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�������� vs Amex: a Guide

Whether you’re looking for a premium membership with all the perks, or to simply start earning points when you pay, a �������� or American Express (Amex) card could be for you. But with different plans and point systems available, which one gets you the most for your money?

We know we’re marking our own homework here, but if you’re not sure whether to go with �������� or Amex, our honest guide should help you make your mind up. If you’re pressed for time, here’s how �������� compares with Amex at a glance.

Points per £1 spent

Starting with the points you earn per £1 spent, �������� cardmembers with the free membership earn 1 point per £1 on all purchases, with up to 5 points per £1 on selected Experiences. As for those on ��������’s full membership, cardmembers earn 5 points on all purchases and up to a whopping 25 points per £1 on selected Experiences.

On the other hand, Amex Gold cardholders earn 1 point per £1 spent on everyday purchases, 2 points for every £1 on purchases made with airline partners, and 3 points for every £1 spent on Amex Travel. Amex BA cardholders can also expect to earn 1 Avios — the British Airways Executive Club point system — per £1.

Sign-up and welcome points bonuses

Spending isn’t the only way cardmembers can earn points. Amex Gold offers cardholders 20,000 Amex points for joining, but only if members spend £3,000 in the first 3 months of membership. From there, cardholders can earn 2,500 bonus points on every £5,000 spent, worth up to 12,500 a year.

On the other hand, ��������’s full membership offers users 10,000 welcome points — worth up to £50 — with no minimum spend and with a fee-free month on top. Accurate as of October 2024.

Referring a friend

Amex Gold cardholders can expect to earn 9,000 Membership Rewards points for every friend they refer, with a maximum of 90,000 points up for grabs.

As for �������� users, cardholders on full and free memberships can earn 10,000 and 2,000 points for every friend referred respectively, with no limit to the number of friends you can refer. Accurate as of October 2024.

Using points to book flights

If you’ve got your sights set on the skyline, ��������’s full membership users can use their points to book any flight with any airline, as long as the transaction is made directly with the airline and not through a third party.

Amex Gold cardholders can also use their points to book flights, but only with certain providers, and BA Amex points can only be used to book British Airways flights. While members with ��������’s free membership and Amex Everyday Cashback cardholders can’t use points to pay for flights, both cardholders can still earn points on every £1 spent booking their flight.

Travel insurance

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, but the right card can take the sting out of your setback.

Amex Gold cardholders can claim up to £250,000 in Travel Accident Insurance and up to £200 in Inconvenience Insurance, anywhere in the world. As for BA Amex cardholders, travellers can receive up to £75,000 cover on public transport tickets purchased with their American Express card, but only in selected countries.

�������� full membership cardholders, however, are covered for almost any crisis. Powered by Qover, ��������’s worldwide family travel insurance covers cardholders on up to £500,000 in Personal Liability Insurance, £7,500 on cancelled flights, £1,000 on lost and stolen baggage and £1,000,000 on medical expenses, plus winter sports and car excess cover anywhere in the world.

Overseas spending

If you’ve used your �������� points to book your next holiday abroad, take your card with you — you won’t be charged for using your card abroad.

Amex cardholders, however, are charged 2.99% on every transaction made internationally.

Global acceptance

While Amex cards are accepted in 22 million locations globally, �������� is accepted in twice the number, with a staggering 44 million locations accepting payments made on �������� cards. If you can use a Mastercard to make a payment, you can use a �������� card, too.

Dining & lifestyle rewards

If you’re an Amex Gold cardholder and fancy a cosy night in, your rewards credit card can get you £5 back on eligible Deliveroo deliveries on takeouts twice a month. Cardmembers can also attend events hosted by partner Eat Life, offering members access to exclusive events hosted across the year. However, these events are restricted to a set time and location, meaning if you’re not in the right place at the right time, you’ll be missing out.

�������� Experiences, however, are our bread and butter. �������� points can be used at any time on a range of experiences across the country, with cardholders able to choose from fitness classes, on stage performances, dining experiences and more depending on their location.

Our online offerings are available UK-wide, with at-home experiences available for �������� customers anywhere in the country. Below are some past member favourites.

Membership fees

Both �������� and Amex offer credit cards for no annual fee, but for premium members, ��������’s offer of £160 a year — or £15 a month — beats out the £195 price tag that comes with an Amex Gold card.