Use Amex Points on Amazon: Worth It?

Key Points

Amazon offers a 20-40% discount when you use Amex Membership Rewards points, but this values points at just 0.5-0.7 cents each.
Transferring points to airline or hotel partners typically delivers 1.5-2+ cents per point in value.
This option makes sense only for small purchases or when you need to use expiring points quickly.

American Express offers a feature that lets you use Membership Rewards points for Amazon purchases at a discount. Sounds convenient, right? Shop on Amazon, use your points, get a discount. But here's what most people don't realize: this is almost always one of the worst ways to use your valuable Amex points.

I'm going to walk you through exactly how the Amazon Membership Rewards discount works, show you the math on why it usually doesn't make sense, and reveal the rare situations where it might actually be worth considering. More importantly, I'll show you better alternatives that can give you 2-3 times more value from the same points.

Quick Answer: Should You Use Amex Points on Amazon?

Probably not. While the Amazon discount sounds appealing, you're typically getting just 0.5-0.7 cents per point in value. Compare that to transferring points to airline partners where you can regularly get 1.5-2+ cents per point, and the choice becomes clear.

The Amazon option exists for convenience, but if you want to maximize your points' value, there are much better redemption strategies available.

What Is the Amazon Membership Rewards Discount?

The Amazon Membership Rewards discount is a feature that allows you to use your Amex points directly for Amazon purchases. When you shop on Amazon with an eligible American Express card linked to your account, you can apply your Membership Rewards points at checkout to reduce your purchase price.

American Express typically offers a discount of 20-40% when you use points, meaning you'll need fewer points than if you were redeeming them at a 1:1 ratio. The exact discount percentage varies based on promotional periods and your specific card.

Which Cards Are Eligible?

Any American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points can use this feature, including:

You'll need to link your eligible Amex card to your Amazon account and enroll in the Shop with Points program.

How the Amazon Discount Works: The Math

Let's break down the actual value you're getting when you use this feature. Understanding the math is crucial before deciding if this redemption makes sense.

The Discount Structure

When Amazon offers a 40% discount (the most common promotional rate), here's how it works:

Example Purchase: $100 Amazon Order

Without discount: 10,000 points (at 1 cent per point)
With 40% discount: 6,000 points
Effective value: 0.67 cents per point

That might sound decent until you compare it to other redemption options.

Comparing to Other Redemption Methods

Transfer to Airline Partners (Our top recommendation)

Typical value: 1.5-2 cents per point
Best-case value: 3-5+ cents per point
Real example: 60,000 points for a business class flight to Europe worth $3,000+ = 5 cents per point

Transfer to Hotel Partners

Typical value: 1-2 cents per point
Best-case value: 2-3 cents per point
Example: 50,000 points for a hotel worth $500 = 1 cent per point

Amex Travel Portal

Fixed value: 1 cent per point (most cards)
Platinum Card: 1.25 cents per point for flights
Business Platinum: 1.5 cents per point for flights

Statement Credits

Fixed value: 0.6 cents per point
Only slightly worse than Amazon discount

When you see it laid out like this, using points on Amazon starts looking like one of the least valuable options. You're leaving significant value on the table.

When the Amazon Discount Actually Makes Sense

I'm not going to pretend this feature is completely worthless. There are a few specific situations where using your Amex points on Amazon might be the right move:

1. Small Point Balances

If you have 2,000-5,000 points and won't accumulate enough for a meaningful transfer anytime soon, using them on Amazon for everyday purchases might make sense. It's better than letting them sit unused, and transfer partners typically require minimum transfers of 1,000 points anyway.

2. Urgent Need for the Product

Sometimes you need something now, and you're short on cash. If using points helps you get an essential purchase without going into credit card debt, that practical value outweighs the theoretical value you're giving up.

3. Points About to Expire

If your Membership Rewards points are at risk of expiring (though this is rare if you keep a card open), using them on Amazon is better than losing them entirely. This typically only happens if you've closed all your Amex cards and have a limited window to use remaining points.

4. Testing the Waters

New to points and miles? Using a small amount on Amazon can help you understand how the system works before diving into more complex transfer partner redemptions. Consider it tuition for your points education.

5. Gift Purchases

If you're buying gifts on Amazon and wouldn't have used the points for travel anyway, the convenience factor might outweigh the value difference. Some people prefer concrete purchases over aspirational travel bookings.

Better Ways to Use Your Amex Points

Before you click that "Use Points" button on Amazon, let me show you the strategies that will give you dramatically more value from your Membership Rewards points.

Transfer to Airline Partners for Maximum Value

This is where Membership Rewards points truly shine. American Express has 17 airline transfer partners, and several offer exceptional redemption opportunities.

Top Airline Transfer Partners:

Air Canada Aeroplan

Transfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spots: Business class to Europe (60,000-70,000 points), Asia routes
Why it's great: Flexible stopover rules, reasonable fuel surcharges

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Transfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spots: ANA business class to Japan (90,000 points round-trip)
Why it's great: Access to ANA premium cabins at lower rates than other programs

Avianca LifeMiles

Transfer ratio: 1:1
Sweet spots: Star Alliance business class at bargain rates
Why it's great: Frequent transfer bonuses (up to 20%)

Our complete guide to Amex transfer partners walks through all your options and when to use each one.

Transfer to Hotel Partners

Amex has three major hotel transfer partners, each with their own sweet spots:

Marriott Bonvoy

Transfer ratio: 1:1
Why transfer here: Top-tier luxury properties, 5th night free on award stays
Learn more in our Marriott Bonvoy complete guide

Hilton Honors

Transfer ratio: 1:1.5 (bonus 50%)
Why transfer here: Extensive portfolio, frequently good value for mid-tier properties
Check out our Hilton Honors complete guide

Choice Privileges

Transfer ratio: 1:1
Why transfer here: Budget-friendly options, good for road trips

Book Travel Through the Amex Portal

If you want flexibility without committing to specific airlines or hotels, the Amex Travel portal offers a middle ground:

Amex Gold Card: 1 cent per pointAmex Platinum Card: 1.25 cents per point on flightsBusiness Platinum Card: 1.5 cents per point on flights

This is still better than Amazon in most cases and gives you maximum flexibility.

Real-World Value Comparison

Let's look at what 50,000 Membership Rewards points could get you:

Used on Amazon (40% discount)

Effective value: $335 in Amazon purchases
Real value: 0.67 cents per point

Transferred to Airline Partner

Example: Round-trip business class to Europe during off-peak
Retail value: $2,500-4,000
Effective value: 5-8 cents per point

Booked Through Amex Platinum Travel Portal

Value: $625 in flights (1.25 cents per point)
Benefit: Complete flexibility, any airline

The Difference: Using those same 50,000 points for travel instead of Amazon could get you $1,000-3,000+ more in value. That's not theoretical – it's money you're leaving on the table.

How to Use Amex Points on Amazon (If You Decide To)

If after reading all this you still want to use your points on Amazon, here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Link Your American Express Card

Log into your Amazon account
Go to "Accounts & Lists" > "Your Payments"
Add your eligible Amex card if not already added
Verify the card through Amazon's process

Step 2: Enroll in Shop with Points

While logged into Amazon, visit the Shop with Points enrollment page
Select your Amex card from the dropdown menu
Click "Enroll" to activate the feature
Confirm enrollment via the verification email

Step 3: Shop and Apply Points at Checkout

Add items to your cart as usual
Proceed to checkout
Look for "Membership Rewards points" payment option
Choose how many points to apply (minimum usually 1 point)
Review the discount amount
Complete your purchase

Important Limitations

Minimum Redemption: Typically 1 point minimum, but the discount only applies above certain thresholdsEligible Items: Most items qualify, but gift cards and some digital content are excludedCombine with Promos: You can often stack the points discount with other Amazon promotionsPartial Redemptions: You can use points for part of a purchase and pay the rest with your card

Common Questions About Using Amex Points on Amazon

Does using points on Amazon affect my Membership Rewards balance permanently?

Yes, once you use points for an Amazon purchase, they're gone. Unlike some programs that let you "cancel" redemptions, Amazon transactions are final once completed.

Can I use points from multiple Amex cards on one Amazon account?

Yes, as long as all your Amex cards are enrolled in the Shop with Points program, you can draw from your combined Membership Rewards balance.

Do points transfers to Amazon count toward my annual Membership Rewards earning?

No, using points on Amazon is a redemption, not an earning transaction. It won't affect your earnings rate or any bonuses you're working toward.

Is there a limit to how many points I can use on Amazon?

There's no upper limit on points usage per purchase, but Amazon may have transaction size limits based on your account history and the specific item.

Can I return items I bought with points?

Yes, returns work normally. The points will be credited back to your Membership Rewards account, typically within 1-2 billing cycles.

Does the Amazon discount percentage ever change?

Yes, American Express adjusts the discount percentage periodically. It's ranged from 20% to 40% historically, with 40% being the most common promotional rate. Always check the current rate before redeeming.

The Honest Truth About Amazon Redemptions

Let me be direct: the Amazon Membership Rewards discount is a convenience feature, not a value maximization strategy. American Express and Amazon partnered to create this option because it's profitable for them and easy for customers to use without much thought.

Here's what they're banking on: most people won't do the math. They'll see "use your points for a discount" and think they're getting a great deal without comparing to other options. That's exactly how credit card companies want you to think about points.

If you're reading this article, you're clearly someone who cares about maximizing value. That means the Amazon option should be a last resort, not your go-to strategy.

What You Should Do Instead

Accumulate points intentionally using cards like the American Express® Gold Card (4x points on dining and groceries) or the Platinum Card (5x points on flights)
Learn transfer partners through resources like our guide to maximizing Amex Membership Rewards
Wait for opportunities – the best redemptions often require planning and flexibility
Reserve Amazon for emergencies only – when you genuinely need something and it's the best available option

What This Means for Your Points Strategy

Understanding the Amazon option is part of a bigger picture about how to think about points and miles. Every redemption is a trade-off between convenience and value.

The people who get the most from their points are those who:

Understand the relative value of different redemptions
Plan ahead for travel they actually want to take
Stay patient and wait for high-value opportunities
Use convenient options only when the value difference isn't significant

Check out our best American Express credit cards guide to ensure you're earning points in the most efficient categories, then maximize their value through smart redemptions.

Alternative Ways to Shop on Amazon with Points

If you like the idea of using points for Amazon purchases but want better value, consider these alternatives:

Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal

If you have Chase cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can book Amazon gift cards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards shopping portal. This typically earns you additional points on top of your base earning, effectively giving you a discount while still earning.

Capital One Shopping Integration

Capital One Venture X holders can use Capital One Shopping to find deals and earn rewards that offset Amazon purchases without depleting their valuable travel points.

Category Bonus Cards

Instead of using points on Amazon, pay with a cash back card that earns extra on Amazon purchases:

Amazon Prime Visa: 5% back for Prime members
Chase Freedom Flex: 5% back during quarterly bonus categories (when Amazon is included)

This preserves your valuable Amex points for high-value travel redemptions.

Making the Decision That's Right for You

I've laid out all the facts, run the numbers, and shown you the alternatives. Now it's decision time.

The Amazon Membership Rewards discount isn't inherently bad – it's just not optimal if your goal is to maximize value. If convenience matters more to you than squeezing every cent of value from your points, go ahead and use them on Amazon for things you need.

But if you're someone who likes travel, appreciates luxury experiences, and wants to make your points work as hard as possible, commit to learning about transfer partners. The difference between 0.7 cents per point and 2+ cents per point adds up quickly.

For most people reading The Points Party, I suspect you fall into the latter category. You're here because you want to travel smarter, not just shop more conveniently.

Conclusion

The Amazon Membership Rewards discount offers a quick, easy way to use your Amex points, but at 0.5-0.7 cents per point in value, it's one of the least valuable redemption options available. Transferring to airline or hotel partners typically delivers 2-3 times more value, making it the smarter choice for travelers who can plan ahead.

Use the Amazon discount only in specific situations: small point balances, urgent needs, or when you're genuinely not planning to travel. Otherwise, preserve your points for redemptions that deliver the outsized value that makes the points game worthwhile.

Ready to start maximizing your Amex points the right way? Pick up an American Express® Gold Card or Platinum Card and start building toward a redemption that'll make you feel like a travel genius, not just a savvy Amazon shopper.

This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue sharing points and miles strategies with the community.

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How to Use Amex Points on Amazon: Is the Membership Rewards Discount Worth It?