Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Today’s question comes from reader Ronnie, who writes in to ask:

“My grandfather has about 600k American Express Membership Rewards points. The family is trying to figure out what to do with them in the case he passes away in the near future. We have the option to sell them to point brokers, but wondering if it’s possible at all to transfer his points into my account and I can “hold” them for the family as we need them later on.”

a man and woman walking on a path

It might be an uncomfortable topic but it’s great that Ronnie and his family are already starting to think through their options. It’s easier to make a plan before death than have to scramble to figure it out later. After brainstorming with Dan and chatting with an American Express representative, here are three main options.

Transfer Points to Airline or Hotel Partners

Membership Rewards can be transferred into airline or hotel program accounts in the name of primary account holders OR authorized users. If you aren’t already an authorized user on the account, talk with the account holder or someone who has power of attorney and go through the process to get added.

Before you start transferring, make sure you think about which airlines will be easiest for your family to fly. Also, familiarize yourself with the miles expiration policy of your chosen airline in case the miles sit for awhile.

amex-american-express-reconsideration-line-phone-number-logo

Take Over the Account After Death

American Express is one of the few banks that will allow you to take over the account of someone who has died by becoming a new Basic Cardmember. To be eligible, the account must be a valid account (not all card types will allow this), the account hasn’t been closed for more than a year, the account cannot be 60-days or more past due, and the new Basic Cardmember must pass a credit review.

You will also have to take over any debt on the account and submit information for a credit review. This would allow you to keep the points in a Membership Rewards account which would give you more flexibility.

It’s important to note that I only verified that this is an option with American Express. More information about the process can be found here along with contact information if you have more questions about if your account qualifies.

Keep Account Open After Death

One last option to is holding off on alerting American Express about the death until you  transfer or use the remaining Membership Rewards points. If you are an authorized user, you will still be able to transfer to your own accounts without worrying about points expiring as long as the card stays in good standing.

There is a higher risk of identity theft if you do opt for this solution. There is also a chance that important notices could be missed if the mailing address isn’t correct.

Do you have experience with trying to get miles and points transferred prior or after death? What did you do? Share in the comments!


Points With a Crew has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Points With a Crew and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers and that compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by my advertising partners and I do not include all card companies, or all available card offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers and other offers and benefits listed on this page. Other links on this page may also pay me a commission - as always, thanks for your support if you use them

User Generated Content Disclosure: Points With a Crew encourages constructive discussions, comments, and questions. Responses are not provided by or commissioned by any bank advertisers. These responses have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the responsibility of the bank advertiser to respond to comments.

BoardingArea