How Long Do Amex Points Take to Post?
Get clear answers on when Amex Membership Rewards points post to your account and how to resolve any posting issues.
American Express Membership Rewards points are valuable, and cardholders often wonder about the timeframe for them to appear in their accounts. Point posting isn’t always instantaneous; the speed depends on the transaction or offer. Understanding these timelines helps manage expectations for when points become available for redemption.
Understanding Amex Point Posting Timelines
Points from standard daily spending generally appear in a Membership Rewards account shortly after the transaction clears. They are often posted close to the statement closing date, typically visible within a few business days of the purchase.
Points from bonus categories or special offers might follow a different schedule. They can take longer to post than regular spending, typically appearing within one to two billing cycles after the qualifying purchase. This allows for validation of offer terms and conditions.
Welcome bonuses or sign-up offers, requiring a specific spending threshold, are usually credited after the requirement is fulfilled and the statement cycle closes. Cardholders can expect these bonuses to appear within 8 to 12 weeks after meeting the spending criteria. When a return or refund is processed for a purchase that earned points, those points will be deducted from the Membership Rewards balance. This adjustment typically occurs within a few days of the refund.
Checking Your Amex Point Balance
To check your Membership Rewards point balance, log into your American Express online account or mobile application. Navigate to the “Membership Rewards” section, commonly found under “My Account” or a similar “Rewards” tab.
Your current point balance will be displayed on this page. You can also review recent point activity or access past statements to see detailed point accruals for specific transactions. This provides an overview of how points have been earned and credited.
Addressing Delayed or Missing Points
If you believe points are delayed or missing, first wait 5 to 7 business days after your statement closes. Points from certain promotions or welcome offers might take longer, potentially up to 12 weeks. Review your online statements and transaction details to confirm the purchase has posted and meets any eligibility requirements for point accrual.
If points remain uncredited after the expected timeframe, contact American Express customer service. You can reach them by phone or through a secure message within your online account. When contacting support, have your card details, transaction dates, specific amounts, and any relevant offer names available.