Did you know you can earn 5,750 Amex points today by spending only $50 at Macy’s?
That’s almost enough points to fly one way to Europe in economy on Virgin Atlantic. But there’s one thing you need to do before you shop. Let’s get into it.
The quick math
| How you earn | On a $50 purchase |
|---|---|
| Macy’s Amex Offer (+5X) | 250 points |
| Rakuten (10X) | 500 points |
| Rakuten new-member bonus | 5,000 points |
| Total | 5,750 Amex points |
That’s before the points your Amex card already earns on the purchase.
Step 1: Add the Macy’s Amex Offer
Open your Amex app, go to Amex Offers and search for Macy’s. There’s an offer for +5 Membership Rewards points per eligible dollar, up to 5,000 points, valid online and in store through 11/15/26.
This offer is targeted, so not everyone will see it. If it’s in your account, add it to your card before you shop.
Step 2: Shop Macy’s through Rakuten
Next, go to Rakuten and shop Macy’s from there. Right now Rakuten is offering 10X points at Macy’s (normally 2X).
How to get Amex points instead of cash back
By default, Rakuten pays you in cash back. To earn Amex points instead, switch your payout once and you’re set:
- Log in to Rakuten, click your Account, and choose Account Settings.
- Scroll to How You’re Getting Paid.
- Select Membership Rewards points and log in to link your Amex account.
Once it says Selected next to Membership Rewards points, everything you earn goes to your Amex account as points. Now when you click through to Macy’s, you’ll see that 10X Amex points are activated.
So if you have the Amex Offer and shop through Rakuten, you can earn 15X points at Macy’s.
Step 3: New to Rakuten? Get 5,000 bonus points
If you’re new to Rakuten, it gets even better. Sign up with my Rakuten link, spend $50, and you can earn an extra 5,000 Amex or Bilt points.
So on just a $50 purchase, you could earn 5,750 Amex points. Insane!
Bonus: the Macy’s fall sale
Plus, Macy’s is having a fall sale right now. Spend $100 on eligible styles and get 20% off, or spend $200 and get 30% off.
I’ll definitely be scrolling the sale and adding a couple of pieces to my fall wardrobe. Shop my Macy’s favorites here.
What 5,750 Amex points can get you
Amex points transfer to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. When I searched Boston to London Heathrow for November 5, 2026, a one-way economy Saver seat on Virgin Atlantic was 6,000 points + $162 in taxes and fees. The 5,750 points from this one purchase get you almost all the way there.
Always confirm award availability before you transfer points, since transfers usually can’t be undone.
Quick checklist
- Add the Macy’s Amex Offer in your Amex app (if you’re targeted).
- Sign up for Rakuten and set your payout to Amex points.
- Click through to Macy’s from Rakuten to activate 10X.
- Spend $50 with the Amex card that has the offer.
Offers and earning rates are as of October 5, 2026 and can change at any time. Amex Offers are targeted and have their own terms. Rakuten points are based on eligible purchase amounts and usually post after the store confirms your order. Award prices and availability change often.