Credit Cards · Honest Review

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card

American Express · Amex

₹1,000Annual fee
0.50%Base rate
3.5%Forex markup
50KMin income/mo

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American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card
American Express · Amex
  • 18 Karat Gold Collection: redeem 18,000 points for ?8,000+ vouchers
  • 1,000 bonus points on 4 transactions of ?1,500+ in a month
  • Amex Offers: curated discounts at partner restaurants and brands
  • No expiry on Membership Rewards points
  • Transfer points to airline miles (Marriott, Singapore Airlines, etc.)
₹1,000/yrAnnual fee
₹1,000
Annual fee
0.50%
Base reward rate
None
Lounge access
720+
CIBIL score
The Amex Membership Rewards card is ideal for those who value flexible point transfers to airline miles and exclusive dining offers � though Amex acceptance gaps in India mean it works best as a second card.

What American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card costs you

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card carries a ₹1,000 annual fee and a ₹1,000 one-time joining fee. The annual fee is waivable: No annual fee waiver � but joining fee waived online.

FeeAmount
Annual fee (year 2+)₹1,000
Joining fee (one-time)₹1,000
Fee waiver conditionNo annual fee waiver � but joining fee waived online
Foreign transaction fee (forex markup)3.5% per transaction

What you earn on every rupee spent

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card earns 0.50% on all eligible spends as a base reward rate, with accelerated rates on dining & food and other bonus categories listed below. Each reward point is worth ₹0.5 when redeemed, giving a clear rupee value for your earnings.

CategoryReward rate
All other spends (base rate)0.50%
🍽️ Dining & Food0.5%
0.5%
Dining & Food
Welcome bonus

4,000 Membership Rewards points (2,000 at 90 days + 2,000 at 6 months)

Reward types: Points · Discounts

Beyond the reward rate

The non-reward benefits on American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card are limited — the card's value proposition is primarily the reward rate structure.

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No lounge access
This card does not include airport lounge access.
No fuel surcharge waiver
Standard 1% surcharge applies at fuel pumps.

Who can apply for American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card requires a minimum net monthly income of ₹50,000 for salaried applicants and a CIBIL score of 720 or above. It is open to salaried employees and self-employed professionals.

₹50,000
Min monthly income
720+
CIBIL score
1865
Age (years)
RequirementDetail
Minimum monthly income₹50,000
CIBIL score720+ (good to excellent)
Age range1865 years
Employment typeSalaried, Self-employed
Typical approval time7�14 working days

Amex acceptance is lower than Visa/Mastercard in India � verify your primary merchants before applying.

Who should (and shouldn't) get American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card

✅ Best for
  • Heavy spenders on dining & food who want 0.5% back
  • Moderate spenders who can clear the fee waiver condition
⚠️ Not ideal for
  • Frequent flyers who need airport lounge access
  • International travelers — the 3.5% forex markup adds up quickly

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card — Questions answered

What is the annual fee for American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card?
The annual fee is ₹1,000 from year 2 onwards, with a one-time joining fee of ₹1,000. The fee is waivable: No annual fee waiver � but joining fee waived online.
What is the minimum income required for American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card?
Salaried applicants need a minimum net monthly income of ₹50,000 and a CIBIL score of at least 720. Self-employed applicants typically need equivalent annual income proof. Amex acceptance is lower than Visa/Mastercard in India � verify your primary merchants before applying.
What is the reward rate on American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card for dining & food?
American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card earns 0.5% on dining & food with no monthly cap. On all other spends, the base reward rate is 0.50%.
Does American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card provide airport lounge access?
American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card does not include airport lounge access as a standard benefit. If lounge access is a priority, consider upgrading to a premium variant or a dedicated travel card.
How do I get the annual fee waived on American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card?
The annual fee on American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card is automatically waived when you meet the spend threshold: No annual fee waiver � but joining fee waived online. You do not need to call the bank — the waiver is applied to the next billing cycle once the condition is met.
How long does it take to get American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card approved?
Most applications for American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card are processed within 7�14 working days. Pre-approved customers may receive instant digital approval. Physical card delivery typically takes 3–5 business days after approval.
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Information on this page is gathered from public sources and the card issuer's official website. Fees and reward rates may change — verify the current terms on the issuer's website before applying. SingleVerdict may earn a referral fee if you apply through our links, which does not affect our scoring or editorial decisions.