Some American Express credit cards come with a points-earning program called Membership Rewards. Points are earned for each dollar spent on the credit card. American Express points can be converted into a variety of rewards, including miles in an airline's frequent traveler program. As few as 1,000 American Express points can be converted to airline miles. As of November 2009, 18 airlines allow American Express points to be converted into airline miles.
Create an account on the American Express Membership Rewards website if you do not already have an online account with American Express. A valid American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points is required.
Log in to your account on the American Express Membership Rewards website. The available Membership Rewards points balance that can be converted will be displayed in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Click "Use Points" on the navigation menu. Locate the "Transfer Points" heading that appears in the pop-up menu, and click "Frequent Flyer Programs" to bring up the available options.
Click the name of the airline that you want to convert your points to. As of November 2009, airline frequent traveler program options include AeroMexico, Air Canada, AirTran, Alitalia Mille Miglia, ANA, Continental Airlines, Delta Skymiles, Matmid, Air France and KLM Flying Blue, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia Plus, JetBlue, Mexicana, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Southwest Rapid Rewards and Virgin Atlantic.
Enter the number of your Membership Rewards points that you want to convert, and click "Transfer." Confirm your selection, and click "Checkout." Points convert within 24 hours.
