American Express is teaming up with Fanatics on a partnership that includes a new Fanatics American Express Card launching later this year, FanCash-earning opportunities, and plans for Fanatics to become an American Express Membership Rewards transfer partner
By the time sports fans are done scanning their wallets, one thing is already changing: the places rewards can take them.
American Express and Fanatics have announced a sweeping partnership designed to give customers new ways to earn and redeem. The headline for points-and-miles devotees is the plan for Fanatics to become an American Express Membership Rewards transfer partner within the next year. When it goes live, eligible U.S. Membership Rewards cardmembers will be able to transfer American Express points into Fanatics FanCash, Fanatics’ rewards currency. That FanCash can then be redeemed for sports merchandise, trading cards, collectibles, and exclusive fan experiences.
The partnership also includes a new cobranded Fanatics American Express Card launching later this year. The companies say the card will run on the Amex network and be issued by First Electronic Bank and managed by Imprint. Beyond the mechanics of the product. it comes with sports-focused perks: cardholders will be able to earn FanCash on purchases. gain elevated status and exclusive benefits within the Fanatics ONE loyalty program. and access American Express offers. experiences. benefits. and protections.
Right now, the details many card shoppers want most are still missing—among them the card’s annual fee, earning rates, welcome bonus details, and redemption rates. More information is expected in the months leading up to the launch.
For Americans holding Membership Rewards accounts. the transfer partnership is described as a potential first for the program: Fanatics is slated to become the first-ever sports-focused transfer partner. According to the announcement, U.S. consumer and business cards with Membership Rewards. along with corporate cards with individual Membership Rewards. will be eligible to convert points into FanCash. American Express says the new transfer partnership will launch within the next year. and it has not revealed the transfer ratio.
FanCash itself is Fanatics’ digital rewards currency. Once earned or transferred, it can be used throughout the Fanatics platform for purchases including officially licensed apparel, trading cards, collectibles, and tickets and experiences.
The deal goes beyond the cards. American Express will also become the Official Payments Partner across select Fanatics online and retail locations globally. The partnership extends into Fanatics Fest NYC, where American Express will serve as a presenting sponsor for the 2026 event. Fanatics Fest NYC is scheduled for July 16–19 in New York City. and American Express says eligible cardmembers can expect special perks and interactive experiences at the event. even though additional details have not yet been released.
This is not happening in a vacuum. The announcement places the Fanatics partnership inside American Express’ broader sports push, which already includes partnerships with organizations and events such as the NFL, NBA, WNBA, Formula 1, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open Golf Championship.
For travelers. the immediate question is familiar: does this offer meaningful value compared with transferring Membership Rewards points to airline and hotel partners?. American Express hasn’t shared a transfer ratio yet. and the Fanatics card’s pricing and rewards structure are still under wraps. But for sports fans who want memorabilia. collectible-focused rewards. and access to fan experiences that traditional travel programs often can’t touch. the value proposition could look very different once the partnership goes live.
American Express Fanatics Fanatics American Express Card Membership Rewards transfer partner FanCash sports rewards loyalty program Fanatics ONE Fanatics Fest NYC July 16-19 2026