Great ways to earn American Express Membership Rewards® points

Amex Membership Rewards points are one of the more flexible rewards programmes available to New Zealand Card Members. You can use them for travel, gift cards, dining or to pay off eligible purchases on your statement.

This guide explains how the NZ programme works, which Cards qualify, and the most effective ways to build your points balance without chasing loopholes or hard-to-use hacks.

How Membership Rewards works

Membership Rewards is American Express’s in-house points system. When you pay for things using an eligible Card, you earn points based on the Card’s earn rate. Points can be redeemed for:

• Travel*
• Gift cards*
• Paying off eligible charges*

Scroll down to our ‘How to redeem Membership Rewards points in New Zealand’ section for more details.

There is no expiry date for Membership Rewards points earned while in the program, so long as you are a Card Member, you are enrolled in the program and, all your Accounts are kept in good standing and are not overdue. It means you can build a balance over time and use your points when it suits you.

However, bear in mind that not every Amex Card in NZ earns points automatically. For some Amex Cards, including the American Express® Gold Business Card and the American Express® Business Card, Membership Rewards enrolment is optional, meaning you must opt in, and a $50 annual enrolment fee applies.

*See the full Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions on the Amex website.

Which NZ American Express Cards earn Membership Rewards?

Only three Amex Cards in New Zealand are currently available for new applications and earn Membership Rewards points. They are:

The American Express® Gold Rewards Card

The Gold Rewards Card is a personal card in NZ that earns Membership Rewards points. And as you might expect from an American Express rewards Card, it’s not short of features.

Features:

• Membership Rewards¹: The Card earns 2 points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases.
• Get $200 back²: When you apply, are approved and spend $1,500 in the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.
• Up to $200 dining credit³: It also comes with 2x $100 Dining Credits each year that can be used at any restaurant within the Amex Dining Collection. See the Dining Collection page on the Amex website for more details.
• Complimentary Travel Insurance⁴: Use your Card to pay for a return trip and you will benefit from Travel Insurance (both domestic and international). Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).
• Metal Card: Uniquely, the Card is metal and you can choose from either a gold or a rose gold version.

Card details:

• Annual fee: $200
• Purchase interest rate: 22.95% p.a.⁵
• Interest free period: Up to 55 days to pay for purchases⁶

See the full American Express® Credit Card Terms here.

Learn more or apply

American Express® Gold Business Card

One of two Amex Business Cards that offer Membership Rewards is the Amex Gold Business Card (upon enrolling in the Membership Rewards program).

The Amex Gold Business Card is not short of features.

Features:

• Bonus Points on sign up: Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® Bonus Points when you apply, are approved, and spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 2 months of your approval date.⁷ New American Express Card Members only. You must enrol in the Membership Rewards programme on your Card application to earn points; annual Card fee and annual Membership Rewards fee apply. T&C’s apply.
• Membership Rewards®¹: The Card earns 2 points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases (note this offer only applies until 31 August 2026, then it will revert to 1 point per $1 spend).
• Complimentary Travel Insurance⁸: Pay for your full fare return airline tickets using your Card and you’ll get complimentary overseas Travel Insurance for your trip. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).
• Business trip completion cover⁸: If you’re unable to continue a business trip because of a serious injury or illness, and another employee is required to complete it, their expenses will be covered up to $20,000. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (including age limits).
• Transport accident cover⁸: If you have a serious accident while travelling, you may be eligible for certain benefits. Some conditions and age limits apply. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (including age limits).

Card details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Employee card fee: $70 per year⁹
• No. of cash flow days: Up to 50 days to pay for purchases¹⁰
• Membership Rewards Programme enrolment fee: $50 per year

See the full American Express® Business Charge Card Member Agreement here.

Learn more or apply

American Express® Business Card

Not quite as fully featured as the Gold variant, the Amex Business Card still has some notable benefits for businesses, including a lower annual fee and transport accident insurance.

Features

• Membership Rewards: Earns 1 Membership Rewards® point for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases.¹¹
• Transport accident cover: If you have a serious accident while travelling, you may be eligible for certain benefits.¹² Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (including age limits).

Card details:

• Annual fee: $55
• Employee Card fee: $40 per year¹³
• No. of cash flow days: Up to 50 days to pay for purchases¹⁴
• Membership Rewards Programme enrolment fee: $50 per year

See the full American Express® Business Charge Card Member Agreement here.

Learn more or apply

The best ways to earn Membership Rewards points

So, what are the best ways to earn Membership Rewards points? We take a look.

1. Make use of signup bonuses (when available)

While it only currently applies to the Amex Gold Business Card, taking advantage of a points sign up bonus can be a great way to get a boost. These bonuses can provide more value in your first year than months of normal spending, especially for businesses with high upfront costs.

The Amex Gold Business Card currently offers a bonus 50,000 MR points on sign up⁷ when you apply, are approved and spend $1,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express® Gold Business Card within 2 months of your approval date. New American Express Card Members only. You must enrol in the Membership Rewards programme on your Card application to earn points; annual Card fee and annual Membership Rewards fee apply. T&C’s apply.

2. Use your Card for everyday purchases

Maximising points earning comes from routine spending on things like:

• Groceries
• Fuel
• Online shopping
• Travel
• Utilities
• Subscriptions

However, it’s important to spend sensibly on your card and only make purchases you would have made anyway.

3. Put planned or large purchases on your Card

If you’re buying a new appliance, booking travel, paying insurance premiums, or covering business costs such as software, fuel or marketing, these single transactions can generate thousands of points at once.

For businesses, high-value monthly expenses make the Gold Business Card’s earn rate particularly effective.

4. For business owners, sign up to the Membership Rewards programme

Both Amex Business Cards require Enrolment to earn Membership Rewards points and the programme involves an annual fee.

For small businesses with regular ongoing costs, this card can make sense in some cases, especially if the sign-up bonus adds meaningful value. But whether it’s worthwhile will depend on your spending and you should evaluate the value for you and your needs.

How to redeem Membership Rewards points in New Zealand

Most people will use their points in one of four main ways:

• Travel: This includes travel agency gift cards (including Flight Centre) or you can transfer them to another one of a number of partner loyalty programmes, such as Air NZ Airpoints, Qantas Points, or Emirates Skyward Miles.⁷
• Gift cards: You can redeem a range of gift cards using your points, including options from Apple, Bunnings, Event Cinemas, Farmers, and more.
• Retail and dining offers: Through the NZ Dining Collection 1,000 Membership Rewards® points equals 7.5 dollars credit which can be redeemed for use at a number of restaurants across the country³. On the retail side, you can buy online at Harvey Norman, with 1,000 Membership Rewards® points equaling 5 dollars credit. Note that exactly how you redeem points depends on the activity or purchase you are redeeming them for.

See the full Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions on the Amex website.

Are Membership Rewards worth it in New Zealand?

If you can put regular spending on an Amex Card, Membership Rewards offers solid long-term value. The Amex Gold Rewards Card provides a strong flat earn rate for personal use, while the Amex Gold Business Card becomes particularly rewarding for companies that spend consistently on software, travel, fuel or suppliers.

Just bear in mind that business Card Members must opt in to the Membership Rewards programme, which comes at an additional cost.

Overall, Membership Rewards works best for New Zealanders and NZ businesses who want a flexible, rewards programme and can direct a meaningful portion of their spending onto their Amex Card.

The American Express® Gold Rewards Card Terms and Conditions

1. Membership Rewards: Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards programme available at https://www.americanexpress.com/en-nz/rewards/membershiprewards/terms. Enrolment into Membership Rewards is required (an annual fee may apply). Eligibility to participate in the Membership Rewards programme depends on your Card product type, and is subject to the approval of American Express.
2. Bonus & Eligibility. To receive $200 Credit, you must apply online, be approved and spend $1,500 or more on eligible purchases on your new Card in the first 3 months from the Card approval date. Please allow 8–10 weeks for the credit to be credited to your Account after the spend criteria has been met. Card Members who opt in to receiving payment alerts, may receive a payments received email once the $200 Credit has been applied to their Account. The credit is not redeemable for cash or other payment form. The credit will not be applied to your Account if it has been suspended or cancelled. The Statement Credit may be reversed if your qualifying purchase is refunded or cancelled. Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express International (NZ), Inc. in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer. Eligible purchases do not include annual Card fees, cash advances, interest, balance transfers, fees and charges for traveller’s cheques and foreign currencies. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer and may be removed at any time.
3. Annual Dining Credit. Valid when dining in at participating location Dining Collection restaurants only. Some locations are excluded, please refer to the full list of participating restaurant locations before dining. Limited to one $100 credit each defined calendar period, per Gold Rewards Card Account. The defined calendar periods are between 1 January and 30 June, and between 1 July and 31 December. Limited to a maximum of two credits at a total of $200 each year, per Gold Rewards Card Account. Your Card must be charged prior to the end of each defined calendar period to be eligible for the credit in the defined calendar period. Spend on Additional Cards will count towards the offer. Excludes spend on gift vouchers, online orders for pick up or delivery and transactions where you do not spend directly with your Card at a participating location Dining Collection restaurant. Credit should appear on your billing statement within 5 business days from qualifying spend but may take up to 90 days from the end of the defined calendar period. Excludes transactions made through a third-party establishment or payment processor, apart from Windcave. Credit is not redeemable for cash or other payment form. Credit will not be applied to your Gold Rewards Card Account if your Card has been suspended or cancelled. Credit may be reversed if your qualifying purchase is refunded or cancelled. If you hold multiple American Express Cards linked to one Membership Rewards® account, the Credit will be credited to the Primary Card Account only.
4. Complimentary Travel Insurance. The American Express Gold Rewards Card insurance is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits) — see the full terms and conditions available here. You must use your American Express Gold Rewards Card to pay for your return trip in order to be eligible for the Travel Insurance in order to be covered under the insurance. The insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance New Zealand Limited (Company No. 104656) under a group policy held by American Express International (NZ), Inc. (Company Number 867929). Card members are not a party to the group policy, but may be able to claim under it as third party beneficiaries. This website does not take into account your objectives or financial situation. You should read the full terms and conditions to decide if this insurance meets your needs.
5. Interest Rates. Interest rates, fees and charges apply. All interest rates are quoted as an Annual Percentage Rate. All information, including fees, charges and interest rates are correct as at 3 May 2023 and are subject to change. This interest rate does not apply for Cash Advances and fees relating to Cash Advance.
6. 55 Days Interest Free. You will have up to 55 days interest free on purchases provided you pay the full closing balance of your monthly statement by the due date each month. There is no interest free period on balance transfers or if you carry forward a balance from the previous statement period. The total of interest free days will depend on when you make the purchase and when your statement is issued.

American Express® Gold Business Card Terms and Conditions

7. Offer only available to new American Express Card Members who apply, are approved and spend $1,000 on eligible purchases on their new Card in the first two (2) months from the Card approval date. Eligible purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any other Card product issued by American Express International (NZ), Inc in the preceding 18-month period are ineligible for this offer. 50,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points will be awarded to the eligible Card Member’s Account 8–10 weeks after the spend criteria has been met. This advertised offer is not applicable or valid in conjunction with any other advertised or promotional offer. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards Programme available at americanexpress.com/en-nz/benefits/rewards/membership-rewards/. The American Express Gold Business Card has a standard annual fee of $95 and an annual Membership Rewards fee of $50. You must enrol in the Membership Rewards programme on your Card application to be eligible for this Bonus Points offer.
8. For full details of the insurance cover, including terms, conditions and exclusions, please refer to the Insurance Terms and Conditions. Please be sure to read the Insurance Terms and Conditions carefully and be aware of its various terms, conditions and exclusions.
9. American Express approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Fees and charges apply. This offer is only available to those who reside in New Zealand. Employee Card Members must be over 18 years of age. Prior to 1 August 2023, the Business, the Primary Card Member and each Employee Card Member are jointly and severally liable for all Employee Card spending. On and from 1 August 2023, American Express will be making changes to the Terms and Conditions of American Express Business Card products in New Zealand which will include the removal of the liability of Employee Card Members for charges incurred on their Employee Card. Each employee is entitled to only one (1) Employee Card.
10. Depending on when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued, and whether you are carrying forward a balance on your Account from your previous statement period. If you pay by direct debit, your payment will be processed 14 days after your statement is issued.

American Express Business Card Terms and Conditions

11. Membership Rewards: Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available at https://www.americanexpress.com/en-nz/rewards/membershiprewards/terms. Enrolment into Membership Rewards is required (an annual fee may apply). Eligibility to participate in the Membership Rewards program depends on your Card product type, and is subject to the approval of American Express.
12. For full details of the insurance cover, including terms, conditions and exclusions, please refer to the Insurance Terms and Conditions. Please be sure to read the Insurance Terms and Conditions carefully and be aware of its various terms, conditions and exclusions.
13. American Express approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Fees and charges apply. This offer is only available to those who reside in New Zealand. Employee Card Members must be over 18 years of age. The Business and the Primary Card Member are jointly and severally liable for all Employee Card spending. Each employee is entitled to only one (1) Employee Card.
14. Depending on when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued, and whether you are carrying forward a balance on your Account from your previous statement period.