American Express Membership Rewards points are often most valuable when transferred to airline and hotel partners, but that's not the only way to use them. The American Express Travel portal gives cardmembers a simpler option: booking flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises directly through Amex using points, cash or a mix of both.
Depending on your card, booking through Amex Travel can also unlock perks like bonus points on travel purchases and luxury hotel benefits through Fine Hotels + Resorts. Still, there are trade-offs to consider, including lower redemption values on some bookings and the limitations that come with third-party reservations.
Here's what you need to know about how the Amex Travel portal works, when it makes sense to book through it and how to maximize its benefits.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on The Points Guy Articles.
