American Express Named Official NFL Payments Partner

Multi-year deal gives cardholders access to ticket presales and on-site experiences at marquee NFL events.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:49pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an American football game broken down into overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, and crimson red, conveying the conceptual idea of a new partnership between the NFL and American Express.The new partnership between the NFL and American Express aims to bring a more geometric, fragmented perspective to the fan experience.NYC Today

American Express has signed a multi-year deal to become the National Football League's official payments partner starting with the 2026 season. The agreement will give American Express cardholders access to ticket presales, on-site experiences and other perks at select NFL events in the U.S. and abroad as the league continues to push its international growth strategy.

Why it matters

The partnership is a significant win for American Express as it expands its presence in sports marketing, an area the company says is central to its brand strategy. It also comes after American Express' rival Visa announced it would end its three-decade NFL sponsorship run when its contract expired this month.

The details

As part of the rollout, American Express cardholders will get early access beginning on Tuesday to tickets for the 2026 NFL game in Melbourne between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, scheduled for September 10. The partnership also includes benefits tied to major NFL events including the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft and league-owned international games, such as presale ticket access, special promotions and branded activations at marquee events. American Express also plans to launch the NFL Extra Points American Express credit card later this year in the U.S., issued by Comenity Capital Bank, which will offer fans rewards tied to NFL purchases and experiences.

  • The multi-year deal will begin with the 2026 NFL season.
  • On Tuesday, American Express cardholders will get early access to tickets for the 2026 NFL game in Melbourne.

The players

American Express

A financial services company that has signed a multi-year deal to become the National Football League's official payments partner.

National Football League (NFL)

The professional American football league that has partnered with American Express as its official payments partner.

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What they’re saying

“The NFL partnership was a 'natural extension' of the company's existing sports portfolio and would allow it to offer card members more exclusive access and benefits tied to football.”

— Elizabeth Rutledge, Chief Marketing Officer, American Express

What’s next

American Express plans to launch the NFL Extra Points American Express credit card later this year in the U.S., issued by Comenity Capital Bank, which will offer fans rewards tied to NFL purchases and experiences.

The takeaway

This partnership is a significant win for American Express as it continues to expand its presence in the lucrative sports marketing space, providing its cardholders with exclusive access and benefits tied to the NFL's growing international fanbase and marquee events.