Swiping or tapping is a comfortable activity associated with earning your AmEx Membership Reward points. The balance is superb, and one’s mind immediately wanders to what one will do with these points. Perhaps fly to Italy, buy a little gadget, or have a fine dinner at the very best restaurant. But then the thought crosses your mind: How long do Amex points last? Are they just sitting there patiently waiting for you to use them, or do they have an invisible timer on them like milk aging in your fridge?
The nice thing about Amex points is that they take their sweet time in expiring. But that does not mean these points are completely off limits! This guide will break down everything, including whether your points have a lifespan, the circumstances of dismissal, and even ways to keep them safe until you want to redeem them.
Amex Points Don’t Expire
If you want to know how long Amex points can be valid, here’s a brief description: Membership Rewards points will never expire as long as the American Express account is active and in good standing.
Hence, the word indefinite shelf life-theoretically, a purchaser could save them without using them for many years. Want to save for a once-in-a-lifetime trip five years from now? Possible. Prefer to let your points grow like a fine wine? Go for it.
However—and this is the part many cardholders miss—just because your points don’t “expire” doesn’t mean they can’t disappear. Certain situations can cause your hard-earned rewards to vanish faster than dessert at a family gathering.
When Amex Points Can Vanish from Your Account
Let’s be clear: Amex points only last as long as your account is open and in good standing. Here are some scenarios that can cause you to lose them:
1. Closing Your Account
If at any time your points get forfeited for the reason described—replicable, perhaps, in the case of unearned interest if you had closed up a Membership Rewards-earning card but do not have any Amex card in the same program.
If you’re planning to cancel a premium card, consider opening a no-annual-fee Amex card first so your points stay safe.
2. Inactivity and Card Cancellation by Amex
If Amex cancels your card for inactivity or other reasons (yes, even your credit card needs attention now and then), you’ll have a limited time—often 30 to 90 days—to redeem your points before they’re gone.
3. Late Payments
Miss a payment? You may lose all points earned in that billing period. The good news: You can often get them back by paying off the balance and paying a reinstatement fee.
It’s a bit like getting your parking spot back after paying a ticket—possible, but avoidable if you stay on top of things.
4. Misusing the Rewards Program
Amex takes program abuse seriously. If they believe you’re gaming the system or breaking the terms, they can revoke your points or even close your account.
5. Negative Points Balance
If you return purchases or have adjustments that exceed your points balance, your account can dip into the negative. Any new points you earn will go toward balancing it out before you can redeem again.
How to Keep Your Points Safe for the Long Haul
If you want to ensure your points remain untouched until you’re ready to redeem them, follow these best practices:
- Keep at least one active Membership Rewards card. Even a no-annual-fee option will keep your points alive if you cancel another card.
- Pay your bills on time. This is not only good for your credit score but also keeps your points from being forfeited.
- Check your balance regularly. A quick monthly glance at your rewards account ensures you notice any unexpected changes.
- Redeem strategically. Don’t hoard points forever—sometimes markets change, and redemption values shift.
Why Knowing “How Long Do Amex Points Last” Matters
Understanding the duration of Amex points involves more than just the elements of expiration: It has to do with the upkeep of value. Amex points can be incredibly valuable when redeemed for: expensive travel bookings, transfers to airline and hotel partners, or, in some cases, as cash.
Losing them to an oversight—like closing a card too soon—can feel like watching your favorite TV show get canceled mid-season: sudden, shocking, and completely avoidable.
A Touch of Humor for Perspective
Think of your Amex points as loyal pets. They’re happy to stick around forever, but they need food (account activity) and a safe home (an open, active card account). If you forget about them, well… let’s just say they may wander off to find another owner—except in this case, that “owner” is the void of forfeited rewards.
How Long Do Amex Points Last?
If your account is active and in good standing, your Amex points will last indefinitely. They’re not going to expire while you decide whether you want to use them for travel, cash, or a shopping spree. However, they can be forfeited if you close your account without a backup card, fall behind on payments, or break program rules.
So, think of them as “forever” points, with the fine print attached. Keep your account open, your payments timely, and your usage within the rules, and your points will be ready whenever you are.
How We Can Help You Turn Amex Points into Cash
If you’ve been sitting on a large pile of Amex points and decided you’d rather have money in your bank account than rewards in your portal, we can help. At Cash for My Miles, we make it simple, secure, and fast to sell Amex points for cash.
We offer competitive rates, immediate payments, and a smooth transaction process, so you can turn unused rewards into financial flexibility without the stress. Whether you’ve been saving for something big or just want extra funds, we’re here to make the conversion easy.
