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How to Maximise Your Amex Points for Free Travel & Luxury Stays

Written By
Roshan Nair
Last Updated
Jan 29, 2025
Read
20 min

What if we told you that by spending 7 lakhs a year on your Amex credit cards (coupled with some smart referrals), you could rack up a whopping 200,000+ points? Well, buckle up, because with that kind of haul, you’re looking at 2 weeks (yes, TWO weeks!) of stays at luxury 5-star partner hotels through Amex’s top-tier Marriott Bonvoy partnership.

This blog is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about milking your Amex cards for all they’re worth—and we're talking serious rewards. From scoring free flights in business class to scoring free nights at Marriott hotels, we'll show you exactly how you can use your everyday spending like a total travel hack boss.

Your next free vacation is just a swipe away.

Let's dive in.

To start off, let's look at the Holy trio of Amex Cards: Amex Membership Rewards Credit Card, Amex Gold Charge Credit Card, and the Amex Platinum Travel Card. Here’s the plan:

Step 1: Score 32,800 points with Amex MRCC

Annual spend required on this card: 2,40,000 INR

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card
American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card

This is where the journey starts.

  • Joining Bonus: Sign up and you’ll immediately earn 4,000 points.

  • Milestone #1: Spend 1,500 across 4 separate purchases (clubbing them into a single purchase of 6,000 won't work!). This will earn you 1,000 points for the milestone.

  • Milestone #2: Spend an extra 14,000 to reach a total of 20,000 INR in monthly spending and snag another 1,000 points. That’s 2,000 points per month for hitting these targets.

  • Base Reward: For every 50 INR spent on your MRCC card, you earn 1 point. So, if you spend 20,000 in a month, you’ll get an additional 400 points.

Monthly Total:

That adds up to 2,400 points per month, or 28,800 points annually. Add the joining bonus of 4,000 points on top, and you’ve got a total of 32,800 points for the year.

How to score points with Amex MRCC
How to score points with Amex MRCC

Bonus: Referral Program on the Amex MRCC

Referrals aren't part of our basic calculation, but let’s take a moment to explore the referral program scenario because it’s worth a mention. If you really nail the referral game, this is where the real magic happens:

  • 17 referrals = 8,000 points per referral = a total of 150,000 points (sometimes, Amex sweetens the deal and bumps the points per referral).

  • Add that to the earlier total of 32,800 points, and you’re sitting on a nice 182,800 points.

How to Use Those Points

You’ve got options—and they’re good ones.

  • Swiggy Dineout, Zomato, Instamart, Blinkit, Amazon, Uber/Ola, and even utility payments via Amazon (GyFTR).

  • For example, 182,800 points could get you 7 Amazon vouchers worth ₹8,000 each. That’s ₹56,000 in value!

  • Or 7 Taj vouchers worth ₹14,000 each, giving you a total of ₹98,000 in value—without breaking the bank!

  • Or if you’re into travel, you can convert those points to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio—that’s right, every 1 MRCC point equals 1 Bonvoy point.

Amex likes to throw in a little extra during Oct-Nov, especially for hotel stays, offering 30% more points. It’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out on your email. That means you get an extra 54,840 points added to your 182,800—making your new total 237,640 points!

Where Does That Get You?

You can split Marriott Bonvoy hotels into 4 types: Luxury, Premium, Select, and Hotels for Longer Stays. Here’s an example for you:

  • Fairfield by Marriott, Mumbai Airport: 16,500 points or ₹10,200 per night.

  • That means with 237,640 points, you’re looking at 2 weeks (14 nights) of a stay there. Yep, 14 NIGHTS for just meeting the milestone spend and leveraging the referral program.

But even in the worst-case scenario in which you didn’t manage to get referrals, that’s still 32,800 points on your milestone spends alone.

Fairfield by Marriott, Mumbai International Airport
Fairfield by Marriott, Mumbai International Airport

Step 2: Score 52,000 points with Amex Platinum Travel

Annual spend required on this card: 4,00,000 INR

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

This card isn’t just a classy showpiece—it comes with some serious rewards for your spending. Here’s how it stacks up:

  • Joining Bonus: Start off strong with 4,000 Membership Reward points just for signing up.

  • Bonus #1: Spend 1.9 lakh, and you’ll earn an additional 15,000 points.

  • Bonus #2: Spend 2.1 lakhs more (totalling 4 lakhs) and you’ll snag 25,000 points.

  • Base Reward Rate: Every 1 point equals ₹50, so by the time you hit that 4L spend, you’ll rack up an extra 8,000 points.

Total Points:

With all those bonuses and the base points, you’ll earn a total of 52,000 points.

How to score points with Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card
How to score points with Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card

What’s the Payoff?

  • Taj Voucher: Spend that 4 lakh, and you’ll get a ₹10,000 Taj voucher to treat yourself.

  • Lounge Access: Plus, you get 8 lounge visits every year to kick back before your flight.

Renewal Fee:

The renewal fee for the next year is ₹5,000, but honestly, just the Taj voucher alone makes it totally worth it. You’ll easily get back more than what you paid.

Step 3: Score 27,200 with AMEX Gold Charge

Annual spend required on this card: 72,000 INR

Amex Gold Charge Card
Amex Gold Charge Card

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem—small fee, but solid rewards if you play your cards right (no pun intended).

  • Fees and joining bonus: The joining fee is just ₹1,000, and you kick things off with an 8,000 Amex points bonus.

  • Milestone Bonus: Spend ₹1,000 on 6 transactions every month, and you’ll snag an extra 1,000 points each month. That’s an easy win.

  • Base Reward Rate: You get 1 point for every ₹50 spent, but when you use the GyFTR portal to buy vouchers, you get 5x reward points.

    • Base reward for a spend of 6000 INR per month = 6000/50 = 120 points (standard rate of 1 reward point for every 50 INR spent)

    • Base reward points if the same 6000 INR is spent via GyFTR = 120 x 5 = 600 points per month.

    • So, spend that milestone ₹6,000 on GyFTR every month and you’ll rack up a total of 600 points every month just on base rewards.

  • Total = 1000+600 = 1,600 reward points a month.

Total Points:

If you follow this monthly routine for a year, you’ll earn 27,200 points (including the 8,000 points joining bonus). Not bad for just a bit of strategic shopping.

The renewal fee on this card is on the higher side, so if you’re not fully invested in this particular card, you might want to consider cancelling it after 1 year.

How to maximise reward points from the Amex Gold Charge credit card
How to maximise reward points from the Amex Gold Charge credit card

The Big Picture:

By the time you hit 7.12L in spend across all your cards, here’s what you’ll have:

  • 32,800 points (from the MRCC)

  • 52,000 points (from the Platinum Travel card)

  • 27,200 points (from the Gold Charge card)

That’s a total of 1,12,000 points in one year—without breaking the bank. Just smart spending, and maybe a few extra trips to GyFTR!

How to Use Your Grand Total of 112,000 Points

I. Flights: Maximising Your Amex Points for Air Travel

For each of the following airline partners, create an account with their loyalty program and link the corresponding airline loyalty program into your Amex profile.

Keep in mind, that transferring Amex points is a one-way street. Once you’ve moved your points to a partner, you can’t return them to your Amex account. 

Here's where transferring points to each airline can get you:

1. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1 conversion ratio)

First, link your KrisFlyer account to your Amex profile via the American Express Membership Rewards portal. After transferring your points, go to the Singapore Airlines website and check for flights. Economy class to Singapore or nearby destinations may cost around 30,000-40,000 miles. Utilize KrisFlyer’s Saver Awards for the best value, and plan your trip during low-demand periods to stretch your points further.

2. Qatar Airways Privilege Club (1:1 ratio)

Connect your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account to Amex and transfer your points to your Qatar Airways account. Flights from India to Doha typically require 30,000-40,000 miles for economy class, with business class costing more. Use Qatar Airways’ Qmiles for upgrades to business class or even luxury stopover packages in Doha, getting more out of your points.

3. British Airways Avios (1:1 ratio)

Transfer your Amex points to the British Airways Executive Club. Short-haul flights within Europe, including connecting flights from India to London, cost about 40,000-50,000 Avios in economy class. Use Avios for short-haul trips to maximize the value of your points, especially within Europe or the Middle East.

4. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio)

Link your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account to Amex, then transfer your points directly to Virgin Atlantic. Round-trip flights to the UK can cost around 50,000-60,000 miles for economy, while premium cabins like Upper Class are available for around 120,000-150,000 miles.

Check for seat sale offers where you can redeem fewer miles or book your flights during Virgin’s promotional periods for better value.

II. Hotels: Using Amex Points for Luxury Stays

Link your Amex Membership Rewards account to your Marriott Bonvoy account. Once transferred, use your points to book stays at Marriott’s global network of hotels, ranging from Fairfield to Ritz-Carlton. A 5-star stay typically costs between 15,000–25,000 points per night.

Take advantage of the 5th-night free benefit when booking with points for extended stays at Marriott properties.

1. Hilton Honors (1:2 conversion ratio)

Transfer Amex points to your Hilton Honors account, and book rooms at Hilton properties. A standard room at Hilton properties ranges between 20,000-30,000 points per night, but luxury hotels like the Conrad or Waldorf Astoria may cost more. Hilton’s “Points & Cash” option allows you to combine points and cash for lesser points usage, especially useful for high-end properties.

2. Accor Hotels (All Hotels under the Accor Group)

Link your Amex account to Accor Hotels’ ALL loyalty program. Use your points for stays at Sofitel, Novotel, Raffles, and other luxury Accor hotels worldwide. During special promotional periods, Accor often offers additional point bonuses or discounts, so be sure to check for these offers when booking.

3. IHG Rewards Club (InterContinental, Holiday Inn)

Transfer your Amex points directly to your IHG Rewards Club account and book stays at hotels such as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza. The cost for stays can range from 10,000–40,000 points depending on the location and property. Use IHG’s PointBreaks promotions for discounted award nights, allowing you to book rooms for fewer points.

4. World of Hyatt

Link your Hyatt account to Amex and transfer points directly. Hyatt stays range from 5,000–30,000 points per night, with luxury stays at properties like the Hyatt Centric or Hyatt Zilara requiring more points. Use Hyatt’s award nights for free nights at luxurious properties like Hyatt Centric in Istanbul or Hyatt Centric Monte Carlo.

For more strategies, check out our blog on how to get free flights and hotel stays using travel credit cards.

Maximise Points with the Amex Reward Multiplier Program/GyFTR

If you're looking to supercharge your points, the Amex Reward Multiplier Program is your secret weapon. With this program, you can earn 2X to 5X points on select partner platforms like MakeMyTrip, Flipkart, Nykaa, Apple, and Ajio. Whether you're booking your next vacation, treating yourself to some new fashion, or upgrading your tech, you can rack up points at a rate that’ll have you smiling all the way to your next reward.

Amex Reward Multiplier Program
Amex Reward Multiplier Program

Here’s the kicker: If you’re not planning to make a purchase right away, GyFTR is a solid workaround. GyFTR lets you buy vouchers for future use on these platforms, and you’ll still earn points like a pro.

Ironically, GyFTR points are credited much faster than those earned directly through Amex’s own Reward Multiplier platform. We’re talking just 2-3 days for GyFTR points versus a slow 120-day wait for points from the Amex platform itself.

Why Use GyFTR?

If you're not in a rush to use your points and you want to stack up rewards without missing a beat, GyFTR is the way to go. It works especially well for those who know they’ll need the vouchers but aren’t planning to buy immediately.

Example:

  • MakeMyTrip – Booking flights or hotels? Use the Amex Reward Multiplier and earn 5X points.

  • Flipkart – Ready to shop? Earn 3X points while getting that new gadget.

  • Nykaa – Beauty buys? Score 2X points every time you splurge on your skincare routine.

  • Apple & Ajio – Whether it’s time for a new phone or refreshing your wardrobe, rack up 4X points.

Utilizing GyFTR vouchers enables you to speed up your points and stack them faster than you would through Amex’s own platform. So, next time you’re shopping, consider using GyFTR for quick, hassle-free points accumulation.

Amex 18K vs 24K Program

If you’re diving into the Amex Membership Rewards (MR) world, you’ve probably heard of the 18K Carat and 24K Carat programs. Both offer some seriously rewarding opportunities, but they each come with their own unique benefits. Let’s break it down, so you can make the most of your spending.

The Basics of the 18K and 24K Carat Programs

  • 18K Carat Program: This is your standard entry into the Amex MR ecosystem. The 18K program is perfect for those who are starting to explore travel rewards. You’ll earn a solid number of Membership Rewards points per transaction and can redeem them through Amex’s partners. Think of it as the starter pack for the serious traveller.

  • 24K Carat Program: The premium level for the avid traveller. This program is for those who want to maximize their rewards. You’ll get higher points per spend, exclusive access to special bonuses, and extra perks that set you apart from the 18K crowd. It's perfect for those who frequently book luxury travel experiences or want to accelerate their points collection.

Hotel Point Conversions

One of the main perks of the Amex 18K and 24K programs is the ability to transfer your points to hotel loyalty programs. Here’s where it gets interesting:

  • Marriott Bonvoy: For both the 18K and 24K programs, 1 Amex point = 1 Marriott Bonvoy point. This means you can get the same value out of your Amex points when transferring to Marriott, which is great for booking stays at their luxurious properties.

Marriott Bonvoy Partner Hotels
Marriott Bonvoy Partner Hotels

Marriott Bonvoy often has special redemption offers, such as discounts on points for off-peak stays, so make sure to time your redemptions right to stretch your points even further.

  • Hilton Honors: Here’s the catch: when transferring to Hilton, 10 Amex points = 9 Hilton points. The ratio is slightly less favourable, but Hilton’s frequent promotions and shorter redemption periods can still make it a worthwhile transfer.

Hilton’s “Points & Cash” option can often get you a better deal, allowing you to redeem fewer points and use a little cash to make up the difference.

Seasonal Bonus: The 30% Extra Points Offer

Every year, usually during October to November, Amex sometimes offers 30% more points on hotel transfers. This is mostly for Marriott, but Hilton sometimes participates too. This offer gives you a big bonus on the points you transfer, making it the ideal time to plan your redemptions if you're eyeing a hotel stay.

Take advantage of this bonus by strategically planning your hotel stays around this window. If you’ve been sitting on a stockpile of points, now’s the time to get maximum value.

Flight Transfers: Amex to Airline Partners

When it comes to flights, the Amex transfer ratio changes depending on the airline. Here’s the breakdown for some of Amex’s most popular partners:

  • British Airways, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific), Singapore KrisFlyer, Virgin Atlantic: For these partners, the transfer ratio is 1:1. So for every 1 Amex point, you’ll receive 1 airline mile.

The value of airline miles can far exceed the value of hotel points when it comes to long-haul flights or upgrades.

If you’re booking with one of these airlines, consider booking during promotions where these airlines may have lower mileage redemption rates for certain routes.

Keep in mind, that transferring Amex points is a one-way street. Once you’ve moved your points to a partner, you can’t return them to your Amex account. 

Amex Membership Rewards Partner Airlines
Amex Membership Rewards Partner Airlines

Additional Tips and Resources for Maximizing Your Amex Points

  1. Amex Travel Portal: When redeeming points for travel via the Amex Travel portal, you get access to extra benefits like premium travel services and sometimes discounted rates that can provide you with a better deal than traditional booking websites.

  2. Book Flights with Points + Cash: For both 18K and 24K cardholders, booking flights with a combination of points and cash can help stretch your points. Plus, it can open up more premium cabins if you're willing to pay a bit more in cash.

  3. Use the Membership Rewards Points Calculator: Amex has an online calculator on their website that helps you see the conversion rates for various partners. It’s a handy tool when you’re comparing between hotels, airlines, and other redemption options.

  4. Frequent Flyer Programs: Focus on building miles with one or two specific programs rather than spreading your points too thin. Loyalty to one program (like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer or Qatar Privilege Club) will allow you to accumulate more points and get better upgrades over time.

  5. Amex Offers and Promotions: Don’t forget to check out the Amex Offers that pop up frequently, especially for online and in-store shopping. You can earn extra points for regular purchases or unlock discounts at popular retailers—this can be a quick way to rack up more points!

Is It Worth It?

Both the 18K and 24K programs from Amex are excellent ways to rack up points for travel, but the key difference lies in how much you want to spend and how much you travel. If you’re just getting started, the 18K program is a great entry point, but for those who are serious about earning high rewards and getting luxury travel perks, the 24K program will give you that extra edge.

With smart planning, these programs can unlock amazing travel experiences, from luxury hotel stays to business-class flights.

JW Marriott, Kuala Lumpur
JW Marriott, Kuala Lumpur

Maximising Amex Points With Transfers

If you’re an Amex cardholder and you’re looking to unlock the real power of your points, here’s how you can make the most out of them. Earlier, we saw that by spending around 7.5 lakh in a year across your Amex Trio, you can accumulate 1 lakh points.

But what does that actually get you? Let’s break it down:

Marriott Bonvoy Redemption: 4-5 Nights at 5-Star Properties

  • With 1:1 point transfer to Marriott Bonvoy, your 1 lakh Amex points are enough to secure 4-5 nights at a 5-star Marriott hotel. Not bad for spending a little on your daily purchases!

  • To start the transfer, simply sign up for Marriott Bonvoy membership, link your ID with Amex, and head to Explore Rewards on the Amex app. From there, it’s just a matter of transferring your points to Marriott, reviewing, and submitting your transfer request.

The first time you transfer points might take up to 6 hours, so plan ahead if you need them urgently.

Elite Marriott Bonvoy Membership: Extra Perks

When you’ve stayed for 10 nights, you unlock Silver Elite status with Marriott, which comes with some sweet perks:

  • 10% more points on stays

  • Priority late check-out

  • Member rates and complimentary Wi-Fi

Membership Tiers, Marriott Bonvoy
Membership Tiers, Marriott Bonvoy

These perks are incredibly useful when booking through Marriott, especially when you’re getting bonus points and extra flexibility. The more nights you stay, the higher you climb the tier ladder with even better benefits.

How to Book: Understanding Point and Cash Value

When you’re booking a Marriott stay, you’ll see both points and cash options. Here's the deal—points aren’t fixed in value.

Book in less touristy destinations for maximum value from each Amex point.
For example, a night at Fairfield by Marriott, Goa Calangute costs 17,000 points or ₹6,460 (1 point ~ 0.38 INR).
But the point value for a night at Westin Resort in Rishikesh (25,000 INR) is about 25,500 points (1 point ~ 1 INR).

This shows that for premium or tourist-heavy spots, you may need to use more points for the same value.

Bonus: 5th Night Free

  • Here’s a pro tip: Book 4 nights at Marriott Bonvoy, and you get the 5th night free. This is perfect for those longer trips where you want to stretch your points even further.

Taj Voucher vs Marriott Bonvoy: Which is Better?

  • Marriott Bonvoy (Global) trumps the 24 Carat Taj Voucher (which is only usable within India). With Marriott, you're getting access to an international network of luxury properties, while the Taj voucher limits you to domestic stays. For a globally connected travel experience, Marriott Bonvoy is the way to go.

Bonus: Transfer Points to Alaska Airlines for Miles

  • Here’s the real game-changer: You can transfer your points to Alaska Airlines at a 3:1 ratio (90,000 Amex points = 30,000 miles). This is an amazing value since Alaska Airlines is partnered with Qatar Airways, meaning you can get a round-trip business class flight to Doha for just 30,000 miles.

This transfer process can take up to 7 days, so plan accordingly if you’re booking a flight soon!

Amex Points Open Doors to Luxury

In the world of travel rewards, Amex points are incredibly versatile. Whether you're booking luxurious hotel stays, flying business class, or just stacking up on points for the future, Amex gives you the tools to make every spend count. Plus, with the Marriott Bonvoy 5th night free deal and the ability to transfer to Alaska Airlines for an amazing deal on flights, your points can unlock experiences that are truly worth the investment.

So, use those points wisely, and enjoy the luxury travel you deserve.

Is it hard to get an Amex card?

Getting an Amex card depends on credit and income—cards like the Amex Gold require a good credit score (700+) and a steady income. Premium options like Amex Platinum may need higher income thresholds (₹10-12 lakh/year) and more spending history. If you meet these, approval is typically smooth.

Why is American Express so special?

American Express stands out for its premium rewards program, offering high-value points on travel, dining, and shopping. It provides exclusive access to airport lounges, travel upgrades, and concierge services. Additionally, Amex cards often come with robust customer service and fraud protection, setting them apart from other credit cards.

What is the minimum income for American Express card?

The minimum income required for an American Express card depends on the specific card. For example, the American Express Gold Card typically requires an annual income of ₹6-8 lakh, while premium cards like the Platinum Card may require a higher income of around ₹15 lakh or more. Income requirements can vary by card type and region, so it's best to check the specific card details.

Will Amex's poor acceptance be an obstacle when earning points?

Amex's lower acceptance can be easily bypassed with platforms like GyFTR and the Membership Rewards program. You can purchase vouchers for popular retailers and online stores via GyFTR, still earning full points without worrying about card acceptance. Plus, with the Membership Rewards portal, you can redeem points directly for travel, shopping, and more, without needing to swipe your card everywhere.

What are the eligibility criteria for Amex Cards?

To be eligible for Amex cards, you typically need to be at least 21 years old, have a good credit score (750+), and earn a minimum annual income (around ₹6-7 lakhs for basic cards, higher for premium ones). Additionally, applicants need to be Indian residents and may require proof of employment or business. Proof of income may be required.