American Express Refer a Friend: How the Referral Bonus Works (UK)

Last updated: 8 June 2026

This page contains an affiliate or referral link. If you apply through it and are approved I may receive a referral bonus at no extra cost to you. It does not affect my editorial view. CoolCuration is not a lender or a credit broker, and this page is information, not financial advice.

See the Amex referral offer

What is Amex refer a friend?

American Express runs an ongoing refer-a-friend programme. An existing cardholder shares a personal referral link, and if a friend or family member uses it to apply for a card (other than the Basic Card) and is approved, both people can receive a reward. The referral link covers a range of cards, with the Platinum Cashback Everyday shown at the top, alongside the Rewards, British Airways, Nectar and Marriott Bonvoy cards.

Importantly, you should only share a referral link with people you actually know, and with their consent, in line with Amex's refer-a-friend terms.

How the Amex referral works, step by step

1. Open the referral link. Use a personal Amex refer-a-friend link and choose the card you want to look at.
2. Check the card terms. Read the representative example, any annual fee, the welcome bonus and the eligibility rules on the card's own page.
3. Apply. Complete the application. Approval is subject to status, affordability and Amex's checks.
4. Meet the welcome bonus criteria. Most welcome bonuses require a minimum spend within the first few months, so check the exact requirement for your card.
5. Rewards are credited. American Express says it can take up to ten weeks for the referrer's reward to appear.

What bonus could you get?

The welcome bonus depends on the card your friend applies for. As an example, the Platinum Cashback Everyday card has offered 5% cashback on purchases for the first three months up to a capped amount, then 0.5% on annual spend up to £10,000 and 1% above £10,000, with a minimum yearly spend needed to earn cashback. Other cards offer Membership Rewards points, Avios or Nectar points instead. Check the current welcome offer and minimum spend on each card's page.

For the person doing the referring, American Express caps refer-a-friend rewards at up to £150 cashback (if you hold a cashback product) or up to 90,000 points or Avios per calendar year, across all your referrals. This is a welcome and referral bonus with conditions attached, not guaranteed money, so the eligibility rules below are the important part.

Who an Amex card may suit

An Amex card may suit you if you pay your balance in full each month and want to earn cashback, Avios or Membership Rewards points on everyday spending. It tends to be less suitable if you expect to carry a balance, because interest at the representative APR can quickly outweigh any rewards, or if you need a card accepted absolutely everywhere, as Amex acceptance is slightly narrower than Visa or Mastercard in the UK.

If you are comparing options, our best referral offers UK guide rounds up current sign-up and refer-a-friend deals across UK brands.

Eligibility and important conditions

• Welcome bonuses are generally only available if you have not held an American Express card in the previous 24 months.
• Your friend must use the referral link, apply for an eligible card (not the Basic Card), and be approved.
• Most welcome bonuses require a minimum spend within a set period after approval.
• Referrer rewards are capped per calendar year and can take up to ten weeks to credit.
• Credit is subject to status, affordability and Amex's eligibility criteria. Terms and conditions apply.

American Express is the lender. CoolCuration is not a lender or a credit broker; the link on this page is a personal Amex refer-a-friend referral link. Only borrow what you can afford to repay, and aim to clear the balance in full each month to avoid interest. For free, impartial guidance on credit and borrowing, see MoneyHelper.

See the Amex referral offer

FAQs

How much is the Amex refer a friend bonus?

It depends on the card. The new cardholder's welcome bonus (points, Avios, Nectar points or cashback) is shown on each card's page. The referrer can earn up to £150 cashback, or up to 90,000 points or Avios, per calendar year across all referrals.

Who is eligible for an Amex welcome bonus?

Welcome bonuses are generally only available to people who have not held an American Express card in the previous 24 months, who apply through a referral link and are approved, and who meet any minimum-spend requirement.

How long does the referral bonus take?

American Express says the referrer's reward can take up to ten weeks to be credited after the referred friend is approved and meets the conditions.

What is the APR on an Amex card?

It varies by card and by your circumstances. As a snapshot, as of 8 June 2026 the Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card showed a representative 29.1% APR (variable) with no annual fee. Always check the current representative example on the American Express website before applying.

Is American Express widely accepted in the UK?

Amex is accepted by many UK retailers, but acceptance is slightly narrower than Visa or Mastercard. Some smaller businesses do not take it, so many people keep a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.

Will applying affect my credit score?

A card application usually involves a credit check that can be recorded on your file. Credit is subject to status and affordability, so it is worth checking your eligibility before you apply.

Is American Express regulated?

Yes. American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 661836). It is registered in England and Wales (company number 01833139), with its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9AX. Always read the card's terms, summary box and representative example before applying.

Disclaimer

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. American Express is the lender; CoolCuration is not a lender or a credit broker, and the link on this page is a personal refer-a-friend referral link. Credit is subject to status and affordability, and rates, fees, bonuses and terms can change, so always check American Express's current details before applying. If you click through and a friend is approved, I may receive a referral bonus at no extra cost to you, and it does not affect my editorial view. For free, impartial money guidance, see MoneyHelper.

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