It's a known fact most loyalty point systems allow you to redeem fulfilling rewards to your preference. Such is the case with American Express as well. But how do you earn whopping amounts of points quickly to earn your wishlist rewards? American Express' Referral Bonus scheme – ‘Refer A Friend' is your answer. Read on to get a clear understanding of how it works
American Express credit/charge cards have their own referral bonus plan known as ‘Refer A Friend’. It's a great way to boost your points within the Amex loyalty program or its affiliates' while at the same time letting your friends in on some of the top loyalty programs in Canada today. Amex referrals are the way Amex rewards its most trusted users for “spreading the word”.
In this guide, you will find:
What is a Referral Bonus?
A Referral Bonus is a number of bonus points (Membership Rewards points or Marriott Bonvoy points) or cashback you can get when you refer a friend or acquaintance to an Amex card or product. It is an easy way to earn points on your Amex Card from every approved referral.
Not only do you earn points or cashback, but Amex referrals also let you share great Amex perks with your friends, so they'll benefit from it as well. Not to forget some of the cards come along with a substantial welcome bonus while the offers last.
How Do Amex Referrals Work?
Below you can find a step-by-step visual aid of how you can refer a friend and get your bonus:
Step 1: Log in to your Amex online account
Step 2: Click on Refer a Friend
When you successfully log in, you will see the ‘Refer A Friend' option on the left panel. Click on it and you will be directed to the Referral home page.
Step 3: Choose the card to recommend
At the top of the Referral home page, you will have a view of the card options that you can do a referral from.
Once you select your card, you will receive your personalized referral link.
Step 4: Share your referral link
Share your referral link with your friends either personally or via social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Step 5: Wait for their approval
When your friend applies for the card via your referral link and gets approved, you will be rewarded your referral bonus within 8-12 weeks to your account.
For a more comprehensive idea of how successful referrals can be done as per Amex terms and conditions, you can log in to the Amex Refer-A-Friend site.
What is the Referral Bonus you can get for an Amex Card Type?
In the table below, you can view the referral bonus awarded for each Amex card, along with the annual fee and the referral bonus annual capping limit. For more details on the features and benefits each Amex card has to offer, just click on the link at the respective card's name.
| Card | Annual Fee | Referral Bonus per approved referral | Referral Bonus Earning Limit per calendar year |
| American Express Cobalt Card | $120 $10/monthly | 5,000 MR Points | 15 friends / 75,000 MR points |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | $150 | 5,000 MR Points | 15 friends / 75,000 MR points |
| American Express Platinum Card | $699 | 15,000 MR points | 15 friends / 225,000 MR points |
| American Express Business Platinum Card | $499 | 25,000 MR points | 15 friends / 225,000 MR points |
| American Express Business Edge Card | $99 | 5,000 MR points | 15 friends / 75,000 MR points |
| American Express SimplyCash Card | $0 | $100 cash back | 15 friends / $1,500 |
| American Express SimplyCash Preferred Card | $99 | $150 cash back | 15 friends / $2,250 |
| Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card | $120 | 10,000 Bonvoy points | 15 friends / 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card | $150 | 10,000 Bonvoy points | 15 friends / 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points |
If you don't see your card of choice in the table above, it's probably because Amex has yet to introduce a “Refer a Friend” bonus scheme for it.
Let's help you clarify that immediately.
Cards That Do Not Offer Amex Referrals
Below are the cards that don't have any referral bonus perks at the moment. However, rest assured that we will be the first to notify you once Amex updates its offers.
However, should you wish to know more about a particular card, click on the card name and read our reviews on it.
| Card Type | Annual Fee | Referral Bonus Status |
| Scotia Gold Amex | $120 Or $79 if cardholder is above 65 years old | Not offered at present |
| American Express Air Miles Gold Business Card | $0 | Not offered at present |
| American Express Air Miles Platinum Card | $65 | Not offered at present |
| American Express Air Miles Business Card | $180 | Not offered at present |
| American Express Air Miles Reserve Card | $299 | Not offered at present |
What Causes Unsuccessful Referral Bonuses?
It's important to mention that not all referrals will gain you a referral bonus. These are the most important things to look out for when referring a friend in order to make sure you get the bonus. You won't get the bonus if:
- Your friend or acquaintance isn't approved for the card.
- You refer someone you don't know personally, or with whom you don't have any sort of personal or business relationship.
- Your friend/family member applies for the card without using your personalized referral link.
- You referred someone with misleading or inaccurate information about the card.
- Your card payment dues are not paid on time.
- You have reached the limit your card allows for referral bonus earning (you capped out your referral bonuses)
Final Thoughts
Being an Amex cardholder, you can earn high amounts of MR points, Bonvoy points or cashback via the Refer-A-Friend program by American Express. Get your personalized referral link to get started on the process and you can work your way to huge amounts of points that can add up to thousands of dollars in either travel or merchandise redemptions or statement credits.
