How Often Do Amex Points Update?

There’s something oddly satisfying about watching your reward points grow, almost like glancing at your savings account a day after you have been paid. For an American Express cardholder, keeping tabs on the glittering Membership Rewards points is not merely a pastime; it forms part of planning travels, redeeming rewards, or sometimes selling them for some extra bucks.

But here’s the question many cardholders ask: How often do Amex points update? Are they posted instantly after each swipe, or do they take the scenic route to your account balance?

So much depends on the sort of transaction, your card activity, and even your statement schedule. This guide will take you through all the steps so that you will know when to expect your points, and why, at times, they are really slow to come through.

General Timeline: When Points Usually Post

For most everyday purchases, Amex points appear in your account a few days after the transaction is processed. That’s right—not the moment you tap your card, but once the merchant finalizes the charge.

You might even see them in a “pending” state before they officially become available. Think of it as your points saying, “We’re on our way, but we need to check in with HQ first.”

How Statement Dates Affect Your Points

While some points post mid-cycle, many are tied to your statement’s closing date. Once your billing cycle ends, your eligible points are added up and made fully available.

Change your statement closing date, and you might delay your points by another full cycle. It’s a little like moving your payday—you’ll still get paid, but you’ll have to wait longer.

Welcome Bonuses and Special Offers

If you’re chasing that shiny welcome bonus, the official Amex line says it can take 8–12 weeks after meeting the spending requirement. In practice, many bonuses post much sooner—often within days—but don’t plan your next redemption until the points are there.

One small caution: unusual spending patterns (like bulk gift card purchases) can trigger a review, delaying your bonus. Translation? Stick to normal spending if you want your bonus to show up on time.

Reward Multiplier and Promotional Bonuses

Bonus points from promotional offers, like Reward Multiplier purchases, can take much longer—sometimes up to 120 days—to post. That’s perfectly normal, even if it feels like your points are stuck in a traffic jam. If you’ve made a qualifying purchase, keep track of it so you can follow up with Amex if the bonus doesn’t appear after the expected timeframe.

When Points Are Deducted

Redeeming points varies in time posted, but the deductions are, however, instantaneous. Redeem your points and gain gift cards, statement credits, or travel bookings, and the balance is immediately affected by the deduction. The whole situation is a bit like your bank account after ordering lunch- one minute you are flush with cash, the next you have $25 less due to the generous human being tendency to tip.

Common Reasons for Delays

If your points aren’t showing up as expected, here are some possible reasons:

• Merchant settlement delays – Some retailers take longer to finalize charges.
• Statement date changes – Adjusting your billing cycle can push updates back.
• Account reviews – Certain spending patterns may trigger verification.
• Late payments – Points for that cycle may be forfeited until you pay (plus a reinstatement fee).

In short, if your points seem slow to arrive, they’re not lost—they’re just taking the long route home.

How to Track Your Amex Points

Want to keep tabs on your rewards? Use the Amex “Points Summary” page to see pending and posted points for each transaction. Setting reminders around your statement date can also help you check updates consistently. And if you’re earning bonus points from a special offer, keep a record of the transaction date and details—it makes following up easier if something goes missing.

Why This Matters for Selling Points

Knowing how often do Amex points update is especially important if you plan to sell them. You can only sell posted points—not pending ones—so understanding the timeline helps you plan sales, especially if you want to sell in bulk for a better rate.

If you’re close to a statement date or waiting for a bonus to post, timing your sale can mean more money in your pocket.

How We Can Help You Sell Amex Points

Once your points have been updated and are ready, Cash for My Miles can help you turn them into cash quickly, securely, and with competitive rates. We handle the process from start to finish, offering immediate payments so you can enjoy the financial flexibility your rewards provide. Whether you’ve just hit a big bonus or saved up over time, we make it simple to sell Amex points without the stress.

Keeping Your Points on Schedule

Depending on the transaction, things are usually different. Most purchases update within days, while others usually update at statement close, and certain bonuses may take a longer time. Points may not always be instant, but having a timeline when one could expect them helps one plan a redemption, avoids surprises, and utilizes every reward.

With a little patience—and a clear understanding of the posting process—you’ll always be ready to put those points to work. And if you’d rather have cash now, you know exactly where to find us.