Quantcast

Earning rewards: How Rakuten boosts your Amex membership rewards

These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Earning rewards: How Rakuten boosts your Amex membership rewards
Research
Webp b4kxrzyonvfnxy411pg2itgg5quq
Chris Nelson Associate credit cards writer | The Points Guy

One way to earn extra rewards is through online shopping portals like Rakuten. By starting at Rakuten instead of a specific merchant's website, shoppers can increase their rewards. New members can receive a $10 welcome bonus by joining and making qualifying purchases totaling at least $30 within 90 days. Alternatively, joining with a friend's referral link can result in both parties receiving a $40 bonus.

Rakuten offers the option to earn either cash back or American Express Membership Rewards points. When set to Amex points, users earn 1 point per dollar spent on purchases that typically earn 1% cash back. According to TPG's November 2024 valuations, Amex points are valued at 2 cents each, potentially doubling returns for users who switch to this option.

To start earning Amex points with Rakuten, visit rakuten.com and create an account. Once enrolled, rewards can be earned by beginning shopping on the Rakuten site or app. The easiest method might be installing Rakuten's browser extension, which checks online merchants for eligible cash back opportunities.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Initially, new users will have their preference set to cash back but can switch to Amex points once their account is created. This requires selecting "Account Settings" and choosing the "How you're getting paid" section where options are available.

Choosing "Membership Rewards Points" redirects users to the American Express page for account syncing. It's important to note that this switch is one-time; switching back removes the option for earning Membership Rewards points from account settings.

Rewards are distributed quarterly, about six weeks after each quarter ends. To participate, users must have an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points. Some recommended cards include The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card.

Rakuten provides an easy way for users to earn while shopping online. While many prefer cash back, opting for Amex Membership Rewards points could offer greater value due to transfer possibilities with Amex's travel partners.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

At the Routes Asia Conference 2025, four prominent Asian airlines shared insights into their current challenges and strategic changes they are implementing.

Apr 3, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a major enhancement in its connectivity services with the rollout of fast, free Wi-Fi across its transatlantic network, encompassing destinations in Europe, Israel, and West Africa.

Apr 3, 2025

After a trip from Nashville to Seattle, Jeanette Kronquist encountered an unexpected issue with her rental car reservation.

Apr 3, 2025

FedEx, het grootste exprestransportbedrijf ter wereld, heeft een nieuwe locatie in Amsterdam geopend, waarmee het zijn logistieke capaciteit in Nederland verder uitbreidt.

Apr 3, 2025

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is under the spotlight for its annual fee of $95, as cardholders and potential applicants weigh the benefits against the costs.

Apr 3, 2025

Eurowings is set to enhance its partnership with Smartwings by extending its service network from Prague’s Václav Havel Airport.

Apr 3, 2025