Want to earn flexible points without paying a penny in fees? The American Express Rewards Credit Card (ARCC) is one of the few rewards cards in the UK that offers full Membership Rewards earning and has no annual fee. It’s lean, clean, and surprisingly valuable if you play it right. Let’s break it down. Want more travel hacks and credit card perks? For our entire collection of reviews and guides, click here.
In This Post
Points Earning: Low-Key, Long Game
1 Membership Rewards point per £1 on all spend
- Points are flexible, you can transfer to:
- Avios (British Airways, Iberia) – British Airways Club: The Ultimate Guide to Avios, Tier Points, and Elite Glory
- Virgin Points – The Ultimate Guide to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club:
- Hilton Honours (1:2) – The Ultimate Guide to Hilton Honors: How to Earn, Burn, and Maximise Rewards.
- Marriott Bonvoy (2:3) – The Ultimate Guide to Marriott Bonvoy: Rewards, Status & Tips
- Radisson Rewards (1:3) – The Ultimate Guide to Radisson Rewards: Perks, Points & Pitfalls.
Pro Tip: Use this card to keep your Membership Rewards balance alive if you cancel a paid Amex like Gold or Platinum.
Essential Card Details
- Annual Fee: £0 (permanently)
- Representative APR: 30.0% variable
- Welcome Bonus: 10,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £2,000 in the first 3 months
- Minimum Income Required: £20,000 personal income
- Foreign Exchange Fee: 2.99% on non-sterling purchases
Welcome Bonus: A Quiet Powerhouse
Spend £2,000 in 3 months and you’ll receive 10,000 Membership Rewards points.
What that gets you:
- 10,000 Avios or Virgin Points (hello, Reward Flight Saver!)
- ~£75–£100 in travel value
- Or convert to £50–£75 worth of gift cards if you’re not flying
Eligibility Check:
- You qualify if you haven’t held any personal Amex card in the past 24 months
- Corporate/Business Amex holders are still eligible
- Supplementary cardholders on someone else’s account? Also fine
Who’s It For?
This card is excellent for:
- Amex newbies wanting to get into points without annual fees
- Former Gold or Platinum cardholders who wish to preserve their Membership Rewards points
- Budget travellers who still want premium flexibility
- Anyone who doesn’t spend enough to justify £160+ cards
It’s not for:
- Big spenders who want accelerated earning (see below the Amex Gold or Platinum reviews)
- Frequent flyers looking for travel perks or lounge access
Smart Downgrade Strategy:
Thinking of cancelling Gold or Platinum? Don’t lose your hard-earned points by downgrading to ARCC to keep your Membership Rewards account active. If you cancel a premium card without another MR-linked account, your points are wiped unless you transfer them.
Is It Good for Travel?
Yes for points. No, for spending abroad.
The catch: Amex charges 2.99% foreign transaction fees.
Pair it with Currensea, a Mastercard debit card that links to your bank and charges just 0.5% FX fees. Learn more here. No points, but serious savings.
Want to earn on Visa spend too? Pair with Capital on Tap or Barclaycard Avios to keep earning when Amex isn’t accepted.
Perks That Matter (Even If They’re Few)
- Free Membership Rewards earning
- Access to Amex Offers includes cashback at major retailers like Deliveroo, Booking.com, and Shop Small promos
- Keeps your points alive even if you cancel a paid card
- Full redemption flexibility (airlines, hotels, gift cards)
Points Expiry: Membership Rewards points never expire as long as you hold an active MR-earning card. Cancel everything, and they’ll vanish unless transferred out first.
What’s a Membership Rewards Point Worth?
Depends on how you redeem them:
- Flights: 0.75p 1p per point (via Avios, Virgin, etc.)
- Hotels: decent value via Hilton, Marriott, Radisson
- Gift Cards: usually ~0.5p per point
Pro Tip: Always aim to transfer to airline/hotel partners for the best value.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, especially for:
- People new to Amex who want to test the points waters
- Existing cardholders who wish to downgrade without losing points
- Anyone earning under £35k but still wants access to premium loyalty programs
It’s free, flexible, and surprisingly helpful, especially if you plan to move up the Amex ladder later.
Ready to earn points with zero fees? Apply for the American Express Rewards Credit Card here.
Still Taxiing? Read On:
- Review: British Airways Accelerating Business Credit Card (2025 UK Edition)
- Review: British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card (UK 2025 Updated).
- Review: The American Express Platinum Credit Card (UK).
