# Amex no longer auto-pools Membership Rewards on new cards

_Oct 15 18:08_

Tags: American Express, loyalty program, policy change, airline, credit card, app & tech, program change

Type: Program change

## Summary

American Express now puts each newly opened Membership Rewards card into its own rewards account rather than joining an existing pooled balance. New earnings stay separate until the cardholder links the accounts. Existing cards are described as unaffected for now.

If more than one rewards account exists, some or all products can be linked so earnings combine into one balance. Products can be added to or removed from a rewards account at any time, though additional terms may apply when connecting accounts online. Doctor of Credit says linked balances can take a few hours to appear. Points on an unlinked card could be stranded or forfeited if that card is closed without consolidating.

One Mile at a Time calls the extra step minor if you remember it, but flags the new friction as unexplained, citing possible motives that include stranded points on closed unlinked cards and later different transfer rates by card as with Chase and Citi. After opening a new Membership Rewards card, link it under Manage Connections so points keep pooling with your existing account.

## Key facts

- **Who qualifies**: People who open a new American Express product that earns Membership Rewards; existing cards are described as unaffected for now.
- **Links**:
  - Terms: [Membership Rewards terms and conditions](https://www.americanexpress.com/content/dam/amex/us/rewards/membership-rewards/mr-terms-conditions-october-2026.pdf)
- **Takeaway**: After opening a new Membership Rewards card, link it under Manage Connections so points keep pooling with your existing account.

## Sources cited

- [Doctor of Credit](https://doctorofcredit.com/american-express-no-longer-automatically-pools-membership-rewards-points-from-new-cards) — American Express No Longer Automatically Pools Membership Rewards Points From New Cards
- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/amex-stops-automatically-pooling-membership-rewards-points-new-cards) — Amex Stops Automatically Pooling Membership Rewards Points On New Cards: Why?

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