Why Transfer Knowledge is Power
If you’ve been earning American Express Membership Rewards points, you might be wondering: where can Amex points be transferred for the best value? The answer isn’t just “to airlines and hotels.” It’s about knowing which ones, when to do it, and how to avoid rookie mistakes.
Depending on whether you are a first-time traveler accumulating points for a very big trip or a seasoned jet setter who knows the airport lounge menu like the back of their hand, your transfer options may just change that small corner economy fare next to the bathroom into a business-class suite with champagne service. So, let’s get into it.
Understanding the Amex Transfer System
Before we get into the juicy partner list, let’s talk mechanics.
When you transfer points, you’re moving them from your Amex account into another loyalty program — airline or hotel — where they become that program’s currency (like miles or hotel points).
- Transfer Ratios: Most airlines are 1:1, meaning one Amex point becomes one airline mile. Hilton Honors is the overachiever with a 1:2 ratio, while JetBlue TrueBlue and Aeromexico Rewards march to their mathematical beat.
- Transfer Times: Some transfers are instant (perfect for snagging that award ticket before it disappears), while others take up to 48 hours, which can feel like a year when you’re watching availability vanish.
- Minimum Transfers: Most start at 1,000 points, so no, you can’t move just 12 points to “test it out.”
Airline Transfer Partners
Where can Amex points be transferred in the skies? Let’s break it down by alliance so it’s easier to digest.
a) Star Alliance
- Air Canada Aeroplan – Offers above-average award availability to Europe and Asia.
- ANA Mileage Club – Famous for some of the strongest business-class redemptions in the industry.
- Singapore Airlines Kris Flyer – Should be on the must list if you want to splurge on Singapore Suites.
- Avianca LifeMiles – Known for great short-haul redemptions and for not charging fuel surcharges
. b) Oneworld
- British Airways Executive Club – For short European hops.
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles – Long-haul luxury with plenty of partner options.
- Iberia Plus – Oftentimes cheaper than British Airways on the same routes.
- Qantas Frequent Flyer – Your go-to for flights Down Under.
c) SkyTeam
- Delta SkyMiles – Solid for domestic flights and occasional flash sales.
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue – Famous for “Promo Rewards” offering monthly discounted redemptions.
- Aeromexico Rewards – Great for Latin America routes, though the 1:1.6 ratio takes some getting used to.
d) Non-Alliance Airlines
- Emirates Skywards – Because sometimes you want to fly with an onboard shower.
- Etihad Guest – Fantastic partner awards, including American Airlines flights.
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club – Great for ANA first-class sweet spots.
- Hawaiian Miles – For that dream honeymoon in the islands.
Hotel Transfer Partners
If you’re more into plush beds than aisle seats, here’s where you can transfer Amex points on the ground:
- Marriott Bonvoy (1:1) – Massive global footprint, plus you can convert Marriott points to 30+ airlines.
- Hilton Honors (1:2) – Double the points, but check the value before moving.
- Choice Privileges (1:1) – Underrated for European and Scandinavian stays.
Hotel transfers generally don’t stretch your points as far as airline transfers, but they can still be a lifesaver for high season stays.
Special & Lesser-Known Partners
Not every transfer is about planes and pillows. There are niche options, such as Club Eurostar for train travel or Nectar for UK shopping rewards. While not mainstream choices, they can be valuable if your travels are more rail-pass than boarding pass.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Amex Point Transfers
If you want your Amex Membership Rewards to go further, timing and planning are everything. Always watch transfer bonuses; Amex will, at times, grant you 20–40% more points while sending to certain partners. It is almost like free points for doing nothing extra. Always check if there is award space before transferring, or you will find yourself with points in a program in which you cannot spend them.
For the best bang for your buck, save your points for big international trips — especially in business or first class — because that’s where they can shine. And remember, don’t move points too soon. Leave them in your Amex account until you’re ready to book, since other programs can make them expire.
Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid
One of the biggest slip-ups is transferring points without a plan — it’s like packing for a trip without knowing where you’re going. Also, watch out for minimum transfer amounts (most start at 1,000 points) so you don’t get caught short. And never forget, once you move points to another program, they can expire if you don’t use them, unlike Amex, which lets them sit safely.
Think of your Amex account like a travel savings jar — fill it up, plan wisely, and you’ll get amazing trips. But transfer without thinking, and it’s like paying $3,000 for a sandwich when you could have bought a business-class ticket instead.
Making the Most of Your Amex Points
The original question is where Amex points can be transferred, but the real question is: “Where will my points give me the most value?” Global airlines, top-class hotels, and even trains are offered as options, so which one is right for you would essentially depend on your travel goals, dates of travel, and how flexible you are.
If you love premium travel, airline transfers usually win. If you need a hotel in peak season, a well-timed transfer can save you hundreds. And if you’re more into cash than cabins, well… we’ve got you covered.
Cash For My Miles
If you’re not planning to redeem those points for travel, selling Amex points can be a smart financial move. At Cash for My Miles, we make it simple to convert your American Express Membership Rewards into real money — no blackout dates, no complicated booking rules, just cash you can use for anything.
Whether you’ve been collecting points for years or you’re sitting on a recent bonus, we help you unlock their value quickly, securely, and with confidence.
