If you earn American Express Membership Rewards points, you may have a targeted Amazon offer that turns a small number of points into a large discount. Some cardholders are seeing deals that reduce an Amazon purchase by as much as 40% (we’ve seen 50% in earlier rounds) by redeeming as few as 1,429 Membership Rewards points.
What to know
– Offers are targeted and vary by cardholder. Some people get 40% (up to $40), others get smaller discounts like 15% (up to $15), and some get nothing. Historically, offers have appeared at 50% and the minimum-points requirement has changed over time.
– The current minimum redemption requirement often appearing is 1,429 Membership Rewards points. Previously it has been lower (for example, 714 points or even 1 point).
– Eligibility now appears to extend beyond items sold and shipped by Amazon to a broader selection of products, though terms and eligible items can change. Third-party gift cards do not seem to be eligible in many cases now.
– You must use an Amex card that earns Membership Rewards points to pay for the order (examples include the Amex Platinum, Amex Gold and Amex Green cards).
How to check and use the offer
1. Link your eligible Amex card to your Amazon account. You can add it in the Amazon payment settings or through the Amex app. Make sure the card you use earns Membership Rewards points.
2. Visit amazon.com/amexoffer or check your Amazon account for a targeted Amex offer. Activate the offer if it appears.
3. Add eligible items to your cart. Watch the product pages or checkout for an indication the offer applies.
4. At checkout, choose to pay with Membership Rewards points. Use the minimum number of points required to trigger the advertised discount rather than paying the entire purchase with points—this typically gives the best value.
5. Complete the purchase using the same Amex card as your payment method to cover any remaining balance.
Tips and caveats
– Because these are targeted promotions, not everyone will see the same deal. Check your account frequently when offers are circulating.
– Don’t automatically use points for the whole purchase. Membership Rewards often have higher value when transferred to travel partners, so treat this as a limited-time opportunity to stretch a small number of points for a meaningful discount.
– Keep an eye on which items are eligible. Terms have broadened, but not every product will qualify. The discount should show up at checkout if the offer is applied correctly.
– These Amex point-to-Amazon discounts sometimes stack with other targeted Amex Offers (for example, offers to earn bonus Membership Rewards points after spending a set amount at Amazon), so you may be able to combine savings and bonus-earning opportunities.
Other programs
Occasionally other card rewards programs run similar targeted promos for Amazon, such as Discover, Citi ThankYou, Capital One or Chase Ultimate Rewards redemptions. Those deals are also sporadic and targeted.
Bottom line
If you have a Membership Rewards-earning Amex card, check your Amazon account for a targeted Amex offer. When available, redeeming a modest number of points (often 1,429) can yield substantial savings on eligible Amazon purchases. As always, read the offer terms carefully and use a light touch with point redemptions to get the most value.
