Taking Amex points to the next level with Rakuten

Maximize Your Earnings with Rakuten and American Express Membership Rewards

If you're looking to enhance your rewards strategy, combining Rakuten with your American Express (Amex) Membership Rewards can be a game-changer. Rakuten, a popular cashback platform, allows you to earn money back on your online purchases, and when paired with certain Amex cards, you can supercharge your rewards points. Here’s how you can leverage this partnership to your advantage.

Understanding Rakuten

Rakuten offers users cashback on purchases made through their platform at a variety of online retailers. By signing up for a Rakuten account, you can browse available deals and earn a percentage of your spending back in cash. This is a straightforward way to save money while shopping online.

American Express Membership Rewards Overview

American Express Membership Rewards is a loyalty program that allows cardholders to earn points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for travel, shopping, gift cards, and more. Some Amex cards, such as the Amex Gold Card or the Amex Platinum Card, earn higher points on specific categories, making them ideal for maximizing rewards.

How to Earn Additional Points with Rakuten

To earn additional Membership Rewards points using Rakuten, follow these steps:

1. Link Your Amex Card to Rakuten

Make sure your eligible American Express card is linked to your Rakuten account. This is crucial because Rakuten allows you to earn cashback, which can be converted into Membership Rewards points when using eligible Amex cards.

2. Shop Through Rakuten

When you're ready to shop, start by logging into your Rakuten account and selecting the retailer you wish to purchase from. Click through the Rakuten link to ensure your cashback is tracked.

3. Earn Cashback and Points

Any purchases you make will then earn Amex Membership Rewards points through Rakuten and additional points through whichever card you choose to make the purchase.

Example: You spend $500 on a hotel via Expedia and they have a current rate of 12x points or 12% cashback. If have linked your American Express account to your Rakuten account, you would earn 6,000 points (500 x 12) and you could use your Chase Ink Business Preferred which earns 3 points per dollar on travel to earn 1,800 Chase Ultimate rewards. This is a great way to double dip on your purchases and still be able to utilize the best card in your wallet for each specific category.

4. Redeem Your Rewards

Once you've accumulated enough cashback and Membership Rewards points, you can redeem them for travel, shopping, or other experiences. The flexibility of redeeming points makes this strategy even more appealing. Cash back or Membership Rewards points would transfer quarterly (every three months). These points could help you book that next big trip for you and your family.

Tips for Maximizing Your Rewards

To get the most out of your Rakuten and Amex Membership Rewards combination, consider these tips:

• Check for Promotions: Rakuten often has special promotions that increase cashback rates for specific retailers. Keep an eye out for these offers.

• Utilize Bonus Categories: If you have an Amex card that offers bonus points in specific categories (like dining or travel), focus your Rakuten shopping in those areas.

• Combine Offers: Look for opportunities to stack Rakuten cashback with Amex offers for even greater rewards.

• Stay Updated: Regularly check Rakuten and Amex for any changes in their rewards programs or new partnerships that could benefit you.

Conclusion

Using Rakuten in conjunction with your American Express Membership Rewards can significantly enhance your earning potential. By following the steps outlined above and keeping an eye on promotions, you can maximize your rewards and enjoy the benefits of both cashback and Membership Rewards points. Start shopping smarter today!

Sign up today using my referral link Rakuten and you could earn an additional $50 cashback or 500 points on your first purchase of $50 or more.

And if you would like more information on which American Express card might be right for you, head on over to my article on American Express cards and their benefits.