American Express Membership Rewards is a popular flexible points program offering valuable transfer partners and redemption options. A common question for cardholders is whether their hard-earned Membership Rewards points expire.

American Express Membership Rewards Expiration Policy

The good news is that American Express Membership Rewards points generally do not expire, provided you meet one key condition:

  • You must keep at least one Membership Rewards-earning American Express card open and in good standing.

As long as you have an active Membership Rewards-earning card (like The Platinum Card®, American Express® Gold Card, etc.), your points balance is safe from expiration due to time or inactivity.

This policy allows members to accumulate points over time for significant redemptions without worrying about losing them due to inactivity alone.

Account Closure Considerations

It's crucial to understand what happens if you close your only Membership Rewards-earning card:

  • Forfeiture: If you cancel your last Membership Rewards-earning card, you will typically forfeit any remaining points in your account.
  • Product Changes: If you product-change your last Membership Rewards-earning card to a non-Membership Rewards-earning card (like a cashback card), you may also forfeit your points.

Before closing or changing your last Membership Rewards-earning card, ensure you have a plan to use your points or open another eligible card to maintain your points balance.

Official Policy

For the most current and detailed information, refer to the official American Express Membership Rewards program terms and conditions:

Keep at least one eligible card open, and enjoy the flexibility of your non-expiring American Express Membership Rewards points!


Disclaimer: Program terms and conditions can change. Always refer to the official American Express documentation for the latest rules. This guide is for informational purposes only.