How much are American Express Membership Rewards points worth?

1.30¢ to 2.20¢ per point across 5 published valuations in September 2026, a typical 1.74¢. That makes 100,000 points worth about $1,740 in flights when used well.

Written and reviewed by the Points Plug team. Last reviewed .

What are your American Express Membership Rewards points worth?

Enter a balance to see its value at the low, typical and high ends of published valuations.

Low · 1.30¢
$1,300
Typical · 1.74¢
$1,740
High · 2.20¢
$2,200

These are redemption values, what the points save you on flights when used well. A cash offer is certain money now. Get an instant quote for 100,000 points.

What common balances are worth

BalanceLow (1.30¢)Typical (1.74¢)High (2.20¢)
50,000 points$650$870$1,100
100,000 points$1,300$1,740$2,200
250,000 points$3,250$4,350$5,500
500,000 points$6,500$8,700$11,000

Published valuations, September 2026

What redemptions actually return

  • Transfers to Aeroplan, Flying Blue, ANA, Virgin Atlantic or Avios for premium cabins2.0¢ to 5.0¢
  • Business Platinum Pay with Points on flights, after the 35 percent rebate1.54¢ to 1.54¢
  • Amex Travel flights with Pay with Points1.0¢ to 1.0¢
  • Statement credit0.60¢ to 0.60¢

Why American Express Membership Rewards points are worth what they are

Membership Rewards points are valued at 1.3 to 2.2 cents each in September 2026, the widest spread of any bank currency. Upgraded Points puts them at 2.2 cents, The Points Guy at 2 cents, and NerdWallet at 1.3 cents, which reflects that NerdWallet values them at the best transfer partner rate rather than an aspirational premium-cabin award.

The difference from Chase is the floor. Amex pays only 0.6 cents per point as a statement credit and 1 cent on flights booked through Amex Travel, with the Business Platinum's 35 percent rebate lifting flights to about 1.54 cents. Everything above that requires a transfer to one of the eighteen airline partners, and American Express adds an excise fee on transfers to US airlines.

Amex has the largest airline partner list of any US program, including Delta, Aeroplan, Flying Blue, KrisFlyer, Avios, Emirates, Etihad and Virgin Atlantic. A member who will not transfer is choosing between 0.6 cents of statement credit and a cash quote for Membership Rewards points.

American Express Membership Rewards value FAQ

How much are 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards points worth?
At the September 2026 valuations of 1.3 to 2.2 cents, 100,000 Membership Rewards points are worth about $1,300 to $2,200 when transferred to an airline partner and redeemed well. A statement credit pays only $600, and Amex Travel flights pay $1,000.
What is the cheapest way to cash out Amex points?
Amex's own statement credit pays 0.6 cents per point, the lowest of the major bank programs. Selling the points for cash or transferring them to an airline for a specific award both return more.

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