AMEX updated the Refer a Friend rules for all cards today. The main change is that, instead of having different caps for each card before, the limit is now standardized at 5 rewards. Details are below:
- Unified limit: Starting April 8, 2026, all card products can earn referral rewards up to 5 times per calendar year, replacing the previous complex caps that varied by card.
- Timing cutoff: Successful referrals before April 8 count toward the old cap (such as 100,000 points/$1000), while referrals after that date count toward the new 5-referral cap.
- Reward posting: After your friend is approved for the card, please allow 8-12 weeks for the reward to post. During that time, your account must remain in good standing (not canceled and not past due).
- Full terms link
One piece of good news: if you had already successfully referred friends before April 8, this reward cap has now effectively reset, meaning you can earn rewards for 5 more successful referrals.
The reward for each successful referral varies by card. Here are some typical examples:
- AMEX Platinum Card for Schwab: $100 statement credit.
- AMEX Gold Card: 10,000-15,000 MR points.
- Hilton Surpass Card: 20,000-30,000 Hilton points.
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: 15,000-20,000 Marriott points.
- Blue Cash Preferred: $50-$100 Reward Dollars.