part of eligible travel reservations using your points.

And any portion that you pay with your Membership Rewards card can earn up to 5x points. AmEx Travel also offers two hotel collections that provide additional perks similar to elite status benefits.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

is there an amex travel app

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Credit Cards

The complete guide to the Amex Travel portal

Carissa Rawson

Allie Johnson

Allie Johnson

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 7:39 a.m. UTC Feb. 28, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

Featured Image

onurdongel, Getty Images

The American Express Travel portal offers valuable benefits to American Express cardholders, including special prices. Depending on which card you hold, you may also be able to pay for travel with Membership Rewards® points and get access to perks such as discounted airfare and specialty benefits at luxury hotels. Let’s take a look at how the Amex Travel portal works, whether the benefits are worthwhile and who can access Amex Travel’s website. 

  • American Express Travel offers hotels, vacation rentals, flights, rental cars and cruises.
  • Luxury hotel benefits and discounted airfare are two benefits of booking through Amex’s travel portal. 
  • American Express cardholders can access Amex Travel. 

How to book travel through the Amex Travel portal

Booking travel through the Amex Travel portal requires you to have an online account associated with an Amex card. While you can complete a search on the Amex Travel website without logging in, you will need to do so in order to make a booking.

is there an amex travel app

After you choose whether to book a flight, hotel, vacation rental, vacation package, rental car or cruise, you’ll need to enter your travel details.

For example, if you want to book a flight through Amex Travel, you’ll need to put in your departure airport and destination as well as your dates of travel. The site will then bring up a list of matching results.

is there an amex travel app

You can filter based on when the flights take off as well as how many stops you’re willing to tolerate, among other options. 

The Amex Travel site offers a wide variety of hotel stays and flights, but you’ll always want to double check elsewhere before booking since it doesn’t always feature every option. 

Once you’ve selected a booking, you’ll be taken through the checkout process. This includes providing your personal information and can also include seat requests and adding in loyalty program numbers.

To pay for your booking, you can use your American Express Membership Rewards, if you have a card that earns them, or your American Express card or a combination of both. 

After you’ve booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing your reservation information. You can also find your bookings under the My Trips section of Amex Travel.

is there an amex travel app

Who can use the portal?

Any American Express cardholder can use the Amex Travel portal to book travel. But those whose cards don’t earn Amex Membership Rewards points will need to pay with their Amex card.

However, many American Express cards  earn Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel through the Amex Travel portal. These cards include (terms apply):

The Platinum Card® from American Express

  • American Express® Gold Card
  • American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
  • Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
  • American Express® Business Gold Card * The information for the American Express® Business Gold Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

All information about American Express® Green Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Business Gold Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Bonus

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

  • Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
  • Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
  • Generous travel and purchase protections.
  • High annual fee and spending requirements.
  • Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
  • Annual statement credits have limited use.

Card Details

  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Is the portal worth using?

The Amex Travel portal can be worth using in certain cases, though it won’t always make sense. For example, some flights aren’t bookable via Amex Travel, so if what you need isn’t available you’ll want to look elsewhere.

That being said, those with certain cards are entitled to exclusive benefits that can lower prices or allow them to redeem points for travel. There are also perks for booking luxury hotels within the portal. In these cases, Amex Travel is definitely worth investigating. 

How to maximize your Amex Travel benefits through the portal

International airline program.

Available to those who hold a high-end American Express card, including The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express and the American Express Centurion Black Card * The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the International Airline Program (IAP) can save you money on certain international flights booked via the Amex Travel portal. 

All information about American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

This benefit is only available on tickets booked in premium economy, business or first class, but the savings can be significant. 

For example, we looked at a round-trip flight in premium economy from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (NRT). Booking with Japan Airlines (JAL) directly resulted in a cost of $4,431.40, while the Amex Travel portal and the IAP charged just $3,797.40 for a savings of over $600.

is there an amex travel app

Fine Hotels + Resorts ® and The Hotel Collection

American Express also offers the Fine Hotels and Resorts and The Hotel Collection to eligible cardholders. 

Fine Hotels and Resorts allows guests to book luxury hotels with special benefits. These include room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, an experience credit, late check-out, early check-in and more. 

The Hotel Collection offers similar but less exorbitant benefits. It’s directed toward more midscale properties and includes an experience credit as well as a room upgrade. 

35% rebate on redeemed points

Those who hold The Business Platinum Card from American Express are able to get a 35% rebate on points redeemed for eligible flights booked through the Amex Travel portal (up to 1,000,000 points per calendar year). 

Eligible flights include all fare classes on an airline that you select each year. It also includes first and business class tickets on any airline. 

Quick guide to Amex Membership Rewards

American Express Membership Rewards are the points you earn with eligible Amex cards. These highly flexible and valuable points can be redeemed in a number of ways, though they tend to be most valuable when transferred to Amex airline partners.

Other ways of redeeming Amex points include:

  • Gift cards.
  • Travel booked via Amex Travel.
  • Online shopping. 
  • Statement credits. 

While these are nice options to have, you’ll generally get much less value from your Membership Rewards points by redeeming them in these ways. Finally, although you can redeem your points in the Amex Travel portal, this isn’t necessarily a good idea if you aim to reap maximum value. Even if you’re taking advantage of the 35% rebate on redeemed points for flights, you’ll only ever receive a value of 1.54 cents per point. This is lower than you’d expect when transferring your Amex points to many airline and hotel partners. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

No, travel insurance is not automatically included when booking through the Amex portal. But many of the best credit cards feature complimentary travel insurance when using your card to pay, including those from American Express. Otherwise, you may be able to opt in to travel insurance during the booking process or via a third party provider.

Those with the The Platinum Card from American Express can earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. The card has an annual fee of $695 ( rates & fees ). 

Those with the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , meanwhile, earn 5 Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels through American Express Travel, 1.5 points per $1 at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers, shipping providers, and purchases of $5,000 or more on up to $2 million per calendar year and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases. The card has a $695 annual fee.

All information about The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint.

The phone number for American Express Travel is: 1-800-297-2977.

The number of Amex points that you’ll need to redeem for a flight will depend on the cash cost of your flight and whether you’re booking through Amex Travel or transferring your Membership Rewards points to an Amex airline partner. Amex Points are worth about one cent when booking flights through the portal, so a flight that costs $500 in cash would require about 50,000 Amex points. You’ll typically get a better deal with transfer partners than booking through the portal.

For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page .

*The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card, American Express® Business Gold Card, American Express® Green Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Carissa Rawson

Carissa Rawson is a credit cards and award travel expert with nearly a decade of experience. You can find her work in a variety of publications, including Forbes Advisor, Business Insider, The Points Guy, Investopedia, and more. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her in your nearest airport lounge sipping a coffee before her next flight.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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How to use the amex travel portal: booking flights, hotels and more, you can use amex points to book flights, hotels, car rentals and more through its travel portal..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more. Information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Using American Express Membership Rewards (MR) points to book prepaid flights, hotels, cruises, rental cars and vacation packages through the Amex Travel portal can be a great way to save money on your next vacation. But are you really getting the best value by redeeming your hard-earned points this way?

Whether you use the portal or transfer points to an American Express travel partner is up to you, as are other factors — from travel date flexibility, award availability and the type of credit card you're using to personal preferences for brands, seat class and comfort level. These will all come into play during the booking process.

Below, CNBC Select breaks down the best ways to book prepaid flights, hotels, cruises, rental cars and vacation packages with Amex points through the Amex Travel portal.

Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly.  Sign-up here .

Earning and redeeming Amex Membership Rewards points

You can access the Amex Travel portal and pay for flights, hotels and other travel needs with cash as long as you have an American Express branded credit card, but you will need one that earns Membership Rewards (MR) points to view the number of MR points required for a booking.

Luckily, American Express has several travel rewards cards that you can earn lucrative welcome offers to help you get started:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of card membership.
  • American Express® Gold Card : Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months of card membership.
  • American Express® Green Card : Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
  • Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express : Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership.
  • The Business Platinum Card from American Express : Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership.
  • American Express® Business Gold Card : Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership.

Depending on which credit card you have, there may be opportunities to earn bonus points or receive partial rebates when redeeming MR points for flights. The Platinum Card , for instance, lets cardholders earn 5X points on flights booked through the Amex Travel portal or directly with the airline on up to $500,000 worth of flights per calendar year.

The Business Platinum Card also gives cardholders redeeming MR points for economy flights with their preferred airline or booking premium-class flights through the portal a 35% points rebate (up to 500,000 points per calendar year). Those booking with the American Express Business Gold Credit Card receive a similar rebate of 25% back on up to 250,000 points each year.

Another valuable perk of having The Platinum Card or The Business Platinum Card is the up to $200 annual airline credit you can use to cover checked bag fees, change fees, charges for pet's flights, choosing your seat and inflight amenities with your preferred airline, all of which can quickly add up.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Balance transfer fee

Foreign transaction fee, credit needed.

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our The Platinum Card® from American Express review .

Getting started with the American Express Travel portal

Start by logging in to your American Express account. If you're coming from your account's dashboard page, click "Menu" in the top left corner, then select "Travel" to access more options (pictured below) and select "Book a Trip" to head to the main travel portal.

The Amex Travel portal's front page resembles your average travel booking interface, with options to search for flights, hotels, vacation packages, rental cars and cruises.

Below the main search engine, you'll find current information about cancellation policies and other important pandemic travel details. There's also an interactive map showing Covid-19 testing and vaccination requirements around the world.

Hovering over the "Book" button at the top of the page opens a separate menu with shortcuts to various portal perks, like the International Airline Program (IAP), Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.

Hovering over the "Explore" button in the main menu leads to many of the same shortcuts, plus options for finding a Travel Insider, Special Offers through Fine Hotels + Resorts and information about destinations and premium hotel packages.

Whether you're booking flights, hotels or other travel through the portal, you'll be given an option to "Use Only Points" or "Use Points + Card" so it's up to you if you want to redeem all your points or just some. Either way, your credit card will be charged the full amount and you'll see a credit for the value of the points used posted separately to your account within 48 hours. Be aware that you will have to use an Amex credit card that's enrolled in the Membership Rewards program and redeem at least 5,000 MR points in order to activate the Pay with Points feature. 

Should you need to cancel a booking made with MR points, call 1-800-297-3276 to get them returned. You'll receive a statement credit for any bookings made with your American Express Membership Rewards card through the portal.

How to book flights through the American Express Travel portal

While you're more likely to get the best redemption value by transferring MR points to one Amex's airline partners and taking advantage of airline alliances (Oneworld, SkyTeam, Star Alliance) to book flights, there are still some considerations to keep in mind when it comes to booking through the portal. 

Note that with most Amex Travel Portal bookings your MR points will only be worth 1 cent each towards flights. So if you were booking a $100 flight, you'd need to redeem 10,000 points to cover the cost.

For starters, you'll have more flexibility as far as travel dates and brands, which comes in handy when award availability is limited on certain dates through certain airlines. Flights booked with MR points through the portal are treated as paid bookings, so you won't miss out on earning elite miles or status credits. You'll also be able to see which type of seat you're booking right away, as it's listed on the right side of each search result. 

It's always a good idea to shop around before settling on a redemption method, so price out how many points each flight costs through the Amex Travel portal vs. on the airline's website. Taxes and fees may also be tacked on. Unless you have the Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card , be aware that airline ticket fees of $6.99 for domestic flights and $10.99 for international flights apply when you're booking through the Amex Travel portal.

Note that low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines aren't part of the Amex Travel portal, though you will be able to find flights with other major American carriers like Delta and United, among other international airline partners.

During the booking process, you'll have a chance to use MR points to upgrade from economy to nonrefundable or refundable seats in premium classes, though it may not provide the best redemption value. If, however, you do have plenty of MR points lying around and crave a fancier flight experience, this is a good option. Again, it all comes down to personal preference and comfort level.

Deals on international flights can also be found by booking through the International Airline Program (IAP), which offers discounts on non-economy tickets when you book flights through one of 26 participating airlines through the Amex Travel portal with a Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card . Flights must begin in the U.S. or select cities in Canada in order to qualify for this perk and you'll have to pay a $39 service fee per ticket.

Filter search results by the number of stops, departure and landing time, airline or flight number, or sort them according to lowest price, flight duration, departure time or Amex recommendation (which usually means Delta flights will appear first, even if they're not necessarily your cheapest option).

Consider the example below, a search for a round-trip nonstop flight from Washington, D.C. to Paris from November 5-12, 2021, booked with the Amex Platinum Card. The results included a Delta flight from $674 or 67,425 MR points.

Alternatively, if you wanted to transfer your Amex MR points directly to Delta (since it's one of American Express' travel partners and you can switch them over at a 1:1 ratio) and redeem them through Delta's website, a round-trip flight would set you back 58,000 Delta SkyMiles plus another $96 in taxes and fees.

In this case, for 9,425 miles less, you'd end up with a better redemption by transferring MR points to Delta instead of going through the Amex Travel portal. But that's not necessarily the case for every flight, so always test it out first to see if using the portal makes the most sense for your travel needs.

To finish booking your flight through the portal, chose your desired route(s), review the details, select your upgrade option and pick how many MR points you'd like to put toward your purchase.

How to book hotels through the American Express Travel portal

As with flights, it's important to make sure you're getting the best deal on your MR points redemption. Consider transferring them to one of Amex's three hotel partners — Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio, or Choice Privileges (Choice Hotels) at a 1:1 ratio, though there's a special promotion now through October 31, 2021, that bumps up Hilton and Marriott transfers by 30 percent.

Note that with most Amex Travel Portal bookings your MR points will only be worth .7 cent each towards hotel stays. So if you were booking a $100 hotel you'd need to redeem about 14,300 points to cover the cost. However, if you book a stay through Amex's Fine Hotels & Resorts program your points will be worth a little more, at 1 cent apiece.

Unlike MR points redemptions for flights, hotels booked through the portal are viewed as third-party reservations, so you won't be able to earn hotel points or enjoy status-related perks you'd have by booking directly through the hotel.

Begin your search by plugging in your travel dates and destination. Then, filter results by hotel or brand, star rating, price per night, neighborhood, amenities or accessibility, and sort by name, price, star rating or Amex recommendation.

For the following example, we searched for a seven-night stay booked November 5–12, 2021, with the Amex Platinum Card . The Renaissance Paris Arc De Triomphe Hotel, a Marriott Bonvoy property, was one of the best options, with rates from $306 or 43,723 MR points per night.

When booking the same stay through the Marriott website, you'd need 340,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for seven nights (which breaks down to 48,571 points per night), with nightly cash rates starting at 367 euros or $433. In this case, it would make more sense to book it through the portal. You could also earn 5X points for the stay by paying with the Amex Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card.

Make it a habit to compare the number of points required by the portal with the number of points needed to redeem through each hotel's website, as pricing may be affected by location and time of year, among other factors. To complete your booking through the Amex Travel portal, choose your room type, review the details and select how many points you'd like to use.

Premium cardholders also have access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which adds extra benefits per stay at more than 1,200 properties around the world, based on availability:

  • 12 p.m. check-in and guaranteed 4 p.m. late check-out
  • Complimentary room upgrades and Wi-Fi
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • A $100 credit to use toward on-property activities, dining or other perks like airport transfers, depending on your hotel

Additionally, those with the Amex Gold Card, Business Gold Card, Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card , and in some cases, the Centurion Card, can book trips through The Hotel Collection. Note that Amex Gold Card members earn 2X points, while Platinum Card members earn 5X points on such bookings, but all receive the following benefits per stay of two or more nights:

  • A credit of up to $100 to use toward on-property dining, spa, or activities
  • Room upgrades (based on availability)
  • Discounted rates, depending on the hotel

The Amex Travel portal also lets you search for and book vacation packages, which, depending on what kinds of sales are happening at the time, can save you a bundle or end up costing about the same as it would be to book your flight and hotel separately. If you do book a package, note that the same airline ticket fees apply as when you book separately (not for Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders, who have them waived). Cards earning MR points will score 2X points on packages, while those with Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards will earn 5X points.

How to book cruises and car rentals

While cashing in a ton of MR points for a cruise or car rental may not yield the best redemption (your points will be worth just .7 cents each), it may still be a good option depending on your travel needs.

Click on the "Cruises" tab of the Amex Travel portal homepage to search by cruise line, destination, travel dates and sailing duration. Below, for example, are some results for Mediterranean cruises in November 2021. 

The prices shown reflect the cost per person, based on double occupancy cabins. Depending on which card you're using and the cruise options available, you should be able to redeem Amex MR points for a portion of or all of your sailing. 

Those booking with Membership Rewards credit cards can earn 2X points per dollar spent on cruises booked through the portal, while folks with Platinum Cards or Business Platinum Cards can score stateroom credits of $100–$300 and other onboard perks through the Cruise Privileges program.

As far as car rentals, it's a pretty similar search process — just plug in your destination, whether you want to drop the car off in the same place or in a different location, your dates and the time you want to begin and end your rental.  

Once the results appear, you can filter by the type of car (standard, compact, premium, etc), the option to pay now or later, price per day, pick-up location, rental car company and features like unlimited mileage, automatic vs. manual transmission, Hybrid/Electric cars or 4WD. Sort results by distance or total price.

After choosing your car, you'll be asked if you want to pay now, which means you'll be able to use MR points to book part of or all of your prepaid rental, or pay later, which means you'll have to pay cash at rental car counter — doing so can earn you 2X points per dollar, so it's an easy way to rack up some more MR points.

Next, enter information about the driver, pick how you want to pay (how many points or with cash), and review the rental car policies. As always, it doesn't hurt to comparison shop, so run the numbers through the actual rental car companies before you book to make sure you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.

Bottom line

Booking through the Amex Travel portal is a simple way to redeem your MR points, however you'll usually get much more value from Amex points if you transfer them to an airline or hotel partner's loyalty program. If you do book through Amex's Travel Portal remember that your points are worth 1 cent per point towards flights and .7 cents apiece towards other travel (except when booking a Fine Hotels + Resort property).

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The American Express mobile app is an incredibly useful tool, and it’s also one that boasts an overall excellent customer satisfaction rate.

In fact, the Amex App scored the top spot in J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Credit Card Mobile App Satisfaction Study with 886 out of 1,000 possible points. The app also has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars within the Apple store.

But how do you use the American Express mobile app to your advantage? And more important, why would you bother with an app since you can manage your American Express credit card accounts using your online account page?

At the end of the day, the American Express app has features that can save you time, hassle and stress. Read on to find out about the Amex App’s most important features and how you can use them to your advantage.

American Express mobile app features

The Amex credit card app lets you track your credit card purchases, rewards and payments in real-time using your mobile device.

You can also use the app to redeem your Amex credit card rewards, whether you took the time to rack up cash back or American Express Membership Rewards points. And plenty of other app features boost its functionality and value.

Amex Offers

Amex Offers are special bonus offers that let you earn more cash back or points on eligible purchases. The Amex App lets you browse Amex Offers and add them to your cards as needed.

Pay It, Plan It®

Amex Pay It, Plan It is an American Express credit card feature that lets you pay off smaller purchases (less than $100) quickly or create a payment plan for larger purchases over $100, then pay them off in fixed monthly payments with no interest. The Amex mobile app enables you to seamlessly use this feature on the go.

Account alerts

Set up account alerts that notify you when a purchase is made, payment is due or suspicious activity is noted. You can get these notifications throughout the day on your mobile device once you download the Amex App.

Mobile chat option

Gone are the days of having to call into credit card customer service hotlines. The American Express mobile app lets you chat with an Amex customer service agent using your mobile device.

Send & Split

This feature on the Amex App lets you split purchases with Venmo and PayPal users and makes it easy to split the bill when you go out to dinner with friends or make a group purchase.

How to navigate the American Express mobile app

The American Express mobile app is easy to navigate and use, and you can get started as soon as you download the mobile app to your favorite device. From there, all you have to do is connect the app, which is available for iPhone or Android, with your Amex account.

Keep in mind that the Amex App is available for all American Express credit cards issued in the United States and that it’s set up for ease and convenience. The intuitive interface makes it easy to perform various tasks, from checking your rewards balance to setting up notifications for purchases.

American Express mobile app security

If you’re making a mobile app comparison among top card issuers, you’ll notice that the Amex App comes with plenty of security features.

These include purchase alerts that can notify you each time your Amex credit card is used, instant fraud alerts that notify you of suspicious activity and reminders that let you know when a payment is due.

Also, note that the Amex App lets you secure your account with a fingerprint or FaceID login, and you can use the app to freeze your card instantly if it’s lost or stolen.

Bankrate’s take: Pros and cons of the American Express mobile app

The American Express credit card app is insanely useful if you’re an Amex credit card customer, and that’s especially true for people who take care of most of their banking on the go.

There are some potential downsides to consider, however, including weaknesses that make the Amex App slightly inferior to some of the competition.

Amex mobile app strengths

  • Lets you monitor your purchases and payments on the go
  • Advanced security features help you protect your account
  • Can utilize Amex Offers to earn more cash back or other rewards
  • Check your rewards balance or redeem your points
  • Use Amex Pay It, Plan It to quickly make a payment or to set up a fixed payment plan
  • Set up account alerts that can help you track your spending and purchases or identify fraud right away

Amex mobile app weaknesses

  • American Express does not offer a checking account option, and you cannot currently access savings accounts from the American Express mobile app
  • Lack of banking integration makes it a poor option if you want just one mobile banking app for your credit cards and bank accounts
  • Some users complain about glitches that occur with the fingerprint login, annoying pop-ups and lack of online banking features

The bottom line

The American Express mobile app can make keeping track of credit card purchases and payments a whole lot easier. Fortunately, the app is entirely free to use, so you can give it a try without a big commitment.

Of course, you’ll need an American Express credit card before you can put the app to the test. If you’re not an American Express customer or you’re looking for a new Amex credit card to try, make sure to compare all the top options before you decide.

is there an amex travel app

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is there an amex travel app

Amex Travel: Everything You Need to Know [2021]

Offers contained within this article maybe expired.

American Express has a very robust travel portal. Not only can you book different types of travel, but you can also take advantage of a lot of additional perks and benefits depending on the type of cards you have.

But you need to know the ins and outs of how everything works in order to squeeze out all the value you can.

In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Amex Travel.

I’ll start by explaining the bonus points you can earn and how to use your points to book travel. I’ll then cover some of the special perks you can get through the program like 5X earnings.

And I’ll show you the results from my research I did to see if Amex Travel is cheaper or more expensive than booking directly (the results are a little surprising).

Finally, I’ll show you how to efficiently use Amex Travel to book your travels.

Table of Contents

What is Amex Travel?

Amex Travel is an online travel portal that allows you to book various forms of travel including:

Rental cars

  • Vacation Packages

Amex Travel overview

Bonus earnings.

Membership Rewards-earning cards will earn one extra Membership Rewards point for every dollar spent on certain purchases like:

  • Pre-paid hotels
  • Vacation packages (flight + hotel packages)
  • Cruise reservations

Eligible travel purchases do  NOT  include car reservations, non-prepaid hotels, ticketing service or other fees

These Membership Rewards-earning cards that earn an extra point include favorites like the:

  • Amex Gold Card
  • Amex EveryDay
  • Amex EveryDay Preferred
  • The Centurion Card
  • Blue Business Plus Credit Card
  • Business Gold Card
  • Business Green Rewards Card

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Platinum Cards

Platinum and Business Platinum Cardmembers are only eligible for 1 additional point on cruise reservations. However, they earn 5X on prepaid hotels and airfare.

If you value Membership Rewards at 1.75 cents per point then it’s like earning  8.75% back on airline purchases !

The Platinum Card earns some pretty impressive rates across the board when it comes to Amex Travel.

Take a look at all of the 5X categories:

Tip: The Platinum Card also comes with some pretty stout benefits including the best airport lounge access offered by any credit card.

Amex Green Card

The Amex Green Card earns a very respectable 3X on a wide range of travel purchases which include amextravel.com. Therefore, you can earn 3X on airfare, hotel bookings, cruises, etc.

Lowest price guarantee

When it comes to booking hotels, you can get the lowest price guarantee with Amex Travel.

Like other similar guarantees, the terms are very strict about when this can be honored.

You will need to find the exact same room in the same hotel for the exact same dates and number of children and adults.

The price will need to be found online before taxes and fees and you must submit your claim prior to your stay before the date of check-in. This perk is only valid for American Express cardmembers.

Certain types of rates not available to the public will be excluded including:

  • Rates or discounts that are not available to the general public (e.g., corporate, AAA, government, etc.)
  • Hotel rooms booked with loyalty points, coupon promotions, etc.
  • Rooms booked on websites that do not allow you to see the name of the hotel until your reservation is complete
  • Promotional packages, deals, all-inclusive packages
  • Bundles that include additional amenities such as parking, meals, etc.
  • Rates booked through the Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs.

Elite benefits

If you book through Amex Travel, you will likely lose out on the ability to earn elite credits and also you might even lose out on receiving elite benefits.

For example, if you are a Hilton Honors Gold member, typically you would earn 18 points per dollar spent at a Hilton property.

In addition, you would be eligible for benefits like a free breakfast, upgrades, and late check out.

But if you use Amex Travel to book a stay at a Hilton property, you would not earn 18 points per dollar and you may not receive things like a free breakfast.

You won’t always miss out on receiving your elite perks as I recently received an upgrade as a Hyatt Discoverist on a stay I booked through Amex Travel.

However, it will be on you to contact the property and add your loyalty number to your accounts. In addition, you likely will need to be proactive about requesting benefits like upgrades.

Tip: You can still get elite benefits with the Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs.

Access to Amex Travel

Initially I thought that only American Express cardmembers could use Amex Travel to book travel. But I inquired with an American Express agent and they informed me that anybody can use the travel portal.

Photo of pancakes at a Hilton hotel

Is Amex Travel cheaper?

The most important question you are probably wondering is whether or not it is cheaper to book your travel through Amex Travel or directly through the airlines, hotels, etc.

To answer this question, I did a handful of sample bookings for flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises.

Below are the results.

For flights, all five sample bookings were a little bit cheaper when I chose to book directly. In many cases the price was about $7 cheaper which isn’t a huge gap but is still cheaper nonetheless.

Here are the prices that I compared:

It’s worth noting that American Express imposes small fees for certain airline bookings.

For example, they will charge a non-refundable fee of $6.99 per domestic ticket and $10.99 per international ticket for each ticket for an airline that pays them a standard fee or commission.

So the price differences above likely were affected by these fees.

Tip: Logged in Platinum cardmembers and Centurion members will not be charged this fee.

For hotels, the opposite was true.

Amex Travel was cheaper on more occasions although in some cases the price was virtually identical.

Also, you can earn 5X Membership Rewards on pre-paid hotel stays with your Platinum Card. That’s a lot of points and in some cases it could make up for the lost value of elite benefits.

The rental car prices were almost completely identical.

The cruises were generally cheaper with direct booking. This was partially the result of flash sales that were happening with some of the cruise lines. These flash sales were not showing up on Amex Travel.

Overall, my data points showed that booking flights is slightly more expensive through Amex Travel (likely due to Amex fees) but that booking hotels and rental cars can be virtually identical.

Cruises may also be identical in pricing but you may not have access to flash deals which can cause significant discrepancies in price.

Tip: The Platinum Card receives special perks on some cruise packages such as credits.

Using Membership Rewards to book Amex Travel

One of the cool things about Amex Travel is that you can use your Membership Rewards points to book travel.

Your redemptions must involve a minimum of 5,000 Membership Rewards.

Something important to know is that the value of your points will differ based on the type of travel that you book.

Here is a breakdown of the value your points get for different types of travel.

Tip: You can also use the points calculator to check out the value of your Membership Rewards.

As you can see, flights and hotels through the FHR get the most value for your points. Other types of redemptions like hotels are not great.

When you consider that a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred can get you 1.25 cents per point in the Chase Travel Portal on all different types of travel, all of a sudden redeeming Membership Rewards for .7 cents per point seems very poor.

If you have a small business card like the Business Platinum Card or the Business Gold Card , you can actually get more value for your points.

The Business Gold Card has a 25% bonus which comes out to 1.33 cents per point . Meanwhile, the Business Platinum Card  has a 35% bonus which comes out to 1.54 cents per point.

You can only get the bonus/rebate for either a First or Business class flight on any airline or for flights with your selected qualifying airline.

Here some of the airlines you might be able to choose:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • United Airlines

Note: There is a limitation on your rebate as you will only be able to receive up to 250,000 bonus points per calendar year for the Business Gold Card and up to 500,000 points per calendar year for the Business Platinum Card.

Alternative to using points for Amex Travel

Instead of using your points on travel, you could redeem them in other forms such as cash back, gift cards, or on Amazon.

The values for cashback and Amazon are not very good as you can see below but sometimes gift cards can be a decent option when you can cash out at one cent per point.

Should you use your Membership Rewards?

Even though your Membership Rewards can be transferred out to valuable travel partners for optimal value, sometimes it could make sense to use a travel portal.

One of the biggest reasons is that using something like Amex Travel is simpler.

You don’t have to deal with black out dates, award inventory, or figuring out how to do transfers and booking with partners.

However, if you do decide to transfer your points to American Express travel partners, here is a breakdown of the partners you can transfer to:

Picture of first class seats on United plane

Related travel programs

There are three programs that are related to Amex Travel but are also different and stand out in different ways.

These include the:

The Hotel Collection

Fine hotels and resorts, international airline program.

These programs are mostly focused on premium and luxury travel so if you are in those markets, you will get the most value out of these related programs.

The Hotel Collection is a special hotel portal that allows you to receive up to $100 in property credits and upgrades when you book hotels of two nights or longer.

The Hotel Collection is only available to the following U.S. American Express Card Members:

  • Consumer and Business Gold Card Members
  • Business Gold Rewards Card Members
  • Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members
  • Consumer and Business Centurion Members

The hotel credit will equal the amount spent on the hotel at checkout up to $100 and it will be credited at check out based on qualifying charges made excluding charges for taxes, gratuities, fees and cost of room.

You must make your payment in full with an American Express Card in the Eligible Card Member’s name.

Also, the cardholder must travel on the itinerary booked. There is a limit of one credit per room per stay and a three room limit per card member per stay.

Room upgrade is based on availability and eligibility at check-in.

For bookings made on  amextravel.com , you will earn 2X Membership Rewards on each The Hotel Collection booking and you can also use Pay with Points.

Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts , also known as “FHR,” is a luxury hotel program that offers special elite-like perks at over 975 world-class properties all around the world. 

There are also special hotels within this program known as Preferred Hotels & Resorts which “represents one of the world’s finest and most diverse portfolios of independent hotels.”

These hotel networks are only available to cardmembers of Platinum Cards and Centurion Cards.

Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts offers an entire suite of benefits which include: 

  • Noon check-in, when available
  • Guaranteed 4pm late check-out
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two people
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Special amenity unique to each property

As mentioned above, you can earn 5X with the Platinum Card on prepaid bookings through FHR . Something else that stands out is that you can still receive your elite benefits and elite credits when going through this portal.

The Amex International Airline Program (IAP) is a special program available to Platinum cardholders and Centurion cardholders that allows you to receive special discounts on up to eight first class, business class, and premium economy fares when booking through Amex.

The discounts can range from saving a couple of hundred bucks to saving a few thousand bucks so the International Airline Program can be arguably the most valuable benefit offered by any American Express card.

Not every airline participates in the program. Currently, here is the list of airlines that participate:

  • Air New Zealand
  • Asiana Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • China Airlines
  • Etihad Airways
  • Japan Airlines
  • South African Airways
  • Virgin Atlantic

You’ll notice that notably absent are domestic carriers United and American.

Photo of a business class seat on Singapore Airlines

How to use Amex Travel

  • Head to the Amex Travel website
  • Choose the type of travel you want to book and input your destinations, travel dates, etc.
  • Utilize filters to find the type of booking best suited for you
  • Complete your booking!

The main menu

If you hover over “Book” you will then be able to select the type of travel you want to book.

(The default menu already displays flights, hotels, and vacations so you can easily start the booking process for those.)

is there an amex travel app

For flights, simply enter in your departure and arrival locations along with your dates and other details such as cabin preference.

You’ll then see results populated and you can use filters to narrow down the results. You can sort by things like price, duration, and departure time. You can also filter the results down by airline.

The search results allow you to quickly view details like baggage fees and in some cases you’ll also be able to view the seat map which is very convenient.

The hotel search results also provide you with robust filters and sort features to make your searching efficient.

I like to use the map feature and to filter by stars to narrow down my potential properties.

You can also filter by price and if you are interested in the luxury hotel collection or find hotels and resorts you can filter by those programs.

If you do come across a hotel that is part of the Fine Hotels and Resorts, you will see that clearly indicated on the search result.

is there an amex travel app

The same applies for The Hotel Collection.

is there an amex travel app

Make sure that you pay attention to the cancellation policy for that specific hotel.

As you view the search results, you can see if there is flexible cancellation which would allow you to cancel up to a certain window prior to booking.

If there is a flexible cancellation policy, you will be able to view the exact terms to see the deadline to get a refund. When you click on “cancellation policy” you will see a message like this:

There is no charge for cancellations made before 18:00 (property local time) on March 16, 2021. Cancellations or changes made after 18:00 (property local time) on March 16, 2021 or no-shows are subject to a property fee equal to 100% of the total amount paid for the reservation.

Other hotels will be completely nonrefundable.

Again, you can always click on a hotel and then click on view cancellation policy to get the specific terms for that booking.

Screenshot showing cancellation policy for hotels on Amex travel

For rental cars, you have a lot of filters that you could use for things like the size of the rental car, the rental car company, price, etc. You will be able to easily view if the booking has free cancellation or not.

is there an amex travel app

If you have an account, you should take a short amount of time to fill in your profile.

You will be able to input your personal details like your name and birthdate to make a booking quicker in the future. You can also input your known traveler number and your redress number if you have one.

In addition to your personal information, you can also easily add loyalty numbers to your frequent flyer program and hotel loyalty programs.

Next you can select things like your travel preferences. So for example, for flights you can select if you want a window or aisle seat. Or perhaps you have a meal preference such as gluten free meals.

And then if there are any additional preferences like unaccompanied minor status , vision impairments , etc., you can select those.

Finally, you can also add companions.

Amex Travel also has a section where you can view all of your booked trips.

This is really convenient when you need to change or cancel the booking since you have a quick way to find them.

You can also view past trips.

Amex Travel FAQ

Based on my 20 data points, Amex Travel is slightly more expensive for airfare (likely due to Amex fees) but prices are virtually identical for other types of travel such as hotels and car rentals. In some cases, Amex Travel had cheaper prices.

The Platinum Card is the best Amex card to use because you can take advantage of special 5X earnings on flights and hotels and also receive solid travel protections.

You may not receive your elite status benefits when booking hotels through Amex Travel because it is considered an OTA. However, you can still contact the hotel ahead of time and ask them to add your loyalty number to your reservation. After they do that, you may be able to receive some elite benefits depending on the brand and property. You can still get elite benefits with the Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs.

Yes, you can book travel with points on Amex Travel. However, you will have to use a minimum of 5,000 Membership Rewards.

Yes, Membership Rewards earning cards will earn one additional point when booking on Amex Travel for certain types of purchases. However, some cards like the Platinum Card and the Green Card will earn additional points.

Yes, but you may be subject to a non-refundable telephone air transaction service fee of $39 per ticket for airline tickets or air + hotel packages. Also, reservations within 6 hours of departure cannot be made by telephone.

Yes, you can change your airline booking but you may be subject to fees from the airline. In addition, American Express may charge you a $39 change fee per ticket reissue .

For bookings made online you can call Amextravel.com at: 1-800-297-2977. If you made your booking by phone with a Platinum Travel Counselor, you can call 1-800-443-7672.

No, you will need to use a card that has travel insurance like the Platinum Card or purchase a travel insurance package to get insurance for your bookings.

Flights Hotels Rental cars Cruises Vacation Packages

is there an amex travel app

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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Complete Guide to the American Express Travel Portal

Tyler Glatt

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One of our favorite things about American Express is the number of ways that you can redeem Membership Rewards points. If you’re looking for the highest-value redemptions, you’ll want to start with our guide on which Membership Rewards options are best . While it takes more effort, transfer partners make it possible to travel at a fraction of the typical cost. However, if you’re looking to save money on flights, hotels, car rentals, or cruises, the Amex Travel portal can offer excellent choices that are simple to find and book.

Here's a guide to all you need to know about Amex Travel.

Page Contents

What Is Amex Travel?

What are membership rewards worth when used on amex travel, international airline program (iap), fine hotels + resorts, the hotel collection, how to book rental cars through amex travel, cruise privileges program, american express travel login, how to redeem amex points for travel, is the price competitive, will my travel plans change, can my membership rewards be redeemed for more value elsewhere, should i book with amex travel, bottom line.

The Amex Travel portal is a booking portal that offers the capability to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises through American Express. You can make reservations with Membership Rewards points, cash, or a combination of points and cash.

a hotel room with large windows looking out over New York City

When redeemed through Amex Travel, Membership Rewards carry a fixed value. For flights, you'll get a value of 1¢ per point but just 0.7¢ per point on hotel, rental car, and cruise bookings.

This value is comparatively lower than the value AwardWallet users get when transferring Membership Rewards to one of American Express' 21 transfer partners . With transfer partners, our readers typically use Amex points at 1.83¢ apiece — over twice the value of redeeming the points on Amex Travel.

How To Book Flights Through Amex Travel

American Express makes booking flights through the Amex Travel portal extremely simple. After you have logged into the portal using your American Express credentials, the next step is entering the details for the reservation you're trying to make — whether that be a flight, hotel, cruise, or rental car.

Amex Travel Portal - search page for a flight

Take a flight, for example, from Boston (BOS) to London (LHR). After the search, you'll likely see several results, including featured and non-featured itineraries. Any option you see will show the cash price and the price denominated in Membership Rewards. To book, select the flight you wish to take and proceed through the process of entering your personal details.

Once arriving at the payment portion of the booking process, you can select a payment option. You will receive the same value at 1 cent per point whether paying entirely with points or using a mix of cash and points. You can use as little as one point here.

Amex Travel Portal payment page for flights

Changes made to tickets may incur any difference in the fare. Typical airline rules and restrictions apply, so understand change and cancelation policies with the airline you choose to fly with before hitting the blue “Book Flight” button.

Amex Travel Portal checkout page to pay for a flight

During your flight search, you might find “Insider Fares” that offer a discounted price. You must redeem points to cover the total fare to benefit from the discount. These can present a significant discount, though, so it could be worth using points here.

Related: All of the Cards That Earn American Express Membership Rewards Points

Those with Platinum and Centurion cards from American Express have exclusive access to the International Airline Program benefit. The benefit offers discounts on fares to international destinations made in premium cabins on 23 airlines. Select qualifying flights will be highlighted by a banner in your search results. Flights booked via Amex Travel are typically treated as regular paid tickets, meaning you can earn points or miles with participating airline loyalty programs.

If you have The Platinum Card ® from American Express , The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , or Centurion ® Card from American Express, you can take advantage of these perks.

logos of International Airline Program Airlines.

When booking through the International Airline Program, cardmembers earn 5x Membership Rewards on flights when paying with the Amex Platinum * or Business Platinum Card . With the Business Platinum Card, you also can get 35% of redeemed points back on eligible tickets purchased entirely or partially with Membership Rewards points (up to 1 million points back annually). Eligible flights for this rebate include first- and business-class tickets with any airline as well as any fare class with your pre-selected qualifying airline booked through Amex Travel (this is the same airline as your annual airline incidental credits ). Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

There are restrictions to note when booking through the IAP, such as:

  • The cardmember must be traveling.
  • Cardmembers may travel alone or bring up to seven additional travelers.
  • Travel must begin and end in the U.S. or Canadian international airports and must be an international flight.
  • Tickets are non-refundable unless otherwise indicated.
  • Tickets are non-transferable.
  • Name changes are not allowed.
  • Economy-class tickets are not included; you must book premium economy, business, or first class.

*Note that 5x earnings on the Amex Platinum are limited to the first $500,000 spent annually on flights purchased directly with airlines or with Amex Travel. After this limit, you'll earn 1x.

How To Book Hotels Through Amex Travel

Booking hotels through Amex Travel also is a simple process. When you search, you'll enter the destination, the check-in and checkout dates, the number of rooms, and the number of travelers.

hotel search page on Amex Travel

Paying with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum Card will yield 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar on all prepaid hotel reservations.

Once you select a hotel, you'll choose a room and continue to pay, and you can do so with points, cash, or a combination of the two. If you pay with points, you'll only get a value of 0.7 cents per point.

Hotel-2-300x109

Hotel bookings made through Amex Travel are third-party reservations, meaning you are unlikely eligible to earn points, stay credits, or have your hotel status recognized. Take this into consideration if you're chasing hotel elite status .

Amex Centurion Card, Amex Platinum, and Business Platinum Card holders can access the Fine Hotels + Resorts program . With each booking, you'll receive the following suite of benefits:

  • 12 p.m. check-in .
  • Room upgrades , based on availability at check-in.
  • Daily breakfast for two .
  • $100 on-property credit , which can be used for food and beverage, spa services, private transfers, and more.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
  • Early check-in at noon , based on availability.

Amex Platinum cardholders also can receive up to $200 back in statement credits annually on prepaid bookings using the card through the Fine Hotels + Resorts program or The Hotel Collection (which has a two-night minimum on bookings). Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

Related: How to Use the Amex Platinum Card's $200 Hotel Credit

Amex has a second hotel program called The Hotel Collection. These bookings have a two-night minimum, but the program is accessible to more people. In addition to Platinum and Centurion cardmembers, those with the American Express ® Gold Card and American Express ® Business Gold Card are eligible for complimentary room upgrades (when available at check-in) and a $100 experience credit. The experience credit varies by hotel, but it's typically applicable to food and beverage, spa services, a round of golf, airport transfers, and more.

Amex Platinum cardholders can use their $200 in annual hotel credits on prepaid bookings with either Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection.

Booking a rental car on Amex Travel is done by inputting a pick-up location and the date and times for pick-up and drop-off.

Amex Travel Portal rental car search page

Similar to both flights and hotels, you will have the option to pay in points or cash. Points are worth just 0.7¢ apiece here.

pricing for a rental car reservation in cash and points

The rental car booking process also permits paying now or later. The terms and prices may vary depending on which option you choose. Read them carefully before continuing with the booking process.

option to pay now or pay later for a rental car booking

As these are third-party bookings, you may forego your rental car elite status benefits. That means you won't get perks like free upgrades and will need to wait in line to pick up your vehicle, rather than going straight to the lot.

How To Book Cruises Through Amex Travel

Booking a cruise through Amex Travel requires entering an intended destination, a cruise line, and a sailing date. You can narrow down the exact itinerary and departure location after beginning the search.

search page for cruises on Amex Travel

The payment process is identical to every other travel method. You can redeem points, pay in cash, or use a mix of both when checking out. If you choose to redeem Membership Rewards, you can do so for 0.7 cents per point.

cruise itinerary options

Amex Centurion Card, Business Platinum Card, and Amex Platinum cardmembers can take advantage of the Cruise Privileges Program for extra benefits on bookings of five nights or more. The benefits include a $100–$300 per stateroom onboard credit that's redeemable for dining, spa treatments, and more. Other unique amenities, such as premium wines, may be available, depending on the cruise line you select. To qualify for the benefits, the card member must be cruising.

Cruise-3-300x142

To access the Amex Travel portal, you'll first want to visit this page . Click on the blue “Log In” button in the top right corner, then enter your American Express login credentials.

Top menu items from Amex Travel including where to find the log in button

After completing both steps, you'll be ready to book travel.

On the last page of the booking process, you'll find an option to redeem Membership Rewards for travel. This holds true whether you're booking flights, rental cars, hotels, or cruises. If you choose to apply Membership Rewards to your booking, you can do so for the entirety of the amount or a portion of it.

payment page with options for credit card, points, or a mix of the two

When It Makes Sense to Book with Amex Travel

There are a few things to consider when booking through Amex Travel. Here's what you should think about:

Before booking with Amex Travel, doing due diligence and comparing price options is worthwhile. You might find a better deal by booking directly with a company, such as an airline or hotel, through another portal, or even through Google Flights. Be sure to compare prices unless you're trying to cash in a specific benefit, such as the $200 in prepaid hotel statement credits afforded on the Amex Platinum . It could save you some money.

If your travel plans change or you need to cancel a booking made through Amex Travel, you must contact American Express' helpline. If there are changes or cancelation fees, a representative will inform you of them. Amex Travel generally allows a 24-hour cancellation window for most reservations. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen numerous airlines and hotel programs eliminate change and cancelation fees ; however, you need to book directly with them to avail this flexibility.

Membership Rewards are worth 1 cent per point on flights and 0.7 cents per point on hotel, cruise, and rental car reservations when redeemed on Amex Travel. Membership Rewards are typically redeemed at 1.83¢ per point by AwardWallet users when using Amex's transfer partners.

Essentially, the answer is yes, Membership Rewards can be redeemed for more value elsewhere . However, if you're looking to offset the cash cost of a booking, redeeming points via Amex Travel can be beneficial.

If the price is competitive, you're comfortable with the points and miles earnings (or lack thereof), and you understand the change and cancelation policies, booking through Amex Travel could be a great idea. If you might need to change your plans, prefer to take advantage of hotel status, or seek a more valuable return on your Membership Rewards redemption, booking elsewhere makes more sense.

When doing the math, make sure you understand the final price after any rebates. If you've found a great deal on a business-class flight and can get 35% of your points back with the Business Platinum Card, that changes the math. Take these benefits into account.

The Amex Travel portal is a convenient way to book travel. Offering a simple process and a way to redeem Membership Rewards, it's worth looking at the next time you plan a trip.

American Express cardholders can take advantage of many benefits affiliated with going through the portal, such as the International Airline Program, hotel experience credits, cruise perks, and more.

While the return on Membership Rewards might be low compared to using transfer partners , the ability to pay in points, cash, or a combination could be a helpful money-saving mechanism when travel costs are still high.

Have you booked a trip through Amex Travel? What did you think the best feature was?

The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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American Express Travel Review [2024]: Worth the hype?

American Express Travel Review [2024]: Worth the hype?

Heard about the amazing perks and benefits that Amex cardholders have through Amex Travel? Whether you're already a cardholder or if you're looking to sign up, definitely check out all of the perks of Amex Travel before you choose to book with them!

is there an amex travel app

Editor's Note: This is a review of American Express' Travel Platforms, not specifically the credit cards. This review is independently written and was not sponsored by American Express.

Are you an American Express cardholder planning to book a trip soon? You might want to take a look at the Amex Travel portal in preparation for your vacation. 

American Express cardholders and non-cardholders alike have access to this booking portal, but American Express cardholders can receive travel benefits like room upgrades, resort credit, and more by booking through Amex Travel.

Plus, cardholders can use Membership Rewards Points to cover all or part of their booking on Amex Travel! 

However, it's important to note that the Amex Travel portal might not be the best option for every traveler. Some drawbacks include the barrier to entry and the low points-to-dollar conversion for travel services booked on the site. 

Keep reading to learn more about the Amex Travel portal and whether we think it's worth using to book your next trip!

amex travel logo

What is Amex Travel?

AMex Travel , also known as American Express Travel, is a travel booking portal that allows users to book travel, including flights, cruises, and hotel stays. It's an additional service portal that American Express Credit Card Holders get to use as part of their membership.

Cardholders can redeem American Express Membership Rewards Points directly to use on travel bookings. It is a convenient way to redeem points for travel directly in the portal rather than having to transfer points to a partner airline or hotel group. 

American express travel

How does Amex Travel work?

First things first, only American Express cardholders can use the Amex Travel portal to redeem points to book travel. 

If you have an American Express branded credit card and Membership Rewards points ready to use, you're good to go. Otherwise, you'll still be able to use the site, but you won't be able to apply points to your booking or reap the benefits of certain cardholder-only programs.  

Amex Travel is simple and easy to use and has a clean interface that allows users to quickly find what they're looking for on the platform. Users can book travel directly in the Amex Travel portal by using American Express Membership Rewards Points, a credit card, or both. 

Travel services available on the Amex Travel portal include flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages.

How can I book a trip through Amex Travel?

The ease of use and simple user interface make booking travel on Amex Travel an enjoyable, stress-free experience.

All you need to do to book a trip through Amex Travel is:

  • Log into your American Express account. 
  • Search for the trip type you want to book, like flights, hotels, cruises, etc.
  • Apply points to your booking at check-out.
  • Book the trip!

Amex travel login

American Express Credit Cards

Depending on which American Express card or cards you have, you get access to certain perks when booking travel through the Amex Travel portal.

These are the two most popular travel-related American Express Credit Cards, which besides the Centurion no-limit invite-only card, contains the best Amex point rewards and benefits system!

American Express Gold Cardholders

The American Express Gold Card is the affordable credit card options if you're looking for great reward points for a cheaper annual fee. The Amex Gold Card's annual fee comes to $250, which includes

  • Up to $120 Uber Cash (U.S.)
  • Up to $120 dining credits
  • Access to the Hotels Collection
  • Other Insurance & general perks!

With the 3x amount of points earned on travel and 4x amount of points earned on groceries, this card is a great place to start if you're looking to build up travel reward points for your next travel getaway!

American Express Gold Credit Card

American Express Platinum Cardholders

The American Express Platinum card, Amex's flagship credit card, receives tons of travel-related credits that can then be used when booking through the Amex Travel Portal. Coming in at a $695 annual fee, it's easily to be discouraged for signing up for such an expensive credit card.

However, the travel benefits that comes with the Amex Platinum card are incredible, which includes but are not limited to:

  • Up to $200 annual airline credits
  • Up to $200 Uber Cash (U.S.)
  • Up to $200 hotel statement credits on Fine Hotel + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings
  • Up to $189 Clear statement credits
  • Global Lounge Collection
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors + Marriott Bo
  • Bonvoy Gold Elite
  • and more non-travel credits!

If you travel frequently, we recommend you take advantage of the huge benefits that comes with the Amex Platinum credit card!

American express Platinum Credit Card

American Express Travel Benefit Programs

The hotel collection.

The Hotel Collection is a select American Express membership perk that allows specific cardholders to book participating hotels through Amex Travel portal to receive exclusive benefits, using cash or points.

In order to gain access to The Hotel Collection, you'll need to have access to the following Amex credit cards:

  • American Express Gold Card + Business Gold
  • American Express Platinum + Business Platinum
  • American Express Centurion Card

Here are all of the benefits Amex card holders can receive with access to the hotels Collection Program:

  • Pay-With-Points
  • Exclusive deals on lower rates for hotel bookings or reservations
  • Room Upgrade upon check-in when staying 2 nights or longer
  • up to $100 in hotel credits, which can be used to spend on dining, spa and other eligible activities when staying 2 nights or longer
  • 5x Membership reward points for Platinum cardholders, 2x membership reward points for Gold cardholders on prepaid reservations or bookings.

The Fine Hotels & Resorts Program

The Fine Hotels & Resorts program, also known as "Amex FHR" or "FHR," has a suite of benefits such as daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4pm check-out, complimentary WiFi, and room upgrades when available. 

The Fine hotel & Resorts program is only available for American Express Platinum cardholders and above.

When booking through the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, you'll also receive a $100 experience credit for services at the spa or food and beverages at the hotel–note that this benefit varies based on the property. 

The FHR program is entirely different from the Amex Travel Portal, so points and credits aren't guaranteed in this program. Be sure to check up on whether your points count towards the FHR program with Amex Travel's representative before booking!

Cruise Privileges Program

American Express Platinum cardholders also have access to the Cruise Privileges Program in the Amex Travel portal. 

Platinum Card and Centurion Card Members can receive amenities like $100-$300 in onboard credit, as well as 2x points per dollar spent per booking when using the Amex Travel portal. These benefits are available on sailings of five nights or more and may include additional perks specific to each cruise line. 

Platinum Destinations Vacations

Platinum Destinations Vacations is another perk of using the Amex Travel portal as an American Express Platinum cardholder. Cardholders can receive up to 2x points per dollar spent on a qualifying independent or escorted vacation package through Amex Travel. 

Additional Amex Travel Benefits

Another key benefit of booking travel through the Amex Travel portal is that users can receive additional points on bookings when using their American Express credit card. 

American Express Platinum cardholders can earn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels, and American Express® Gold cardholders can earn 3x points on flights. American Express® Green cardholders can earn 3x points on all travel. If you're looking to rack up more American Express Member Rewards points, this is a quick way to do so.

For a comprehensive list of all available benefits associated with the Amex Travel portal, visit the  Amex Travel website . 

Amex travel credit card

Is Amex Travel worth it?

Amex Travel is an easy-to-use, convenient travel booking portal, but it might not be a good option for travelers looking to get the best value for their American Express Membership Rewards points. 

While always changing, the points-to-dollar conversion rate has historically yielded less value than transferring points to partner programs like Delta or Marriott. This is worth noting because better value often means you'll get more out of the points you accrue.  

Further, you aren't guaranteed to earn loyalty points with outside partners since Amex Travel is a third-party booking service. 

For travelers looking to enhance their loyalty status, booking directly with the hotel group might make more sense. For airline miles, you might still be able to earn loyalty points or miles with the airline when booking through Amex Travel. 

Be sure to check with the airline before booking if you aim to receive miles for your flight. Note that basic economy fares, whether found on Amex Travel or another website, are sometimes not eligible for earning miles or enhancing your loyalty status. 

Something important to note is that a fee is added using the service, which is built into the cost of a ticket. This fee is unavoidable and can be higher if you call to book as opposed to using the online booking platform. The fees are waived if you have the Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, or the Centurion Card.

Amextravel island

For travelers considering convenience as their main priority in the booking process, Amex Travel makes it easier than ever to book a trip. 

Overall, Amex Travel is worth checking during the booking process to compare prices and points conversions on flights or hotels you might be interested in. 

However, for the budget traveler or the points-and-miles traveler, Amex Travel might not be worth it to use while booking your next vacation because of the low redemption value of American Express Membership Rewards points in the portal. 

If you're an American Express cardholder and want to earn more Membership Rewards points when booking travel, Amex Travel is a great option. If you do not have any American Express credit cards, there is no real advantage to using Amex Travel compared to any other third-party booking service. 

Our Rating: 4.1/5

  • Easy to use
  • Pay with Points
  • Hotel benefits for Gold & Platinum Members
  • Additional points per dollar spent on travel
  • A pricer option for higher-end hotels and resorts
  • Must be a Amex cardholder member to access
  • Not guaranteed to earn loyalty points with travel providers
  • Additional Amex Travel fees

Book travel and plan with Pilot!

Now that you're considering redeeming some of those travel points or even alternative platforms for your travels, it's time to start planning your trip!

If you're looking to relax before your flights, we've previously reviewed  Priority Pass  and  LoungeBuddy  as potential options. Whatever you choose, be sure to use Pilot for all of your travel plans.

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9 things to consider when choosing to book via a portal vs. booking directly

Ryan Smith

Editor's Note

When it comes to travel, you have a lot of options.

You can book directly through the website of an airline, hotel, rental car company or other travel provider. You can also use online travel agencies like Expedia or Skyscanner. And many banks offer their own portals, such as Capital One Travel and Chase Travel .

While there are some horror stories from cancellations associated with portals, booking with one linked to a credit card in your wallet can be an attractive option.

Consider asking yourself these nine questions to determine the best approach for planning your next trip. They will help you decide whether to book directly, use an online travel agency or utilize a credit card portal for your next vacation.

Will you forfeit status perks and status earnings?

is there an amex travel app

When booking a hotel room through online travel agencies like Hotels.com or Expedia , you may not receive your stay credit from the hotel brand (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy ). Any nights that would typically contribute toward your status won't be counted.

Moreover, as a member with elite status, you often won't receive the usual perks during your stay — like free breakfast or room upgrades. This applies to all major hotel loyalty programs . Many hotels offer a best-price guarantee , allowing you to request a match to a better price you find elsewhere, even if it's on an online travel agency. With this guarantee, you can enjoy loyalty benefits without spending more than necessary.

The decision becomes less straightforward if you want to leverage perks that require booking through a credit card travel portal — which can include bonus rewards or statement credits. You must prioritize what matters most: receiving elite perks and night credits or earning more credit card points and benefiting from automatic discounts for your stay.

However, it's worth noting that flights booked through third-party sites generally qualify as ordinary revenue tickets and are thus eligible to earn points or miles in the given airline's loyalty program. However, be sure to read the terms carefully to avoid booking restrictive basic economy fares .

Related: Why you don't earn hotel points when booking through an online travel agency

Do you have travel credits you can use from your credit card?

is there an amex travel app

Several credit cards offer travel credits on your statements when you book through their travel portals.

For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) offers $300 in annual credits when you reserve flights, hotels and rental cars through the Capital One Travel portal .

Similarly, anyone with The Platinum Card® from American Express can enjoy various benefits of the Amex Platinum , including an annual hotel credit worth up to $200 for prepaid reservations at Fine Hotels + Resorts properties or The Hotel Collection (the latter of which requires a two-night minimum). The perk is issued as a statement credit to your account. Like the Capital One credit, the only way to receive the Amex credit is to book an eligible stay through the American Express Travel portal .

Those with a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card also receive a comparable credit for hotel reservations, though it's significantly lower at $50 per year. Simply book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to have the annual credit appear on your account.

If you have a travel credit you have yet to use, take advantage of it before it expires. But carefully consider its rules to ensure your booking qualifies for reimbursement.

Related: The top 11 credit cards with annual travel statement credits

What will cost you the fewest points?

is there an amex travel app

If you have accumulated enough points in credit card portals like American Express Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou points , you should carefully consider which redemption option will require the fewest points for your upcoming trip.

Sometimes, transferring your points to a partner program and booking through their website may be the most cost-effective option.

On the other hand, it may be cheaper in some situations to keep your points in your credit card account and use them through the card's travel portal. This is especially true for hotels, as transferring points to a partner hotel loyalty program may provide less value than redeeming them directly through your credit card issuer.

This can also make sense for boutique properties that don't participate in a loyalty program.

Always compare both redemption options before transferring your points to ensure that you get the best value .

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable points

What will get you the most points on your credit card?

is there an amex travel app

Regarding travel expenses, you should consider which credit card offers the best rewards for each purchase .

For instance, the Capital One Venture X (see rates and fees ) card provides 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Additionally, you earn 5 miles per dollar spent on flights booked this way. Comparing these rates to the 2 miles per dollar earned on purchases made outside the Capital One Travel portal, it's clear which option is more advantageous.

Chase follows a similar pattern. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve and book through the Ultimate Rewards portal, you will earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars and 5 points on flights. These rates are significantly better than the 3 points per dollar earned on travel booked through other methods.

The Amex Platinum card presents a more drastic example. It offers 5 points per dollar for prepaid hotels booked through the Amex Travel portal. You also receive 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 in flights per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent). However, for hotel reservations booked directly with a hotel, you only earn 1 point per dollar spent. While you can choose either option for airfare, booking hotel stays through Amex Travel is best to maximize your earnings — though again, you'll likely give up the opportunity to earn hotel points by doing so.

Related: What are points and miles worth?

Do you have to choose between rental car loyalty perks and a better price?

is there an amex travel app

Online travel agencies and portals are popular because they offer convenience. You can visit a single website and compare results from various rental car companies.

However, there is a trade-off to consider.

When you see a lower price on an online travel agency or credit card portal than a rental car website, you usually won't receive any elite benefits associated with a rental car loyalty program . This is because most online travel agencies and credit card portals do not provide an option to add your rental car loyalty number to the reservation (though there are exceptions ). Even if they do, the rental agency often doesn't honor the associated benefits, such as skipping the line during car pickup.

In such situations, you must decide whether booking the lower price or receiving perks is more important. Ultimately, the decision may come down to the price difference.

Related: Get automatic rental car elite status through your credit card

Will the hotel give preference to guests who booked directly?

is there an amex travel app

In short: Possibly. You may not receive the same perks when booking a hotel through a third-party website instead of directly with the hotel.

For example, a TPG staffer faced this issue while staying at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort in Orlando. He booked through the Capital One Travel portal to earn miles with his Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). However, this meant he couldn't use the mobile check-in feature and had to wait in a long line at check-in. Additionally, he was assigned a less desirable room near noisy areas like the service elevators and housekeeping storage.

If you're not a light sleeper or prefer in-person check-in, these drawbacks may not be significant concerns. Nevertheless, it's worth considering these factors when deciding how to make your hotel booking.

Related: The best ways to book hotels through online travel agencies and bank portals

Can you get free perks from hotels booked via a portal?

is there an amex travel app

Why not add free perks to the deal if you're paying cash for a hotel?

With American Express, you can enjoy extras by booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection . However, you will not get these benefits if you book directly with the hotel.

Capital One and Chase offer similar programs through the Capital One Premier Collection , Capital One Lifestyle Collection and Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection . When you book with these programs, you can expect to receive perks that could include free breakfast, a welcome gift or space-available room upgrades.

Related: 6 surprising ways to use your on-property credits at hotels

Will you get free nights added to a hotel booking?

is there an amex travel app

Adding free nights to your hotel reservation could be a huge differentiator.

For example, the Citi Prestige® Card offers a fourth-night-free benefit . But there are some restrictions and nuances to using this benefit. There's a limit of two uses per year and you must book through Citi ThankYou Rewards to receive it.

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Likewise, you can get a fourth or fifth night free when redeeming select types of hotel points for award stays — which could lead you to book directly with a hotel program.

Related: Can I mix hotel points and free night certificates to get a 4th or 5th night free?

What if something goes wrong with your flights?

is there an amex travel app

Unlike rental car and hotel reservations made through portals and online travel agencies, flights booked outside airline websites will still earn you miles and frequent flyer status credits.

This is good news, but it gets even better when you realize you can stack rewards by booking flights through online travel agencies . This means you can earn points on your credit card, miles from flying, shopping portal bonuses and rewards from the loyalty programs of online travel agencies .

However, there is a potential issue to consider if unexpected problems arise before or during your trip.

When you book directly with an airline and your flight gets canceled, you can deal with the carrier directly. They will reimburse or rebook you based on their change or cancellation policy . However, this may not be the case for portals and online travel agency bookings.

If the airline cancels your flight due to bad weather, they may instruct you to purchase new tickets for a later flight through your credit card portal or the online travel agency you booked with. If you have a schedule change or want to adjust your reservation, you often need to go back to the third-party site for support instead of contacting the airline directly. This can be a significant drawback when booking flights through a third-party option, particularly if your trip carries a high risk of weather-related issues or you think there's a possibility that you'll need to change (or cancel) your trip.

Related: Flight canceled or delayed? Here's what to do

Bottom line

Having various options for booking trips is great. You can compare prices and use your points and miles effectively. You might even get extra perks that other websites don't offer.

However, having too many options can be overwhelming and confusing.

To simplify the process, consider these nine questions before making your booking. By considering factors such as your travel credits and how the booking will impact your elite status strategy, you can avoid surprises during your trip and make the most out of the rewards you earn.

Additional reporting by Kyle Olsen.

Amex GBT Mobile 4+

Your go-to travel app.

  • 4.2 • 747 Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Welcome to Amex GBT Mobile: the business travel app that empowers customers of American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) by providing global access to booking, trip information, and live servicing. We focus on the details, so you can focus on the reason you are traveling (and maybe even get some rest). Whether you are a road warrior booking complex international trips with many connections, or simply trying to keep track of flight, hotel, car and rail details without resorting to paper itineraries that are hard to access when you need them – Amex GBT Mobile is your partner in all things travel. See how the new Amex GBT Mobile app will revolutionize the way you travel: Book directly from your mobile device. • Access booking features directly from the home screen of the mobile app. • Complete bookings with live agent Messenger. • Book hotels with Booking.com. All your travel organized in one place. • Updated itineraries and timeline view allow for easy access to all of your travel. • New action oriented trips and segments, with contextual options based on where you are in your journey. • Add trips booked anywhere using our new import feature. See the future with a complete travel timeline. • Our improved timeline view allows you to see all your trips in one feed. Chat with a travel counselor with Live Messenger. • Our Messenger feature allows you to connect with a travel counselor for assistance. • Modify or change existing trips booked with American Express GBT. • Book new trips, flights, hotels or other travel with a live agent. Never miss a beat, with trip updates and messages. • Receive important travel updates and notifications in real time. • Stay safe while on the road, with Expert Care and Proactive Traveler Care. Important note about App Access • In order to register and use Amex GBT Mobile, *your company needs to be a customer of American Express Global Business Travel* and have signed up for the app (if they have not, please ask your company's travel manager to get in touch with their account manager). You will then need to enter your company email address and complete a few registration steps. • To access a list of frequently asked questions, please click here: https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/faq • Available in 109 countries globally, in English, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, French Canadian, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. If your company does not yet manage travel using American Express GBT’s tools, discounts and world-renowned customer service, please ask your leadership to get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help you get the most out of your travel: www.amexgbt.com.

Version 5.18.0

We are always working to improve the performance of our app and your experience using it. With this latest release we have improved our registration and login screens, alongside general bug fixes and updates.

Ratings and Reviews

747 Ratings

Quick & easy access to a GBT agent

I was stuck on a runway for an hour or more a few weeks ago at around 8pm. There was a weather issue so I suspected that we would be turned back to the gate. For security reasons with all the delays, I was not willing to fly out later and arrive at my destination at 1am. Rather than wait to get back to the gate, I chatted with an agent on the GBT app and booked a hotel near the airport and rebooked my flight for the next day morning all from my plane seat. It was easy and convenient. Sure enough, we turned back and while most folks were rushing to the gate agents, I walked out of the aircraft and headed to the hotel for a good night’s rest. Next morning, I was all set to take on the world !!

Developer Response ,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're so happy to hear that you've found the app helpful in a time of stress. Thanks for being an Amex GBT Mobile app user.

Less useful than a Call Center.

So, you’ve made an app. But I can’t do anything like cancel or modify a flight myself. I still need to talk to a person. But only through your app because you didn’t include the phone number in my itinerary. I have to download your app. Your app makes me sign up. You have privacy statements. Your app makes me talk to a bot. Your app queues me to talk to a person. Over text. Which means I can’t drive, or do anything else. I just sit here staring at my screen waiting for something to happen. All I want to do is phone someone, and say “I need to cancel that flight.” Or even better just hit a button to cancel it. But no, you have an app. An app that literally makes this more difficult than anything I have experienced before. And I get to pay for the pleasure. The only reason I use this is because my company forces me to use it. And I will now be actively campaigning for them to get something else. If this is the glorious future of apps, you can keep it.
Hi Robrobstation, you should have a phone number. If you don't mind, could you provide your specific details with us at [email protected]? We would love to take a look under the hood at what's going on with your situation. Kindly appreciate your patience and thank you for your patience!

I can’t believe AMEX associates with this

I have been using this app through work for about four months now. So far the having everything in one place is convenient, but that’s about it. Sending tons of superfluous alerts for no reason. The “customer service“ is ridiculous. None of them have any idea what’s going on with your problem even though you explain it several times. You have to wait for somebody to connect to you. 8 to 10 minutes when you’re having an emergency. So it’s kind of pointless. And a half the time they have a bad attitude while you’re stuck in the airport/car rental/hotel problem that they caused. The app itself doesn’t transfer to check in flights 75% of the time or expand so you can read the tiny little lettering. All in all there has to be a better way than this

App Privacy

The developer, GBT US LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

  • Contact Info
  • User Content
  • Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

  • Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish

  • Developer Website
  • App Support
  • Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

INTER[action]

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Unused eTicket Flight Credits

What is an eTicket Flight Credit? How do I know if I have one?

  • When there has been a cancellation to your flight, a credit amount for the value of your original ticket may be issued. This credit can be used for future travel; restrictions may apply. You will see an eTicket Flight Credit when this happens because we have identified that you have a credit available for use originating from an American Express Travel booking.
  • If you purchased your ticket through AmexTravel.com , Platinum Travel Service or Centurion Membership Services, you can view your available eTicket Flight Credits and their corresponding values by signing into AmexTravel.com .

How do I use my eTicket Flight Credit?

  • If you originally purchased your ticket through  AmexTravel.com , you will be able to redeem your eTicket Flight Credit online if the airline allows online redemption. If not allowed by the airline or any errors messages occur, please call American Express Travel. You will need to provide the ticket number and traveler name.
  • If you originally purchased your ticket over the phone with American Express Travel, you will only be able to redeem you eTicket Flight Credit by calling American Express Travel for assistance at 1-800-297-2977. 
  • eTicket Flight Credits may only be redeemed with the same airline from the original booking.
  • Fare rules will vary by airline; in some instances, travel must depart from the same country as on your original ticket. If you wish to change your country of origin on your eTicket Flight Credit, please call American Express Travel for assistance at 1-800-297-2977.
  • International Airline Program (IAP) eTicket Flight Credits may only be exchanged for another IAP itinerary.
  • eTicket Flight Credits cannot be applied to ancillary services such as, but not limited to, baggage fees and upgrades.
  • Insider Fares are not available when using an eTicket Flight Credit.
  • eTicket Flight Credits that were issued to an infant are not available for use online and can only be redeemed by contacting American Express Travel at                    1-800-297-2977. 

Can I redeem my airline credits online?

  • We’re continuously working to allow you more self-servicing choices, and you may have the option to redeem your unused eTicket Flight Credit yourself online. Log in to  AmexTravel.com  to see if the self-service option is available to you, and if so, follow the online redemption instructions.
  • eTicket Flight Credits may only be redeemed with the same airline from the original booking. Fare rules will vary by airline; in some instances, travel must depart from the same country as on your original ticket. If you wish to change your country of origin on your eTicket Flight Credit, please call American Express Travel for assistance at 1-800-297-2977.
  • eTicket Flight Credits that were issued to an infant are not available for use online and can only be redeemed by contacting American Express Travel at                    1-800-297- 2977.
  • eTicket Flight Credits cannot be applied to ancillary services such as, but not limited to baggage fees and upgrades.

Where can I view my eTicket Flight Credit?

You may view your credit by logging in to  AmexTravel.com . The value displayed reflects the original value of the eTicket Flight Credit. If you have used part of the ticket already, the remaining amount will be less than what is displayed. If you have fully or partially redeemed a credit with the airline, please contact the airline directly for assistance.

Why am I receiving an error message for online redemption?

  • Airline may not allow online redemption.
  • A system or pricing error occurred.
  • You will be prompted to call American Express Travel for assistance at 1-800-297-2977. Please have your ticket number and traveler name available for the agent.
  • Fare rules will vary by airline; in some instances, travel must depart from the same country as on your original ticket. If you wish to change your country of origin on
  • Your eTicket Flight Credit, please call American Express Travel for assistance at 1-800-297- 2977.
  • Your new flight must be on the same airline that issued the credit.
  • The eTicket Flight Credit must be booked in the name of the traveler on the original ticket. eTicket Flight Credits cannot be transferred to another individual.
  • eTicket Flight Credits that were issued to an infant are not available for use online and can only be redeemed by contacting American Express Travel at                    1-800-297-2977.

What if I do not see my eTicket Flight Credit on Amex Travel?

  • eTicket Flight Credits that have expired will not be displayed. Please check with the airline that issued the eTicket Flight Credit for expiration and/or travel-by dates. 
  • eTicket Flight Credits can take up to 24 hours to appear after any changes.

What happens when my eTicket Flight Credit is more than the cost of my new ticket?

  • In these cases, a Miscellaneous Charge Order (MCO) may be issued which could be applied for future travel. However, airline rules and restrictions will apply and not all airlines’ flights or fares allow for MCOs. Please check with the airline for specific rules and restrictions.
  • An MCO may potentially be used in combination with another eTicket Flight Credit issued by the same airline. Airline rules and restrictions apply.
  • MCOs cannot be redeemed online. For redemption, please call American Express Travel at 1-800-297-2977.

What happens when my eTicket Flight Credit does not cover the cost of my new ticket?

You can use an American Express Card or any other valid credit card if there are additional costs greater than the eTicket Flight Credit.

Are there any American Express Servicing fees?

No, there are no American Express Travel servicing fees for customers. 

Can I use Membership Rewards points® toward any costs above my eTicket Flight Credit values?

No, Membership Rewards points are not available for use with an eTicket Flight Credit redemption.

What are the airline credit rules with American Express Travel?

  • Credits cannot be combined or transferred. 
  • Airlines issue separate credits for each traveler. The name on the airline credit must match the name on the new booking.                                                                 You cannot transfer your flight credit to another traveler. 
  • We recommend checking your flight change or cancellation confirmation email to verify the details of your airline credit, such as traveler name and amount before redeeming.
  • Airline rules and restrictions, such as penalties and the calculation and treatment of any difference in airfare may differ from airline to airline. Please check individual airline policies.
  • Any airline fees, such as change fees or rebooking fees are determined by the airline that issued the credit.
  • For the latest COVID-related airline policies, please see the COVID-19 Travel Planning FAQs.
  • The value displayed reflects the value of the eTicket Flight Credit. Final charges are determined by any difference in airfare, penalties and/or change fees associated with each ticket and may vary from ticket to ticket. eTicket Flight Credits have an expiration and/or travel-by date and the credit must be used according to the specific airline’s eTicket Flight Credit rules and restrictions.
  • Only one eTicket Flight Credit per traveler can be applied to each redemption. This includes multiple travelers on a single itinerary.

eTicket Flight Credit expiration dates

  • eTicket Flight Credit expiration dates, travel dates, and fare rules vary by airline.
  • For Delta Air Lines flights, all eTicket Flight Credits must be redeemed before December 31, 2023, for travel now through 2024.
  • For United Airlines wholly unused tickets issued on or before December 31, 2022, eTicket Flight Credits must be redeemed before December 31, 2023. 
  • Expiration dates may vary and are subject to change by the airline.
  • For all other airlines, please refer to their policy for the most up-to-date information on specific credit expiration dates.

Specific ticketing and travel dates apply. Please visit the airline website directly for latest information.

Are there any other eTicket Flight Credit rules and restrictions I should know about?

  • For the latest COVID related airline policies, please see the COVID-19 Travel Planning FAQs.
  • The value displayed reflects the value of the eTicket Flight Credit. Final charges are determined by any difference in airfare, penalties and/or change fees associated with each ticket and may vary from ticket to ticket. eTicket Flight Credits have an expiration and/or travel-by date and the credit must be used according to the specific airline’s eTicket Flight Credit rules and restrictions. 
  • Only one eTicket Flight Credit per traveler can be applied to each redemption. This includes multiple travelers on a single itinerary. 
  • eTicket Flight Credits that were issued to an infant are not available for use online and can only be redeemed by contacting American Express Travel at 800-297-2977. 
  • International Airline Program (IAP) eTicket  Flight Credits may only be exchanged for another IAP itinerary.

Terms and Conditions

Expiration dates may vary and are subject to change by the airline.

All unused eTicket Flight Credits are subject to the terms and conditions of the airline holding the eTicket Flight Credits, including, without limitation, any expiration date and fees for or limitations on use of such eTicket Flight Credits. For the eTicket Flight Credit booking you may incur an airline-imposed change fee and any difference in fare. You acknowledge that you are responsible for reviewing such terms and conditions prior to using of any unused eTicket Flight Credit. Pay with Points is not available with an eTicket Flight Credit redemption. Membership Rewards points will be earned on any transaction amount that is charged to your Card when an eTicket Flight Credit is redeemed. Points will be earned in accordance with the terms and conditions of your Card. Please see your Card agreement for details. All information about unused eTicket Flight Credits is provided to American Express by third parties, and American Express does not accept any liability for inaccuracies or incompleteness of that information, including, without limitation, the monetary amount or existence of an eTicket Flight Credit. 

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Book a flight

You can book the following types of flights on American Express Travel Online either online or over the phone.

  • Roundtrip flights  return to the same airport you departed from.
  • One-way flights  take you from your starting point to a different returning destination.
  • Multiple destination flights  allow you to visit multiple destinations during your trip.

What should I know before booking a flight with American Express Travel?

  • If you booked your travel with American Express Travel and you need to change/cancel a booking, we will honor the policies of your travel provider.
  • Charter fares may be available for roundtrip or one-way flights.
  • One-way flights are not available with vacation packages.

Still need help?

For assistance, contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card.

Flying with children

What are the ticket requirements when flying with children?

You don't have to book a separate ticket for a child if each of the following is true:

  • You book a domestic flight.
  • Children are infants (less than 2 years old) at the time of the flight's departure.
  • The infant sits in the lap of another traveler over the age of 12.
  • Only 1 infant sits in the lap of that traveler.

You must book a separate ticket if any of the following are true:

  • You book an international flight.
  • Children are 2 or older at the time of the flight's departure.
  • Children require their own seat.

One traveler over the age of 12 may accompany up to 2 infants, however each infant must be seated in their own seat.

Are there discounts on flights for children?

Some airlines offer discounts on airfare for children. The availability of discounts can depend on your selected flight, seat availability, and the traveler's age.

To see all applicable discounts, select the number and ages of any children flying when you search for your flight. Discounted airfare is included in your search results, though it might not be labeled that way.

What are the fight document requirements for children?

  • For domestic flights, you might need to provide a picture ID for your child.
  • For international flights, you must provide a valid passport for children of all ages.
  • Children traveling without both parents may need to provide notarized documentation and letters of permission to enter another country. Please confirm your specific document requirements with your destination's embassy or consulate.

Do airlines require car seats for children?

Some airlines require children with their own ticket to sit in a car seat that fits and locks into the airplane seat. Please check with the airline for their specific policy on car seats.

Do airlines allow strollers onboard?

Yes. When going through airport security, fold your stroller and send it through the scanner with your other belongings. If you choose to check your stroller, many airlines will allow you to do so free of charge.

Please contact your airline to ask about their policies for children.

Are unaccompanied minors allowed to fly?

Many airlines welcome unaccompanied minors on their flights. However, American Express Travel Online does not book flights for unaccompanied minors under age 18.

What should I know before booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor?

  • Some airlines may charge a fee for unaccompanied minor service.
  • Children under 5 and minors over 17 might be ineligible for unaccompanied minor service.
  • You need to provide the airline in advance with the contact details of the adult meeting the child at the final destination.
  • Both the adult dropping the child off at the airport and the adult picking the child up are required to show identification.

Please contact your airline to ask about their policy for unaccompanied minors.

Military and bereavement fares

Does American Express Travel offer military or bereavement discounts for flights?

American Express Travel Online does not offer flight discounts for military personnel or bereavement travel, but we do offer special deals on airfare that may save you more money than military or bereavement fares offered by airlines.  Contact the airline  directly to ask about discounted military or bereavement fares, but be sure to compare the fares to American Express Travel Online rates.

Accessibility on flights

What should I know before requesting special accessibility assistance?

  • American Express Travel Online will pass your requests to the airline but cannot guarantee that all requests will be honored.
  • Availability may depend on the aircraft, the airline's policies, or the specific needs of the traveler.

Can I request special accessibility assistance when booking a flight with American Express Travel?

Yes. When booking a flight on American Express Travel Online, you can request special assistance, such as help boarding and deplaning, use of a wheelchair, or accommodations for a service animal.

To request special assistance:

  • Choose your  flight , then select  CONTINUE BOOKING .
  • On the  Traveler information  page, expand the  This guest has special requests  section for each traveler who requires assistance.
  • From the  Accessibility requests  drop-down menu, select the type of assistance you would like to request.

Contact your airline  to confirm your requests for each segment of your trip, right after booking and again just prior to travel.

Pets on flights

What are the travel requirements for taking a pet on a flight?

If you are traveling with your pet, contact the airline to make a reservation for them. Your airline might require your pet to have the following:

  • Collar with ID and license number
  • Recent certificate of good health (no older than 30 days) from your veterinarian
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (if traveling internationally)

What are the restrictions for taking a pet on a flight?

  • Airlines limit the number and size of pets allowed to travel in the cabin. You can usually carry on small pets, provided their carrier fits under the seat in front of you.
  • Airlines restrict the number of animals traveling in cargo, depending on the aircraft and the weather.
  • If your roundtrip ticket consists of two one-way flights, check the rules for each airline.

Are there additional fees for taking a pet on a flight?

  • Most airlines impose fees for pets traveling in the cabin or in cargo.

Contact your airline to find out their specific rules regarding pets.

You might also want to read the following sites:

  • TSA: Traveling with Pets
  • The Humane Society: Travel Safely with Your Pet by Car, Airplane, Ship, or Train

Add travelers to your flight reservation

Can I add travelers to a flight reservation?

  • You can't add travelers to your existing flight reservation. You'll need to make a new flight booking for the additional travelers in your party, instead.
  • For the new booking, American Express Travel Online can't guarantee the same price as your original booking.

Book a multiple-destination flight

How do I book a multiple-destination flight?

  • On the  Flights  page, select  Search by Multi-City.
  • Enter your travel destinations and dates and select  Search Flights .

What should I know when booking a multiple-destination flight?

  • Your entire trip is stored as a single itinerary.

Add optional trip protections to your flight booking

Trip Cancel Guard and Gold Travel Protector are optional trip protections available for purchase. Both offer different protections and reimbursement benefits for Trip Cancellation.

If you cancel your trip before it starts due to a specified covered reason under Gold Travel Protector insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement of flight or flight plus hotel costs. Trip Cancel Guard, a non-insurance product, does not require any covered reasons to be eligible for reimbursement, giving you control if you decide to cancel at least two full calendar days before your trip departure date.

Trip Cancel Guard

Trip Cancel Guard provides up to 75% reimbursement of flight costs if you choose to cancel for any reason. You must cancel your trip at least two full calendar days before your trip departure date. If you decide to cancel your trip for any reason, including COVID-19, Trip Cancel Guard may reimburse you for non-refundable costs. Please see Trip Cancel Guard Terms & Conditions for full details.

Gold Travel Protector

Under Gold Travel Protector, Trip Cancellation provides up to 100% reimbursement of flight or flight plus hotel costs for specified covered reasons. If you’re unable to take your trip due to a covered reason, Gold Travel Protector may reimburse you for non-refundable costs. Gold Travel Protector also provides additional insurance coverage during your trip for unforeseen events such as medical emergencies and travel delays.

Fear of traveling due to COVID-19 and the pandemic are not covered reasons under Gold Travel Protector. For full details of covered reasons, please see Sample Policy.

You may only purchase Gold Travel Protector and/or Trip Cancel Guard at the time of an eligible booking through AmexTravel.com.

Review Itinerary

View your flight booking confirmation

How will I receive my flight booking details?

After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email from American Express Travel Online that contains your Trip ID and trip details.

How do I view a flight booking made with American Express Travel?

Go to  Manage My Trips  to view your booking. If you don't see it, you may have booked directly with the airline.

How do I print my flight itinerary?

  • To print your booking, select the Print button in your itinerary and follow the instructions. Then select Add to Calendar.

What if I have multiple booking itineraries for the same trip?

If you have multiple bookings (flight, hotel, car, etc.) for the same trip, you can merge them into one itinerary within My Trips (up to 5 trips). To link your bookings, follow these steps:

  • Select “…” in the upper right-hand corner above the booking.
  • Then, select “Link Trips Together”. Choose the trips you’d like to merge, press “Continue”, and then “Link”.
  • Next, to save your preferred linked  trip name, ensure to first click “Update”, followed by “Continue”.
  • The newly linked trips will then be  available in My Trips as one itinerary.

Important to know: any self-service features available for each individual trip will still be accessible for the respective bookings. 

If you haven't received your confirmation email or need assistance, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card.

Online flight check-in

Online flight check-in opens 24-48 hours before your flight departure. You'll need your 6-digit airline confirmation code (example: L84RTL) from your itinerary to check in.

Ready to check-in?

What should I know when I check-in online for a flight?

  • Depending on your airline, after checking in online you may be able to print your boarding pass, save it to your mobile phone, or pick it up from a kiosk at the airport.
  • Airport check-in usually opens 2-3 hours before flight departure.
  • You will need your boarding pass to go through airport security. Check with your airline for any other required documents.
  • Plan to arrive at the airport at least 1-2 hours before your domestic flight, and at least 2-3 hours before your international flight.
  • To review your flight schedule and trip details, check your  itinerary .
  • To add passport information to your account, see  Update passport information in your account .
  • To select or change your seat assignment, see  Manage your seat assignment .

Still need help

If you still need help checking-in for your flight, please contact us or  your airline .

Manage your seat assignment

How are the seats assigned?

For most flights, you choose your seat when you’re booking your reservation. We send your seat selection to the airline when you book the flight, but we can’t always guarantee your seat assignment.

How do I change my seat assignment?

If you’ve already booked your flight and want to change or select your seat (if you haven’t chosen your seat yet), you’ll need to contact the airline directly. Note: You’ll need your airline confirmation code (example: L84RTL), which you can find in your  itinerary .

How do I find my seat assignment?

If you selected your seat when you booked, you can access your seat assignment in your  itinerary , or when you  view your flight booking confirmation . (See below for exceptions.)

Your seat selection is confirmed if you:

  • Paid for a seat upgrade during booking.

Your seat selection may not be confirmed or available if you:

  • Booked a fare with an airline that assigns seats at the gate.
  • Did not pay for your seat at the time of booking.

For more help with your seat assignment, please contact your airline directly.

Baggage fees and allowances for flights

How do I check my baggage fees and allowances for my flight?

Your baggage fees and allowances depend on your airline and the type of fare you booked.

To view baggage information about your specific fare

  • Sign in to view your bookings.
  • Select your itinerary.
  • Select the  Additional Fees  link.

To view baggage information about your specific fare without signing in

  • View your flight booking confirmation.
  • Select the  Additional Fees  link in the  Additional Flight Services  section.

Please contact your airline directly for more information about:

  • Checked baggage inclusions
  • Carry-on allowances
  • Additional baggage fees
  • Prohibited items
  • Oversize baggage policies
  • Sport equipment
  • Accessibility availability and access
  • Select your airline below to access their baggage details. You may need to log in with your airline confirmation code (example: L84RTL) from your  itinerary .

Change & Cancel

Cancel your flight

To cancel your flight booked on AmexTravel.com, you can do so from your  Manage My Trips  page. A chat box will appear to help with your cancellation.

If you used Membership Rewards® points for your booking, and you cancel within 24 hours of booking, the points will have already been redeemed for a credit that appears on your Card account.  If you prefer to have the points returned to your Membership Rewards® account, a charge will appear on your Card to net the credit to zero. See Collect and redeem your Membership Rewards® points for more information.

Card transactions and Membership Rewards® transactions happen from two separate accounts. Your ticket was voided so there was no charge on your Card account. The points you redeemed were taken from your Membership Rewards® account and converted to a credit. To put the points back, that credit will need to be reversed with a charge. 

Airline ticket transfers

You cannot transfer your airline tickets to another traveler.

What else should I know about airline ticket changes?

  • Most airline tickets are non-refundable.
  • Most airlines charge fees for ticket changes or cancellations. Check your itinerary for details.
  • If the name on your ticket does not match your government-issued photo ID, arrive at the airport early to present proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or other legal document) at the airline counter.

Flight booking mistakes and name changes

If you find an issue with your booking, or have multiple itineraries for the same trip, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card. Also, contact us for any booking mistakes or incorrect traveler names. Most airlines do not allow corrections of any kind. Corrections that are deemed name changes by the airline will incur fees and any fare differences.

What else should I know about mistakes and name changes on my airline tickets?

  • The name on your government-issued photo ID must match your airline ticket traveler name.
  • Most airlines allow for corrections to misspelling on tickets, and to nicknames (e.g. William/Bill, Lisabeth/Liz), but do not allow name changes to the travelers originally booked.
  • The airline may process a name change for the airline change fees and difference in fare.

Missed flight

What should I do if I miss a flight?

If you missed your flight, contact your airline directly for assistance. Some airlines may put you on standby for the next available flight.

Change your flight

How do I change a flight?

You must contact us to change your flight.

What are the American Express Travel flight booking change requirements?

  • If you booked your travel with American Express Travel and you need to change/cancel a booking, we will be honoring the policies of your travel provider. 
  • Tickets cannot be transferred to another passenger. 
  • To upgrade your seat, call the airline directly.
  • Rebooked flights must be for the same traveler and on the same airline as the original booking.
  • Flight credits must be used for the same traveler and the same airline as the original booking.

Are there additional charges on rebooked flights?

  • Airline change fee, ranging from 150 USD (domestic) to 300 USD (international)
  • Difference in airfare (if the cost of your new flight exceeds your flight credit)

The total cost of your change will depend on your airfare, your ticket details, and any applicable penalties or fees.

Airline Schedule Change

What should I do if the airline changes or cancels a flight?

  • If you received a Schedule Change notice for a minor time change or flight number change, no action is required.
  • If your schedule change indicates a seat change, visit your airline’s website to manage seat selection.
  • If the airline cancelled your scheduled flight, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card.
  • If there is a major schedule change to your travel itinerary, American Express will notify you via email.  Within that email, you will have the option to accept the schedule change by selecting ‘Manage my Trips’. American Express Travel will then process the change and send you a new itinerary via email.
  • In the event you would like to discuss the change further, select ‘Other Options’ and call-in options will be provided.

Airline telephone numbers

How do I contact the airline I booked a flight with?

To contact your airline, find it in the drop-down menu then select Call.

*Toll-free number unavailable.

Payment & Receipt

Flight payment options

How do I pay for my flight online with American Express Travel?

You can pay for your flight booking online using your American Express® Card. You may be eligible to split up the cost of your flight into monthly installments for a fixed fee with the Plan It® feature on your Card, or you may be able to use Membership Rewards® points towards your purchase. 

What should I know before paying for a flight online?

  • You cannot split your payment between 2 or more credit cards.
  • For cancellation fees and refund information, read  Refund timelines.  If you receive a merchant refund/credit for your trip, you can request that the amount be applied to your plan balance. Once you see the credit on your account, please call the number on the back of your Card to speak with a Plan It Specialist to have the amount applied to the plan balance. If you make a change to your trip, your plan will not be impacted.  
  • Payments may take up to 48 hours to be reflected on your account.
  • If your payment did not go through, read  Troubleshoot declined payments  for more information and options.
  • Please refer to the Plan It FAQ’s for more questions on Plan It.

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Why the Amex Platinum Is the Only Card I’ll Use To Book Flights

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Why the Amex Platinum Is the Only Card I’ll Use To Book Flights

The Amex Platinum Card Earns Me the Most Points

The amex platinum card has excellent travel insurance, amex’s global lounge collection is industry-leading, amex points are my favorite flexible currency, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Although I’m not technically a digital nomad, I fly enough to qualify as one.

With trips taking me on roughly 100 flights per year, I’ve done a lot of research when it comes to booking airfare.

Though I have plenty of credit cards to spare, The Platinum Card ® from American Express always finds its way to the front when it comes time to pay — here’s why.

There are plenty of credit cards that earn bonus points on travel , and especially airfare. However, the Amex Platinum card personally beats out others, despite its $695 annual fee ( rates & fees ).

This is because it earns 5x American Express Membership Rewards points per $1 spent (up to $500,000 per year) on flights booked directly with the airline or via AmexTravel.com .

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
  • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
  • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
  • Access to Amex International Airline Program
  • No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
  • $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

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  • Capital One Venture X vs Amex Platinum
  • Amex Platinum vs Delta Reserve

If you travel often, you know that booking with a third party , such as Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz, or even an issuer’s travel portal, can save you some money. But it can also lead to huge amounts of headache s if your flight needs to be changed or canceled or if there are crazy delays and you need to be rerouted.

This is because booking through a third-party agency makes them responsible for your ticket rather than the airline, so they need to be the middleman.

American Airlines Boeing 787 Premium Economy 9a and 9c

Compare the Amex Platinum card’s earning rates to other premium travel rewards cards :

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve ® : 5x points per $1 spent on Chase Travel; 3x points on all other travel purchases
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : 5x miles per $1 spent on airfare booked with Capital One Travel,

In order to earn these elevated rewards, you’ll need to book your flights with either issuer’s travel portal, which means you’ll be using a third party. That opens you up to issues in the event your travel plans change, which mine often do.

While the Amex Platinum card does have a limit on your 5x earnings up to $500,000 annually, I’ve never even come close to hitting the cap. This means that I’m always able to book directly with the airline while still earning the most rewards.

I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest proponent of travel insurance . I know that it’ll protect you if you get injured, lose your bags, or have travel delays, but purchasing a policy goes against my “spend as little as possible” ethos when it comes to travel.

That’s another reason why I love the Amex Platinum card and use it for my flights. As a premium travel card, it offers complimentary travel insurance . For it to kick in, I need to pay for my travel with my card and it will apply in eligible scenarios.

What kind of travel insurance is offered? A lot:

  • Rental car insurance (secondary)
  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Trip delay insurance
  • Baggage insurance plan
  • Premium Global Assist Hotline (emergency medical evacuation and emergency medical transport)

There are two things that really stand out when it comes to the Amex Platinum card’s travel insurance: emergency medical evacuation and emergency medical transport as part of the Premium Global Assist Hotline. Neither of these has a cap, which isn’t something you’ll find often, even when purchasing a policy.

There is only one exception where I’ll use a card other than the Amex Platinum card to pay for my flights, and that’s when I’ve booked an award flight.

This is because Amex has limitations on its baggage insurance plan for award flights, whereas competitors, such as the travel insurance on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card , do not. In this case, the Amex Platinum card won’t cover lost luggage unless you’ve paid the ticket in cash or you’ve used Amex Membership points for your flight. Other award flights outside of this don’t count :

“Other loyalty programs (i.e. non-American Express) do not qualify on purchases redeemed in part or full or pre-arranged travel cost,” according to the terms of baggage insurance plan on the Amex Platinum card. “An example would be common carrier frequent flyer miles point redemption.”

I’m not a snob about a lot of things, but airport lounge access is certainly one of them. I know that as more credit cards offer lounge access, they can be crowded.

That’s one reason I value the Global Lounge Collection offered by Amex’s high-end cards.

Amex Centurion ATL Dining Space

This collection includes a Priority Pass Select membership (upon enrollment), Centurion Lounges, Escape — The Centurion Studio lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Lufthansa lounges (when flying Lufthansa), Delta SkyClubs (when flying Delta), and more.

That’s far more than you’ll get with other credit cards and lessens the chance that you’ll find yourself in a standing-room-only situation.

This is probably not the most popular opinion, but I think Amex Membership Rewards beat out Chase Ultimate Rewards , Capital One Miles , Citi ThankYou points , and Bilt Rewards .

While each currency has their own strengths and weaknesses, Amex points fit my travel style better than the others. Sure, I love that Chase has World of Hyatt (and it’s where I use my points most often) and that Citi transfer to Choice at double Amex’s rate, but Amex has more usable transfer partners .

I’ll be even more unpopular and say that I’ll often transfer Amex points over to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, especially when they’re offering a transfer bonus . This isn’t usually a good idea, but I spend my Hilton points at high-end resorts such as the Conrad Maldives and the Conrad Bora Bora , where I can easily net 5-10 cents in value per point. That makes it worth it for me.

Hilton Amex transfer

Other transfer partners that I frequently use include:

  • ANA MileageClub : For low-cost business class flights to Europe
  • Avianca LifeMiles : For Lufthansa first class
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club : For first and business class redemptions on ANA
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer : For cheap Air Tahiti Nui flights to French Polynesia

Beyond transfer partners and the Amex Platinum card, I also find Amex points easier to earn . This is due to a variety of reasons, including their robust lineup of Amex point-earning cards , Amex Offers (upon enrollment), and their Rakuten partnership.

I’m not going to throw out all my other credit cards in favor of the Amex Platinum card — I love points and miles too much ever to let that happen. But there’s certainly a strong case for it sticking around in my wallet.

Sure, it offers lots of statement credits (enrollment required for some benefits) and other perks. But I’ll keep the Amex Platinum card to book my airfare. And it’ll stay that way until someone else can match the high earnings and travel insurance offerings, which I don’t anticipate happening anytime soon.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the Amex Platinum card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of the Amex Platinum card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the trip delay insurance benefit of the Amex Platinum card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Amex Platinum card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the premium global assist hotline benefit of the Amex Platinum card, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by premium global assist hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

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About Carissa Rawson

Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business Insider, Forbes, and more.

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My 2 Favorite Restaurant & Food Apps for New York City: InKind & Too Good To Go

Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week is going well.  2 weeks ago, I was in New York City with Laura for her Spring Break.  We had a great time seeing musicals, walking around Manhattan, and eating out at fancy restaurants.  During our time in NYC, we used 2 apps for restaurants and food that I wanted to share: InKind and Too Good To Go.  If you have never heard of InKind before, it is an app that you can use to pay at participating restaurants.  Several times throughout the year, InKind runs various promotions with Chase Offers, Citi Merchant Offers, and AMEX Offers that you can use to buy discounted InKind credits.  If you are new to InKind, you can use my referral link which will give you a $25 reward bonus after you spend $50 or more with InKind.

I’ve written about InKind many times , but I don’t think there is a city in the country with more InKind restaurants than New York City.  Just look at this map of participating InKind restaurants!  I’m not sure the total number, but I would guess somewhere in the 150-250 restaurant range, with multiple options in every area of the city.

a map with many yellow balloons

During our time in NYC, we met up with friends and went to Brasserie Cognac Midtown (near Grand Central Station) for dinner.  The total check came to $155.13 (which I paid for entirely with InKind credits that I purchased at a discount), and then I charged the tip to my credit card.  The tip charge coded as a restaurant purchase and earned 3x points on my Bilt Rewards MasterCard .

a screenshot of a menu

A few days later, Laura and I went to Serafina (Broadway 55th) for dinner before we saw a musical near Times Square.  The total check came to $111.04 (which I paid for entirely with InKind credits and a $25 referral credit), and then I charged the tip to my credit card.  Both restaurants were great, but I’m sure the other 150-250 InKind restaurants in NYC are equally as good, these just happened to be close by and available for dinner on OpenTable.

a screenshot of a menu

A few years ago, Frequent Miler wrote Save money on takeout (and maybe do good) with Too Good to Go .  The app allows you to buy leftover food from participating cafés / bakeries / restaurants / etc. at the end of the day (for a big discount) before the food is thrown away.  Think of your local café that has unsold pastries at the end of the day, a bakery with leftover bread that did not sell, or a pizzeria with a random assortment of unsold slices.  For 1/3 or 1/4 of the original price, you can buy these leftover items and save the food from being thrown away.  There is only 1 participating location where I live (a Peet’s Coffee & Tea), but in big cities, like NYC, there are several hundred participating locations available.  Each location sets their own number of Too Good To Go bags for sale each day and the popular places do sell out fast (which you can hide by unselecting the Sold Out option).  There is no referral or sign up bonus, but you can download the app here ( iOS and Android ).

a map of a city with many green circles

We used Too Good To Go twice in NYC and got lucky that there were participating cafes close by that still had bags available for sale.  At Ole & Steen at 518 Lexington Ave, we got 2 pastries and 2 large loafs of bread that were easily worth 2-3x the $4.99 price tag.

a screenshot of a phone

At Cafe D’Avignon (next door to the Moxy Times Square), we got 2 pastries, a cookie, and 4 small dinner rolls that were easily worth 2-3x the $4.99 price tag.

a screenshot of a phone

I love pastries and baked goods, so that is my usual go to option for Too Good To Go, but if you there are many types of cuisine available on the app, especially in a big city like NYC.  If you have any questions about either app or service, please leave a comment below.  Have a great day everyone!

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