Estate planning as a Amex Rewards account holder
American Express reviews transfer requests for points individually upon receipt of documentation
American Express Estate Services
Phone+1 800 266 7064
WebsiteSubmit claim online →
HoursMon-Fri, 8am-10pm EST
Verified Mar 2026
American Express Membership Rewards is one of the most valuable transferable points currencies, earned on Amex Platinum, Gold, Green, and select business cards. Points transfer 1:1 to 17 airline partners and 3 hotel partners, and can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, and purchases at select merchants. Points do not expire as long as an enrolled card remains open. The Membership Rewards Terms explicitly state that points "are not your property" and "can't be transferred by operation of law, such as by inheritance." However, Amex makes a specific exception allowing an executor to request a one-time redemption after the cardholder's death.
When a Amex Rewards account holder dies, their points may be transferred to a designated person at American Express's sole discretion. A transfer is not guaranteed, and satisfactory documentation is required before processing any request.
What happens at death
Amex has a dedicated deceased cardmember points distribution process. The Membership Rewards Terms state: "If American Express cancels your Linked Card Account in the event of your death, your executor or personal representative may request to use the points in your program account in a one-time redemption by calling American Express." Points are explicitly "not your property" and "can't be transferred by operation of law, such as by inheritance, in bankruptcy or in connection with a divorce." The one-time redemption is a practical concession, not a legal right. Amex has a dedicated estate contact line and a specific Membership Rewards Points Distribution page for deceased cardmembers.
How to protect your Amex Rewards points
American Express does not guarantee transfer of points after death. Lifetime planning provides options for managing points and controlling who has access to them.
7 steps for managing your Amex Rewards points during your lifetime:
1
Transfer points to airline and hotel partner programs during your lifetime. This is the single most important step. Once points are transferred to a partner loyalty account (Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors, etc.), they follow that program's rules, not Amex's. Points in partner accounts are generally more survivable than Membership Rewards points.
2
Add family members as Additional Card Members at least 90 days before you plan to transfer. Points can only be transferred to partner loyalty accounts held by the Basic Card Member or Additional Card Members linked for 90+ days.
3
Keep your Membership Rewards balance low by regularly transferring to partner programs or redeeming. A large balance of points that "are not your property" is at risk.
4
Inform your executor that a one-time redemption is available. The executor must proactively call 1-800-266-7064 to request it. Amex does not appear to proactively contact the estate about points.
5
Maintain at least one MR-enrolled card in good standing. Points do not expire as long as an enrolled card is open. If all MR-enrolled cards are closed, points are forfeited immediately.
6
Never carry a late payment on an MR-enrolled card. Late payment forfeits points earned in that billing period. Reinstatement costs $35 and must be requested within 12 months.
7
Document your Amex login credentials for your executor. While the formal one-time redemption process exists, account access allows the executor to see the points balance and understand what's available.
Family sharing
Membership Rewards points cannot be transferred between Amex accounts. All points belong to the Basic Card Member's Program Account. However, points can be transferred to airline/hotel loyalty program accounts held by the Basic Card Member OR any Additional Card Member who has been linked to the account for at least 90 days. This is the key estate planning mechanism: transfer points to a family member's frequent flyer account during your lifetime. Additional Card Members earn points into the primary member's pool but have no independent claim to the points.
When someone dies
Handling Amex Rewards points after a death
Transfer is handled on a case-by-case basis, 6-step process, and 3 required documents.
View details →Amex Rewards does not support beneficiary designations. Unlike bank accounts or investment accounts, there is no way to formally name a beneficiary on this type of account.
Frequently asked questions
Transfer points to airline and hotel partner loyalty programs during your lifetime. Add family members as Additional Card Members (90-day minimum), then transfer points to their partner loyalty accounts. Once points are in a Delta, Hilton, or other partner account, they follow that program's rules. This is the most reliable way to preserve value.
No. Points cannot be transferred between Amex accounts. They can only be transferred to airline/hotel partner loyalty program accounts held by the Basic Card Member or an Additional Card Member linked for at least 90 days.
Amex points transfer to 17 airlines (including Delta, British Airways, ANA, Singapore, Air Canada, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic) and 3 hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Choice). Most transfer at 1:1 ratio in 1,000-point increments. Transfers to Delta, JetBlue, and Hawaiian incur a $0.60 per 1,000 points excise tax fee (capped at $99).
American Express Estate Services
Phone+1 800 266 7064
WebsiteSubmit claim online →
HoursMon-Fri, 8am-10pm EST
Verified Mar 2026