Point.me for Amex Users: A Free Tool to Maximize Your Membership Rewards

If you've ever spent hours searching for the perfect reward flight, you'll know just how frustrating it can be jumping between different airline websites and trying to piece together the best routing. That's where Point.me's free version for American Express US cardmembers comes in handy - it's essentially the Google Flights of the points world, but focused entirely on award bookings.

What Exactly Do You Get?

The free version for Amex US cardmembers includes some pretty useful features:

• Real-time searches across more than 150 airlines

• Ability to compare different Membership Rewards transfer options

• Step-by-step booking instructions

• Access to alliance partner awards

• Saved searches and route monitoring

The platform is particularly useful when you're dealing with complex routings or trying to find availability during peak seasons. For example, if you're looking to book a business class ticket to Asia, Point.me will show you all the possible options using your Membership Rewards points, whether that's transferring to ANA for their sweet spot rates, using Virgin Points for ANA flights, or booking through other partners.

Making the Most of the Tool

Having used the paid version of Point.me extensively, I've found it most valuable for:

• Finding alternative routings when my preferred option isn't available

• Comparing points rates across different programmes

• Discovering new sweet spots I hadn't considered

• Quick availability checks for complex multi-city trips

For instance, while planning my recent tier point run to Asia, I used Point.me to check alternative routings when my original plans needed adjusting. The ability to see all available options in one place saved hours of manual searching.

Some Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the free Amex version is powerful, it does have some restrictions compared to the paid version:

• Only shows routes bookable with Membership Rewards points

• Doesn't include some of the advanced features like expert support

• Limited to US cardmembers (for now)

Real-World Example

Let's say you're planning a trip to Tokyo. Instead of checking each airline's website individually, Point.me will show you all your options in one search. It might reveal that while ANA has no direct availability, you could:

• Transfer to Virgin Atlantic for an ANA flight

• Use Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer for a connection through Singapore

• Book through Air Canada Aeroplan for a different routing

The tool then provides step-by-step instructions for whichever option you choose, making the booking process much smoother.

While we wait for a similar offering in the UK, tools like our Smart Redemptions can help you search for specific routes and compare options. For now, those with access to US Amex cards should definitely take advantage of this free tool - it's a great way to make your points go further with less effort.

As someone who spends far too much time searching for award availability, having a tool like this can be a game-changer for planning your next points redemption. You can access it at amex.point.me if you have a US Amex card - happy searching!