American Express Referral
Click The Amex Referral Link above or here to enjoy up to an extra 80000 Amex membership points on signup (depending on the card you sign up for) – Note the link will take you to the American Express Platinum card but you can sign up for ANYAmex card to enjoy your FREE referral membership points. Click the back button top left on Amex site to see the full list of cards on offer.
A Detailed Guide to American Express (Amex) Cards in the UK
American Express (Amex) is one of the most well-known financial service providers worldwide. In the UK, Amex offers a variety of credit cards catering to different customer needs, including rewards, travel benefits, cashback, and more. This guide will provide a comprehensive look at Amex cards in the UK, including their benefits, how they work, and what to consider when applying.
Overview of American Express in the UK
Amex has a strong presence in the UK, offering a diverse portfolio of credit cards tailored to different financial and lifestyle needs. From frequent travelers to those looking to earn cashback on everyday purchases, there’s an Amex card for nearly every type of consumer. What sets Amex apart is its excellent customer service, comprehensive rewards programs, and travel-related perks.
While Amex cards are highly valued for their benefits, they are less widely accepted by merchants compared to Visa and Mastercard. However, this acceptance rate has been improving, particularly in the UK.
Sign up with American Express refer a friend link: HERE to get up to 80000 Bonus American Express Membership points.
American Express Debit, Credit & Charge Cards
American Express cards come in a variety of forms, each with their own unique set of features and benefits. There are cards designed for frequent travelers, such as the Platinum Card, which offers access to airport lounges and points for airfare and hotel purchases.
There are also cards tailored towards those who enjoy dining out and traveling, such as the Gold Card, which offers a higher points earning rate for dining and travel purchases. And for those who want to earn cash back on their purchases, there is the Blue Cash Preferred Card, which offers a high cash back rate on everyday purchases like groceries and petrol.
While American Express credit cards generally have higher annual fees and interest rates than other credit cards, they often come with a range of additional benefits that can more than offset these costs for those who take advantage of them. Whether you are a consumer or a business owner, American Express has a credit card that is sure to meet your needs.
Examples of some of the American Express Cards Available (September 2024) – (Note the details below are subject to regular changes and you should check the Amex website for the latest details)
1. The Platinum Card
Annual Fee: £575
Representative APR: 454% variable (Annual Fee included)
Interest Rate: 30.7% variable
Best For: Frequent travelers and luxury seekers
Eligibility: Minimum income £40,000 recommended
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 30,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £4,000 in the first three months.
- Airport Lounge Access: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass.
- Travel Perks: £10 monthly credit for dining at participating UK restaurants and £10 monthly credit for Deliveroo, £150 per year for UK or worldwide hotel bookings, and free room upgrades at hotels.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Worldwide travel insurance for the cardholder, family, and supplementary cardholders.
- Concierge Service: 24/7 concierge service to assist with travel, dining, and entertainment.
- Additional Perks: Hilton Honors Gold status, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, car rental benefits, and Fine Hotels & Resorts privileges (including late checkout, breakfast, etc.).
Summary:
The Platinum Card is designed for frequent travelers who value premium perks, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and luxury hotel benefits. However, it comes with a hefty annual fee that is justified if the cardholder takes full advantage of these premium benefits.
2. Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
Annual Fee: £160 (first year fee waived)
Representative APR: 76.1% variable (Annual Fee included)
Interest Rate: 30.7% variable
Best For: Travelers who don’t need the full luxury of the Platinum Card
Eligibility: Good credit history required
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 20,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £3,000 in the first three months.
- Travel Benefits: Two complimentary lounge visits per year, £10 monthly credit for Deliveroo, and travel insurance (including delayed baggage insurance).
- Hotel and Car Hire Perks: Hotel Collection benefits with room upgrades and car rental privileges.
- Earning Points: Earn 1 point per £1 spent and 2 points per £1 spent on travel purchases.
- First Year Fee Waived: The first year is fee-free, making it an attractive option for new applicants.
Summary:
The Gold Card is ideal for moderate travelers who want travel rewards and benefits without the high annual fee of the Platinum Card. The first year fee waiver also makes it an attractive introductory option for those trying out an Amex travel card.
3. British Airways American Express Card
Annual Fee: £0
Representative APR: 31.0% variable
Interest Rate: 31.0% variable
Best For: British Airways frequent flyers
Eligibility: Good credit history required
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 5,000 Avios points when you spend £1,000 in the first three months.
- Avios Earning: Earn 1 Avios per £1 spent and 3 Avios per £1 spent on British Airways flights or holidays.
- Companion Voucher: Earn a British Airways Companion Voucher after spending £12,000 per year, which can be redeemed for a free second ticket when booking with Avios.
Summary:
This card is perfect for British Airways customers who fly regularly but don’t want to pay an annual fee. It provides access to the Avios program and the opportunity to earn a Companion Voucher without any upfront cost.
4. British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
Annual Fee: £250
Representative APR: 124.5% variable (Annual Fee included)
Interest Rate: 30.7% variable
Best For: Frequent British Airways flyers who want accelerated Avios earning
Eligibility: Good credit history required
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 25,000 Avios points when you spend £3,000 in the first three months.
- Higher Avios Earning: Earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent and 3 Avios per £1 spent on British Airways flights or holidays.
- Companion Voucher: Earn a British Airways Companion Voucher after spending £10,000 per year, which allows you to book a second flight ticket for a companion using Avios.
Summary:
This card is ideal for serious British Airways travelers who want to earn Avios at a higher rate and take advantage of the Companion Voucher more quickly than the free version of the card. The £250 annual fee is justified by the benefits if the cardholder flies frequently with British Airways.
5. Platinum Cashback Credit Card
Annual Fee: £25
Representative APR: 37.7% variable (Annual Fee included)
Interest Rate: 30.7% variable
Best For: Cashback enthusiasts with high annual spend
Eligibility: Good credit history required
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 5% cashback on spending for the first three months (up to £125).
- Standard Cashback: 1% cashback on annual spending up to £10,000, and 1.25% cashback on spending over £10,000 per year.
- Supplementary Cards: Free supplementary cards to help maximise cashback earnings.
Summary:
This card is perfect for individuals who spend a lot on everyday purchases and want to maximize cashback rewards. The £25 annual fee is low, and if you maximise the cashback structure, the fee is easily offset.
6. Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card
Annual Fee: £0
Representative APR: 31.0% variable
Interest Rate: 31.0% variable
Best For: Casual spenders looking for fee-free cashback
Eligibility: Good credit history required
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Offer: 5% cashback on purchases for the first three months (up to £100).
- Standard Cashback: 0.5% cashback on annual spending up to £10,000, and 1% cashback on spending over £10,000 per year.
- No Annual Fee: A great option for those who want to earn cashback without paying an annual fee.
Summary:
The Platinum Cashback Everyday Card is ideal for individuals who want to earn cashback without the commitment of paying an annual fee. It’s best suited for those with moderate spending habits who prefer a straightforward rewards system.
7. The Basic Card (No Fee)
Annual Fee: £0
Representative APR: 30.7% variable
Interest Rate: 30.7% variable
Best For: Individuals looking to build credit or for a no-frills credit card
Eligibility: Poor to average credit history may be acceptable
Key Benefits:
- Straightforward Use: No points or rewards system, making it ideal for those looking for a simple credit card without the complications of rewards.
- Interest-Free Period: Up to 56 days interest-free if the balance is paid off in full each month.
- No Annual Fee: There is no fee, making this card appealing for those who simply need a credit facility.
Summary:
This card is designed for those who either want to build credit or are looking for a basic, fee-free credit card with no rewards program. It’s a no-frills option ideal for users seeking simplicity.
Comparison Table
Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Representative APR | Interest Rate | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card | £575 | 30,000 points for £4,000 spend | 454% | 30.7% | Luxury and frequent travelers |
Preferred Rewards Gold Card | £160 (first year free) | 20,000 points for £3,000 spend | 76.1% | 30.7% | Moderate travelers |
British Airways Amex Card | £0 | 5,000 Avios for £1,000 spend | 31.0% | 31.0% | British Airways customers |
British Airways Premium Plus Card | £250 | 25,000 Avios for £3,000 spend | 124.5% | 30.7% | Frequent BA travelers |
Platinum Cashback Card | £25 | 5% cashback for first 3 months | 37.7% | 30.7% | High-spending cashback enthusiasts |
Platinum Cashback Everyday Card | £0 | 5% cashback for first 3 months | 31.0% | 31.0% | Fee-free cashback |
Basic Credit Card (No Fee) | £0 | None | 30.7% | 30.7% | Basic credit or credit building |
Eligibility Criteria for an American Express (Amex) Card in the UK
To qualify for an American Express (Amex) card in the UK, applicants must meet certain basic criteria. While the specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the card, the following are the general eligibility conditions:
1. Age Requirement
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an Amex card.
2. UK Residency
- You need to have a permanent UK home address. Some cards may require you to be a UK resident for at least three years.
3. UK Bank Account
- You must have a UK bank or building society account that allows direct debits. This is necessary for managing monthly repayments.
4. Good Credit History
- Amex typically requires a good credit history. This means no recent bankruptcies, County Court Judgments (CCJs), or defaults.
- You should also have a track record of managing credit responsibly (e.g., paying off debts or loans on time).
5. Regular Income
- While Amex doesn’t always specify a minimum income for all of its cards, some cards (like the Platinum Card) recommend a minimum household income of £40,000 per year.
6. Existing Credit Cards and Debt
- If you already hold a significant amount of debt on other credit cards or loans, this may affect your chances of being approved. Lenders look for responsible borrowing and debt management.
How to Check Your Eligibility for an Amex Card
American Express offers tools that allow potential applicants to check if they are likely to be approved for one of their cards without affecting their credit score. These tools perform a soft search on your credit file, which is not visible to other lenders. Here’s how you can check:
1. American Express Eligibility Checker
Amex offers an online eligibility checker that gives you an indication of whether you’re likely to be accepted for their cards. The process only takes a few minutes and involves answering some basic questions about your financial situation, such as:
- Employment status
- Income
- Monthly expenses
- Current debts or loans
You can find this checker on the American Express website. This soft search doesn’t affect your credit score and helps you make an informed decision before submitting a formal application.
2. Credit Reference Agencies
You can also check your credit score with credit reference agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Knowing your credit score helps you understand whether you meet the general creditworthiness criteria for an Amex card. American Express typically requires a good to excellent credit score.
- A score of 700+ (on a scale of 999) with Experian or an equivalent score with other credit bureaus is generally considered good for an Amex application.
3. Soft Credit Checks
Many comparison websites and financial tools allow you to perform soft credit checks to see if you’re likely to be accepted for certain credit cards. These tools compare your details against multiple lenders, including Amex, and can give you a broad idea of your chances of approval.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you check your eligibility and find that you don’t qualify for an Amex card, here are a few steps to improve your chances for future applications:
- Build Your Credit Score: Pay off existing debts, make timely payments, and avoid applying for multiple credit cards in a short period.
- Lower Your Credit Utilisation: If you’re using a large portion of your available credit, paying it down can improve your credit profile.
- Review Your Credit Report for Errors: Check for mistakes on your credit report that might be affecting your score, such as incorrect addresses or missed payments that didn’t actually occur.
American Express Referral Scheme – Sign up HERE
The American Express (Amex) referral scheme in the UK is a highly beneficial program for both existing and new cardholders. It allows current Amex customers to refer their friends or family members to sign up for an Amex card and, in return, both parties can earn valuable rewards like bonus points, cashback, or Avios. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how the Amex referral scheme works, what you can earn, and how to sign up using a referral link.
How the Amex Referral Scheme Works
- Existing Cardholders Invite Friends or Family
If you already hold an American Express card, you can refer friends or family members to apply for an Amex card using a personalised referral link such as this one here. This link is unique to each cardholder and can be shared via email, social media, or direct messaging. - New Applicant Uses the Referral Link
When someone applies for an Amex card through the referral link and is approved, both the referrer and the new applicant will receive rewards. The exact rewards depend on the card type and any ongoing promotions. - Referral Rewards for the Referrer
The existing cardholder can earn bonus points, cashback, or Avios, depending on the card they hold. For example: (these are subject to change)- Membership Rewards cards: Referrers may earn up to 12,000 Membership Rewards points per successful referral.Cashback cards: Referrers can receive cashback for each approved referral.Avios cards: Referrers can earn Avios for each successful referral.
- Welcome Bonus for the New Cardholder
The new applicant who applies through the referral link can also receive a welcome bonus, which is often larger than the standard offer available directly through the Amex website. For instance, new cardholders can earn:- Extra Membership Rewards points on Rewards cards.Higher cashback or bonus Avios on Cashback or British Airways cards.
Benefits of the Amex Referral Scheme
- Enhanced Rewards for Both Parties
The Amex referral scheme offers a win-win situation where both the referrer and the new applicant benefit from significant rewards. The referral bonus for new applicants is often more generous than the standard sign-up bonus, making it a better deal. - Unlimited Referrals with Annual Caps
You can refer as many people as you like, though there is a cap on the number of points you can earn through referrals annually (usually 90,000 points). Even after reaching the cap, you can still refer people, though you won’t receive additional points for those referrals. - Wide Range of Eligible Cards
You can refer someone to apply for any American Express card, even if they apply for a different card than the one you hold. For instance, a cardholder with an Amex Platinum card can refer someone to apply for an Amex British Airways card or an Amex Cashback card.
What You Can Get with the Referral Scheme
The rewards you can receive through the Amex referral scheme depend on the type of card you hold. Here’s an overview: * Note these rates and offers change regularly *
- Amex Platinum Card
- Referrer’s Reward: Earn 12,000 Membership Rewards points per successful referral.
- New Applicant’s Bonus: Earn up to 35,000 Membership Rewards points if the new applicant spends £4,000 in the first three months.
- Annual Cap: Maximum of 90,000 Membership Rewards points per year.
- Preferred Rewards Gold Card
- Referrer’s Reward: Earn 9,000 Membership Rewards points per successful referral.
- New Applicant’s Bonus: Earn up to 22,000 Membership Rewards points if they spend £3,000 in the first three months.
- Annual Cap: Maximum of 90,000 points per year.
- British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
- Referrer’s Reward: Earn 9,000 Avios per successful referral.
- New Applicant’s Bonus: Earn up to 25,000 Avios if they spend £3,000 in the first three months.
- Annual Cap: Maximum of 90,000 Avios per year.
- Platinum Cashback Card
- Referrer’s Reward: Earn £30 cashback per successful referral.
- New Applicant’s Bonus: Get up to 5% cashback on purchases for the first three months (up to £125).
- British Airways American Express Card
- Referrer’s Reward: Earn 4,000 Avios per successful referral.
- New Applicant’s Bonus: Earn up to 6,000 Avios when they spend £1,000 in the first three months.
How to Sign Up for the Amex Referral Scheme
To take advantage of the referral scheme, follow these steps:
- For Existing Cardholders:
- Log in to your Amex account via the website or mobile app.
- Navigate to the “Refer a Friend” section.
- You’ll see your unique referral link, which you can copy and share via email, social media, or directly with friends and family.
- For New Applicants:
- If you’ve received a referral link, click on it to visit the American Express application page.
- Make sure to use the referral link, such as this one: Activate Referral Offer, to qualify for the enhanced welcome bonus.
- Complete the application and ensure you meet the spending criteria to unlock the welcome bonus.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Eligibility for the Welcome Bonus
New cardholders may only be eligible for the welcome bonus if they have not held an American Express cardwithin the past 24 months. It’s important to check this before applying. - Spending Requirements
To qualify for the welcome bonus, new applicants must meet specific spending requirements within the first few months (e.g., spend £3,000 in the first three months for certain cards). - Referral Caps
While you can refer as many friends as you like, there is an annual cap on the rewards you can earn via referrals, typically around 90,000 points or the equivalent for your specific card.
Example of How the Amex Referral Scheme Works
Scenario:
You hold an American Express Platinum Card and refer a friend using your referral link (Activate Amex Offer). Your friend applies for the Platinum Credit Card and spends £4,000 within the first three months of being approved. Here’s what you both get:
- You (the referrer): You’ll receive 12,000 Membership Rewards points.
- Your friend (the new cardholder): They will receive 35,000 Membership Rewards points as a welcome bonus, provided they meet the spending threshold.
Conclusion on American Express in the UK
American Express offers a variety of premium credit cards tailored to different needs, whether you’re seeking rewards points, travel perks, or cashback. With options like the Amex Platinum, Preferred Rewards Gold, and British Airways Premium Plus, cardholders can enjoy exclusive benefits like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and generous rewards for spending. Each card has specific eligibility criteria, fees, and interest rates, making it important to choose based on your personal spending habits and financial situation.
Additionally, the Amex referral scheme is a powerful tool to enhance rewards for both existing and new customers. Through this program, cardholders can share their referral links to earn bonus points, cashback, or Avios, while referred applicants enjoy elevated sign-up bonuses. By utilizing tools like the Amex Eligibility Checker, you can assess your suitability without impacting your credit score, ensuring that you make informed decisions when applying.
Whether you’re taking advantage of a referral link such as Activate Amex Referral Offer or selecting the right card for your lifestyle, American Express continues to offer a premium experience in the UK, rewarding those who spend wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amex Referral Scheme:
- What is the American Express Referral Scheme?
Sign up using the Amex referral code provided and you will get bonus membership once your account is approved. - What is the American Express Referral Code?
Use the following link and you will activate the AMEX referral offer: https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/fAISANFZsj?XL=MIMNS - How many points will I get by using an Amex referral?
The number of bonus membership points changes depending on the Amex offer running at the time and also by the card you decide to sign up for. The referral offer will always be better than simply signing up directly on the American Express website. - Do I have to sign up for a particular card to get the Amex referral?
The American Express referral link will take you to a particular card but you can click the button on the site which will show you all cards you can sign up for and receive the amex referral bonus. - What are the exact steps to sign up using the American Express Invite to get FREE bonus membership points?
a. To use an American Express referral link to sign up for a new credit card, follow these steps:
b. Click on the Amex referral link that you received here. This will take you to the American Express website.
c. Review the terms and conditions of the credit card offer. Remember you can choose a number of cards to sign up to – Make sure to read the fine print and understand any fees, rates, and other terms associated with the card.
d. Click on the “Apply Now” button to begin the application process. Follow the prompts to complete the application form. This may include providing personal and financial information such as your name, address, income, and employment status.
e. Submit the application form and wait for a decision. American Express will review your application and determine whether you are approved for the credit card. If you are approved, you will receive further instructions on how to activate and use your new credit card.
Note: It is important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the credit card offer before applying. These terms and conditions may vary depending on your location and the specific card that you are applying for.