Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
Part of American Express Membership Rewards (US) hub
GUIDE
How transferable points coverage differs by country
Transferable points regional coverage is the set of airline and hotel loyalty programmes that the points from a card currency can actually reach, and it follows the account you hold rather than the currency's name. Under the American Express Membership Rewards terms for the United States, points may be moved only to participating partner loyalty programs that have been linked to your Rewards Account, and the transfer rate varies by partner. [7] [8]
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- Coverage is set by the issuing programme's own terms: points go only to participating partner loyalty programs, and the rate at which they transfer varies by partner. [7]
- What an account can reach depends on the products linked to it, because the ways points can be used may differ between products on the same Rewards Account. [7]
- The partner account has to be in your name or an Additional Card Member's name, and that Additional Card must have been issued at least 90 days before linking. [7] [8]
- Transfers cannot be reversed, so award availability and price belong before the transfer, not after. [7] [8]
What decides whether your points can reach a partner?
The programme is owned and operated by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., and its terms state that a Rewards Account can be opened only with at least one eligible and enrolled product. [7] American Express says product eligibility can change at any time. [7] Where several products are linked to the same Rewards Account, the ways points can be used may vary depending on which products are linked. [7]
Two account setups change what a transfer can reach. If the only linked product is a Legacy Card, the transfer option is not available at all. [7] If no card is linked and only a Rewards Checking or Business Checking account is attached, points can be transferred to a limited selection of participating partner loyalty programs. [7]
The accounts also have to match the person. The partner loyalty program account must be held in your name or in the name of an Additional Card Member on the same card account, and an Additional Card must be issued at least 90 days before that member's partner account is linked. [7] The customer service guidance states the same requirement: the name on the card and the name on the selected partner account must match for the accounts to link and the transfer to succeed. [8]
Once the points arrive, the partner programme takes over. The transfer cannot be reversed, the partner's terms and conditions apply, and American Express says it does not control those programmes or their award levels, blackout dates, capacity controls or terms. [7] American Express also says it is not responsible for telling members about changes a partner makes. [7]
What are the standard rules for a points transfer?
These are the terms that applied to United States Membership Rewards accounts as of October 2026. [7]
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Transfer rate | Varies by partner [7] |
| Minimum transfer | In most cases 1,000 points, and only in multiples of 1,000 [7] |
| Fee to a U.S. airline programme | Excise tax offset fee applies [7] |
| Processing time | Typically 48 hours; some programmes delay posting to the partner account [7] |
| Reversal | Not possible; transferred points cannot be converted back into Membership Rewards points [7] |
| Name on the partner account | Yours, or an Additional Card Member's on the same card account [7] [8] |
| Additional Card timing | Card issued at least 90 days before linking the partner account [7] |
If an airline loyalty program stops participating in the programme, American Express may limit how many points can be transferred to it before its participation ends, and that limit will be at least 100,000 points. [7] The rewards programme itself can be changed, and if it is cancelled members get at least 90 days' notice during which they can still earn or use points. [7]
How do you check coverage before transferring?
- Start from the transfer options on your own account rather than a general partner list: American Express points members to its transfer page and to its points information page for current partners and rates. [7]
- Confirm the award first. The guidance is to check availability and the number of points needed before completing a transfer, because transfers are final. [8]
- Link the accounts, then move a whole number of points at or above the minimum. [7]
- Check the partner account to confirm the points have arrived, allowing for the usual processing time plus any delay at the partner's end. [7] [8]
- Redeem directly with the airline or hotel from that partner account. [8] A flight booked with frequent flyer miles is not charged to the card, so card insurance and other benefits that apply to charged flights do not apply to it. [7]
Exceptions and limits
- Product exclusions. Transfers are unavailable where the only linked product is a Legacy Card, and are limited to a limited selection of partners where only a checking account is linked. [7]
- The fee is route-specific. The excise tax offset fee applies to points transferred to a U.S. airline frequent flyer program; on a checking-only account it must be covered with Membership Rewards points at the time of the transfer. [7]
- Points are not property. They cannot be moved to someone else's Rewards Account, sold, or passed on through divorce, inheritance or bankruptcy, although the executor or personal representative may be able to make a one-time redemption depending on the product. [7]
- Additional Card Members have no Rewards Account of their own; their partner accounts must be linked to the main Rewards Account under the rules above. [7]
- No undo. A transfer stays done even if the award you wanted is gone by the time the points post, so the check happens before the move. [7] [8]
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer points to an airline account in a family member's name?
Only if that person is an Additional Card Member on your card account and their Additional Card was issued at least 90 days before you link the accounts. [7] Otherwise the names will not match and the accounts cannot be linked. [8]
How long does a Membership Rewards transfer take?
Typically 48 hours, although American Express notes that some programmes delay posting points to the partner account. [7]
Does it cost anything to transfer points?
Points sent to a U.S. airline frequent flyer program carry an excise tax offset fee; the transfer rate itself varies by partner. [7]
Can I reverse a transfer if the award is not available?
No. All transfers are final and cannot be converted back, so availability and price have to be confirmed first. [7] [8]
Do all Membership Rewards cards allow transfers?
Most products provide access to all available redemption options, but transfers are excluded where the only linked product is a Legacy Card and limited where only a checking account is linked. [7]
Sources
Sources checked on 18 October 2026. The page covers the American Express Membership Rewards programme under its United States terms; other transferable currencies and their regional partner lists, including those of Air Canada Aeroplan, The British Airways Club, Qantas Frequent Flyer and the programmes described in the country guides linked above, are not covered here.
- Membership Rewards Program Terms and Conditions: transfer to partner loyalty programs (excerpt), checked 18 October 2026
- Membership Rewards Program Terms and Conditions (United States), last updated October 2026, checked 18 October 2026
- How do I transfer Membership Rewards points? American Express customer service, checked 18 October 2026