Using American Express Membership Rewards (MR) points to book prepaid flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals and vacation packages through the Amex Travel Portal can be a great way to save money on your next vacation.

But are you really getting the best value when you redeem your hard-earned points this way? Whether you use the portal or transfer points to an American Express travel partner is up to you, as are other factors - from travel date flexibility, award availability and the type of credit card you use, to personal preferences for brands, seat class and comfort.

All of these factors are taken into account during the booking process. Below, Select presents the best ways to book prepaid flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals and vacation packages with Amex points through the Amex Travel Portal. American Express can be good for international travel if you choose the right credit card.

The Platinum Card® from American Express, for example, is a very good card for high-spending frequent travelers with credit scores of 700+. You also have the option to transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to Amex airline and hotel partners.

You'll earn 5x points for prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel if you're an Amex Platinum or Biz Platinum cardholder. The card also charges 0% foreign fees and offers solid travel rewards truck service.

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