Collect enough points and you could even find yourself travelling for free by redeeming points for everything from flight tickets and hotel stays to cruises, vacation packages and more! Other benefits to a travel credit card include access to airport lounges, welcome bonus offers, and travel insurance that can help you save even more on travel.

If you’re going to use one credit card for flexibility in your reward and points planning, then the American Express Gold or Platinum card is likely your best option.

Firstly, American Express offers a welcome bonus of Membership Rewards points for Gold and Platinum cardholders. It’s important to note that in order to receive this welcome bonus, cardholders need to hit minimum spending amounts in their first 3-6 months of card membership. Secondly, American Express credit cards offer the ability to earn more points on dining or travel (a must for those with wanderlust). Thirdly, American Express credit cards allow you the flexibility to decide whether to transfer your points to airlines or hotels. Read on to find out the benefits of American Express credit cards in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

UNITED KINGDOM

American Express currently offers:

• American Express Business Gold free for one year (£125 thereafter).
• A welcome bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points (you must spend £5,000 in the first 3 months to qualify for the bonus).
• American Express Business Platinum has a sign-up bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points!

What can I do with Membership Rewards points?

Membership Rewards points can be exchanged in numerous ways, including redeeming them for gift cards, Amazon items or even electronics. The most valuable (and travel-friendly) option is to convert reward points into frequent flyer miles (including B.A Avios points and Virgin Flying Club) at a ratio of 1:1.  This means that the American Express Gold card welcome bonus is worth 50,000 Avios or 50,000 Virgin Points—enough for two round-trip flights from Heathrow to JFK, with 10,000 points left over to cover the cost of meals!

American Express points also convert into Hilton Honors (at 1:2), Marriott Bonvoy (at 2:3) and Radisson Rewards, at a generous 1:3 ratio.

UNITED STATES

American Express Gold currently offers:

• A welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points (you must spend $4,000 in the first 6 months to qualify for the bonus).
• 4x reward points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery (perfect for supporting local businesses during the pandemic).
• 4x reward points on groceries purchased at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 purchases per year).
• 3x reward points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.

American Express Platinum currently offers:

• A welcome bonus of 75,000 Membership Rewards points (you must spend $5,000 in the first 6 months to qualify for the bonus).
• 10x reward points on purchases at US gas stations and supermarkets.
• 5x reward points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year).
• 5x reward points on prepaid hotels booked directly on AmexTravel.com.
• 1x reward points on all other purchases.

CANADA 

American Express Gold currently offers:

• A welcome bonus of 25,000 Membership Rewards points (you must spend $1,500 in the first 3 months to qualify for the bonus).
• 2x points on purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada.
• 2x on eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.

• 1x reward points on hotel or car rental bookings made on americanexpress.ca/travel
• 1x reward points on all other purchases.

American Express Platinum currently offers:

• A welcome bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points (you must spend $3,000 in the first 3 months to qualify for the bonus).
• 3x points on card purchases on eligible dining in Canada.
• 2x on eligible travel purchases.
• 1x reward points on all other purchases.
• 1x reward points on hotel or car rental bookings made on americanexpress.ca/travel

As you can see, if you wish to maximize points and flexibility, an American Express credit card could be the perfect fit for you. Do your research as new offers are constantly being introduced, and decide if you’d prefer a personal or business credit card—both work well in terms of flexibility, but business cards generally allow you to carry a balance interest-fee for up to 55 days, which can be a huge advantage.

Finally, it’s important to note that American Express cards often come with a hefty annual fee. However, I think that the benefits far outweigh the costs, and for savvy travellers, the opportunity to earn and redeem rewards in countless ways is invaluable.

Many American Express credit cards also offer a purchase protection plan, fraud protection guarantee, travel-related insurance benefits, and 24/7 customer support, all of which can come in handy while abroad.