American Express Becomes Official NFL Payments Partner in Multi-Year Deal

If you're an NFL fan with an American Express card, you're about to get a new set of benefits. The two giants have announced a new multi-year NFL American Express partnership, making Amex the league's official payments partner. This deal brings a fresh playbook of perks and experiences for cardholders, kicking off with the 2026 season.

Partnership Details

In a major shift for the league, American Express is taking over a role held by its rival, Visa, for the past three decades. While the financial terms of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed, the partnership marks a significant new chapter for both brands. This move also supports the NFL's strategy for continued international growth.

This isn't Amex's first foray into the NFL. The company already holds team-specific deals with several clubs, including the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins, making this league-wide deal a logical next step.

American Express NFL Benefits for Cardholders

For consumers, the most important question is: what’s in it for me? The new partnership promises a suite of exclusive benefits for Amex cardholders, designed to bring them closer to the game. Key perks will include:

• Priority Ticket Access: Card members will get access to ticket presales for high-demand events like the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft.
• International Game Access: A major highlight is early access to NFL international games tickets. The first opportunity is already here: a cardholder presale begins this Tuesday for the September 10, 2026, game in Melbourne, Australia, featuring the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
• Exclusive On-Site Experiences: At select NFL events, cardholders can expect special branded activations and perks. For example, at the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, eligible card members will receive priority access to certain league experiences, lounge reservations, and retail offers.

Strategic Vision

This partnership is a key piece of a broader American Express sports marketing strategy. The company’s global sports portfolio is extensive, covering more than 50 leagues, teams, and major events. Elizabeth Rutledge, the Chief Marketing Officer for American Express, called the NFL deal a "natural extension" of the company's commitment to providing premium access and experiences to its customers.

Looking ahead, fans can also anticipate a new way to earn rewards. The NFL Extra Points credit card, an American Express card to be issued by Comenity Capital Bank, is set to launch later this year. This new co-branded card will offer rewards specifically tied to NFL purchases and experiences, giving dedicated fans a direct way to benefit from their spending.

Conclusion & Next Steps

This partnership signals a clear win for NFL fans who are also American Express cardholders. With early access to tickets for marquee events and exclusive on-site benefits, the value of holding an Amex card is set to increase for sports enthusiasts.

For those eager to take advantage immediately, keep an eye on the ticket presale for the 2026 Melbourne game. And if you're attending the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, be sure to look for the Amex fan activation. As the 2026 season approaches, more details about these cardholder benefits and the new NFL Extra Points credit card are sure to emerge.