Unlock Extra Membership Rewards Points with Rakutens New Card

Rakuten has just launched an exciting new credit card that offers a unique opportunity for those looking to maximize their American Express Membership Rewards points. The Rakuten American Express® Card allows cardholders to earn an additional 4 points per dollar spent, stacking on top of any Membership Rewards points earned through Rakuten’s special offers. This innovative card is particularly appealing for those who frequently shop online and want to amplify their rewards potential.

While the Rakuten card is primarily marketed as a cash-back option, users who choose to earn Membership Rewards points through Rakuten can convert their cash back into Membership Rewards points. This is particularly advantageous given American Express’s once-per-lifetime welcome bonus policy, which can make accumulating Membership Rewards points more challenging compared to other rewards currencies.

Here’s everything you need to know about the no-annual-fee Rakuten American Express® Card.

Earning Points Made Easy

For travel enthusiasts and savvy spenders, Rakuten has long been a go-to platform for earning bonus Membership Rewards points. By activating special offers, users can earn significant bonuses on top of their existing card rewards. While most bonuses are standard, some offers can yield as much as 20 points per dollar spent. To take advantage of this strategy, users must manually select the option to earn Membership Rewards points instead of cash back. It’s important to note that this option is only available to those holding a Membership Rewards-earning card.

Upon signing up for the Rakuten American Express Card, cardholders will receive $25 back (or 250 points) after they spend $500 within the first 90 days of account opening. Given that this card has no annual fee, the earning potential is particularly impressive.

If you happen to activate a top-tier Rakuten offer of 20 points per dollar spent, the Rakuten card can elevate that to an astonishing 24 points per dollar spent. This earning rate is unparalleled in the current market.

Additional Benefits of the Rakuten American Express Card

Beyond its lucrative earning structure, the Rakuten Amex offers other noteworthy perks. Cardholders can benefit from Amex Offers, which can vary by card. This means that users may receive targeted offers that align with Rakuten promotions, enhancing their overall earning potential.

Despite its affiliation with American Express, it’s essential to note that the Rakuten American Express Card is issued by First Electronic Bank. Therefore, any customer service inquiries or issues should be directed to First Electronic Bank rather than American Express. This also means that cardholders are likely not subject to American Express’s application restrictions, such as the five-card limit for Amex credit cards.

A Smart Choice for Membership Rewards Enthusiasts

For a no-annual-fee card, the Rakuten American Express Card presents an incredible opportunity to accrue Membership Rewards points. While some may be hesitant to apply for cards from smaller issuers due to potential customer service concerns, the rewards structure of this card makes it a compelling option.

If you’re a current Membership Rewards points-earning cardholder, adding the Rakuten Amex to your wallet could be a game-changer, especially if you’ve already utilized your welcome bonuses from other Amex cards. To fully capitalize on the Rakuten card’s benefits, however, you must have a Membership Rewards-earning card. Otherwise, you’ll only earn cash back, which significantly diminishes the card’s value.

Some excellent options for Membership Rewards-earning cards include the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express. If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee alternative, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

Final Thoughts

The launch of the Rakuten American Express Card is an exciting development for those invested in earning Membership Rewards points. Transferable rewards currencies like Membership Rewards are immensely valuable, and any opportunity to earn more points should be seized. If you’re already using Rakuten to boost your rewards, this card is a no-brainer.

I plan to apply for the Rakuten Amex once my credit card status is more favorable, and I encourage fellow points and miles enthusiasts to consider doing the same. Just remember, to earn Membership Rewards points with the Rakuten Amex, you must have a qualifying Membership Rewards-earning card.

In conclusion, the Rakuten American Express Card offers a fantastic way to enhance your rewards experience, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to maximize their travel rewards. With its impressive earning potential and no annual fee, it’s worth exploring as part of your financial strategy.