American Express Membership Rewards points generally don't expire, but certain account actions can lead to forfeiture. This guide explains the rules, risks, and strategies to protect your points for everyday travel value.
Introduction
If you're an everyday traveler relying on credit card rewards to stretch your budget for family vacations, business trips, or weekend getaways, American Express Membership Rewards points can feel like a reliable safety net. But the nagging question remains: do Amex points expire? For US cardholders, the short answer is no—they don't have a built-in expiration date like some other programs. However, real-life scenarios like account closures or payment issues can put them at risk of forfeiture, potentially wiping out hard-earned rewards worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in travel value.
In this guide, we'll break down the official policy straight from American Express, highlight common pitfalls that lead to point loss, and share practical steps to safeguard your balance. Whether you're a new cardholder building your first stash or a seasoned user eyeing redemptions, understanding these rules can help you avoid surprises and focus on what matters: turning points into memorable trips without unnecessary stress. We'll keep things US-focused, drawing on the latest 2025 updates to ensure you're equipped with current, actionable insights.
What Are American Express Membership Rewards Points?
Before diving into expiration rules, let's clarify what Membership Rewards (MR) points are and why they're valuable for US travelers. Launched by American Express, this flexible rewards program lets you earn points on everyday spending through eligible credit cards, then redeem them for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transfers to partner airlines and hotels.
Points are earned based on your card's bonus categories. For example, many Amex cards offer elevated rates on travel, dining, and groceries—think 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel on premium cards. As of 2025, the program's strength lies in its transfer partners, where points can be worth 1.5 to 2 cents each or more when moved to high-value options like airlines for international economy flights or domestic upgrades.
Unlike fixed-value cash-back programs, MR points shine for their versatility. You could use 50,000 points for a $500 statement credit, but savvy users often transfer them to partners for better deals, such as booking a round-trip flight to Europe valued at over $1,000. This flexibility makes them ideal for everyday folks who aren't ultra-frequent flyers but want occasional perks like free hotel nights or reduced airfare costs.
Importantly, points pool across your linked Amex accounts, so if you have multiple cards, your balance combines for easier redemptions. But this interconnected setup also ties into forfeiture risks, as we'll explore next.
The Official Policy: Do Amex Points Expire?
Straight from American Express's 2025 terms, Membership Rewards points have no automatic expiration date. That means as long as your account remains active and in good standing, your points sit there indefinitely, ready for use whenever you need them. This policy sets Amex apart from competitors where inactivity triggers expiration after 18-36 months.
However, "no expiration" doesn't mean "indestructible." The program emphasizes that points can be forfeited under specific conditions outlined in the terms and conditions. This distinction is crucial for US cardholders, who might accumulate points over years only to lose them due to overlooked account changes.
For context, American Express updated its terms in September 2025, but the core expiration policy remained unchanged from prior years. Points aren't tied to a calendar deadline; instead, their longevity depends on your relationship with Amex—keeping payments current, avoiding misuse, and maintaining at least one eligible product.
This approach encourages long-term loyalty while protecting the program from abuse. If you're a casual user earning points on groceries or gas, you can stockpile without worry, provided you steer clear of the forfeiture triggers we'll detail below.
Common Scenarios Where You Might Forfeit Points
While points don't expire on their own, forfeiture can happen faster than you think. Based on Amex's rules, here are the main ways US cardholders risk losing their balance:
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Account Closure or Cancellation: If you cancel your last linked Amex product (like a card or checking account) that earns MR points, all points in your rewards account are immediately forfeited. This includes voluntary cancellations, closures due to inactivity, or even Amex-initiated actions. For New York residents, there's a 90-day grace period after notification to redeem points by calling the number on your card— a small buffer not available everywhere else in the US.
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Payment Delinquency: Miss a payment? Points earned during that billing period won't post to your account. If your card goes past due, you could lose access to all points until resolved. In severe cases, ongoing delinquency leads to account suspension or closure, triggering full forfeiture.
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Fraud, Misuse, or Abuse: Amex takes a hard line on "gaming" the system, such as manufacturing spend (buying gift cards or using ineligible methods to rack up points). If detected, points can be removed—even retroactively—potentially leaving you with a negative balance. Misuse also includes violating terms like selling points or using them in prohibited ways.
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Inactivity Leading to Closure: If your account sits dormant for too long, Amex may close it for inactivity, giving you 90 days to use points before they're gone. This is rare but hits infrequent users.
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Other Life Events: In cases of death, points aren't transferable, but an executor can request a one-time redemption. Bankruptcy or insolvency can also lead to forfeiture if accounts are closed.
To illustrate, here's a table summarizing key forfeiture scenarios and their impacts:
| Scenario | Description | Potential Point Loss | Prevention Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Card Cancellation | Closing your only MR-earning card without transferring points first. | Full balance forfeited immediately (90 days for NY residents). | Transfer to partners or open a no-fee MR card before canceling. |
| Late Payment | Missing due date on consumer/business cards. | Points from that period don't post; risk of suspension. | Set up autopay and monitor statements. |
| Account Misuse | Engaging in fraud or gaming (e.g., excessive returns). | Removal of specific points or entire balance; possible negative balance. | Stick to legitimate spending; review terms annually. |
| Inactivity Closure | No activity for extended periods. | Full balance after 90-day grace. | Make a small charge every 6-12 months. |
| Death or Bankruptcy | Life events forcing account closure. | Full forfeiture unless executor redeems (death only). | Designate a plan in estate documents. |
These rules ensure the program remains sustainable but underscore the need for vigilance. For corporate cardholders, additional nuances apply, like suspension if your employer goes bankrupt, but personal US users face the above as primary risks.
How to Protect Your Points from Forfeiture
The good news? Forfeiture is largely avoidable with simple habits. Here's a step-by-step guide tailored for everyday US travelers:
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Maintain Good Standing: Always pay on time. Use autopay for minimums and review bills monthly to catch issues early. If you miss a payment, contact Amex immediately—points from delinquent periods can often be reinstated for a $35 fee if requested within 12 months after paying up.
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Keep at Least One MR-Earning Product Open: Before canceling a high-fee card like the Platinum, downgrade to a no-annual-fee option like the Amex Everyday Card or open the Blue Business Plus (no fee for businesses). This keeps your points pool active without extra costs.
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Monitor for Inactivity: Log in regularly and make occasional purchases. Amex doesn't specify an exact inactivity threshold, but community advice suggests activity every 6-12 months prevents flags.
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Transfer Points Strategically: If you're considering closing accounts, move points to airline or hotel partners first. Transfers are irreversible but lock in value—ideal if you're unsure about future Amex loyalty.
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Review Terms Annually: Policies can evolve; check for updates via your Amex app or website. As of late 2025, no major forfeiture changes are in play, but staying informed helps.
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Handle Life Changes Proactively: For events like relocation or financial shifts, contact Amex support. New Yorkers, note your 90-day buffer—use it to redeem wisely.
By following these, you can treat your points as a long-term asset, building toward big redemptions like a family trip to Hawaii without expiration anxiety.
Smart Strategies to Redeem and Maximize Your Points
Even with no expiration, it's smart to use points periodically to realize their value. For US travelers, focus on high-return options:
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Travel Bookings: Redeem through Amex Travel for flights, hotels, or cruises. Premium cards get 35-50% more value on flights, turning 100,000 points into $1,000+ in airfare.
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Partner Transfers: Move points to 20+ partners like Delta, British Airways, or Hilton. In 2025, ratios remain strong (1:1 for most), but note recent adjustments like Emirates at 1:0.8 starting September. Aim for sweet spots, such as 60,000 points for a round-trip to Europe via partners.
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Everyday Redemptions: Use for statement credits (0.6-1 cent per point) or gift cards (up to 1 cent). Better for small balances than letting them sit.
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Combining with Deals: Pair points with sales for outsized value, like transferring to Virgin Atlantic for Delta flights at reduced rates.
Remember, redemptions don't affect expiration—points are safe as long as your account is active. Track value with tools like award charts from partners.
Here's a quick table of 2025 point values by redemption type:
| Redemption Method | Approximate Value per Point | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Transfers | 1.5-2.2 cents | International flights, upgrades |
| Amex Travel (Flights) | 1-1.5 cents | Domestic trips, no blackout dates |
| Hotel Transfers | 0.7-1.5 cents | Free nights at chains like Marriott |
| Statement Credits | 0.6-1 cent | Everyday expenses, flexibility |
| Gift Cards | 0.7-1 cent | Retail rewards, last-minute uses |
These estimates help everyday users decide when to redeem versus hoard.
Real Experiences from Everyday Travelers
Community insights reveal how forfeiture rules play out in practice. On forums, users often share close calls: One traveler nearly lost 200,000 points canceling a Gold card but downgraded to Everyday just in time, preserving their balance for a Hawaii vacation. Another faced delinquency forfeiture after a missed payment but reinstated points for $35, learning to set alerts.
Sentiments highlight frustration with misuse clauses—some report points clawed back on returns, emphasizing legitimate spending. Positive stories abound too: Long-time holders praise the no-expiration perk, with one accumulating over a million points over a decade for retirement travel.
These anecdotes underscore that while rules are strict, proactive management keeps points secure for real-world wins like reduced family travel costs.
How Amex Stacks Up Against Other Programs
Compared to rivals, Amex's no-expiration policy is a standout. Chase Ultimate Rewards points expire only on account closure, similar to Amex, but require activity to avoid dormancy flags. Citi ThankYou points forfeit after 90 days of closure, with no state-specific buffers.
Airline-specific miles, like United MileagePlus, don't expire but devalue over time. Hotel programs like Hilton Honors expire after 24 months of inactivity—harsher than Amex.
For US users, Amex offers more peace of mind for sporadic redeemers, though its forfeiture on closure pushes loyalty. If you're program-hopping, transfer out early.
Conclusion
American Express Membership Rewards points offer enduring value without an expiration clock, making them a smart choice for everyday US travelers building rewards at their own pace. By staying in good standing, keeping an active card, and redeeming thoughtfully, you can avoid forfeiture pitfalls and turn points into tangible savings on trips that matter. Whether it's a cross-country flight or a hotel upgrade, treat your points as an investment in experiences—manage them wisely, and they'll serve you well for years to come.
Further Reading
- American Express Membership Rewards FAQ: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/rewards/membership-rewards/faq/index.html
- Official Terms and Conditions (September 2025): https://www.americanexpress.com/content/dam/amex/us/rewards/membership-rewards/mr-terms-conditions-september-2025.pdf
- Amex Customer Service on Points: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/customer-service/faq.points-expiration-dates.html
- The Points Guy Guide to Amex MR: https://thepointsguy.com/loyalty-programs/ultimate-guide-amex-membership-rewards/
- Bankrate on Amex Rewards: https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/rewards/do-american-express-membership-rewards-points-expire/
- LendingTree Amex Program Overview: https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/guides/amex-membership-rewards/