American Express changes Membership Rewards automatic pooling

American Express has updated its Membership Rewards program, changing how points are handled for newly opened cards. Previously, points from new cards were automatically added to a user's existing central balance. Under the new terms, which take effect immediately, opening a new product will result in the creation of a separate rewards account linked specifically to that product.

While cardmembers can still manually consolidate points into a single balance via the website, app, or phone, the automatic pooling feature has been removed for new accounts. This change carries risks for users who close cards without first linking their accounts. If a user earns points on a new card that remains in a separate account and subsequently closes that card, they may forfeit those points even if they maintain other active American Express cards.

Exceptions to these forfeiture rules exist for certain cardholders, such as those with a New York billing address, who receive a 90-day redemption window under state law.