Key Points

• Transferring points to airline partners typically delivers 2-5x more value for premium cabin and international flights.
• Portal bookings often win for domestic economy flights and when airline award prices spike due to dynamic pricing.
• Always compare both options before booking since the best choice varies by route, cabin class, and travel dates.

Introduction

You've got a solid stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards points. Now comes the question that trips up even experienced points collectors: should you book through the portal or transfer to an airline?

Get this wrong and you could waste thousands of points. A business class flight to Tokyo might cost 566,000 points through the portal but just 95,000 miles via transfer. Conversely, a Thanksgiving domestic flight could cost 23,000 points in the portal but 48,000 through Delta's inflated award pricing.

I'll show you exactly when each option wins and give you a simple comparison method for every future booking.

When to Transfer vs. Book Through the Portal

Transfer to airline partners when:

• Booking business or first class internationally
• Cash prices are high but award prices are reasonable
• Flying off-peak on airlines with fixed award charts
• You can book through cheaper partner programs

Book through the portal when:

• Domestic economy flights under $300
• Award prices are inflated due to dynamic pricing
• You need flexibility to change or cancel
• Transfer ratios aren't 1:1

When Transfers Win Big

Premium Cabin International Flights

This is where transfers shine. Airlines price premium awards without reflecting the massive cash price difference.

Example: New York to Tokyo in Business Class

Cash price: $8,500 round-trip

• Chase Sapphire Reserve portal: 566,667 points
• Transfer to United: 160,000 miles
• Transfer to ANA via Amex: 95,000 miles

That ANA redemption delivers 8.9 cents per point, crushing the portal's 1.5 cents. For premium cabin strategies, see our guide to best credit cards for flying business class.

Partner Award Sweet Spots

You can often book flights on one airline using another's miles at better rates.

Example: American Airlines via British Airways

New York to Boston on American:

• Cash: $280
• AAdvantage miles: 15,000+ (dynamic)
• British Airways Avios: 7,500

Transfer 7,500 Chase points to British Airways for 3.7 cents per point value, more than double the portal rate.

When Portal Booking Wins

Dynamic Pricing Gone Wild

Airlines like Delta use dynamic pricing that spikes during peak periods.

Example: Thanksgiving Domestic Flight

Cash price: $350

• Chase portal: 23,333 points
• Delta SkyMiles: 48,000 miles

The portal costs half as many points. This happens frequently with Delta, which is why many avoid transferring to them. See our guide on why Delta SkyMiles are hard to use.

Cheap Economy Flights

When cash prices are low, transfers rarely make sense for economy.

Example: Chicago to Denver

Cash price: $150

• Chase portal: 10,000 points
• United MileagePlus: 12,500 miles

The portal wins and you earn United miles on the ticket.

The Five-Minute Comparison Method

Step 1: Find the Cash Price

Search Google Flights for the total price including taxes.

Step 2: Calculate Portal Cost

Divide cash price by your redemption rate:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: ÷ 0.015
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: ÷ 0.0125
• Capital One Venture X: ÷ 0.01

Step 3: Check Award Availability

Search the airline's website or use Point.me to find award prices.

Step 4: Compare and Book

Lower number wins. A $600 flight costs 40,000 Chase points via portal. If United wants 35,000 miles, transfer and save 5,000 points.

Program Sweet Spots

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Best transfers: Hyatt hotels, United, British Airways for short AA flights, Air France-KLM during promos

Full partner list: Chase transfer partners guide

Amex Membership Rewards

Best transfers: ANA for Asia premium cabins, Virgin Atlantic for Delta flights, Avianca LifeMiles

Full partner list: Amex transfer partners guide

Capital One Miles

Best transfers: Turkish Miles&Smiles for Europe business class, Air France-KLM during promos

Full partner list: Capital One transfer partners guide

Citi ThankYou Points

Best transfers: American Airlines (exclusive 1:1 partner), Turkish Miles&Smiles, Qatar Airways

Full partner list: Citi transfer partners guide

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Transferring without checking award space. Transfers are irreversible. Confirm the seat exists before moving points.

Ignoring fuel surcharges. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic add $500+ surcharges on their own flights. Book partners to avoid them.

Chasing transfer bonuses. Only transfer during bonuses if you have a specific trip planned. Unused airline miles can expire.

FAQ

Can I transfer points back after moving them to an airline?

No. Transfers are permanent. Always confirm award availability before transferring.

How long do transfers take?

Most are instant, but some take up to 48 hours. Transfer a day early for time-sensitive bookings.

Should I transfer during bonus promotions?

Only if you have a specific redemption planned. Points sitting unused in airline accounts can expire.

Conclusion

The portal versus transfer decision comes down to simple math. Calculate your portal cost, check the award price, and pick whichever uses fewer points.

For premium cabins and international travel, transfers typically deliver 2-5x more value. For cheap domestic flights and peak travel with inflated awards, the portal wins. Check both options every time since there's no universal rule.

Your next step: Pick an upcoming trip and run through the five-minute comparison. You might save thousands of points.

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