Can you pass on your Amex Rewards points when you die?
American Express reviews requests about Amex Rewards points after a death case by case. While alive, the account holder can use transfers to a partner program and authorized users.
Protecting Amex Rewards points while the account is active
No beneficiary designation, lifetime transfer options for points, and 7-step plan.
How to protect your Amex Rewards points while you are alive →Someone died. Handling Amex Rewards points after a death
Transfer is handled on a case-by-case basis, 7-step process, and 4 required documents.
What happens to Amex Rewards points when someone dies →American Express Membership Rewards is a transferable points currency earned on Amex Platinum, Gold, Green and select business cards. Points transfer to airline and hotel loyalty partners and can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards and purchases at select merchants.
American Express decides what happens to Amex Rewards points after a death case by case; its terms promise no transfer. While the account holder is alive, American Express allows transfers to a partner program and authorized users.
What happens to Amex Rewards at death
- Case by case
When American Express cancels a card for any reason, including the Card Member's death, all points in the Rewards Account are lost. The executor or personal representative may be able to make a one-time points redemption, depending on the card.1
Naming who acts after a death
- Designation
There is no way to name a beneficiary on a Membership Rewards account, and points cannot be passed on as part of an inheritance.1
Other companies and product lines involved1
- American Express National Bank
A deceased owner's savings and CD accounts, by a Deceased Letter of Instruction sent by mail or fax2
Fax: 1-800-542-0779
Mailing address: American Express National Bank, PO Box 30384, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0384
Sources2
- 1.Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions, Last Updated: September 2026
- 2.American Express National Bank deceased account owner requirements
American Express publishes its own process for a deceased person's account: American Express Guidance for Managing Deceased Accounts; the request starts by phone at 1-800-266-7064. There is no way to name a beneficiary or successor on an Amex Rewards account.
Sources
Data sourced from American Express primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.
Amex Rewards customer support
Membership Rewards customer service
Phone
Hours
Website
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
New Baby or Adoption
Your family is growing. Your protection should too. Guardian nominations, trusts for minors, beneficiary updates, and the documents new parents need in place.
Learn more
Marriage
What married couples need in place: one joint trust or two, wills, beneficiary updates, and the spousal rights your state grants you automatically.
Learn more
New Home
How to put your house in a revocable trust: the deed you record, what it does to your mortgage and property taxes, and when a TOD deed is simpler.
Learn more
Retirement
Retirement changes your financial picture. Healthcare directives, beneficiary reviews, long-term care planning, and protecting what you've built.
Learn moreForms for Planning Your Estate
Free forms for planning your estate: a will, living trust, pour-over will, both powers of attorney, living will, and TOD deed.
Revocable Living Trust
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Last Will and Testament
Name your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state.
Codicil to a Will
Add, revoke or replace provisions of your will and republish the rest, signed as your state requires for a will.
Tools for Planning Your Estate
Free tools for planning your estate: what a will or trust costs, whether you need a trust or TOD deed, and how documents are signed.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare revocable living trust costs across providers including online services and attorneys.
How Does SimplyTrust Compare to LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and Other Services?
Compare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker.
Do I Need a Revocable Trust?
Find out if a revocable trust makes sense based on your state, estate value, and family situation.
Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?
Compare the cost of probate vs a trust for your state and estate value.
How Much Is the Federal Gift Tax?
Whether a gift owes federal gift tax, how much of the annual exclusion and lifetime exemption it uses, and whether Form 709 is due.
What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?
Compare costs across estate planning providers including online services and attorneys.
