The American Express Membership Rewards program is one of the leading credit card rewards programs, competing closely with Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Points. It stands out due to the ease of earning and the flexibility in redeeming points.
You can accumulate points with any eligible American Express card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, or The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. Points are earned on all purchases, with bonus points available for select categories depending on the card. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including gift cards, statement credits, travel, merchandise, and transfers to Amex’s airline and hotel partners.
Before applying for an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, it’s important to understand the long-term value of these points. Specifically, you should be aware of whether American Express points expire and how to prevent losing them. We’ll explore the factors that might cause you to forfeit your Membership Rewards points and provide tips on how to avoid such situations.
Can you lose American Express points?
American Express Membership Rewards points do not expire, and there is no cap on how many points you can accumulate. However, there are specific circumstances under which you might lose your points, as detailed in the Membership Rewards program’s terms and conditions:
Your account is canceled
If you cancel an American Express consumer card or checking account and do not have at least one other eligible, linked Amex card, you will lose all the points you’ve earned.
There are a few exceptions, though. If you cancel an American Express corporate card, you can redeem your points for up to 30 days after account cancellation. For New York Card Members (those with a billing address in New York), you have up to 90 days from the account closure notification to redeem your points, but you must call the number on the back of your card to do so.
American Express also reserves the right to cancel your card or checking account for reasons such as inactivity, death, insolvency, or bankruptcy. If your account is canceled by mistake, your points will not be lost. However, if your card is canceled due to inactivity, you must use your points within 90 days to avoid forfeiting them.
You made a late payment
If you fail to pay at least the minimum amount due on your credit card statement, you will forfeit all Amex points earned during that billing period. However, you can recover these points by following these steps:
- Pay any outstanding amounts on your account.
- Contact American Express to request your lost points within 12 months of the billing period in question.
- Pay a $35 fee for each account and billing period for which you are requesting to recover points.
To avoid losing points and maintain a good credit standing, it’s best to pay your credit card bills in full and on time.
You misused the Membership Rewards program
If American Express suspects that you have engaged in or attempted “abuse, misuse, or manipulation” related to earning or using points, they may suspend or revoke your points, or even cancel your account.
You have a negative points balance
You might end up with a negative points balance if:
- Your points are removed due to misuse.
- You return a purchase and don’t have enough points to cover the reversal.
- You receive a points incentive award in error and lack the points needed to cover the reversal.
In these situations, any new points you earn will first be applied to your negative balance. Once your balance is positive again, you can continue using your points as usual.
Your corporate card is suspended
If your Amex corporate card is suspended due to reasons like insolvency or bankruptcy, your ability to use your Amex points will also be suspended. Once the suspension is lifted, you will regain access to your points.
Don’t lose your points — what to do before you close an Amex account
Before closing a credit card that earns American Express Membership Rewards points, ensure you have another card within the program. According to American Express’ terms, you will forfeit any unused points if you close your account without having another eligible card.
Many people choose to apply for an American Express Membership Rewards card with no annual fee before closing a premium card like the Amex Platinum Card or Amex Gold Card. For instance, opening a no-annual-fee card such as the Blue Business Plus Credit Card or Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express can help you retain your points balance after closing your other card account.
To maximize the value of your points, regularly monitor your balance and use them effectively.
In Conclusion
While American Express Membership Rewards points don’t expire, there are specific situations where you might lose your accumulated points. To avoid this, ensure you pay your bill on time and in full, keep your account active, and adhere to American Express’ terms and conditions.