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Back in May, American Express announced what might be its most surprising partnership yet. It has partnered with Fanatics, the sports collectibles and apparel company. Buried in the press release was an interesting tease, promising the addition of Fanatics FanCash as a transfer partner for the Membership Rewards program.
If it launches, this would make for the first non-travel transfer partner in Membership Rewards history. Here are all the details we know so far.
Details of the American Express and Fanatics Partnership
American Express and Fanatics announced a strategic partnership in May 2026 that sees American Express as the Official Payments Partner at select Fanatics online and retail locations worldwide. American Express is also now the presenting sponsor at Fanatics Fest, a sports fan festival in New York City.
While these updates might be interesting, the really fascinating part of the announcement is that American Express will be the issuer of a new credit card and will soon offer the ability to transfer Membership Rewards points directly to Fanatics. Here's what to know.
New Fanatics American Express® Card to launch this year
We don't have a ton of details about the new Fanatics American Express® Card. However, we do know that rather than earning cash back or Membership Rewards points, the card will earn FanCash, which is redeemable for merchandise, sports tickets, and even bonus bets on the Fanatics sportsbook.
Cardholders will also gain elevated tier status within the Fanatics ONE loyalty program. However, there are four elite tiers in the program, so we aren't sure which one cardholders will receive. American Express has indicated that the card will become available later this year, but we still don't know when — or how much it will cost.
Amex to add Fanatics as a transfer partner
Perhaps the single most surprising announcement is that American Express plans to add Fanatics as a transfer partner. FanCash will be added as the first-ever sports transfer partner in the Membership Rewards program. Once you convert your reward into FanCash, American Express notes that redemption options include “authentic apparel, trading cards, collectibles, and exclusive experiences such as Fanatics Fest.”
For me, the omission of anything related to Fanatics' burgeoning sportsbook and the ability to use FanCash on that network is interesting. Is this Amex's way of dipping its toe into the sports betting phenomenon that's ever-present in American society today, or will cardholders be somewhat limited in the way they use their FanCash earned from converting Membership Rewards points?
For years, financial institutions have been incredibly wary of gambling, but society has rapidly changed since sports betting was legalized nearly a decade ago. In addition, Fanatics is a massive promoter of collectibles, specifically trading cards (another gambling-adjacent hobby).
Whatever your thoughts on the motives here, it's incredible to write that we have the first non-travel transfer partner coming to Membership Rewards in the next year. That said, we have no way of knowing what the transfer ratio will be.
How To Earn and Use FanCash
There are currently several ways to earn FanCash. The most straightforward way to earn is through purchases in the Fanatics App, which earns up to 5% FanCash per $1 spent. Topps.com purchases earn 2% back in FanCash, and sportsbook and Fanatics Markets trades earn 10% back, whether you win or lose your bet.
When it comes time to redeem, FanCash is redeemable at a 1:1 ratio, meaning $1 in FanCash equals $1 in currency for your purchase or sports bet. However, betting isn't the only way to redeem your FanCash — you can also shop a variety of sports merchandise or collect trading cards.
Bottom Line
I find this move incredibly interesting. It's not like Membership Rewards adds a new partner every month, let alone one in an entirely different rewards category. Fanatics is an interesting company as well, with several lines of business that appeal to sports and collectible fans across the United States.
The co-branded card product and the ability to turn Membership Rewards into FanCash make things even more fascinating. As of now, FanCash can be used in sports betting, which isn't currently possible with other Amex transfer partners. We'll have to wait to hear more from Amex and Fanatics when the partnership gets closer to launch.
