What to do when a Amex Rewards account holder dies
American Express has a formal process for transferring points after an account holder dies
American Express Estate Services
Phone+1 800 266 7064
Timeline
No published timeline for the one-time redemption window. The Terms do not specify a deadline for the executor to contact Amex. Points remain at risk from the moment the account is cancelled. For voluntary cancellations (not death), points are forfeited immediately if no other MR-enrolled card is open, or within 30 days if another card remains.
WebsiteSubmit claim online →
HoursMon-Fri, 8am-10pm EST
Verified Mar 2026
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 request a transfer
To request a transfer of Amex Rewards points after an account holder's death, follow these steps:
1
Contact American Express Estate Services at 1-800-266-7064 (Mon-Fri, 8am-10pm EST) as the executor or authorized representative.
2
Provide a death certificate. Amex may require additional estate documentation.
3
Request the one-time redemption of Membership Rewards points. The Terms state the executor "may request to use the points in your program account in a one-time redemption by calling American Express."
4
Redemption options for the executor include: transfer to airline/hotel partner programs, statement credits, gift cards, or other available redemption methods. The exact scope of what the executor can request is not fully documented.
5
Act promptly. No explicit deadline for the one-time redemption request is published in the Terms, but points are at risk once the account closure process begins. Do not assume indefinite availability.
6
Understand that points are explicitly "not your property" and cannot be inherited. The one-time executor redemption is a practical exception, not a legal entitlement.
Required Documents
- Death certificate
- Executor or personal representative documentation
- Additional documentation may be required (specific list not published)
Timeline
No published timeline for the one-time redemption window. The Terms do not specify a deadline for the executor to contact Amex. Points remain at risk from the moment the account is cancelled. For voluntary cancellations (not death), points are forfeited immediately if no other MR-enrolled card is open, or within 30 days if another card remains.
Frequently asked questions
The executor or personal representative may request a one-time redemption by calling Amex at 1-800-266-7064. Points are explicitly "not your property" and cannot be inherited, but Amex makes this practical exception. The executor can request to transfer points to partner programs, redeem for gift cards, or use other available redemption options.
No. The Terms state: "Points can't be transferred by operation of law, such as by inheritance, in bankruptcy or in connection with a divorce." However, the executor can request a one-time redemption after the cardholder's death, which provides a practical (though not guaranteed) path to preserving value.
No, as long as you maintain at least one open, active Membership Rewards-enrolled card in good standing. If all MR-enrolled cards are closed, points are forfeited immediately (or within 30 days if you keep another MR card open).
After the transfer is complete, the recipient can use the points according to the program's standard terms. Document the deceased account holder's details to make this process easier for your executor or family.
American Express Estate Services
Phone+1 800 266 7064
Timeline
No published timeline for the one-time redemption window. The Terms do not specify a deadline for the executor to contact Amex. Points remain at risk from the moment the account is cancelled. For voluntary cancellations (not death), points are forfeited immediately if no other MR-enrolled card is open, or within 30 days if another card remains.
WebsiteSubmit claim online →
HoursMon-Fri, 8am-10pm EST
Verified Mar 2026