Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
GUIDE
How to redeem points for gift cards
Redeeming points for gift cards is the exchange of loyalty points for a merchant gift card or an American Express Gift Card. Under the U.S. Membership Rewards terms last updated in October 2026, American Express Gift Cards can be bought with points online once the account has at least 1,000 points, and the redemption is final. [7] The detailed rules below apply to the U.S. Membership Rewards programme; airline frequent flyer programmes are outside this guide.
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- In the U.S. Membership Rewards programme, points can be used for gift cards from a variety of merchants, or for American Express Gift Cards that work where American Express is accepted. If the only Card Product linked to your Rewards Account is a Legacy Card, you can only use points towards American Express Gift Cards and cannot use points towards merchant gift cards. [7]
- You must have at least 1,000 points to order an American Express Gift Card online with points. [7]
- Gift cards have no cash value, and unless the card says otherwise they cannot be exchanged for cash or give a cash return for an unused amount. [7]
- Once a gift card redemption is made, it cannot be reversed, and the merchant’s terms apply. [7]
- Gift cards can be shipped only to the U.S. or U.S. territories, excluding Hawaii and Vermont, and specific merchants may add further restrictions. [7]
How do Membership Rewards gift card redemptions work?
American Express says cardmembers can use points to get gift cards from a variety of merchants, or get American Express Gift Cards to use anywhere American Express is accepted. However, if the only Card Product linked to your Rewards Account is a Legacy Card, you can only use points towards American Express Gift Cards and cannot use points towards merchant gift cards. [7] The American Express Gift Card option is online only: you must purchase the card online with points, and you need at least 1,000 points in your Rewards Account to start. [7]
Most gift cards arrive within 7–10 business days, and faster delivery may be available for a fee. [7] A digital gift card order appears in your Digital Gift Card Wallet. [7] If one or more of your products are closed, you may lose access to some or all of your digital gift cards, so the terms tell you to print the digital gift card information before the product closes. [7]
How is the value of a gift card redemption set?
American Express says the value of points varies according to how you choose to use them. [7] Gift cards have no cash value, and unless the gift card says otherwise you cannot exchange them for cash or get a cash return for an unused amount. [7]
The programme can change the number of points required to redeem for rewards. [7] That means the points needed for a gift card can change, and a cardmember should check the current requirement before redeeming. [7]
A gift card is therefore a spending redemption tied to a merchant or to the American Express network, not a cash payout. [7] The terms also make the redemption final and put responsibility for merchant restrictions on the cardmember. [7]
What are the exceptions and limits?
Legacy Card restriction. If the only Card Product linked to your Rewards Account is a Legacy Card, you can only use points towards American Express Gift Cards and cannot use points towards merchant gift cards. [7]
No cash value or cash back. Gift cards have no cash value, and unless the gift card says otherwise you cannot exchange them for cash or get a cash return for an unused amount. [7] Each gift card may also carry its own terms, conditions or restrictions. [7]
Final redemption. Once you redeem points for a gift card, the redemption cannot be reversed, and the merchant’s terms and conditions apply. [7] American Express says it does not control merchant gift card programmes and that you are responsible for understanding all guidelines and restrictions before redeeming. [7]
Use and acceptance. Retailers choose whether to accept gift cards, and most require the original card rather than a photocopy. [7] You may be able to combine gift cards obtained with points, but they cannot be combined with other promotional offers. [7] Gift cards cannot be used to pay for purchases you have already made, in places where gift cards are illegal, or to pay any existing American Express account balance. [7]
Delivery and address limits. Gift cards can be shipped only to the U.S. or U.S. territories, excluding Hawaii and Vermont, and specific merchants may impose further restrictions. [7]
Digital cards. Digital gift card orders appear in the Digital Gift Card Wallet; if one or more products are closed, you may lose access to some or all of your digital gift cards, so you must print the information before closure. [7]
American Express Gift Card balance. The funds on an American Express Gift Card do not automatically expire after the Valid Thru date printed on the card; if funds remain after that date, the terms say to call the customer service number on or with the gift card to get a replacement. [7]
When does redeeming points for a gift card make sense?
A gift card redemption is a spending option: the card is used at a merchant that accepts it, and the redemption is final. [7] Because the card has no cash value, an unused balance cannot be turned into cash unless the card says otherwise. [7]
Those limits matter if you may need to cancel a purchase, if you are unsure whether the merchant will accept the card, or if you need the card sent outside the eligible U.S. addresses. [7]
The programme also offers Pay with Points and a statement credit option, and American Express says the value of points varies according to how you choose to use them. [7] For a broader checklist, see when not to redeem points, and for value comparisons see cents per point.
Frequently asked questions
Can I redeem Membership Rewards points for gift cards?
Generally, yes. In the U.S. programme, points can be used for gift cards from a variety of merchants, or for American Express Gift Cards. The exception is an account where the only Card Product linked to your Rewards Account is a Legacy Card: in that case only American Express Gift Cards are available, and merchant gift cards cannot be redeemed with points. [7]
How many points do I need for an American Express Gift Card?
You need at least 1,000 points in your Rewards Account, and the American Express Gift Card must be purchased online. [7]
Can I exchange a gift card for cash?
No. Gift cards have no cash value, and unless the card says otherwise you cannot exchange them for cash or get a cash return for an unused amount. [7]
Can I cancel a gift card redemption?
No. Once you redeem for a gift card, the redemption cannot be reversed, and the merchant’s terms apply. [7]
Where can gift cards be shipped, and how long does delivery take?
Gift cards can be shipped only to the U.S. or U.S. territories, excluding Hawaii and Vermont, and specific merchants may add restrictions. [7] Most gift cards arrive within 7–10 business days, and faster delivery may be available for a fee. [7]
Sources
Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. This page covers the U.S. Membership Rewards programme only; airline frequent flyer programmes and other bank programmes are not covered.
- American Express Membership Rewards Program terms and conditions, checked 18 October 2026