best use of Amex points

[dragoman]

I have to decide in the next 2 weeks whether to transfer all or some of my saved Amex points - 850,000 - to Qantas FF (only bronze, with few SCs, but I do already have 670,000 QFF points).

I can do this under my current programme which links each card to my Amex business card, but only until 30 September.

Now semi-retired with no more cc business expenses, so in future I’ll only be able to top up with limited Amex & Visa points per year (which could be QFF if I change cards) plus any mileage points.

Hitherto my preferred use has been to try for a points upgrade to business. This has worked a few times to Tokyo (but for some reason never on the return flight).

I plan to travel to Japan once a year with maybe one other trip each year (Europe, Canada, USA, S.America, NZ or Pacific islands, but negligible domestic travel) - usually on my own.

Can anyone suggest the best use of the accumulated Amex Points – QFF, another programme, or leave in Amex ?

 

[straitman]

I have to decide in the next 2 weeks whether to transfer all or some of my saved Amex points - 850,000 - to Qantas FF (only bronze, with few SCs, but I do already have 670,000 QFF points).

I can do this under my current programme which links each card to my Amex business card, but only until 30 September.

Now semi-retired with no more cc business expenses, so in future I’ll only be able to top up with limited Amex & Visa points per year (which could be QFF if I change cards) plus any mileage points.

Hitherto my preferred use has been to try for a points upgrade to business. This has worked a few times to Tokyo (but for some reason never on the return flight).

I plan to travel to Japan once a year with maybe one other trip each year (Europe, Canada, USA, S.America, NZ or Pacific islands, but negligible domestic travel) - usually on my own.

Can anyone suggest the best use of the accumulated Amex Points – QFF, another programme, or leave in Amex ?

dragoman,

Welcome to AFF.

Have you considered getting an Amex Platinum Charge Card?

The card is expensive ($900) but you get a lot for the money and you can keep your points in MR and transfer them to QF or who ever else you might want.

See the link above to a recent thread here that talks in detail about what you get for your money.

 

[JohnK]

Can anyone suggest the best use of the accumulated Amex Points – QFF, another programme, or leave in Amex ?

From personal experience the best of use of Amex MR points without status would be SQ KrisFlyer and business saver awards to Japan may be easier to get than Qantas.

Your best option may well be to leave them in Amex and transfer them across to FF programs as you need them. Sometimes there are special promotions where Amex offer bonus MR points for transfers to certain programs.

One other thing with KrisFlyer is that it is quite easy to check for award availaility for selected dates. Become a member and search away.

 

[Worldtraveller8888]

Hi dragoman,

If you don't want to decide now, then you can always keep them in Amex and then at a later date upgrade to the Plat Charge. When signed up for the Charge card, your point balance will be transferred to the Ascent Premium program and you will be able to transfer to QF.

WT

 

[dragoman]

Thanks Bill, WT & JohnK - much appreciated. I'm going to leave the Amex points as is while i check out and probably apply for the Platinum card, & will also join Krisflyer which seems to offer plenty of options.

 

[cove]

Kris is very easy for redemptions but be aware of the charges that are significant on J and F redemptions. I have found the availability to be fantastic.