Best Time to Sell Amex Points in Canada: 2026 Rate Trends
Wondering when to sell your American Express Membership Rewards points for maximum value? This guide covers seasonal patterns, rate trends, and the real factors that determine optimal timing.
Quick Answer: Best Time to Sell Amex Points
For most people, the best time is now. While Q1 and Q4 see slightly higher demand, seasonal rate differences are modest (5-10%). Personal timing factors matter more:
- • Cancelling your card: Sell before points expire (30-90 days)
- • Aeroplan devaluation announced: Sell immediately before changes take effect
- • Need cash now: Don't wait for seasonal peaks
- • No travel plans: Convert idle points to guaranteed cash
Understanding Amex Point Timing
If you've searched for "best time to sell Amex points," you're asking the right question—but the answer might surprise you. Unlike stocks or real estate, loyalty points are a depreciating asset. They don't gain value over time.
Yes, there are seasonal patterns and market conditions that affect rates. But for most Canadian Amex cardholders, the biggest risk isn't selling at the "wrong time"—it's waiting too long and losing value to devaluations, expiration, or missed opportunities.
The Core Insight:
Amex MR points in Canada are primarily sold after transferring to Aeroplan. This means Aeroplan's health and transfer ratios matter more than the calendar. Watch for program changes, not just seasonal trends.
What Affects Amex Point Selling Rates?
Several factors determine what brokers will pay for your Amex Membership Rewards points:
Market Demand Fluctuations
Point brokers resell to travelers and businesses. When demand is high, rates increase modestly. When demand is low, rates dip slightly.
High Demand Periods:
- • Spring travel booking season (January-March)
- • Holiday planning period (September-November)
- • Corporate fiscal year-ends (often Q1 and Q4)
- • Post-announcement rushes (before Aeroplan changes)
Aeroplan Transfer Ratios
Canadian Amex points transfer to Aeroplan at 1:1. This ratio has remained stable, but if it ever changes, selling rates will immediately adjust.
Current Status (2026):
The 1:1 Amex MR → Aeroplan transfer ratio remains intact. However, American Express has adjusted transfer ratios to other partners before, so this isn't guaranteed forever.
Aeroplan Program Health
Since brokers resell Aeroplan points to travelers, Aeroplan devaluations directly impact what they can pay you.
Good for Rates:
- • Aeroplan adds airline partners
- • Award seat availability improves
- • Redemption costs stay stable
Bad for Rates:
- • Aeroplan increases award costs
- • Partners removed from the program
- • Devaluation announcements
Seasonal Market Conditions
Travel industry seasonality affects point values, but less than you might think. Rates remain relatively stable year-round.
Reality check: Seasonal rate swings are typically 5-10% at most. Waiting 6 months for a "peak season" rarely justifies the devaluation and expiration risk you carry during that time.
Seasonal Rate Patterns: Quarter-by-Quarter
Here's what to expect throughout the year when selling Amex points in Canada:
Q1: January - March (Peak Season)
Why rates are typically higher: Tax refund season gives Canadians cash to book travel. Many plan summer vacations during this period. Corporate travel budgets reset.
Best for sellers who:
- • Have flexibility on timing
- • Want to maximize a large balance (200,000+ points)
- • Are holding points with no specific use planned
Q2: April - June (Strong Season)
Why rates stay strong: Last-minute summer travel bookings. Business class flights to Europe in high demand for June-September travel.
Timing consideration:
Rates typically remain near Q1 levels through May, then may soften slightly in June as summer travel bookings taper off.
Q3: July - September (Slower Period)
Why rates may dip: Many Canadians already travelling (not booking). Late summer is traditionally slower for travel planning.
Exception:
September often sees a mini-bounce as people return from vacation and start planning fall/winter travel and holiday trips.
Q4: October - December (Peak Season)
Why rates climb again: Holiday travel planning in full swing. Businesses spend remaining travel budgets. Winter vacation bookings to warm destinations.
Best for sellers who:
- • Accumulated points throughout the year
- • Want to cash out before the New Year
- • Are cancelling cards in Q4 (annual fee timing)
The Bottom Line:
Q1 and Q4 typically offer the best rates, but we're talking about a 5-10% difference from Q3 lows. If you need cash in August, don't wait until January—the opportunity cost and risk usually outweigh the seasonal premium.
When You Should Sell Your Amex Points
Forget the calendar for a moment. These personal situations mean you should sell now, regardless of the season:
1. You're Cancelling Your Amex Card
Urgency level: Critical. You typically have 30-90 days after card closure to use or transfer points. Start the selling process before you cancel, or immediately after. Don't risk losing 100,000+ points to expiration.
2. Aeroplan Announced a Devaluation
Urgency level: High. If Aeroplan increases award costs or removes partners, your points become less valuable to brokers. Sell immediately when devaluations are announced—before they take effect.
3. You Need Cash for a Specific Purpose
Urgency level: Immediate. Emergency fund, home down payment, debt repayment, business investment—if you have a financial goal, don't let points sit idle. Cash in hand is more valuable than speculative future travel.
4. You Have Better Uses for Cash
Urgency level: Personal. If cash invested, paying down high-interest debt, or funding a business delivers better returns than 1.5-2.0 cpp travel redemptions, selling is the rational choice. Do the math for your situation.
5. You're Not Using Points for Travel
Urgency level: Medium. If you haven't redeemed points in 2+ years, you probably won't. Life changes, travel priorities shift. Convert idle points to guaranteed cash rather than letting them depreciate.
When You Should Wait to Sell
There are legitimate reasons to hold your Amex points instead of selling immediately:
You Have Specific Travel Plans Booked
If you've already identified a business class redemption worth 2.0+ cpp, use your points for that. Selling at 1.1-1.55 cpp is worse than a confirmed high-value redemption.
Rates Are Temporarily Depressed
If rates have dipped significantly (15%+ below normal), and you have no urgency, waiting 4-8 weeks for them to normalize may make sense. Check historical rate trends before deciding.
You Just Earned a Large Bonus
Some brokers prefer points that have "seasoned" in your account for 30-60 days. If you just earned a 100,000-point welcome bonus, waiting a month before selling may provide more broker options.
Amex Point Rate Trends in 2026
Here's what the current market looks like for Canadian Amex Membership Rewards sellers:
Current Market Overview (February 2026)
Current Rate Range
1.1-1.55¢
per point (CAD)
Market Stability
Stable
Minimal volatility expected
What's driving current rates:
- • Strong Q1 demand: Tax refund season + summer planning
- • Stable Aeroplan transfers: 1:1 ratio maintained
- • Healthy travel market: Business class redemptions in high demand
- • No major devaluations: Aeroplan program relatively stable since 2024
Historical Context: 2022-2026
1.2-1.6¢/pt — Post-pandemic travel surge drove rates higher
1.1-1.5¢/pt — Normalization as travel returned to pre-pandemic levels
1.1-1.55¢/pt — Minor Aeroplan adjustments; rates relatively stable
1.1-1.5¢/pt — Continued stability, some Q3 softness
1.1-1.55¢/pt — Strong Q1 start; stability expected through 2026
What to Expect Going Forward
Barring major Aeroplan changes or economic disruption, we expect:
- • Rates to remain in the 1.1-1.55¢ range through 2026
- • Seasonal patterns to continue: Q1 and Q4 peaks, Q3 dips
- • Long-term trend: Gradual decline as programs devalue (0.5-1% annually)
- • Risk factors: Aeroplan devaluation, Amex transfer ratio changes
Quick Decision Guide: Should You Sell Now?
Use this flowchart-style checklist to determine if now is the right time to sell your Amex points:
❓ Are you cancelling your Amex card within 90 days?
→ YES: Sell immediately. Points expire 30-90 days after closure.
→ NO: Continue to next question.
❓ Has Aeroplan announced upcoming changes or devaluations?
→ YES: Sell before changes take effect.
→ NO: Continue to next question.
❓ Do you have specific travel plans booked using points?
→ YES: Keep points for redemption (if value is 2.0+ cpp).
→ NO: Continue to next question.
❓ Do you need cash within the next 30 days?
→ YES: Sell now. Don't wait for seasonal peaks.
→ NO: Continue to next question.
❓ Is it currently Q3 (July-September) and you have flexibility?
→ YES: Consider waiting until late September or Q4 for slightly higher rates (5-10% improvement possible).
→ NO: Sell now—timing is good.
❓ Have your points been sitting unused for 12+ months?
→ YES: Sell now. Points aren't appreciating—convert to cash.
→ NO: You have flexibility—get a quote and decide.
How to Lock In Your Rate
Once you decide to sell, here's how to secure your rate and complete the process:
Request Your Free Quote
Submit your Amex MR balance through our quote form. You'll receive a personalized offer within 24 hours showing the exact cash amount you'll receive.
Rate lock period: 7 days from quote acceptance
Transfer MR Points → Aeroplan
Log into your Amex account and transfer your Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. The transfer is instant.
Time required: 2-3 minutes
Complete Aeroplan Family Sharing Transfer
We guide you through Aeroplan's Family Sharing system to transfer points securely to our buyer account. This is the official, program-approved method.
Time required: 5-10 minutes (we provide step-by-step instructions)
Receive Your Payment
Once the points transfer is confirmed, we send payment via Interac e-Transfer or cheque (your choice).
Payment speed: 24-48 hours after point transfer confirmation
Your Rate Is Protected:
Once you accept a quote, the rate is locked for 7 days. If market rates drop during this period, you still get the quoted rate. If they rise, you benefit from the increase. No risk to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Amex point selling rates change throughout the year?
Yes, but fluctuations are typically modest (5-10%). Rates tend to be slightly higher during peak travel booking seasons (January-March, September-October) when broker demand is highest. However, personal timing factors—like card cancellation or Aeroplan devaluation—matter more than seasonal variations.
What is the current rate for selling Amex MR points in 2026?
As of February 2026, Amex Membership Rewards points sell for approximately 1.1-1.55 cents per point in Canadian dollars, depending on volume and market conditions. Larger balances (100,000+ points) typically receive higher rates. Get a personalized quote for your specific situation.
Should I sell before an Aeroplan devaluation?
Yes. Since most Canadian Amex point sellers transfer to Aeroplan first, any Aeroplan devaluation reduces the value brokers can extract from your points. If Aeroplan announces upcoming changes, sell immediately—rates will drop once the devaluation takes effect.
How long does my rate quote stay valid?
Most reputable brokers guarantee quoted rates for 7 days. This gives you time to review the offer and initiate the Amex-to-Aeroplan transfer without worrying about rate changes. After 7 days, you may need to request an updated quote.
Is Q1 really the best time to sell Amex points?
Q1 (January-March) often sees slightly higher demand due to tax refund season and summer travel planning, but the rate difference is modest. The "best time" depends more on your personal situation: cancelling your card, needing cash, or avoiding expiration matters more than seasonal timing.
Related Resources
Mega Miles Broker Team
Points Brokerage Specialists
Loyalty points experts with 10+ years experience and 10,000+ transactions since 2014.