What is not eligible for Amex points?

The Fine Print: What Won’t Earn You Amex Membership Rewards Points

American Express Membership Rewards is a highly coveted rewards program, offering enticing travel and merchandise options. However, the path to accumulating those valuable points isn’t always straightforward. While many purchases contribute to your balance, a surprising number of common transactions are explicitly excluded. Understanding these exclusions is crucial to maximizing your rewards potential.

This article clarifies which spending categories won’t earn you those coveted Membership Rewards points, helping you budget strategically and avoid disappointment.

The Big Three Exclusions:

The most significant categories that consistently fail to earn points are:

• Cash Advances: This is a major one. Any cash obtained through a cash advance on your American Express card, regardless of the amount, will not earn you Membership Rewards points. This includes cash withdrawals from ATMs and similar services.

• Fees: A variety of fees associated with your American Express card are ineligible for rewards. This broadly includes late payment fees, over-limit fees, foreign transaction fees, and annual fees. Always review your statement carefully to ensure you understand which charges are contributing to your points balance and which are not. The exact list of ineligible fees may vary slightly depending on your specific card.

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payments: Services like PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App generally do not earn Membership Rewards points when used to send or receive money. This applies even if you’re using your Amex card to fund the transaction. This exclusion highlights the importance of understanding the payment method used for online purchases. Paying directly with your Amex card on a merchant’s website is usually the best way to ensure points accrual.

Beyond the Big Three: Grey Areas to Consider:

While the above categories are clearly defined exclusions, certain other transactions might lead to confusion. Always check your card’s terms and conditions for specific details, but here are some areas to be mindful of:

• Certain Travel Bookings: While many travel purchases earn points, some booking platforms or specific types of travel arrangements might not qualify. For example, bookings made through certain third-party websites or using travel agencies might not always trigger rewards. It’s recommended to pay directly with your Amex card on the airline or hotel’s website whenever possible.

• Balance Transfers: Transferring a balance from another credit card to your Amex card usually does not qualify for rewards.

• Specific Merchant Categories: While rare, Amex may exclude certain merchant categories from earning points, though this is less common than the previously mentioned exclusions.

Maximizing Your Rewards:

To ensure you’re getting the most out of your Amex card, carefully review your monthly statements. Familiarize yourself with the complete terms and conditions of your card to avoid any surprises. By understanding what doesn’t earn points, you can strategize your spending and focus on transactions that will maximize your rewards potential. Remember, paying attention to the details can significantly improve your rewards earning journey.