Yes, you can absolutely rent a car with Amex points, primarily through two main methods: using the American Express Travel portal or transferring your points to partner airline or hotel loyalty programs. The better value typically comes from transferring points, especially during transfer bonuses.
The most straightforward way is to book directly through the American Express Travel website. You log in, search for rental cars, and at checkout, you can choose to pay with your Membership Rewards points. The value is usually around 1 cent per point (cpp). For example, a $300 rental would cost 30,000 points. This is simple but doesn't always offer the best redemption value.
A more lucrative option is leveraging the Premium Car Rental Privilege benefit available on certain Amex cards like The Platinum Card®. This gives you benefits like elite status with major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, National), which can include discounts, waived underage driver fees, and vehicle upgrades. You pay with your card, but the status saves you money and enhances the experience.
For maximum value, transfer your Amex points to travel partners. Many airline loyalty programs (like Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Avios) and hotel programs (like Hilton Honors) allow you to redeem miles for rental cars. During a transfer bonus—for instance, a 30% bonus to British Airways—your points can be worth significantly more than 1 cpp. This method requires more research but can drastically reduce the out-of-pocket cost of your rental.
| Redemption Method | Typical Point Value | Key Consideration | Best For |
|---|
| Amex Travel Portal | ~1.0 cents per point | Simple, direct booking | Convenience |
| Transfer to Airline Partners | 1.2 - 2.0+ cents per point | Requires transfer bonus for best value | Maximizing point worth |
| Premium Rental Status (e.g., Amex Platinum) | Varies (savings on costs) | Complimentary with card membership | Frequent renters seeking perks |
| Using Points for Statement Credit | ~0.6 cents per point | Poor value, not recommended | Last resort only |
Before you book, compare the cash price versus the points required. Sometimes paying cash and saving points for premium flight redemptions is smarter. Always check for transfer bonuses and partner program availability.
