Amex & Fanatics Launch Partnership: New Card & Transfer Partner

American Express and Fanatics announce a new co-branded card and Membership Rewards transfer partnership launching within the next year.

Amex & Fanatics Launch Partnership: New Card & Transfer Partner

American Express and Fanatics have announced a landmark multi-year partnership that brings a new co-branded credit card to the market and adds Fanatics as a Membership Rewards transfer partner. This move signals a strategic shift for Amex, adding its first dedicated sports-focused partner to its rewards ecosystem.

Partnership Details

The collaboration, announced May 20, 2026, focuses on integrating Fanatics’ massive sports merchandise and experience platform with American Express’ premium financial network.

  • New “Fanatics American Express Card”: Launching later in 2026, this card will operate on the Amex Network. It will be issued by First Electronic Bank and managed by Imprint.
  • Membership Rewards Transfer Partner: Within the next 12 months, Fanatics will join the Amex Membership Rewards program as a transfer partner.
  • Rewards Currency: Points transferred will convert into FanCash, which can be used for merchandise, tickets, and collectibles across Fanatics.com and its affiliated sites.

The New Fanatics Card

While the full terms and annual fees haven’t been released yet, the card is expected to offer:

  • Elevated earning rates on Fanatics purchases.
  • Automatic tier status within the Fanatics ONE loyalty program.
  • Exclusive access to tickets and fan experiences.
  • The ability to earn and redeem FanCash across the entire Fanatics ecosystem.

Value Analysis

The value of this partnership depends heavily on the transfer ratio between Amex Membership Rewards and FanCash. Typically, FanCash is valued at $1 per unit toward merchandise. If Amex maintains a 1:1 transfer ratio, it could represent a solid choice for sports fans, though travel redemptions generally offer higher “cents per point” value for power users.

PointsGobbler Verdict

This is an interesting “lifestyle” play from American Express. While points-and-miles purists might prefer airline transfers, the ability to turn MR points into jerseys, hats, or game tickets is a tangible benefit for a huge segment of the population. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the official transfer ratios and the specific “Sign-up Bonus” for the new card when it launches later this year.

Note: The transfer capability is expected to launch “within the next year,” so don’t expect to move your points over just yet.