American Express no longer allows members to transfer Membership Rewards points to other people’s accounts unless the name matches the cardmember or an authorized user on the account.
Previously you would be able to transfer your Membership Rewards points to any account, which was great if you wanted to give them to a friend or family member who wasn’t on your credit card.
The new rule states, “Select Card Member name (needs to match the name that appears on each program’s account statement)”.
I just tried to link and account for a family member who wasn’t on one of my cards, and the request was denied.
However, if you already a non authorized user account linked to your account, you may be able to transfer to that account in the time being.
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thats Membership Rewards acct to another Membership Rewards acct?
@Mr. Cool, you can no longer transfer from your Membership Rewards account to another person’s airline or hotel account, the names must match.
You scared me! This isn’t that huge, especially when you look at what comprises the full valuation in your head. You can still earn easily and use at dozens of brands, at the same ratio as we could before this announcement came out.
I wouldn’t call that a MAJOR devaluation. Don’t you think that’s a MAJOR exaggeration.
what about accounts that are already linked?
also, i wonder if the reps will still do it over the phone if you tell them that this is your child’s account for example?
I’m not sure how that counts for a devaulation at all, let alone a major one. It may make Amex points less desirable for some people, but it’s not a devaulation of the points themselves.
I agree with comments above. Some over sensationalizing in the title.
Does this apply for business cards? I was under the impression that I would be able to gift employees points.
Will adding family as ‘authorized users’ to credit card count as ‘matching’?
To be honest, I’m surprised this policy was not put in place sooner. It’s pretty standard that names on FF accounts must match. I’ve never transferred my AX points to anyone but myself. .
People were having luck today by having a phone rep do the transfers manually.
Adding family members as an AU seems to work.
@Points, Miles & Martinis
does it really matter since you can use another person’s FF account to book a ticket/hotel for yourself?