AMEX Membership Rewards
VS
Shukran
Landmark Group
AMEX Membership Rewards vs Shukran: which loyalty program wins?
We score AMEX Membership Rewards and Shukran on the same five factors — earning rate, redemption value, partner network, ease of use, and point expiry — to help you choose the right program for how you actually spend.
Verdict
AMEX Membership Rewards is best for International travelers wanting premium-cabin redemptions and no expiry pressure, while Shukran is best for Mall shoppers.
Skip AMEX Membership Rewards if Anyone seeking the highest local earn rate or the lowest annual fees, and skip Shukran if Shoppers outside Landmark brands.
Overall rating
| AMEX Membership Rewards | Shukran | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2 / 5 | 3.5 / 5 |
| Earning | 3.0 / 5 | 2.0 / 5 |
| Redemption | 5.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Network | 5.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Ease of use | 3.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Expiry | 5.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
Earning structure
| AMEX Membership Rewards | Cardholders earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every USD spent (approximately 3.75 SAR) at any establishment accepting American Express in Saudi Arabia and 200+ countries worldwide. Premium cards (Gold, Platinum, The Platinum Card, The Gold Card) offer enhanced earning on select categories such as dining, travel, and supermarkets - earning rates vary by specific card product. Welcome bonuses provide head-start points on enrollment, typically substantial. Amex Offers provide additional bonus points and statement credits at participating merchants. Some cards charge USD 25/year for Membership Rewards enrollment; others include it free. | |
|---|---|---|
| Shukran | Members earn Shukrans on every purchase at Landmark Group brands and partners across the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt. The earn rate is tier-based: Classic members earn 17 Shukrans per 100 SAR, Silver 18, Gold 19, and Platinum 21 - equivalent to roughly 0.85% to 1.05% back. |
Redemption structure
| AMEX Membership Rewards | Points redeem through multiple channels: transfer to international airline frequent flyer programs (multiple major carriers, typically 1:1 ratio), transfer to global hotel loyalty programs (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, ALL Accor), book travel directly via Amex's reward catalogue, redeem for digital gift cards from major retailers, pay annual card fees with points, donate to selected charities, or shop with points at AmexShop for electronics, accessories, and gifts. Minimum redemption is 1,000 points. The highest value typically comes from premium-cabin airline transfers, where points can deliver several times more value than cashback or shop-with-points options. Redemption is processed via the Amex Saudi Arabia app, online account, or by calling 800 124 2229. | |
|---|---|---|
| Shukran | Shukrans redeem at a fixed rate of 200 Shukrans = 10 SAR (1 Shukran = 0.05 SAR) at any participating Landmark Group brand or partner outlet across the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt - both in-store and online. Minimum redemption threshold is 200 Shukrans. |
Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy
| AMEX Membership Rewards | Shukran | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of partners | 0 | 0 |
| Partners | — | — |
| Number of tiers | 0 | 4 |
| Top tier | — | Platinum |
| First-tier qualification | — | 750 SAR spend |
| Point expiry | Never expire | 12 months |