Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions — October 2026

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Permission or license

American Express may suspend, take points or cancel Products for fraud, abuse, misuse or gaming

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these terms, if American Express determines in its sole judgment that you engaged in fraud, abuse, misuse or gaming in connection with earning or using points, or that you may attempt to do so (including, for example and without limitation, manufacturing spend or otherwise generating point earn on ineligible purchases), it may temporarily suspend your ability to earn or use points, take away any points in your Rewards Account even if it results in a negative balance, or cancel your Products, including immediately forfeiting any points.

Supporting quotations

When you engage in, or attempt to engage in fraud, abuse, misuse or game the Membership Rewards program: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in these terms, if we determine in our sole judgment that you engaged in fraud, abuse, misuse or gaming in connection with earning or using points or that you may attempt to do so (including, for example and without limitation, manufacturing spend or otherwise generating point earn on ineligible purchases), we may:

Temporarily suspend your ability to earn or use points

Take away any points in your Rewards Account, even if it results in a negative points balance

Cancel your Product(s), including immediately forfeiting any points in your Rewards Account

Qualifications & exceptions

• Decided in American Express's sole judgment.
• Applies even where it only 'may' attempt such conduct.
• 'Notwithstanding anything to the contrary' means it overrides conflicting terms.

Not stated here

• What counts as 'gaming' beyond the examples given is not defined; the next paragraph adds further conduct treated as fraudulent or abusive.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

The program is for individuals; pooling points for company use is treated as abuse

The Rewards Program is intended to benefit individuals, whether they have a Product on their own or through their employer. Business and Corporate customers may choose to use points for personal or business reasons, but cannot be directed or required to use them for business. It is also considered fraudulent or abusive for Corporate Card Members to use one Card Account or Rewards Account to accumulate points for company use.

Supporting quotations

The Rewards Program is intended to benefit individuals, whether they have a Product on their own or through their employer. Business and Corporate customers may choose to use points for personal or business reasons, but they can't be directed or required to use them for business. It is also considered fraudulent or abusive for Corporate Card Members to use one Card Account or Rewards Account to accumulate points for company use.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Business and Corporate customers may choose how to use points; they cannot be directed or required to use them for business.
• The fraud-or-abuse statement is about Corporate Card Members pooling points for company use through one Card Account or Rewards Account.

Not stated here

• The passage does not say what consequences follow beyond those in the fraud, abuse and gaming paragraph covered in an earlier card.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Procedure

Customer Service first; the Claims Resolution section covers mediation, arbitration and litigation

Most customer concerns can be resolved by calling Customer Service at the number on the back of your Card. If Customer Service cannot resolve a complaint to your satisfaction, the Claims Resolution section explains how claims can be resolved through mediation, arbitration or litigation, and it includes an arbitration provision.

Details not recorded for this card

Supporting quotations

Arbitration

Claims Resolution: Most customer concerns can be resolved by calling our Customer Service Department at the number listed on the back of your Card. In the event Customer Service is unable to resolve a complaint to your satisfaction, this section explains how claims can be resolved through mediation, arbitration or litigation. It includes an arbitration provision.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The arbitration provision is part of this section.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

What counts as a "Claim" and who "you and us" includes

For the Claims Resolution section, 'you and us' includes any corporate parents, subsidiaries, affiliates or related persons or entities. A 'Claim' means any current or future claim, dispute or controversy relating to your participation in the program, these Terms & Conditions or any prior program agreement, except for the validity, enforceability or scope of the Arbitration provision. It includes initial claims, counterclaims, crossclaims and third-party claims; claims based on contract, tort, fraud, statute, regulation, common law and equity; claims by or against any third party using or providing any product, service or benefit in connection with the program; and claims that arise from or relate to the program account or any point balances, advertisements, promotions or statements related to the program or any reward, or the redemption for and use of any reward. You may not sell, assign or transfer a claim.

Supporting quotations

For this section, you and us includes any corporate parents, subsidiaries, affiliates or related persons or entities. Claim means any current or future claim, dispute or controversy relating to your participation in the program, these Terms & Conditions or any prior program agreement, except for the validity, enforceability or scope of the Arbitration provision. Claim includes but is not limited to:

Initial claims, counterclaims, crossclaims and third-party claims;

Claims based upon contract, tort, fraud, statute, regulation, common law and equity;

Claims by or against any third party using or providing any product, service or benefit in connection with the program; and

Claims that arise from or relate to (a) the program account or any point balances on the program account, (b) advertisements, promotions or oral or written statements related to the program or any reward or (c) the redemption for and use of any reward. You may not sell, assign or transfer a claim.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The list says 'includes but is not limited to', so it is not complete.
• Disputes about the validity, enforceability or scope of the Arbitration provision are not 'Claims' under this definition.

Not stated here

• The passage does not say who decides disputes over the validity, enforceability or scope of the Arbitration provision.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Procedure

Send a claim notice before a lawsuit, mediation or arbitration

Before beginning a lawsuit, mediation or arbitration, you and American Express agree to send a written claim notice to each party against whom a claim is asserted, to give an opportunity to resolve the claim informally or through mediation. A sample notice is available at americanexpress.com/claim. The notice must describe the claim and state the specific relief demanded. Notice to you may be provided by your billing statement or sent to your billing address. Notice to American Express must include your name, address and Account number and be sent to American Express ADR c/o CT Corporation System, 28 Liberty St NY, NY 10005. If the claim goes to arbitration, the amount of any relief demanded in a claim notice is not disclosed to the arbitrator until after the arbitrator rules.

Supporting quotations

Sending a Claim Notice: Before beginning a lawsuit, mediation or arbitration, you and we agree to send a written notice (a claim notice) to each party against whom a claim is asserted, in order to provide an opportunity to resolve the claim informally or through mediation. Go to americanexpress.com/claim for a sample claim notice. The claim notice must describe the claim and state the specific relief demanded. Notice to you may be provided by your billing statement or sent to your billing address. Notice to us must include your name, address and Account number and be sent to:

American Express ADR c/o CT Corporation System, 28 Liberty St NY, NY 10005

If the claim proceeds to arbitration, the amount of any relief demanded in a claim notice will not be disclosed to the arbitrator until after the arbitrator rules.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The claim notice must come before a lawsuit, mediation or arbitration.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Procedure

Mediation: after a claim notice, within 30 days, with American Express paying the mediator

In mediation, a neutral mediator helps the parties reach agreement but does not decide the claim. Before beginning mediation, you or American Express must first send a claim notice. Within 30 days after sending or receiving a claim notice, either side may submit the claim to JAMS or the American Arbitration Association for mediation, and American Express pays the mediator's fees. Mediation communications are confidential, inadmissible in court and not subject to discovery. Statutes of limitation are tolled from the date the claim notice is sent until the mediation ends. Submitting or not submitting a claim to mediation does not affect either side's right to elect arbitration.

Supporting quotations

Mediation: In mediation, a neutral mediator helps parties resolve a claim. The mediator does not decide the claim but helps parties reach agreement.

Before beginning mediation, you or we must first send a claim notice. Within 30 days after sending or receiving a claim notice, you or we may submit the claim to JAMS (1-800-352-5267, jamsadr.com) or the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") (1-800-778-7879, adr.org) for mediation. We will pay the fees of the mediator.

All mediation-related communications are confidential, inadmissible in court and not subject to discovery. All applicable statutes of limitation will be tolled from the date you or we send the claim notice until termination of the mediation. The submission or failure to submit a claim to mediation will not affect your or our right to elect arbitration.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The 30-day window runs from sending or receiving a claim notice.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

Either side may elect individual arbitration; court, jury and class rights are given up for that claim

You or American Express may elect to resolve any claim by individual arbitration, and a neutral arbitrator decides. If arbitration is chosen by any party, neither you nor American Express has the right to litigate that claim in court or have a jury trial on it. Neither side has the right to participate in a representative capacity or as a member of any class for any claim subject to arbitration.

Supporting quotations

Arbitration: You or we may elect to resolve any claim by individual arbitration. Claims are decided by a neutral arbitrator.

If arbitration is chosen by any party, neither you nor we will have the right to litigate that claim in court or have a jury trial on that claim. Further, you and we will not have the right to participate in a representative capacity or as a member of any class pertaining to any claim subject to arbitration.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Either party can make the election, not only American Express.
• The waivers apply to claims subject to arbitration.

Not stated here

• This explanation describes what the text says about court, jury and class participation; it does not assess how a court would treat these terms.

Cross-references

• contrast (model-proposed): MLA covered borrowers: you may elect arbitration, but are not required to — In the main Claims Resolution section either side may elect individual arbitration and court, jury and class rights are given up for that claim; in the MLA covered-borrower section you may elect arbitration but are not required to, and American Express can only request it.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

How arbitration differs from court

The document says arbitration procedures are generally simpler than the rules that apply in court and discovery is more limited. The arbitrator's authority is limited to claims between you and American Express alone, and claims may not be joined or consolidated unless both agree in writing. An award and any judgment confirming it apply only to the specific case and cannot be used in another case except to enforce the award. The arbitrator's decisions are as enforceable as any court order and are subject to very limited review by a court. Except as set forth below, the decision is final and binding, and other rights you or American Express would have in court may also not be available in arbitration.

Supporting quotations

Arbitration procedures are generally simpler than the rules that apply in court, and discovery is more limited. The arbitrator's authority is limited to claims between you and us alone. Claims may not be joined or consolidated unless you and we agree in writing. An arbitration award and any judgment confirming it will apply only to the specific case and cannot be used in any other case except to enforce the award. The arbitrator's decisions are as enforceable as any court order and are subject to very limited review by a court. Except as set forth below, the arbitrator's decision will be final and binding. Other rights you or we would have in court may also not be available in arbitration.

Qualifications & exceptions

• 'Except as set forth below' refers to the appeal right in the arbitration procedures text.

Not stated here

• 'Other rights' that may not be available are not listed.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Procedure

Starting arbitration: claim notice first, then JAMS or AAA

Before beginning arbitration, you or American Express must first send a claim notice. Claims are referred to either JAMS or AAA, as selected by the party electing arbitration, and are resolved under this Arbitration provision and the selected organization's rules in effect when the claim is filed, except where those rules conflict with these Terms & Conditions. If American Express chooses the organization, you may select the other within 30 days after receiving notice of its selection. Claims may also be referred to another arbitration organization if both agree in writing, or to an arbitrator appointed under section 5 of the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16 (FAA).

Supporting quotations

Before beginning arbitration, you or we must first send a claim notice. Claims will be referred to either JAMS or AAA, as selected by the party electing arbitration. Claims will be resolved pursuant to this Arbitration provision and the selected organization's rules in effect when the claim is filed, except where those rules conflict with these Terms & Conditions. If we choose the organization, you may select the other within 30 days after receiving notice of our selection. Contact JAMS or AAA to begin an arbitration or for other information. Claims also may be referred to another arbitration organization if you and we agree in writing or to an arbitrator appointed pursuant to section 5 of the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16 (FAA).

Qualifications & exceptions

• The 30-day window to select the other organization starts when you receive notice of American Express's selection.
• If the organization's rules conflict with these Terms & Conditions, these Terms & Conditions control.

Not stated here

• The Federal Arbitration Act is an external law; its text is not supplied here and this explanation does not interpret it.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

Small claims court, when arbitration may be elected, and no waiver by delay

American Express says it will not elect arbitration for any claim you file in small claims court, so long as the claim is individual and pending only in that court. Otherwise, you or American Express may elect to arbitrate any claim at any time unless it has been filed in court and trial has begun or final judgment has been entered. Either side may delay enforcing, or not exercise, rights under the Arbitration provision, including the right to arbitrate a claim, without waiving those rights.

Supporting quotations

We will not elect arbitration for any claim you file in small claims court, so long as the claim is individual and pending only in that court. You or we may otherwise elect to arbitrate any claim at any time unless it has been filed in court and trial has begun or final judgment has been entered. Either you or we may delay enforcing or not exercise rights under this Arbitration provision, including the right to arbitrate a claim, without waiving the right to exercise or enforce those rights.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The small claims promise covers only individual claims pending only in small claims court.
• The cutoff is when trial has begun or final judgment has been entered.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

Arbitration is individual only; if that limit is invalid, the arbitration provision falls away

If either party elects arbitration, the claim is arbitrated on an individual basis. There is no right or authority for claims to be arbitrated on a class action basis or on bases involving claims brought in a purported representative capacity on behalf of the general public, other Card Members or other persons similarly situated. Notwithstanding any other provision and without waiving the right to appeal, if any portion of these Limitations on Arbitration is deemed invalid or unenforceable, then the entire Arbitration provision (other than this sentence) will not apply.

Supporting quotations

Limitations on Arbitration: If either party elects to resolve a claim by arbitration, that claim will be arbitrated on an individual basis. There will be no right or authority for any claims to be arbitrated on a class action basis or on bases involving claims brought in a purported representative capacity on behalf of the general public, other Card Members or other persons similarly situated.

Notwithstanding any other provision and without waiving the right to appeal such decision, if any portion of these Limitations on Arbitration is deemed invalid or unenforceable, then the entire Arbitration provision (other than this sentence) will not apply.

Qualifications & exceptions

• This applies to the main Claims Resolution section; a separate section covers Military Lending Act covered borrowers and has its own text.

Not stated here

• This explanation describes the text; it does not assess how a court would treat the invalidity clause.

Cross-references

• exception to (model-proposed): The Claims Resolution section survives the program; invalid parts do not undo the rest — The general severability rule keeps the rest of the Claims Resolution section in force, except that invalidity of the Limitations on Arbitration removes the whole Arbitration provision.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

Arbitration procedures: governing law, evidence rules, relief and confidentiality

The Arbitration provision is governed by the FAA. The arbitrator applies applicable substantive law, statutes of limitations and privileges but not federal or state rules of civil procedure or evidence in matters relating to evidence or discovery. Subject to the Limitations on Arbitration, the arbitrator may otherwise award any relief available in court. The arbitration is confidential: neither you nor American Express will disclose the content of the proceeding or its outcome to anyone, but either may notify any government authority of the claim as permitted or required by law.

Supporting quotations

Arbitration Procedures: This Arbitration provision is governed by the FAA. The arbitrator will apply applicable substantive law, statutes of limitations and privileges. The arbitrator will not apply any federal or state rules of civil procedure or evidence in matters relating to evidence or discovery. Subject to the Limitations on Arbitration, the arbitrator may otherwise award any relief available in court. You and we agree that the arbitration will be confidential. You and we agree that we will not disclose the content of the arbitration proceeding or its outcome to anyone, but you or we may notify any government authority of the claim as permitted or required by law.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Confidentiality has an exception for notifying a government authority as permitted or required by law.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · User right or choice

For claims of $10,000 or less you choose the hearing format

If your claim is for $10,000 or less, you may choose whether the arbitration is conducted solely on documents, through a telephonic hearing, or by an in-person hearing. At any party's request, the arbitrator will provide a brief written explanation of the award.

Supporting quotations

If your claim is for $10,000 or less, you may choose whether the arbitration will be conducted solely on the basis of documents, through a telephonic hearing, or by an in-person hearing. At any party's request, the arbitrator will provide a brief written explanation of the award.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The choice of format applies to claims of $10,000 or less.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Procedure

Awards are final and binding but can be appealed within 35 days; hearings in your district

The arbitrator's award is final and binding, subject to each party's right to appeal as stated in this section and/or to challenge or appeal an award under the FAA. To appeal, a party must notify the arbitration organization and all parties in writing within 35 days after the award is issued. The organization appoints a three-arbitrator panel that decides anew, by majority vote based on written submissions, any aspect of the decision objected to. Judgment on any award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. At your election, hearings take place in the federal judicial district of your residence.

Supporting quotations

The arbitrator's award will be final and binding, subject to each party's right to appeal as stated in this section and/or to challenge or appeal an arbitration award pursuant to the FAA. To initiate an appeal, a party must notify the arbitration organization and all parties in writing within 35 days after the arbitrator's award is issued. The arbitration organization will appoint a three-arbitrator panel to decide anew, by majority vote based on written submissions, any aspect of the decision objected to. The appeal will otherwise proceed pursuant to the arbitration organization's appellate rules. Judgment upon any award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. At your election, arbitration hearings will take place in the federal judicial district of your residence.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Appeal notice is due within 35 days after the award is issued.
• The panel decides anew on written submissions.

Cross-references

• contrast (model-proposed): MLA covered borrowers: hearing format, award, 30-day appeal and venue — The main section gives 35 days to appeal an arbitration award while the MLA covered-borrower section gives 30 days.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

The Claims Resolution section survives the program; invalid parts do not undo the rest

The Claims Resolution section survives termination of the program or your participation in it. If any portion of the Claims Resolution section, except as otherwise provided in the Limitations on Arbitration subsection, is deemed invalid or unenforceable, it will not invalidate the remaining portions.

Supporting quotations

Continuation: This section will survive termination of the program or your participation in it. If any portion of this Claims Resolution section, except as otherwise provided in the Limitations on Arbitration subsection, is deemed invalid or unenforceable, it will not invalidate the remaining portions of this Claims Resolution section.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The Limitations on Arbitration subsection works differently: if it is invalid, the whole Arbitration provision (other than that sentence) does not apply.

Cross-references

• has exception (model-proposed): Arbitration is individual only; if that limit is invalid, the arbitration provision falls away — The general severability rule keeps the rest of the Claims Resolution section in force, except that invalidity of the Limitations on Arbitration removes the whole Arbitration provision.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · User right or choice

Military Lending Act covered borrowers: arbitration and mediation are optional for you

A separate section covers Military Lending Act (MLA) Covered Borrowers. Most concerns can be resolved by calling Customer Service. If Customer Service cannot resolve a complaint to your satisfaction, the section explains how claims can be resolved through litigation, non-binding mediation or, at your election, arbitration, and says you are not required to resolve any claims by mediation and arbitration. 'You and us' includes any corporate parents, subsidiaries, affiliates or related persons or entities, and 'Claim' has the same basic meaning as in the main Claims Resolution section, including any current or future claim, dispute or controversy relating to your participation in the program, these Terms & Conditions or any prior program agreement, except the validity, enforceability or scope of the Arbitration provision.

Supporting quotations

Claims Resolution for Military Lending Act (MLA) Covered Borrowers: Most customer concerns can be resolved by calling our Customer Service Department at the number listed on the back of your Card. In the event Customer Service is unable to resolve a complaint to your satisfaction, this section explains how claims can be resolved through litigation, non-binding mediation or, at your election, arbitration. You are not required to resolve any claims by mediation and arbitration. For this section, you and us includes any corporate parents, subsidiaries, affiliates or related persons or entities. Claim means any current or future claim, dispute or controversy relating to your participation in the program, these Terms & Conditions, or any prior program agreement, except for the validity, enforceability or scope of the Arbitration provision. Claim includes but is not limited to:

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies to MLA Covered Borrowers; the main Claims Resolution section covers other cases.
• Arbitration is at your election and mediation and arbitration are not required for you.

Not stated here

• The supplied text does not define who is an MLA Covered Borrower, and the Military Lending Act is an external law whose text is not supplied here.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

Claims included for MLA covered borrowers

For MLA Covered Borrowers, 'Claim' includes but is not limited to initial claims, counterclaims, cross-claims and third-party claims; claims based on contract, tort, fraud, statute, regulation, common law and equity; claims by or against any third party using or providing any product or service in connection with the program; and claims that arise from or relate to the program account or point balances, advertisements, promotions or statements related to the program or any reward, or the redemption for and use of any reward. You may not sell, assign or transfer a claim. The wording differs slightly from the main section's list, for example 'product or service' here and 'product, service or benefit' there.

Supporting quotations

Initial claims, counterclaims, cross-claims and third-party claims;

Claims based upon contract, tort, fraud, statute, regulation, common law and equity;

Claims by or against any third party using or providing any product or service in connection with the program; and

Claims that arise from or relate to (a) the program account or any point balances on the program account, (b) advertisements, promotions or statements related to the program or any reward, and (c) the redemption for and use of any reward. You may not sell, assign or transfer a claim.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The list says 'includes but is not limited to'.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · User right or choice

MLA covered borrowers: claim notice is optional and you can decline American Express’s request

Before beginning a lawsuit, arbitration or non-binding mediation, you may send a written claim notice to American Express (a sample is at americanexpress.com/claim); it should describe the claim and state the specific relief demanded. American Express may also request that a claim be resolved by mediation or arbitration, but you are not required to accept. It may include its request with your billing statement or mail it to your home address. Notice to American Express should include your name, address and Account number and be sent to American Express ADR c/o CT Corporation System, 28 Liberty St NY, NY 10005. The amount of any relief demanded in a claim notice will not be disclosed if the claim proceeds to litigation, mediation or arbitration. You may decline the request and may elect to resolve your claim through litigation.

Supporting quotations

Sending a Claim Notice: Before beginning a lawsuit, arbitration or non-binding mediation, you may send a written notice (a claim notice) to

us. Go to americanexpress.com/claim for a sample claim notice. The claim notice should describe the claim and state the specific relief demanded. We may also request that we resolve a claim by mediation or arbitration, but you are not required to accept our request.

We may include our request with your billing statement or mail it to your home address. Notice to us should include your name, address and Account number and be sent to:

American Express ADR c/o CT Corporation System, 28 Liberty St NY, NY 10005

If the claim proceeds to litigation, mediation or arbitration, the amount of any relief demanded in a claim notice will not be disclosed. You are not required to resolve your claim through mediation or arbitration. You may decline our request to resolve a claim through mediation or arbitration. You may elect to resolve your claim through litigation.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Uses 'may' and 'should' for you, unlike the main section where a claim notice is required before beginning.
• You are not required to resolve your claim through mediation or arbitration.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Procedure

MLA covered borrowers: mediation is by your election and is non-binding

If you elect mediation, a neutral mediator helps resolve the claim but does not decide it. Before beginning mediation, you or American Express must first send a claim notice. Within 30 days after sending or receiving a claim notice, either side may submit the claim to JAMS or the American Arbitration Association for mediation, and American Express pays the mediator's fees. Mediation communications are confidential, inadmissible in court and not subject to discovery, and statutes of limitation are tolled until the mediation ends. Either side may terminate the mediation at any time. Submitting or not submitting a claim to mediation does not affect the right to elect litigation or arbitration. The outcome is non-binding, and you may proceed to litigation or arbitration regardless.

Supporting quotations

Mediation: If you elect to resolve your claim through mediation, a neutral mediator will help resolve the claim. The mediator does not decide the claim but helps parties reach agreement. Before beginning mediation, you or we must first send a claim notice. Within 30 days after sending or receiving a claim notice, you or we may submit the claim to JAMS (1-800-352-5267, jamsadr.com) or the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") (1-800-778-7879, adr.org) for mediation. We will pay the fees of the mediator. All mediation- related communications are confidential, inadmissible in court and not subject to discovery. All applicable statutes of limitation will be tolled until termination of the mediation. Either you or we may terminate the mediation at any time. The submission or failure to submit a claim to mediation will not affect your or our right to elect litigation or arbitration. The outcome of mediation proceedings is non-binding. You may proceed to litigation or arbitration regardless of the outcome of mediation.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The outcome of mediation is non-binding.
• Either side may end the mediation at any time.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · User right or choice

MLA covered borrowers: you may elect arbitration, but are not required to

You may elect, but are not required, to resolve any claim by individual arbitration. American Express may also request individual arbitration of any claim, but you are not required to accept its request. A neutral arbitrator decides the claims.

Supporting quotations

Arbitration: You may elect, but are not required, to resolve any claim by individual arbitration. We may also request to resolve any claim by individual arbitration, but you are not required to accept our request. Claims are decided by a neutral arbitrator.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Contrast with the main section, where either party may elect arbitration.

Cross-references

• contrast (model-proposed): Either side may elect individual arbitration; court, jury and class rights are given up for that claim — In the main Claims Resolution section either side may elect individual arbitration and court, jury and class rights are given up for that claim; in the MLA covered-borrower section you may elect arbitration but are not required to, and American Express can only request it.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

MLA covered borrowers: effects of arbitration if elected or agreed

If you elect or agree to resolve a claim through arbitration, your or American Express's right to litigate that claim in court or have a jury trial may be limited, and you and American Express may not have the right to participate in a representative capacity or as a member of any class for any claim subject to arbitration. Arbitration procedures are generally simpler than court rules and discovery is more limited. The arbitrator's decisions are as enforceable as any court order and subject to very limited review by a court. Except as set forth below, the decision is final and binding, and other rights you or American Express would have in court may also not be available in arbitration.

Supporting quotations

If you elect or agree to resolve a claim through arbitration, your or our right to litigate that claim in court or have a jury trial on that claim may be limited. Further, you and we may not have the right to participate in a representative capacity or as a member of any class pertaining to any claim subject to arbitration. Arbitration procedures are generally simpler than the rules that apply in court, and discovery is more limited. The arbitrator's decisions are as enforceable as any court order and are subject to very limited review by a court. Except as set forth below, the arbitrator's decision will be final and binding. Other rights you or we would have in court may also not be available in arbitration.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Wording is 'may be limited' and 'may not have', softer than the main section's 'will not have'.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Procedure

MLA covered borrowers: arbitration organization and timing

If you and American Express agree to proceed to arbitration, claims are referred to either JAMS or AAA, as selected by the party electing arbitration, and resolved under the Arbitration provision and the selected organization's rules in effect when the claim is filed, except where those rules conflict with these Terms & Conditions. If American Express chooses the organization, you may select the other within 30 days after receiving notice of its selection. Claims may also be referred to another organization if both agree in writing, or to an arbitrator appointed under section 5 of the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. sec. 1-16 (FAA). American Express will not request arbitration for any claim you file in small claims court, so long as the claim is individual and pending only in that court. You may otherwise elect to arbitrate any claim at any time unless it has been filed in court and trial has begun or final judgment has been entered.

Supporting quotations

Initiating Arbitration: If you and we agree to proceed to arbitration, claims will be referred to either JAMS or AAA, as selected by the party electing arbitration. Claims will be resolved pursuant to this Arbitration provision and the selected organization's rules in effect when the claim is filed, except where those rules conflict with these Terms & Conditions. If we choose the organization, you may select the other within 30 days after receiving notice of our selection. Contact JAMS or AAA to begin an arbitration or for other information. Claims also may be referred to another arbitration organization if you and we agree in writing or to an arbitrator appointed pursuant to section 5 of the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. sec. 1-16 (FAA). We will not request arbitration for any claim you file in small claims court, so long as the claim is individual and pending only in that court. You may otherwise elect to arbitrate any claim at any time unless it has been filed in court and trial has begun or final judgment has been entered.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Arbitration proceeds only if you and American Express agree.
• Here the election right to arbitrate at any time is stated for you, not for American Express.

Not stated here

• The Federal Arbitration Act is an external law; its text is not supplied here and this explanation does not interpret it.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

MLA covered borrowers: individual-basis arbitration and the invalidity clause

For MLA Covered Borrowers, if the parties agree to resolve a claim by arbitration, it is arbitrated on an individual basis, and the agreement would not allow class action or purported representative-capacity arbitration. The arbitrator's authority is limited to claims between you and American Express alone, and claims may not be joined or consolidated unless both agree in writing. An award and any confirming judgment apply only to the specific case. Notwithstanding any other provision and without waiving the right to appeal, if any portion of these Limitations on Arbitration provisions is deemed invalid or unenforceable, then the entire Arbitration provision (other than this sentence) will not apply.

Supporting quotations

Limitation on Arbitration: If the parties agree to resolve a claim by arbitration, that claim will be arbitrated on an individual basis pursuant to that agreement, and the agreement would not allow claims to be arbitrated on a class action basis or on bases involving claims brought in a purported representative capacity on behalf of the general public, other Card Members or other persons similarly situated. The arbitrator's authority is limited to claims between you and us alone. Claims may not be joined or consolidated unless you and we agree in writing. An arbitration award and any judgment confirming it will apply only to the specific case and cannot be used in any other case except to enforce the award. Notwithstanding any other provision and without waiving the right to appeal such decision, if any portion of these Limitations on Arbitration provisions is deemed invalid or unenforceable, then the entire Arbitration provision (other than this sentence) will not apply.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies if the parties agree to arbitrate, not by one side's election alone.
• Applies to the MLA Covered Borrower section.

Not stated here

• This explanation describes the text; it does not assess how a court would treat the invalidity clause.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

MLA covered borrowers: arbitration procedures and confidentiality

The Arbitration provision is governed by the FAA. The arbitrator applies applicable substantive law, statutes of limitations and privileges, but not federal or state rules of civil procedure or evidence in matters relating to evidence or discovery. Subject to the Limitations on Arbitration provisions, the arbitrator may otherwise award any relief available in court. The arbitration will be confidential, but you may notify any government authority of your claim.

Supporting quotations

Arbitration Procedures: This Arbitration provision is governed by the FAA. The arbitrator will apply applicable substantive law, statutes of limitations and privileges. The arbitrator will not apply any federal or state rules of civil procedure or evidence in matters relating to evidence or discovery. Subject to the Limitations on Arbitration provisions, the arbitrator may otherwise award any relief available in court. The arbitration will be confidential, but you may notify any government authority of your claim.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The government-notice exception is stated for you; the main section states a mutual non-disclosure commitment with an exception for either side.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Procedure

MLA covered borrowers: hearing format, award, 30-day appeal and venue

If your claim is for $10,000 or less, you may choose whether the arbitration is conducted solely on documents, through a telephonic hearing, or by an in-person hearing. At any party's request the arbitrator provides a brief written explanation of the award. The award is final and binding, except for any right of appeal provided by the FAA; however, any party has 30 days to appeal by notifying the arbitration organization and all parties in writing. A three-arbitrator panel decides anew, by majority vote based on written submissions, any aspect objected to. Judgment on any award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. At your election, hearings take place in the federal judicial district of your residence.

Supporting quotations

If your claim is for $10,000 or less, you may choose whether the arbitration will be conducted solely on the basis of documents, through a telephonic hearing, or by an in person hearing. At any party's request, the arbitrator will provide a brief written explanation of the award. The arbitrator's award will be final and binding, except for any right of appeal provided by the FAA; however, any party will have 30 days to appeal the award by notifying the arbitration organization and all parties in writing. The organization will appoint a three arbitrator panel to decide anew, by majority vote based on written submissions, any aspect of the decision objected to. Judgment upon any award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. At your election, arbitration hearings will take place in the federal judicial district of your residence.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The appeal period here is 30 days; the main Claims Resolution section gives 35 days.
• The hearing-format choice applies to claims of $10,000 or less.

Cross-references

• contrast (model-proposed): Awards are final and binding but can be appealed within 35 days; hearings in your district — The main section gives 35 days to appeal an arbitration award while the MLA covered-borrower section gives 30 days.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

MLA covered borrowers: the section survives the program

The Claims Resolution section survives termination of the program or your participation in it. If any portion of it, except as otherwise provided in the Limitations on Arbitration subsection, is deemed invalid or unenforceable, it will not invalidate the remaining portions.

Supporting quotations

Continuation: This section will survive termination of the program or your participation in it. If any portion of this Claims Resolution section, except as otherwise provided in the Limitations on Arbitration subsection, is deemed invalid or unenforceable, it will not invalidate the remaining portions of this Claims Resolution section.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

The Detail of Changes notice supplements the terms and replaces conflicting ones

The 'Detail of Changes' notice supplements the Program Terms & Conditions. Any terms in the Program Terms & Conditions that conflict with these changes are completely replaced, and terms not changed by the notice continue to apply. If you have questions, call the number on the back of your Card. The notice says that, effective immediately, the Program Terms and Conditions under the 'Rewards Account Linking and Redemption Options' section have been updated as stated in the changes.

Supporting quotations

Detail of Changes to the Membership Rewards Program Terms & Conditions

This notice supplements the Program Terms & Conditions as described below. Any terms and conditions in the Program Terms & Conditions conflicting with these changes are completely replaced. Terms and conditions not changed by this notice continue to apply. If you have any questions, please call the number on the back of your Card.

Effective immediately, the Program Terms and Conditions under the ‘Rewards Account Linking and Redemption Options’ section have been updated to the following:

Qualifications & exceptions

• Conflicting earlier terms are 'completely replaced'; unchanged terms continue to apply.
• Effective immediately.

Not stated here

• The notice does not list which earlier sentences conflict; the earlier linking text in 'Important Program Details' uses 'may automatically link' wording while the notice says a new Product gets a new Rewards Account.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

Who the agreement is with and what it covers

These Terms and Conditions are the agreement between you and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., which owns and operates the Membership Rewards program (the Rewards Program). They cover only the Rewards Program. Terms for a specific product, such as a card or account, are in separate documents you received when you enrolled.

Supporting quotations

These Terms and Conditions are the agreement between you and the Rewards Program owner and operator, American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

These Terms and Conditions relate only to the Rewards Program. For terms and conditions related to a specific product, please refer to the separate document(s) that you received upon enrollment.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies only to the Rewards Program, not to the separate product documents.

Not stated here

• The separate product documents received on enrollment are not part of the supplied source, so how they interact with this document is not shown here.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Permission or license

American Express may change the program and these terms at any time

American Express says it may change the Rewards Program and may add to or change these Terms and Conditions at any time. It gives examples of changes it could make: the points you can earn for eligible purchases, the points needed to redeem for rewards, rewards options based on your enrolled products, caps and/or fees on earning and/or using points, higher annual and/or other program fees, and cancelling rewards or the Rewards Program. The list is introduced as examples, so it is not shown to be complete.

Supporting quotations

We may make changes to the Rewards Program, and we may add to and/or change these Terms and Conditions at any time.

For example, we could:

Change the number of Membership Rewards® points (points) you can earn for eligible purchases

Change the number of points required to redeem for rewards

Change rewards options based on your enrolled product(s)

Impose caps and/or fees on earning and/or using points

Increase annual and/or other program fees

Cancel rewards and/or the Rewards Program

Qualifications & exceptions

• The listed changes are examples ('For example, we could'), not a closed list.
• If the Rewards Program itself is cancelled, a 90-day advance-notice commitment applies (see the separate card on cancellation notice).

Not stated here

• These passages do not say how, or whether, you are notified of other changes before they take effect.

Cross-references

• qualified by (model-proposed): 90 days’ notice if the Rewards Program is cancelled — The general right to change the program and cancel it at any time is qualified by the 90-day notice American Express states for cancelling the Rewards Program.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Company commitment

90 days’ notice if the Rewards Program is cancelled

If American Express cancels the Rewards Program, it says it will notify you at least 90 days in advance. During that period you can still earn or use points, but American Express may change or cancel certain rewards.

Supporting quotations

If we cancel the Rewards Program, we’ll notify you at least 90 days in advance. You'll be able to earn or use points during that time, but we may change or cancel certain rewards.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The 90-day notice is stated for cancelling the Rewards Program, not for cancelling individual rewards or for other changes.
• During the notice period certain rewards may still be changed or cancelled.

Not stated here

• This passage does not say what happens to unused points after the Rewards Program ends.

Cross-references

• qualifies (model-proposed): American Express may change the program and these terms at any time — The general right to change the program and cancel it at any time is qualified by the 90-day notice American Express states for cancelling the Rewards Program.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

Recent changes listed at the end amend or supplement these terms

The document says recent changes and additions to the Rewards Program are listed at the end of the Terms and Conditions, and that these changes amend or supplement the Program Terms and Conditions. The document is labeled as last updated October 2026, and the end section is headed 'Detail of Changes to the Membership Rewards Program Terms & Conditions'.

Supporting quotations

Please refer to the end of these Terms & Conditions for recent changes and additions to the Membership Rewards Program. These changes amend or supplement these Program Terms & Conditions.

Last Updated: October 2026

Detail of Changes to the Membership Rewards Program Terms & Conditions

Qualifications & exceptions

• The end-of-document changes are part of how the terms apply; they are explained in their own cards.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context

How "Card," "Card Member" and checking terms are used

In these Terms and Conditions, 'Card' or 'Card Account' means a credit or charge Card Product, and 'Card Member' means a holder of a Card or Card Account. A Card Member is not the owner of a Checking Account or the holder of a Debit Card. Debit Cards, which are linked to a Checking Account, and their holders are referred to separately where applicable.

Supporting quotations

In these Terms and Conditions, when we say "Card" or "Card Account", we are referring to a credit or charge Card Product. When we say "Card Member", we are referring to a holder of a Card or Card Account, and not the owner of a Checking Account or holder of a Debit Card. We will separately refer to a Debit Card and Debit Card holders, which are linked to a Checking Account, throughout these Terms and Conditions, where applicable.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Debit Card holders and Checking Account owners are not 'Card Members' under these definitions.

Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception

You release American Express from liability for third-party rewards

Under 'You agree that,' when you use points to redeem for rewards offered by a third party, you release American Express and all its affiliates from liability for your use of points, for the reward and how you use it, and for your participation in the Rewards Program.

Supporting quotations

You agree that:

When you use points to redeem for rewards offered by a third-party, you release American Express and all its affiliates from liability for your use of points, for the reward and how you use it, and for your participation in the Rewards Program.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies when you use points to redeem for rewards offered by a third party.

Not stated here

• The passage does not define which rewards count as 'offered by a third-party' or limit the kinds of liability released; this explanation does not assess how far the release would be enforced.