Best credit card for travel points.

Sarahkl1983

Hello. I've read the guide on credit cards for travel points, but have a question I couldn't find an answer to on the page or on the American express website. 

There is currently a bonus offer on American express of 38000 points for signing up and spending £3k in three months. But after 12 months a £195 annual fee. If I close the account after three months, will I be charged or have to pay the 38,000 points back. I want to close it and switch to an account with a lower fee/no free. Possible a avios credit card and transfer the amex points across. 

Many thanks. 

QrizB

Sarahkl1983 said:

There is currently a bonus offer on American express of 38000 points for signing up and spending £3k in three months. But after 12 months a £195 annual fee. If I close the account after three months, will I be charged or have to pay the 38,000 points back.

If this is the Gold Rewards card, no you won't be charged and you'll only lose the points if you leave the Membership Rewards scheme.

I had a Gold Rewards card for the first year then took out the blue Rewards card so I'd stay in the scheme and wouldn't lose my points.

See more on HfP here:

https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/10/08/this-is-the-best-card-for-a-miles-and-points-beginner-5/

Voyager2002

I did something similar...

Two crucial points: you have to open your new AmEx card account before closing the old one in order to preserve your points. And you have to close the card before the fee is due, or you pay the full amount for the year.