Yonder vs Amex: a Guide
Whether you’re looking for a premium membership with all the perks, or to simply start earning points when you pay, a Yonder or American Express (Amex) card could be for you. But with different plans and point systems available, which one gets you the most for your money?
We know we’re marking our own homework here, but if you’re not sure whether to go with Yonder or Amex, our honest guide should help you make your mind up. If you’re pressed for time, here’s how Yonder compares with Amex at a glance.
How Yonder and Amex compare, at a glance
Information accurate as of October 2024. Check the Amex and Yonder websites for up to date information.
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Yonder vs Amex: Points
With both Yonder and Amex, your credit card rewards you with a number of points every time you use it. These points can then be used to unlock a range of rewards and experiences, from gift vouchers to getaways. However, the total number of points you get for the same purchase depends on the provider you’re with and the plan you’re on. Both Yonder and Amex cards offer customers a certain number of points per £1 spent, with more points on offer on selected items and experiences.
So, between Yonder and Amex, what is the best credit card for points?
Points per £1 spent
Starting with the points you earn per £1 spent, Yonder cardmembers with the free membership earn 1 point per £1 on all purchases, with up to 5 points per £1 on selected Experiences. As for those on Yonder’s full membership, cardmembers earn 5 points on all purchases and up to a whopping 25 points per £1 on selected Experiences.
On the other hand, Amex Gold cardholders earn 1 point per £1 spent on everyday purchases, 2 points for every £1 on purchases made with airline partners, and 3 points for every £1 spent on Amex Travel. Amex BA cardholders can also expect to earn 1 Avios — the British Airways Executive Club point system — per £1.
Sign-up and welcome points bonuses
Spending isn’t the only way cardmembers can earn points. Amex Gold offers cardholders 20,000 Amex points for joining, but only if members spend £3,000 in the first 3 months of membership. From there, cardholders can earn 2,500 bonus points on every £5,000 spent, worth up to 12,500 a year.
On the other hand, Yonder’s full membership offers users 10,000 welcome points — worth up to £50 — with no minimum spend and with a fee-free month on top. Accurate as of October 2024.
Referring a friend
Amex Gold cardholders can expect to earn 9,000 Membership Rewards points for every friend they refer, with a maximum of 90,000 points up for grabs.
As for Yonder users, cardholders on full and free memberships can earn 10,000 and 2,000 points for every friend referred respectively, with no limit to the number of friends you can refer. Accurate as of October 2024.
Yonder vs Amex: Travel
Fancy a getaway that won’t break the bank? Both Amex and Yonder offer travel-based rewards – but which card goes the extra mile?
Using points to book flights
If you’ve got your sights set on the skyline, Yonder’s full membership users can use their points to book any flight with any airline, as long as the transaction is made directly with the airline and not through a third party.
Amex Gold cardholders can also use their points to book flights, but only with certain providers, and BA Amex points can only be used to book British Airways flights. While members with Yonder’s free membership and Amex Everyday Cashback cardholders can’t use points to pay for flights, both cardholders can still earn points on every £1 spent booking their flight.
Travel insurance
Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, but the right card can take the sting out of your setback.
Amex Gold cardholders can claim up to £250,000 in Travel Accident Insurance and up to £200 in Inconvenience Insurance, anywhere in the world. As for BA Amex cardholders, travellers can receive up to £75,000 cover on public transport tickets purchased with their American Express card, but only in selected countries.
Yonder full membership cardholders, however, are covered for almost any crisis. Powered by Qover, Yonder’s worldwide family travel insurance covers cardholders on up to £500,000 in Personal Liability Insurance, £7,500 on cancelled flights, £1,000 on lost and stolen baggage and £1,000,000 on medical expenses, plus winter sports and car excess cover anywhere in the world.
Overseas spending
If you’ve used your Yonder points to book your next holiday abroad, take your card with you — you won’t be charged for using your card abroad.
Amex cardholders, however, are charged 2.99% on every transaction made internationally.
Global acceptance
While Amex cards are accepted in 22 million locations globally, Yonder is accepted in twice the number, with a staggering 44 million locations accepting payments made on Yonder cards. If you can use a Mastercard to make a payment, you can use a Yonder card, too.
Yonder vs Amex: Rewards & Experiences
Planning something special or simply can’t be bothered to cook? From catch ups over coffee to nights out on the town, the right rewards credit card lets you do more of what you love for less.
Dining & lifestyle rewards
If you’re an Amex Gold cardholder and fancy a cosy night in, your rewards credit card can get you £5 back on eligible Deliveroo deliveries on takeouts twice a month. Cardmembers can also attend events hosted by partner Eat Life, offering members access to exclusive events hosted across the year. However, these events are restricted to a set time and location, meaning if you’re not in the right place at the right time, you’ll be missing out.
Yonder Experiences, however, are our bread and butter. Yonder points can be used at any time on a range of experiences across the country, with cardholders able to choose from fitness classes, on stage performances, dining experiences and more depending on their location.
Our online offerings are available UK-wide, with at-home experiences available for Yonder customers anywhere in the country. Below are some past member favourites.
Yonder vs Amex: Fees
Rewards credit cards are packed with perks, and paying a little extra for a premium package can make your money go further. Read on to find out which rewards credit card gives you the best bang for your buck.
Membership fees
Both Yonder and Amex offer credit cards for no annual fee, but for premium members, Yonder’s offer of £160 a year — or £15 a month — beats out the £195 price tag that comes with an Amex Gold card.
Representative APR
Beore we dive into this section, we know Representative APR doesn’t make a lot of sense. If you don’t, you’re not alone — 94% of people don’t know what Representative APR is.
So, if you’re thinking “WTF is APR?”, we ran our CRO a bubble bath and asked him to explain what APR is for us.
Comparing Yonder and Amex APR
Now that’s out the way, here’s a how Yonder and Amex stack up on APR.
Yonder
Amex
Yonder vs Amex: Verdict
Sure, we may be biased, but the numbers don’t lie. With a variety of experiences up for grabs at a lower price tag, your Yonder card makes an exciting life more accessible, both at home and abroad.
To get your hands on your credit card-shaped key to the city, simply check your eligibility and get started today.
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