You Can Spend Amex Membership Rewards Points at Amazon, But Should You?

American Express offers a convenient feature that allows cardholders to use their accumulated points directly at checkout on Amazon. At first glance, the ability to turn points into products with a single click seems like a great perk. However, when you dive into the math of reward valuations, the answer to whether you should use this option is almost always a resounding "no."

The Math: Redemption Value Comparison

The primary issue with spending Amex Membership Rewards (MR) points at Amazon is the poor redemption rate. Typically, when you use points for shopping, you receive a value of roughly 0.7 to 1 cent per point. This is the lowest possible way to utilize your balance.

In contrast, if you transfer those same points to travel partners—such as Delta, British Airways, or Emirates—you can easily achieve a value of 2 cents per point or more, especially for business class flights. By choosing Amazon, you are essentially trading a high-value travel asset for a low-value retail discount.

Better Alternatives for Your MR Points

If your goal is to maximize the utility of your American Express rewards, consider these three strategies instead:

1. Travel Transfers: Move points to airline or hotel partners to book luxury stays or long-haul flights.

2. Amex Travel Portal: Booking flights directly through American Express often yields a more stable value than retail shopping.

3. Statement Credits: While not ideal, using points for statement credits is sometimes more transparent than the Amazon conversion rate.

Using points for retail purchases is a "convenience trap." You sacrifice significant potential value for the sake of a simpler checkout process.

Final Verdict

While it is true that you can spend Amex Membership Rewards points at Amazon, you shouldn't. The disparity in value between retail redemption and travel transfers is too large to ignore. To get the most out of your credit card benefits, keep your points for high-value travel experiences and pay for your Amazon orders with cash or a cashback card.