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Authorizing Users for Amex Membership Rewards

Path: δΈ€ etc δΈ€/Finance/Credit/Authorizing Users for Amex Membership Rewards.mdUpdated: 2/3/2026

Authorizing Users for Amex Membership Rewards

The Problem

When an authorized user on an American Express card tries to access Membership Rewards, they may see this error:

We're sorry. You are not currently authorized to redeem points and view Membership Rewards account information. Please have the primary Card Member authorize you to redeem.

By default, authorized users (Additional Card Members) can make purchases with the card but cannot view or redeem Membership Rewards points. The primary cardholder must explicitly grant this permission.

Solution: Grant Membership Rewards Access

Method 1: Online via Account Services (US)

Primary Card Member must follow these steps:

  1. Log into your American Express account at americanexpress.com↗

  2. Navigate to Account Services

    • From the main menu or account dashboard, select "Account Services"

  3. Manage Other Users

    • Click on "Manage Other Users"

  4. Manage Rewards Users

    • Select "Manage Rewards Users" (sometimes labeled "Manager Rewards Users")

  5. Grant Access

    • Select the authorized user you want to give Membership Rewards access to
    • Enable permissions to:
      • View Membership Rewards balance
      • Redeem points
      • Transfer points to partners
      • Book travel with points

  6. Save and Confirm

    • The authorized user should have access within a few minutes

Method 2: Third-Party Authorization Form (UK/International)

For UK and some international American Express accounts, the primary Card Member must complete a Third-Party Disclosure Form:

  1. Download the form from American Express (or request it by calling customer service)

  2. Complete the form

    • Fill in your details as the primary Card Member
    • Fill in the authorized person's details
    • Check the box for "Membership Rewards" authorization

  3. Submit the form

    • Mail to: American Express Services Europe Ltd, FAO Department 79, 1 John Street, Brighton, East Sussex
    • Or follow instructions on the form for online submission

  4. Wait for processing

    • The authorized person will gain full access to view and redeem Membership Rewards

Method 3: Call American Express

If you can't find the online option or need assistance:

  1. Call the number on the back of your American Express card

  2. Request Membership Rewards authorization

    • Say: "I need to authorize [Name] to view and redeem Membership Rewards points on my account"

  3. Provide required information

    • Authorized user's name
    • Their relationship to you
    • Confirm their existing authorized user status

What Access Does This Grant?

Once authorized, the Additional Card Member can:

  • View the full Membership Rewards points balance
  • Redeem points for:
    • Travel bookings
    • Gift cards and shopping
    • Statement credits
    • Partner loyalty program transfers (airlines, hotels)
  • Book travel using points through American Express Travel
  • Transfer points to participating airline and hotel partners

Important Notes

  • Only the primary cardholder can grant this permission
  • This is separate from adding an authorized user β€” the person must already be an authorized user on the card before you can grant Membership Rewards access
  • Authorized users will see the combined points balance for all cards on the account
  • Authorized users can redeem points but cannot:
    • Add or remove other authorized users
    • Change account settings
    • View sensitive account information beyond rewards
  • Points cannot be split β€” all authorized Membership Rewards users share one pool of points
  • Some redemption options may require the primary cardholder's approval

Verification

To verify the authorized user now has access, have them:

  1. Log into their American Express online account
  2. Navigate to Membership Rewards section
  3. They should now see the points balance and redemption options (instead of the authorization error)

Related

  • Credit
  • Credit Cards

Links

American Express Third-Party Authorization Form (UK)