Million Mile Secrets reader, Trent, commented:
Can my spouse and I combine our AMEX Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou points into 1 account?We are considering transferring to an airline account for Business Class award tickets.
Thanks for your question, Trent!
You can NOT transfer your AMEX Membership Rewards points to your spouse’s AMEX Membership Rewards account, but there’s a workaround. And you can share Citi ThankYou points, but there’s still a restriction you should know about!
I’ll explain how you can share your AMEX Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou points.
How to Share AMEX Membership Rewards Points
Unfortunately, AMEX Membership Rewards does NOT allow folks to share points. But there’s a way around this rule!
You can add your spouse or anyone else as an authorized user and then transfer your AMEX Membership Rewards points to their frequent flyer account.
It’s easy to add an authorized user to your AMEX card online or by calling the number on the back of your card.
Not only does this allow you to transfer points to their frequent flyer account, but they can also save money with their new card. That’s because AMEX authorized user accounts are also targeted for AMEX Offers. So you can earn more statement credits for everyday purchases.
It’s free to add an authorized user to most AMEX Membership Rewards cards. But there are a few, like the AMEX Platinum card, that will charge you. So be sure to read the fine print.
And make sure your travel plans are certain before you transfer your points to your spouse’s frequent flyer account. That’s because once you transfer your AMEX Membership Rewards points to an airline or hotel, there’s no way to get them back.
How to Share Your Citi ThankYou Points
Transferring the Citi ThankYou points you earn with cards like the Citi Prestige and Citi ThankYou Premier Card, to your spouse’s (or anyone else’s) account is much easier!
But there’s something you should know. Once you transfer Citi ThankYou points, they’re only good for up to 90 days after the points are received. So again, make sure you know your travel plans before sharing your points.
When you’re ready to start planning your trip, here’s how to share your Citi ThankYou points:
Log into your Citi ThankYou account. And select “Points Sharing” under the “Do More” drop down menu.
Then select “Begin Sharing” at the bottom of the page.
Enter their information.
Then Trevor and his spouse can begin booking their Business Class flights!
Bottom Line
If you need more points to book an award flight or stay, sharing AMEX Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou points with friends or family is a great option.
AMEX Membership Rewards does NOT allow folks to share points between accounts. To get around this, you can add your friend or family member as an authorized user. Then you can transfer points directly to their frequent flyer account.
You can transfer Citi ThankYou points through your online account. But keep in mind, shared Citi ThankYou points are only good for up to 90 days after the points are received. So don’t transfer until you’re ready to book your trip!
I hope that helps, Trent! Enjoy your trip!