American Express has introduced a new redemption feature allowing eligible Membership Rewards cardholders to use points directly via Apple Pay at checkout. According to American Express, users can now apply points toward all or part of an eligible purchase on iPhones and iPads without exiting the Apple Pay interface. While this integration increases transaction flexibility, the redemption value is fixed at 0.7 cents per point, significantly lower than the potential value offered by airline and hotel transfer partners.
How to redeem Amex points via Apple Pay
The redemption process is built into the standard Apple Pay checkout flow. When shopping online or within an app, cardholders select their eligible American Express card in the Apple Pay menu. If the account is eligible, a “Use Rewards” option appears on the screen. Users can then specify the number of points they wish to apply to the transaction. The remaining balance, if any, is charged to the card. This feature is currently limited to devices using Apple Pay, such as iPhones and iPads.
Is this the best way to use Membership Rewards?
Financial experts and analysts, including the team at The Points Guy, generally advise against using points for statement credits or direct checkout redemptions. According to The Points Guy’s June 2026 valuations, Membership Rewards points are worth approximately 2 cents each when transferred to high-value airline and hotel partners. By using the Apple Pay redemption method, cardholders receive only 0.7 cents per point, effectively losing more than half of the potential travel value per point redeemed.
Value Comparison: Apple Pay vs. Transfer Partners
| Redemption Method | Value per Point | 10,000 Points Value |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pay Checkout | 0.7 cents | $70 |
| Transfer Partners | 2.0 cents | $200 |
When does using points for checkout make sense?
Despite the lower valuation, there are specific scenarios where using points through Apple Pay offers a practical benefit. For cardholders with large point balances who prioritize immediate cost offsets over luxury travel, this feature provides a streamlined way to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. It functions as a convenience-focused redemption tool rather than a value-maximization strategy. If your goal is to lower your credit card bill for everyday items, this new integration removes the friction of manual statement credit requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which American Express cards are eligible?
The feature is available on most American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards points. Eligibility is determined by the specific card product.
Can I use points for part of a purchase?
Yes. The Apple Pay interface allows you to choose exactly how many points you want to apply, providing flexibility to cover only a portion of the total cost.
Where can I use this feature?
You can use this redemption method anywhere Apple Pay is accepted online or within mobile apps on an iPhone or iPad.
Looking for ways to maximize your rewards? Explore our latest guides on transferring points to airline partners or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on credit card benefits and travel deals.
