UMVA has learned that American Express and Fanatics are joining forces on a groundbreaking partnership that will revolutionize the way sports fans earn and redeem rewards.
The partnership is set to introduce a new Fanatics American Express Card, launching later this year, which will offer sports-focused perks and rewards, including the ability to earn FanCash on purchases and elevated status within the Fanatics ONE loyalty program.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Fanatics will become an American Express Membership Rewards transfer partner within the next year, allowing eligible U.S. Membership Rewards cardmembers to transfer Amex points into Fanatics FanCash, the rewards currency that can be redeemed for sports merchandise, trading cards, collectibles, and exclusive fan experiences.
This move marks a significant expansion for the Membership Rewards program, which has traditionally focused heavily on airline and hotel transfer partners, and gives sports fans a new redemption option, especially those interested in memorabilia or exclusive experiences that aren't accessible with traditional travel rewards.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the new Fanatics American Express Card will run on the Amex network and be issued by First Electronic Bank and managed by Imprint, and will offer several sports-focused perks and rewards, including access to American Express offers, experiences, benefits, and protections.
The partnership also includes expanded perks at Fanatics events and retail locations, and American Express will become the Official Payments Partner across select Fanatics online and retail locations globally, including Fanatics Fest NYC in 2026.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that eligible American Express cardmembers can expect special perks and interactive experiences at the event, further expanding Amex's already sizable sports portfolio, which includes partnerships with top organizations and events.
This deal reflects a broader trend in the credit card and loyalty world: rewards programs are increasingly moving beyond traditional travel perks, and American Express is leaning even further into experiential rewards aimed at dedicated fans.
The move could help Amex appeal to consumers who value sports-focused experiences as much as traditional travel redemptions, and whether the Fanatics American Express Card ultimately becomes compelling will likely depend on its earning rates, annual fee, and redemption value.
