This is your guide to the most valuable transferable points in Canada, American Express Membership Rewards.
It’s a flexible rewards program that lets you earn points with participating American Express credit cards and redeem them for cashback, gift cards, travel, and more.
You’ll earn plenty of Membership Rewards points with cards like the American Express Cobalt, Gold, Business Gold, Platinum, and Business Platinum.
You’ll get the most value by transferring points to airline and hotel partners to book nearly free travel.
Here’s your complete guide to how to earn, use, and get the most from your Membership Rewards.
What Are American Express Membership Rewards
Membership Rewards are the points you earn through the American Express Membership Rewards program.
You’ll need a card that earns Membership Rewards such as the American Express Cobalt, Gold Business Gold, Platinum, and Business Platinum.
You’ll earn points every time you use a participating card, with some earning more on categories like groceries, dining, or travel.
You can redeem Membership Rewards for cashback, gift cards, and more. You’ll get the highest value when you transfer them to airline and hotel partners for travel.
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Why American Express Membership Rewards are Most Valuable
Membership Rewards are the most valuable points in Canada. You’ll earn them with cards such as the American Express Cobalt, Gold, and Platinum.
You’ll have the flexibility to redeem points the way you want. You can redeem them for cashback, gift cards, or shopping at about 0.5 to 1.4 per point.
You’ll get the most value when you transfer Membership Rewards to travel partners. Transfers often give you 2.2 cents or more per point, making them one of the best ways to save money and book nearly free travel.
Points Valuation in 2026
Wondering how much travel points are worth?
Not all points are worth the same. See how major travel programs compare for Canadians.
Points Valuation in 2026
Wondering how much travel points are worth?
Not all points are worth the same. See how major travel programs compare for Canadians.
- 2.00 ¢
- 0.70 ¢
- 1.00 ¢
How to Earn American Express Membership Rewards
You can earn Membership Rewards with American Express cards like the Cobalt, Gold, and Platinum. You don’t need to be a big spender to get started.
You’ll find many ways to earn points. Welcome bonuses are the fastest, but you’ll also earn through everyday spending, Amex Offers, referrals, upgrade promotions, adding authorized users, and shopping portals.
Check out our guide to earning Membership Rewards for more easy strategies to earn points without overspending.
Welcome Bonuses
The fastest way to earn Membership Rewards is through welcome bonuses. You’ll earn a welcome bonus after meeting the minimum spend.
Some cards, like the Platinum, Business Platinum, and Business Gold, offer big bonuses tied to a larger spend in the first few months. The best strategy is to time these with planned expenses, so you earn the bonus without overspending.
Other cards, like the Cobalt and Gold, spread the bonus across monthly spend in the first year. That makes it easy to align with your regular budget.
Most American Express cards in Canada have an associated fee, but the welcome bonus and perks usually outweigh it. Check out the top offers for generous welcome bonuses, and learn how to meet the minimum spending without overspending.
American Express Membership Rewards Cards
Welcome Points: Elevated 130,000
Welcome Value: $5,544
Annual Fee: $799
Welcome Points: 40,000
Welcome Value: $1,300
Annual Fee: $199
Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
The American Express Platinum is always in our wallet thanks to these benefits. With it, we’ve enjoyed lounge access, Gold Elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Plus, annual $200 travel and $200 restaurant credits.
Earn Maximum Points From Everyday Spending
Using your American Express cards regularly is the easiest way to keep earning.
You’ll earn points faster when you match your card to what you naturally spend on.
For example, the American Express Cobalt gives you 5x points on groceries, dining, and food delivery. The American Express Gold earns 2x points on travel, gas, groceries, and drugstores in Canada.
American Express Membership Rewards Cards
Best Luxury Business Travel Card
Annual Value: $2,385
Annual Fee: $799
Best mid-range Amex MR business card
Annual Value: $420
Annual Fee: $199
Best for occasional lounge access
Annual Value: $832
Annual Fee: $250
Best Everyday Card
Annual Value: $260
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
How to Redeem American Express Membership Rewards
You can redeem your Membership Rewards through the Amex portal, statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise.
The best value comes from transferring Membership Rewards to airline and hotel partners. That’s how you book premium flights and hotels almost anywhere while saving money on travel.
Airline and Hotel Partners
You can transfer your Membership Reward in Canada to some of the top airline and hotel loyalty programs. You’ll get access to over 50 airlines, including premium and business class cabins, plus global hotel partners.
Some of the best airline options include Air Canada Aeroplan and Air France-KLM Flying Blue. You can also transfer Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors for city stays, overseas hotels, and luxury resorts.
Here’s a full list of Amex Travel partners in Canada and how to transfer your American Express Membership Rewards.
AWP TIP
You’ll want to set up your loyalty accounts early and link them in your Membership Rewards profile as soon as you get your Amex card.
This way, transfers will be faster when you’re ready.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
American Express Membership Rewards FAQ
Here’s some answers to the most common questions about American Express Membership Rewards:
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Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
American Express Membership Rewards Bottom Line
American Express Membership Rewards are the most valuable transferable points in Canada. It’s easy to earn Amex points with many cards and multiple ways to earn without overspending.
They’re super flexible, with plenty of redemption options. You’ll get the most value by transferring Membership Rewards to airline and hotel partners.
Whether you’re visiting family in Canada or the U.S., or planning a luxury vacation in Europe, Membership Rewards points will get you there while saving money on travel.
