Amex points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active

American Express Membership Rewards points stay in your account indefinitely. You will not lose them because time has passed. However, your points are tied to your card account, so if you close your card or let your account become inactive for an extended period, Amex may close the account and you could forfeit the points.

The key difference is between points expiring and points being lost because the account itself closes. Amex does not set an expiration date on the points themselves — but the account holding those points can be closed by the cardholder or by Amex, which would result in losing the points.

Key Takeaways

  • Amex Membership Rewards points do not have an expiration date as long as your card account stays open.
  • If you close your Amex card or stop using it, Amex may close the account after a period of inactivity, and you will lose any points in that account.
  • Keeping your card account open — even if you do not use the card regularly — preserves your points indefinitely.
  • Points are stored in your Amex account, not on the physical card, so replacing a card does not affect your points balance.
  • Different Amex cards may have different inactivity policies, so checking your card's terms will tell you how long Amex waits before closing an unused account.

How inactivity can lead to account closure

Amex does not publish a single inactivity period that applies to all cards. The length of time Amex will keep an inactive account open varies by card type and can change. Generally, if you do not use your card or make any account activity for an extended period — typically measured in months or years — Amex may send you a notice and then close the account.

Once the account closes, the points in that account are forfeited. You cannot recover them. This is why account closure, not point expiration, is the real risk to your Membership Rewards balance.

To avoid this, you do not need to spend large amounts or meet minimum spending thresholds. A small purchase — even a few dollars — counts as account activity and signals to Amex that the account is in use. Some cardholders make a small recurring charge, like a subscription or a monthly coffee purchase, specifically to keep the account active.

What counts as account activity

Account activity includes any transaction on your card, whether you pay the full balance when ready or carry it over. It also includes making a payment toward your balance, even if you have not made a purchase. Logging into your Amex account online or through the app may count as activity on some cards, though this varies.

The safest approach is to use your card for at least one small purchase every few months. This removes any ambiguity about whether the account is active and keeps Amex from considering it dormant.

Transferring points before closing an account

If you decide to close an Amex card, you can transfer your Membership Rewards points to another Amex card you hold before you close the account. This preserves the points and moves them to an account you plan to keep open.

You can also redeem your points for a statement credit, a transfer to an airline or hotel partner, or a cash-back deposit before closing the account. Once the account is closed, the points are gone, so redeeming or transferring them first is essential if you want to keep their value.

Points tied to your Amex account, not your card

Your Membership Rewards points live in your Amex account, not on the physical card itself. If your card is lost, stolen, or replaced, your points remain in your account. Amex will issue you a new card, and your points will still be there when you use the replacement.

This also means that if you have multiple Amex cards under the same account, the points may be pooled together depending on your account structure. Check with Amex about how your specific cards are linked if you hold more than one.

Redeeming points before they could be at risk

Because points are only at risk if your account closes, not because of time passing, you have flexibility in when you redeem them. You can hold points for years without worrying about an expiration date. However, if you know you are unlikely to use a card going forward, redeeming the points or transferring them to another card before closing the account is the safest move.

Amex offers several redemption options: statement credits, transfers to airline and hotel partners, merchandise purchases through the Amex shop, or deposits to certain bank accounts. The value you get per point can vary depending on which option you choose, so comparing the redemption rates may help you decide when and how to use your points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my points if I stop using my Amex card?

Your points will not expire from disuse. However, if you do not use the card for an extended period, Amex may close the account due to inactivity, and you will lose the points. Making even one small purchase every few months keeps the account active and your points safe.

Can I keep my points if I close my Amex card?

You can transfer your points to another Amex card you own before closing the account, or redeem them for a statement credit or other reward. If you close the account without transferring or redeeming the points first, they will be forfeited and cannot be recovered.

Do Amex points expire after a certain number of years?

No. Amex Membership Rewards points do not have an expiration date based on how long you hold them. The only way to lose points is if your account closes due to inactivity or if you close the account yourself without redeeming or transferring them first.

If I get a replacement card, do I lose my points?

No. Your points are stored in your Amex account, not on the physical card. Replacing a lost, stolen, or expired card does not affect your points balance. Your points will be available in your new card's account.

How often do I need to use my Amex card to keep it active?

Amex does not publish a specific frequency requirement, but making at least one purchase every few months is generally considered safe. Even a small transaction signals account activity and reduces the risk of Amex closing the account for inactivity.