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Earn membership reward points with Rakuten’s credit card

If you use any card (or want) to earn American Express membership bonus points, please note: Rakuten just released a new credit card that allows cardholders to earn 4 points per dollar per dollar, in addition to any membership bonus points you receive through the platform’s special offer.

Although the card is sold as a cash card, a Rakuten spokesperson confirmed that those who choose to win membership reward points through Rakuten can return cash to earn membership reward points.

This is incredible welcome news, especially because Amex’s annual welcome bonus rules make it even more difficult to win membership reward points with other popular currencies.

Here is all you need to know about the Rakuten American Express® card that isn’t bad.

Information on the Rakuten American Express card has been collected independently by Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn reward points for reward members

Savvy points and mileage enthusiasts will tell you that one of the best ways to get bonus membership reward points is through Rakuten.

By activating the offer, you can earn from the card’s revenue rate above all your income. Most of these bonuses are fairly standard, but we have seen spending up to 20 points per dollar.

To use this under-radar revenue strategy, you need to manually choose to earn membership reward points instead of cash back.

This is not free either. Only those who have membership reward points cards are eligible.

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As long as you choose to earn membership reward points through Rakuten, the Rakuten American Express card can give you more points on each purchase. With this card, you will earn money:

  • Spend 10 points (or 10% cash back) on a Rakuten Restaurant Partner
  • In addition to the income you earn from rakuten
  • 2 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants (or 2% cash back)
  • Spend 1 cent (or 1% cash back) per money

Most importantly, after spending $500 in the first 90 days of opening an account, you will earn $25 (or 250 points).

Since the card has no annual fee, it is an incredible income structure.

If you get a top offer at rakuten at 20 points per dollar, this card will increase to 24 points per dollar. This is unheard of for any other card on the market.

Other Rakuten Amex Card Benefits

These revenue rates may sell most potential cardholders, but Rakuten Amex comes with additional privileges to follow:

  • Amex offers: Cardholders will access the AMEX offer. Amex offers are a way to earn bonus cashback or membership bonus points through select merchants. These offers can be stacked with rakuten in exchange for your points.
  • Retail Protection: Covering items that have been stolen or damaged within 90 days of purchase.
  • Extended Warranty Protection: The guarantee of qualification can be extended for up to 12 months.
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This is a reliable benefit of a set of fee cards. Amex offers may vary from card to card, so it is interesting to see what the Rakuten Amex cardholder is targeting and whether it is consistent with the Rakuten offer.

Is Rakuten Amex issued by American Express?

Despite being named “American Express”, Rakuten Amex is not released by American Express.

Instead, First Electronic Bank issued a card through American Express license.

This means you need to contact First Electronic Banking’s customer service to learn about any questions about your card.

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This may also mean you will not comply with American Express’s application rules or welcome reward restrictions. For example, if you have reached the five-card limit limit for AMEX credit cards, you should still be able to turn on Rakuten Amex.

My judgment on Rakuten Amex

For a card with a large size, Rakuten Amex seems too good to achieve. The opportunity to earn a large number of member reward points is hard to ignore.

I always hesitate to open the cards from smaller issuers as they seem to be more prone to problems and poor customer service. That is, if the product is worth it, I don’t object to it.

I added Rakuten Amex to my credit card wish list and I think any membership rewards point holder should, too. This is especially true if you have exhausted AMEX welcome bonuses.

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Remember, you need a membership rewards point card to earn membership rewards points with Rakuten Amex. Otherwise, you will only receive a cashback, which seriously reduces the value of this card.

A few good choices include American Express® Gold Card and American Express Platinum Card®.

If you are looking for an option without an annual fee, consider BlueBusiness® plus American Express credit card (See rates and fees).

Bottom line

This is an exciting new plan for Rakuten.

Transferable reward currencies such as membership reward points are very valuable, so any opportunity to earn more points is always welcome. If you have invested in using Rakuten to collect reward income, this card is effortless.

I plan to do this once my 5/24 status is in a better position, I recommend any points and mileage enthusiasts will consider doing this.

Related: How to Maximize Online Shopping Portal Purchase

For rates and fees for Amex Blue Business Plus, click here.

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