Earn More Amex Membership Rewards Points by Using Rakuten

Many shoppers use the best cash back apps to earn cash back when they shop online. But did you know that you can also earn credit card rewards points? Rakuten is one popular app that offers cash back rewards. But if you prefer, Rakuten allows you to earn American Express Membership Rewards points instead. Here's how to boost your Amex points balance as you shop.

Earn cash or Amex Membership Rewards points with Rakuten

Rakuten is a shopping rewards app and browser extension. You can earn cash back rewards when you activate offers and make eligible purchases. Boosting your bank account balance with cash back earnings can be a significant financial win. But Rakuten also allows you to link your American Express Membership Rewards account to earn Amex points instead of cash.

If you have one of the best American Express cards in your wallet, you may prefer to earn Amex Membership Rewards points as you shop. This payment method option is available to new and existing Rakuten users with cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards points. Be sure to verify how your card earns rewards to see if you're eligible.

You'll need to create a Rakuten account if you're a new user. During the account sign-up and set-up process, you can link your American Express Membership Rewards account to earn points as your payment method.

If you have an existing Rakuten account earning cash rewards, navigate to your account settings. Below the "How would you like to get paid?" section, you'll see a "Switch to Membership Rewards points" prompt. Navigate through the process to link your American Express Rewards account to Rakuten to switch how you receive payment.

Check to see if your Amex card earns American Express Membership Rewards points, and consider your rewards goals before making this switch. Everybody follows a different financial strategy, so, for some, it may work best for you to stick with cash back earnings. But it's nice to have options for how you earn rewards.

Here's how you'll earn rewards

For this earning method, 1% cash back is equal to 1 point per $1. If a retailer offers 2% cash back rewards, you'll earn 2 points per $1 spent.

When you make a $100 purchase with a retailer offering 2% cash back, you'll earn 200 Amex Membership Rewards points. If you instead have your payment method set to cash back earnings, you'll only earn $2 cash back in this same scenario.

If you're working hard to increase your Amex points balance, it may be worthwhile to make the switch. The value of Amex Membership Rewards points varies depending on how you redeem your points. Some redemption options, like transferring points to eligible travel partners, can provide more value. Gift card redemptions or statement credit redemption offer less value.

Don't ignore shopping rewards

For those already shopping online, using programs like Rakuten can be valuable. It takes minimal extra work to earn rewards when you shop. Don't miss out on rewards programs like this. Check out our personal finance resources for more ways to save money and earn rewards.