Can you send your already-transfered AMEX points back to Membership Rewards? Where there is a will, there is a way.
When you transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to an airline partner, you are met with this stark warning–all transfers are FINAL.
But six years at Award Expert has demonstrated many instances in which points already transferred (and deposited) into an airline program can be culled back to Membership Rewards.
It’s not an easy process. It is also not a guarantee. But here’s some thoughts on how to do it.
How to Transfer Airline Points Back to American Express
There is no magic formula, but for the handful of clients who have been successful, I can make three hints.
1. Claim Personal Error
One time a client accidentally transferred to Aeromexico instead of Aeroplan. It was a careless error, but the points had already departed AMEX and hit Aeromexico before the error was discovered. The client explained the situation to AMEX honestly. While it took a few days, the transaction was reversed and the points were removed from Aeromexico and returned to AMEX.
2. Claim Agent Error
A client called Aeroplan to book a trip and the Aeroplan agent instructed him to transfer over AMEX points. A snafu occurred and the space was lost. By calling AMEX, conferencing in Aeroplan, and explaining the situation, the points were returned to AMEX. This also worked for British Airways.
3. Claim “Fraud”
The Air France-KLM Flying Blue controversy led to many appeals to American Express. There was no wrongdoing: Flying Blue was simply cancelling tickets for client’s who had recently opened up an account, transferred in points, and booked online. While it did not work in every case, there were at least two cases in which American Express simply credited the transferred miles back to AMEX.
Clients who have prevailed have generally been good, long-standing American Express cardholders. We’ve had success transferring points back to AMEX from the following programs
- Aeroplan
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- British Airways Executive Club
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
I have no similar stories for Chase or CITI.
CONCLUSION
While the answer is generally no, it never hurts to ask. Exceptions will be made under certain circumstances. My experience suggests airlines and AMEX have much more discretion in sending points back and forth than you are led to believe.
Interesting! In re: AF is there a claim for which the pax can seek relief? Or are they just SOL?
I managed to transfer back from united to chase after the initial transfer was delayed and didn’t post immediately to UA, I also got an apology from chase with an extra 10k for the trouble
I transferred online from Amex platinum to Hilton, called an hour later and Amex said they can’t transfer back or reverse.. so it seems that you can’t transfer points back
Keep trying if the transfer was made in error.
This happened to me this week! I accidentally transferred points to ANA airlines instead of Virgin Atlantic Airlines (I am taking an ANA flight through Virgin). I shouldn’t have done it in the middle of a work day when I wasn’t fully focused and my brain wasn’t working. After immediately freaking out when I realized the error, I called Amex and they said they would start an inquiry but no guarantees. She was very nice and understanding. She said I should also immediately call ANA and ask for them back and explain the error. Although the rep at ANA wasn’t as engaging in my self deprecation, they agreed to make a one time exception. Just be sure to have your 1M number from Amex (I had to call customer service for it). It’s been less than a week and I still haven’t gotten them back but have been told it can only be done during business days. I can update when it’s back.
Thanks for sharing. Please do let us know when the points return.
Well anything?
Had a BA agent today verify availability was wide open before transferring points from Amex. Then called back and was told availability was never there. Amex and BA both point the finger at each other and both say they have no way to reverse it themselves. Now I’ve got 112k avios with no use as I’m a US Based United 1k and was only flying BA to catch a cruise.