American Express and Fanatics are teaming up on a radical new partnership that will give sports fans new ways to earn and redeem rewards.
The partnership includes a new Fanatics American Express® Card launching later this year, expanded benefits at Fanatics events and retail stores, and, perhaps most notably for points and miles enthusiasts – plans for Fanatics to become a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards within the next year.
Once activated, eligible US Membership Rewards cardholders will be able to make transfers amex points in Fanatics FanCash, the Fanatics rewards currency that can be redeemed for sports merchandise, trading cards, collectibles and exclusive fan experiences.
Fanatics American Express information has not been reviewed by the card issuer.
This is what we know so far.
Fanatics to become Membership Rewards transfer partner
For current Amex cardholders who are passionate about sports, the most exciting part of this announcement may be that Fanatics is set to become the first sports-focused company. Amex Membership Rewards Transfer Partner.
US consumer and business cards with Membership Rewards and corporate cards with individual Membership Rewards will be eligible to eventually convert their points to FanCash. FanCash can be redeemed across the Fanatics ecosystem for purchases such as officially licensed apparel, trading cards and collectibles, as well as experiences tied to Fanatics events.
Amex says the new transfer partnership will launch next year.
While Amex has not yet revealed the transfer fee, this move marks a notable expansion for the Membership Rewards program, which has traditionally focused heavily on airline and hotel transfer partners.
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For many travelers, Transferring Membership Rewards points to partner airlines will likely continue to provide the most value.. However, the addition of Fanatics offers sports fans another redemption option, especially those interested in exclusive souvenirs or experiences that cannot be accessed with traditional travel rewards.
A new Fanatics American Express card is coming
The companies also announced plans to launch the new Fanatics American Express card later this year.
This co-branded card will run on the Amex network, issued by First Electronic Bank and managed by Imprint.
According to the announcement, the card will offer several sports-focused benefits and rewards, including:
- The possibility of earning FanCash on purchases
- High status and exclusive benefits within the Fanatics ONE loyalty program
- Access to American Express offers, experiences, benefits and protections
FanCash is Fanatics’ digital rewards currency and can be redeemed across the Fanatics platform for purchases including sports apparel, trading cards, collectibles, tickets and experiences.
At this point, many of the card’s key details remain unknown, such as:
- The annual card fee
- Profit rates
- Welcome Bonus Details
- Refund Rates
More details are expected to arrive in the coming months ahead of the card’s launch.
Amex becomes the official payment partner of Fanatics
As part of the broader agreement, American Express will also become the official payments partner at select Fanatics retail and online locations globally.
The partnership extends to Fanatics Fest NYC, where Amex will serve as presenting sponsor of the 2026 event, scheduled for July 16-19 in New York City.
According to the announcement, eligible American Express cardholders can expect special benefits and interactive experiences at the event, although additional details have not yet been released.
The move further expands Amex’s already considerable sports portfolio, which includes partnerships with organizations and events such as the NFL, NBA, WNBA, Formula 1, Wimbledon and the US Open Golf Championship.
Amex’s Fanatics deal reflects broader shift in rewards
This partnership underscores a broader trend in the world of credit cards and loyalty: Rewards programs are increasingly going beyond traditional travel benefits.
In recent years, issuers have expanded access to entertainment benefitsgastronomic experiences, concert pre-sales and lifestyle-focused redemptions. By partnering with Fanatics, American Express leans even further into experiential rewards aimed at dedicated fans.
The move could also help Amex attract consumers who value sports-focused experiences as much as traditional ones. travel exchanges.
Whether the Fanatics American Express card ultimately proves attractive will likely depend on its earning rates, annual fee and redemption value, details that are still under wraps.
In a nutshell
American Express and Fanatics are launching an extensive partnership that will provide a co-branded credit card, exclusive fan benefits, and (eventually) Fanatics as a Membership Rewards transfer partner.
While key details are still unknown, the move expands Amex’s rewards ecosystem beyond traditional travel and offers sports fans a new redemption option.
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