If you’ve ever wondered who has the most Amex points, you’re not alone. The fascination with credit card rewards has created a community of points enthusiasts who treat Membership Rewards as a badge of honor. Some people proudly post their six-figure totals online, while others casually rack up millions through business spending. And then there are the record-breakers, the folks whose balances look more like national lottery winners than credit card rewards.
So, let’s explore the stories of the biggest Amex balances ever, how these points are earned, and what lessons everyday cardholders can learn from these numbers every day, every day. You don’t need a billion-dollar art budget to get great value out of your Amex card.
Record-Breaking Point Balances: Fact or Legend?
When people ask who has the most Amex points, one story tends to top them all: Liu Yiqian, a Chinese billionaire and art collector, who reportedly earned around 1.98 billion Amex Membership Rewards points in a single purchase. He charged approximately $170 million on his American Express card to buy artwork at an auction, and thanks to the 1.5 points per dollar ratio, he ended up with a mountain of points that no one is likely to match anytime soon.
Now, before you start wondering if buying a Picasso is a valid business expense, rest assured, for most of us, this isn’t a realistic strategy. Still, it highlights just how massive balances can get in the hands of the ultra-wealthy.
But Liu isn’t alone. In the world of points influencers, balances in the tens of millions aren’t unheard of. Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, once revealed a balance of around 44 million Amex points. Over on Reddit, users have shared stories of amassing 3–4 million points through careful churning, sign-up bonuses, and reimbursed business spending. While these totals don’t make headlines like the billion-point record, they are still eye-popping for everyday travelers.
How Membership Rewards Are Earned
To understand who racks up the most points, we need to break down how Amex Membership Rewards are earned.
1. Everyday Spending
Most Amex cards earn 1 point per dollar on standard purchases. That means someone spending heavily on their Amex card—think businesses paying for inventory or advertising—naturally earns more.
2. Bonus Categories
Depending on the card, bonus categories rarely go beyond 3 to 5 points per dollar in dining, travel, or fuel categories. For example, a business traveler who frequently dines out for work can very much rake in points faster.
3. Welcome Bonuses
Here is where the balances jump. Amex often gives away welcome bonuses from 60,000 to 150,000 points to new cardholders who meet the spending requirements. Professional hunters-maximizing these offers-are people who apply for cards in a strategic way.
4. Amex Offers & Promotions
American Express frequently extends freshly tailored offers, such as extra points for purchases at specific retail outlets or for making travel-related payments. Those who spend high amounts and stay on top of the promos will be able to multiply their balances.
5. Authorized Users & Supplementary Cards
Adding family or employees as cardholders funds all spending into one Membership Rewards balance. This is a common strategy for small business owners who want to maximize their points.
Strategies That Lead to Enormous Balances
When we ask who has the most Amex points, it’s not just about luck; it’s about strategy. Here’s what high-balance holders often do differently:
- Spend Big on Business Expenses: Businesses running large ad campaigns, buying inventory, or covering travel for teams can rack up millions of points in a few years.
- Leverage Multiple Cards: Owning multiple Amex cards with different bonus categories allows people to earn optimally on every purchase.
- Redeem Reimbursed Spending: Some Redditors admit they put reimbursed business expenses on their Amex cards, keeping the points as a bonus. Imagine charging $100,000 in company flights and hotels in a year; it quickly adds up.
- Churn Strategically: Professional churners don’t just spend; they also time applications for maximum bonuses and stack offers.
Of course, there’s also the “buy a $170 million painting” approach, but that’s probably not in most readers’ monthly budget (unless you have a very forgiving CFO).
Why These Totals Matter
Who cares about who has the most Amex points anyway? Well, these super high balances showcase the Member Rewards’ true potential. With enough points, a traveler can book first-class international airfare, or a luxury hotel stay or transfer points to an EMRS thing known as partner airlines, which then redeems for a premium product with Emirates or Singapore Airlines.
It also demonstrates the flexibility of the Amex ecosystem. Unlike some programs that limit redemptions, Amex allows transfers to dozens of partners, meaning those points can stretch much further than a simple cash-back equivalent.
Lessons for the Everyday Cardholder
Most of us won’t hit the billion-point mark—but we don’t need to. Here’s what you can take away from the giants of the Amex world:
- Use the right card for the right purchase—maximize categories like dining or travel.
- Always aim for welcome bonuses; they’re the fastest way to build a balance.
- Don’t ignore Amex Offers—those little promos can add up quickly.
- Think long-term redemption points are worth more when transferred to airline partners instead of being cashed out.
If you can consistently follow these steps, your points will grow steadily—without the need for a billion-dollar art collection.
Who Has the Most Amex Points?
So, who has the most Amex points? Officially, the crown seems to go to Liu Yiqian, whose billion-point haul may never be matched. Among influencers, balances in the tens of millions are impressive, while everyday high spenders often hit several million through smart strategy.
For everyone else, the true answer lies in aiming to learn from these examples. Points are worthy only in the way they are used, and by applying the right strategy, your Membership Rewards can take you to great travel, luxury experiences, or financial flexibility.
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