If you’re earning credit card points or frequent flyer miles, you might already know about the magic of transfer partners—but are you using them to their full potential?
Most people settle for using points through their credit card travel portal, unaware that transferring points to airline or hotel partners can yield significantly more value. In this blog, we’ll break down how transfer partners work, why they matter, and how to use them strategically to travel better, smarter, and for less.
Let’s break down how you can maximize your points and miles through transfer partners.
✈️ What Are Transfer Partners?
Transfer partners are airline and hotel loyalty programs linked to your credit card rewards system (like Amex, Chase, Citi, or Capital One). Instead of redeeming your points through the issuer’s travel portal, you can transfer them to partners—often at a 1:1 ratio—for direct booking.
This gives you access to better rates, business class seats, and hotel upgrades at a fraction of the cost in points.
🚀 Why Transfer Points?
- Stretch your points: Get more value per point—often 2–10x higher.
- Access premium cabins: Think lie-flat business class seats for less.
- Tap into alliances: Use one partner to book award travel on dozens of global airlines.
- Score sweet spots: Some partner programs offer incredible deals others don’t.
🔥 When Transfer Bonuses Boost Your Value
Every so often, card issuers offer transfer bonuses—think 20–30% extra miles when you move your points to a partner. These limited-time promos let you travel further, better, and for less.
For example:
A flight to Paris that costs 55,000 Flying Blue miles could require only 44,000 Amex points during a 25% bonus window. That’s luxury travel for economy-level points.
How to Maximize Your Points Based on Where You’re Headed
Heading to London or Europe?
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Great for flights to the UK and Europe, especially when booking with Virgin Atlantic or Delta.
Flying Blue (Air France/KLM): Ideal for accessing a wide European network with competitive award rates.
British Airways Avios: Useful for short-haul European flights and partners like Iberia and Aer Lingus.
Traveling to Asia?
Air Canada Aeroplan: Offers access to Star Alliance partners like ANA and Singapore Airlines.
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: Direct bookings with Singapore Airlines and partners; known for excellent service.
Avios Programs: Use British Airways Avios to book Qatar Airways flights, including their renowned Qsuite business class.
Exploring Africa?
United MileagePlus: Access to Star Alliance partners flying to various African destinations.
Emirates Skywards: Fly Emirates to North and East Africa with competitive award pricing.
Avianca LifeMiles: Utilize for Star Alliance flights to Africa, often with lower taxes and fees.
Flying Within the US?
American Airlines – Book via Alaska for lesser points
Delta SkyMiles – Book via Virgin Atlantic for lesser points
Southwest Rapid Rewards
💡 Pro Tips to Maximize Transfer Partners
- Track Transfer Ratios & Bonuses
- Keep an eye on bonuses like a 30% boost to Virgin Atlantic or a 25% boost to Flying Blue.
- Timing is everything—only transfer when you’ve confirmed award space.
- Use Airline Alliances to Your Advantage
- Book Japan Airlines Business Class from US – Japan for 60k American Airlines miles
- Book Singapore Airlines Business Class from JFK to FRA for 60k Aeroplan miles
- Look for Sweet Spots
- Fly Business class on Condor Airlines from Germany to US for 55k miles via Alaska
- Fly Business Class on American Airlines from Brazil to US for 50k miles via Alaska
- Always Check Availability First
Transfers are irreversible—make sure the award ticket is available before you move your points
- You’ve confirmed the award space.
- You’re topping off an account (not stockpiling).
- The cost per mile is lower than the value you’re getting from the redemption.
Final Thoughts
Transfer partners are one of the best-kept secrets used for travelling. Use it wisely and you could be sipping champagne at 35,000 feet for a fraction of the cost.
Planning your next trip? Let me help you find the best redemption utilizing transfer partners!
