Last Updated July, 2025

Here's the thing about American Express Membership Rewards points—they're arguably the most valuable transferable currency in the credit card world. With 17 airline partners and 3 hotel partners at your disposal, you've got more flexibility than a yoga instructor. But knowing where to transfer those precious points? That's where the real magic happens.

Let me break down exactly how to squeeze every last drop of value from your Amex points through strategic transfers. Trust me, once you understand these partnerships, you'll never look at your Membership Rewards balance the same way again.

Quick Answer: What Are American Express Transfer Partners?

American Express transfer partners are airlines and hotels that accept Membership Rewards points transfers from your Amex account. You can transfer points to 20 different loyalty programs, with most airline partners offering a 1:1 transfer ratio. These transfers typically process instantly or within 48 hours, allowing you to book award flights and hotel stays that often deliver 2-5 cents per point in value—far exceeding the 1 cent per point you'd get through Amex Travel.

Understanding the American Express Transfer Partner Ecosystem

Before we dive into the specific partners, let's talk strategy. The beauty of Amex's transfer partner network isn't just its size—it's the diversity. You've got access to all three major airline alliances (Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam), plus several independent carriers. This means you can book flights to virtually anywhere in the world using your points.

But here's what many people miss: transfer partners aren't just about getting free flights. They're about unlocking premium cabin experiences at economy prices. That business class flight to Tokyo that costs $7,000? You might snag it for 75,000 points—a value of over 9 cents per point.

Want to learn more about maximizing your overall travel rewards strategy? Our comprehensive guide covers the entire ecosystem.

Complete List of American Express Airline Transfer Partners

The Heavy Hitters: Best Overall Value Partners

Let's start with the partners that consistently deliver outstanding value. These are the programs I check first when planning any redemption.

ANA Mileage Club (All Nippon Airways)
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Why it matters: ANA offers some of the best award rates to Asia, especially in business and first class. Their round-trip awards can be incredible values, and they're one of the few programs that still publishes a distance-based award chart. You'll find sweet spots like 88,000 miles round-trip in business class to Japan.

Air Canada Aeroplan
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
The program underwent a complete overhaul in 2020 and emerged as one of the most flexible options out there. No fuel surcharges on most partners, predictable pricing, and the ability to mix and match airlines on a single award. Plus, they regularly run transfer bonuses from Amex.

Avianca LifeMiles
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Don't let the Colombian airline fool you—Avianca LifeMiles is a secret weapon for booking Star Alliance awards with no fuel surcharges. They frequently run promotions selling miles at deep discounts, but transferring from Amex during their regular transfer bonuses can be even better.

European Powerhouses

British Airways Executive Club
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
BA gets a bad rap for high surcharges on their own flights, but their distance-based award chart shines for short-haul flights. Think 4,500 Avios for flights under 650 miles—perfect for hopping around the U.S. on American Airlines or Alaska. Learn more about maximizing value with our complete guide to airline alliances.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Flying Blue's monthly Promo Rewards can offer 25-50% discounts on select routes. They're also fantastic for booking Delta flights when Delta's own pricing gets ridiculous. The program uses dynamic pricing, but you'll often find better deals here than transferring to Delta directly.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Virgin Atlantic is known for incredible sweet spots like 47,500 points for Delta One Suites to Europe or 57,500 points for business class to Japan on ANA. The catch? Limited availability. But when you find it, the value is unbeatable.

Asia-Pacific Champions

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Home to one of the world's best first-class products, Singapore Airlines also offers reasonable redemption rates. The real prize? Singapore Suites—their first-class product featuring actual double beds on select routes. It'll cost you, but it's a bucket list experience.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
While Cathay's own redemptions have gotten pricier, Asia Miles excels for partner awards on OneWorld airlines. Their multi-carrier awards let you build complex itineraries that would cost a fortune with cash.

Qantas Frequent Flyer
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Australian's flag carrier might seem distant, but Qantas points work wonderfully for Emirates flights (their partner) and domestic Australian travel. Plus, they have unique access to awards that other programs can't book.

Middle Eastern Options

Emirates Skywards
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
If you're dreaming of Emirates' famous first-class suites or their A380 bar experience, this is your path. Awards can be pricey, but for special occasions, nothing beats Emirates' premium cabins. Check current availability on Emirates' website.

Etihad Guest
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Etihad's program has been devalued over the years, but you can still find good value on their own flights and select partners. Their business class studio and first-class apartments remain aspirational redemptions.

The Americas

Aeromexico Club Premier
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
As Delta's Mexican partner, Aeromexico offers good value for travel within Mexico and to Latin America. Their award chart is reasonable, and availability tends to be better than on Delta.

Delta SkyMiles
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Yes, we love to hate on SkyPesos, but Delta's massive route network means they're sometimes your only option. Pro tip: check partner programs first—you can often book the same Delta flight for fewer miles through Virgin Atlantic or Flying Blue.

JetBlue TrueBlue
Transfer Ratio: 250:200 (or 1:0.8)
The only partner with a less favorable ratio, but JetBlue's revenue-based program means your points have a fixed value. Great for last-minute bookings when award availability is scarce elsewhere. For more on maximizing JetBlue partnerships, see our JetBlue partners guide.

Specialty Partners

Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Your gateway to the Hawaiian islands with reasonable redemption rates. Hawaiian Airlines also partners with JetBlue for East Coast connections, making bi-coastal Hawaiian trips more accessible.

Iberia Plus
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Spain's flag carrier often has better award availability to Europe than British Airways, and with lower surcharges. Iberiaoffers off-peak awards that can be incredible values—just 17,000 Avios from the East Coast to Spain in economy.

Aer Lingus AerClub
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
The luck of the Irish extends to their award chart—some of the lowest rates to Europe you'll find. Just 13,000 Avios from the East Coast to Dublin in economy during off-peak times.

For a detailed comparison of how Amex partners stack up against competitors, check out our analysis of Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners.

American Express Hotel Transfer Partners: Maximizing Accommodation Value

While airlines get most of the attention, Amex's hotel partners deserve your consideration—especially during transfer bonuses.

Hilton Honors
Transfer Ratio: 1:2
This is the standout ratio—every Amex point becomes 2 Hilton points. During frequent transfer bonuses, you might see 1:2.5 or even 1:3. While Hilton points aren't particularly valuable individually, the favorable ratio can make sense for aspirational properties. Think Waldorf Astoria Maldives or Conrad Bora Bora.

Marriott Bonvoy
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
With Marriott's massive footprint (30+ brands, 8,000+ properties), you'll always find somewhere to stay. The 1:1 ratio isn't amazing given Marriott's higher award rates, but during transfer bonuses or for high-end properties, it can work out.

Choice Privileges
Transfer Ratio: 1:1
Often overlooked, Choice's program includes some surprising sweet spots. Their portfolio ranges from economy brands to the upscale Cambria and even vacation rentals. Nordic Choice hotels in Scandinavia can be excellent values. Learn more about maximizing Choice Privileges in our comprehensive guide.

Need help comparing Amex's premium cards? Our detailed American Express Platinum review breaks down which cards earn Membership Rewards and their earning rates. For booking hotels with cash to earn more Amex points, platforms like Agoda often have competitive rates and special promotions.

How to Transfer American Express Points: The Step-by-Step Process

Alright, you've picked your partner. Now let's walk through the actual transfer process. It's easier than you might think, but there are some crucial details to nail down first.

Before You Transfer: The Pre-Flight Checklist

1. Verify Award Availability: Never transfer speculatively. Always confirm award space exists before moving points. Tools like Point.Me can search multiple programs simultaneously to find the best redemptions.
2. Check Transfer Times: While many partners receive points instantly, some can take up to 48 hours. Know your timeline.
3. Link Your Accounts: First-time transfers require linking your Amex account to the partner program. Have your frequent flyer number ready.
4. Confirm Transfer Bonuses: Amex regularly offers 15-40% transfer bonuses to specific partners. These can dramatically improve your value proposition. Daily Drop sends alerts about transfer bonuses and mistake fares—worth subscribing to stay informed.

The Transfer Process

1. Log into your American Express account
2. Navigate to the Membership Rewards section
3. Select "Transfer Points"
4. Choose your airline or hotel partner
5. Enter the amount to transfer (minimum 1,000 points)
6. Confirm your linked account details
7. Submit the transfer

Pro tip: Screenshot your confirmation. While problems are rare, documentation helps if issues arise. Also, when booking award travel, don't forget to reserve rental cars early—companies like Hertz often have availability issues at popular destinations during peak seasons.

Transfer Speed by Partner

Instant Transfers (within minutes):

• Aeroplan
• ANA
• Avianca LifeMiles
• British Airways
• Emirates
• Etihad
• Flying Blue
• Iberia
• JetBlue
• Singapore Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic

Fast Transfers (within 48 hours):

• Aeromexico
• Asia Miles
• Choice Privileges
• Delta
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Hilton
• Marriott
• Qantas

Want to expand your transfer options? Consider adding a Chase Sapphire card to your wallet for access to different partners like United and Hyatt.

Sweet Spot Redemptions: Where Your Points Go Furthest

Let's get specific about the redemptions that'll make your friends wonder how you afford such luxurious travel. These are tested, proven sweet spots that consistently deliver outsized value.

Best Business Class Redemptions

ANA Business Class to Japan: 75,000-85,000 points round-trip
Book through Virgin Atlantic for 47,500 points one-way or through ANA directly for better availability. You're looking at flights that retail for $5,000-7,000. Need help finding award availability? Expert Flyer is an invaluable tool for tracking seat inventory.

Air France Business Class to Europe: 50,000 points one-way
When Flying Blue doesn't apply surcharges (on flights from major U.S. hubs), this redemption shines. Look for non-stop flights from cities like LAX, SFO, or JFK.

Turkish Airlines Business Class to Europe: 45,000 points one-way
Book through Avianca LifeMiles to avoid fuel surcharges. Turkish's business class features lie-flat seats and excellent catering—a steal at this price.

Best First Class Redemptions

Lufthansa First Class: 87,000 points one-way
Book through Avianca LifeMiles 15 days before departure (when Lufthansa releases space to partners). You'll experience one of the world's best first-class products, complete with a dedicated terminal in Frankfurt.

Emirates First Class: Starting at 90,000 points one-way
The shower spa at 40,000 feet is just the beginning. Emirates' first class is an experience unto itself, and Skywards miles make it accessible.

Finding these premium cabin awards can be challenging. Consider using Seats.Aero to track real-time award availability across multiple airlines—it's particularly useful for finding last-minute first and business class seats.

Best Economy Redemptions

Short-Haul U.S. Flights: 4,500-7,500 Avios
Use British Airways Avios for American Airlines flights under 1,150 miles. Perfect for expensive short routes like New York to Miami or Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Off-Peak Europe: 13,000-20,000 points one-way
Aer Lingus and Iberia both offer off-peak pricing that can cut award costs by 30-50%. Perfect for shoulder season travel.

For more sweet spot strategies across all programs, dive into our guide to airline partner awards.

Transfer Strategies: Timing, Bonuses, and Maximizing Value

Success with Amex transfers isn't just about knowing where to transfer—it's about when and how. Let me share the strategies that separate beginners from points pros.

Leveraging Transfer Bonuses

Amex runs transfer bonuses like clockwork, typically offering:

• 15-25% bonuses to airlines (common)
• 30-40% bonuses to airlines (occasional)
• 25-30% bonuses to hotels (frequent)

The Strategy: Track patterns. Virgin Atlantic sees bonuses almost quarterly. Hilton gets them every few months. Plan your redemptions around these predictable bonuses when possible.

The Speculative Transfer Debate

Should you transfer during bonuses without specific redemptions in mind? Generally, no. But exceptions exist:

• You have a specific trip planned within 12 months
• The bonus is 40% or higher
• You're targeting a program with stable award charts
• You're under Amex's rumored points cap

Advanced Tactics

Multi-Program Strategies: Some routes are bookable through multiple partners at different rates. Always check at least 3 programs before transferring. Tools like Roame Travel can help you quickly compare award pricing across multiple programs.

Phantom Availability: Virgin Atlantic sometimes shows award space that doesn't actually exist. Always verify with Delta before transferring for Delta flights.

Family Pooling: Programs like Air Canada and British Airways let you pool points with family members. Transfer strategically to consolidate balances.

Need more flexibility? The Amex Hotel Collection offers another way to use your Platinum or Business Platinum card benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring

Even experienced travelers stumble with these pitfalls. Learn from others' expensive mistakes:

Mistake #1: Transferring Without Checking Availability

This bears repeating—always confirm award space before transferring. Points transfers are irreversible.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Fuel Surcharges

That 60,000-point British Airways award might come with $800 in surcharges. Always check total costs, not just points requirements.

Mistake #3: Overlooking Transfer Times During Sales

Found a great cash fare during a sale? Remember that some partners take 48 hours to receive points. By then, the sale might be over.

Mistake #4: Chasing Status Through Transfers

Transferred points rarely count toward elite status. If status is your goal, focus on flying or credit card spending, not transfers.

Mistake #5: Sitting on Points Forever

While I don't advocate speculative transfers, hoarding points for years risks devaluations. Have a plan and use your points within 18-24 months.

Mistake #6: Not Protecting Your Award Bookings

Award tickets often have stricter cancellation policies. Consider travel protection options to safeguard your investment, especially for premium cabin awards.

Comparing American Express to Other Transferable Currencies

How does Amex stack up against the competition? Let's break it down:

Amex vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards

Amex Advantages:

• More airline partners (17 vs. 11)
• Better international airline coverage
• Hilton 1:2 transfer ratio
• More frequent transfer bonuses

Chase Advantages:

• Includes United and Southwest
• Hyatt as a hotel partner
• 1.25-1.5x value through their portal
• More flexible redemption options

Amex vs. Citi ThankYou Points

Amex Advantages:

• Faster transfer times
• More partners overall
• Better earning credit cards
• More reliable IT systems

Citi Advantages:

• Includes Turkish Airlines (directly)
• Often runs better transfer bonuses
• More niche partners like Avianca

Amex vs. Capital One Miles

Amex Advantages:

• Triple the partners
• Established relationships
• Better award availability
• Premium card benefits

Capital One Advantages:

• Simpler redemption options
• Ability to erase purchases
• Growing partner list
• No blackout dates on portal bookings

For tracking all your points and miles across different programs, AwardWallet is an essential tool that keeps everything organized in one dashboard.

For a detailed breakdown of competing programs, see our Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners guide.

Maximizing Your Membership Rewards Earning

Now that you understand where to transfer, let's talk about earning more points to transfer. The American Express Platinum Card remains the gold standard, offering:

• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines
• 5x points on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel
• Welcome bonus of up to 80,000 points

But don't overlook the American Express Gold Card for everyday earning:

• 4x points at restaurants worldwide
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines

For business owners, the Business Platinum Card takes it further:

• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel
• 1.5x points on purchases of $5,000 or more
• Welcome bonus often exceeding 100,000 points

Want to accelerate your points earning even more? Consider stacking your Amex rewards with cash back portals like MyPoints when shopping online through their portal.

Future Outlook: What's Next for Amex Transfer Partners

The landscape of transfer partners constantly evolves. Here's what to watch:

Potential Additions

Industry rumors suggest Amex might add:

• TAP Air Portugal (Star Alliance gap)
• Air India (post-merger with Vistara)
• IHG One Rewards (hotel gap)

Program Changes to Monitor

• Delta continues its dynamic pricing march
• Singapore Airlines adjusts award rates annually
• Hilton's category changes affect point values
• Virgin Atlantic's expansion of bookable partners

Transfer Bonus Trends

We're seeing more targeted bonuses based on your account history and less blanket promotions. Expect personalization to increase.

Staying informed pays dividends. Bookmark our American Express transfer partners overview for the latest updates. And when you're ready to jet off on that award flight, save on airport parking with One Spot Parking—every dollar saved is more money for your travel adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Amex points to someone else's frequent flyer account? Yes, but only if you've added them as an Additional Card Member on your Amex account. You can add one authorized user specifically for point transfers without giving them a physical card.

Do transferred points expire? It depends on the partner program. Most airline miles expire after 18-36 months of inactivity, while hotel points policies vary. Amex points themselves don't expire as long as your account remains open.

Can I transfer points back to Amex? No, all transfers are one-way and irreversible. This is why checking award availability first is crucial.

What's the minimum transfer amount? 1,000 Membership Rewards points for all partners. Some partners have increments (like 250 points), so you might transfer 1,000, 1,250, 1,500, etc.

Do I earn elite qualifying miles on award flights? Generally, no. Award flights typically earn redeemable miles based on distance flown but not elite qualifying miles or segments.

Which partner should I choose for flights to Europe? It depends on your priorities:

• For low surcharges: United through Aeroplan or Turkish through LifeMiles
• For availability: Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• For luxury: Lufthansa First through LifeMiles

Are Amex transfer bonuses targeted? Most are available to all Membership Rewards members, but Amex occasionally runs targeted bonuses. Check your account regularly.

How can I find award availability more efficiently? Tools like PointsYeah aggregate award availability across multiple programs, saving hours of manual searching. It's particularly useful for finding business and first class awards.

The Bottom Line: Your Transfer Partner Action Plan

American Express Membership Rewards points are only as valuable as your transfer strategy. The key is understanding not just where you can transfer, but where you should transfer for maximum value.

Start by identifying your travel goals. Dream of experiencing Singapore Suites? Focus on accumulating points and watching for transfer bonuses to KrisFlyer. Planning a European vacation? Master the ins and outs of Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic, and Aeroplan for the best options.

Remember, the best transfer partner varies by route, timing, and personal preferences. What matters is having the knowledge to make informed decisions when opportunities arise.

Your next steps:

1. Audit your current Membership Rewards balance
2. Link accounts with your top 5 target programs
3. Set alerts for transfer bonuses (consider subscribing to Going.com for deal alerts)
4. Start searching for your next redemption

The world of premium travel awaits—your Amex points are the key to unlocking it.

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Don't forget to check our continuously updated guide to American Express retention offers to keep your cards fee-free while building your points balance.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.