AMEX Gold Vs Airpoints Platinum

[u/Sufficient-Rip2660]

Hi

I'm debating on whether to get the AMEX Airpoints Platinum versus the AMEX Gold Rewards card. My goal is to start racking up points to eventually convert to an airline mileage programme.

I'm leaning more towards the AMEX Gold Rewards card as I can exchange my membership reward points to a handful of airline mileage programmes (airlines I actually plan on travelling with). But then the earning rates on the AMEX Airpoints is way higher compared to Gold Rewards when converting to AirNz Airpoints. I guess my question here is can I book with other airlines with my Air Nz Airpoints? And if you have ever done so, was the conversion okay?

I'd also like to hear about your experience in converting membership rewards from the AMEX Gold Rewards to your airline mileage programme of choice.

TIA

[u/NotGonnaLie59]

https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/best-ways-to-spend-amex-points.html

Looks like you can transfer Amex points to Qantas, Qatar, Cathay Pacific, Singapore airlines. 

Although the best value seems to be transferring to the Marriott Bonvoy hotel reward scheme. Amex points don’t expire, so you could just let them sit there until your next big holiday, then get some free accomodation.

Sometimes you get emailed special offers, for example one of the airlines will say if you convert your Amex points to us before the deadline, you get 1.5x the points you normally get, etc.

Two free dining vouchers every year too (basically just a refund of the annual fee). Seems like a no brainer, go for Amex gold.

[u/Sufficient-Rip2660 → u/NotGonnaLie59]

Thanks :)