American Express India will restore Membership Rewards points deducted from cardholders’ accounts on November 9, following concerns raised by customers over the adjustments.
In a statement shared with CNBC-TV18, American Express said the deductions were in line with its applicable terms and conditions, which provide for the forfeiture of unredeemed reward points associated with cancelled cards after 30 days of cancellation.
However, after considering the concerns raised by cardholders, the company has decided to reverse the adjustments.
Affected cardholders’ Membership Rewards points balances will be restored to their November 8 levels, after accounting for any points earned or redeemed since then, the company said.
“We have communicated directly with affected Card Members and remain committed to delivering the service they expect from American Express,” it added.
Why did Amex deduct reward points?
The adjustments made on November 9 related to unredeemed Membership Rewards points associated with previously cancelled credit cards.
Under American Express’s applicable terms and conditions, unredeemed points linked to a cancelled card are forfeited after 30 days of cancellation.
The deductions prompted concerns among cardholders who reported substantial reductions in their accumulated reward points. Some customers also reported negative balances following the adjustments.
American Express said the adjustments were in line with its existing terms and conditions but decided to reverse them after considering the concerns raised by cardholders.
Amex to discontinue pooled reward points from November 15
Separately, Amex is changing how Membership Rewards points are maintained for customers holding multiple eligible basic cards from November 15, 2026.
According to the company’s official website, points will be maintained separately for each card instead of being pooled into a common account-level balance. Existing pooled points will be distributed based on the individual balances associated with each card.
The company has also said that transfers of reward points between cards will be discontinued from November 15. However, the value of Membership Rewards points and the available redemption options will remain unchanged.
American Express India to restore reward points deducted from cancelled cards: Here’s what happened