Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Donate with Membership Rewards® points

You can now redeem Membership Rewards points to make donations through GivingExpress Online to over 1,000,000+ registered 501c3 charities. You can redeem points in increments of 1,000, 5,000 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 toward donations made in either your name or as a gift on behalf of a friend or loved one. All standard Membership Rewards program terms and conditions apply.

1. How can I use my Membership Rewards points to make donations through GivingExpress Online?

2. Can I change my mind after I have redeemed Membership Rewards points for a charitable donation?

3. How many Membership Rewards points can be redeemed to make a donation?  Is there a limit?

4. What if I want to redeem points in a different amount than what you offer through GivingExpress Online (increments of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000, 100,000)?

5. If I make a donation using Membership Rewards points, is the donation tax deductible?

6. What is the dollar amount that will be donated if I choose to redeem Membership Rewards points?

7. If I am not enrolled in the Membership Rewards program and would like to enroll, what do I do?

8. What if a Cardmember does not have access to the internet, is there any way to redeem points by phone?

9. Is there a fee for using Membership Rewards points to make donations to a charity?

10. How can I find out more about the charities before selecting them for a donation?

11. Is there a way for me to make an anonymous donation?

12. If I make a donation as a gift, how will the gift recipient be notified?

13. Will I receive a receipt confirming the donation?

1. How can I use my Membership Rewards points to make donations through GivingExpress Online?

Using Membership Rewards points to make a donation has never been easier. Once you access GivingExpress Online (americanexpress.com/give) you will be able to do the following things:

• Choose the charity to which you would like a donation to be made
• Check your Membership Rewards point balance
• Decide how many Membership Rewards points you would like to redeem:

You will be able to pick from 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 point increments In addition to redeeming points you will also have the option to make a monetary donation to any of the charities offered through the site. At any time you can visit GivingExpress Online and review the history of all your donations.

2. Can I change my mind after I have redeemed Membership Rewards points for a charitable donation?

Like all other redemptions made via the Membership Rewards program, requests to redeem points to make a donation are considered permanent.

3. How many Membership Rewards points can be redeemed to make a donation? Is there a limit?

No, you can redeem as many increments of 1,000 points, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 points and 100,000 points as you like to make donations provided you have the available point balance in your Membership Rewards account. If you would like to redeem over 250,000 points, please contact us directly at 877-660-2639.

4. What if I want to redeem points in a different amount than you offer on the site (increments of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000, 100,000)?

As long as you have the available point balance in your Membership Rewards account you can request multiple transactions. For example, if you would like to redeem 3,000 points you can process three requests of 1,000 points each. However, you can only redeem points in the 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 or 100,000 increments.

5. If I donate using Membership Rewards points, is the donation tax deductible?

Please consult your tax advisor regarding the tax deductibility of a donation made using Membership Rewards points.

6. What is the dollar amount that will be donated if I choose to redeem Membership Rewards points?

For every 1,000 points, $10 will be donated to the charity of your choice.

7. If I am not enrolled in the Membership Rewards program and would like to enroll, what do I do?

Enrolling in the Membership Rewards program is as easy as visiting the Membership Rewards website at americanexpress.com/rewards and accessing our enroll area. Individual terms and conditions as well as annual program fees apply. Some Cards are not eligible for enrollment. Click here to visit Membership Rewards online.

8. What if a Cardmember does not have access to the internet, is there any way to redeem points by phone?

If you would like to donate Membership Rewards points through GivingExpress Online, the only way to redeem is through the website amercianexpress.com/give.

9. Is there a fee for using Membership Rewards points to make donations to a charity?

No, there is no fee to redeem points through GivingExpress Online; however the point increment you select will be permanently and automatically deducted from your Membership Rewards account.

10. How can I find out more about the charities before selecting them for a donation?

You can review information, including program and financial details, on any charity listed in GivingExpress Online, by searching for a charity and clicking on its name. A summary of each charity, the background and financial status will then appear.

11. Is there a way for me to make an anonymous donation?

Yes, at the end of the transaction it will give you the option to be anonymous. Simply uncheck the boxes that say "please send the charity my name, email and address."

12. If I make a donation as a gift, how will the gift recipient be notified?

An email will be sent out to the gift recipient to inform them of this donation

13. Will I receive a receipt confirming the donation?

Yes, at the end of the transaction you will receive a confirmation email with the details of your redemption of points for donations and/or your monetary donation charged to the American Express Card and a transaction number for tracking purposes.