A Complete Guide to Transferring Amex Membership Rewards Points to Airlines
If you have an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, you have one of the most flexible rewards currencies at your fingertips. One of the best ways to maximize these points is by transferring them to airline partners to book flights—often for outsized value!
Here’s a breakdown of how Amex transfers work, which airlines you can transfer to, and the transfer ratios you need to know.
How Amex Points Transfers Work
- You can transfer Membership Rewards points to over 15 airline frequent flyer programs.
- Most transfers are at a 1:1 ratio, but a few differ.
- Transfers usually take instantly or up to 7 days, depending on the airline.
- You must be enrolled in the airline’s loyalty program and link it to your Amex account before transferring.
- Once transferred, points cannot be reversed, so be sure your dates and availability are locked in.
Amex Airline Transfer Partners & Ratios
| Airline | Program | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | AerClub | 1:1 | ~Instant |
| Aeroméxico | Club Premier | 1:1.6 | ~24 hrs |
| Air Canada | Aeroplan | 1:1 | Instant |
| Air France / KLM | Flying Blue | 1:1 | Instant |
| ANA | Mileage Club | 1:1 | ~48–72 hrs |
| Avianca | LifeMiles | 1:1 | Instant |
| British Airways | Executive Club | 1:1 | Instant |
| Cathay Pacific | Asia Miles | 1:1 | ~48 hrs |
| Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles | 1:1 | Instant |
| Emirates | Skywards | 1:1 | Instant |
| Etihad | Etihad Guest | 1:1 | ~24 hrs |
| Hawaiian Airlines | HawaiianMiles | 1:1 | Instant |
| Iberia | Iberia Plus | 1:1 | ~24 hrs |
| JetBlue | TrueBlue | 250:200 | Instant |
| Qantas | Frequent Flyer | 1:1 | ~24 hrs |
| Singapore Airlines | KrisFlyer | 1:1 | ~24–48 hrs |
| Virgin Atlantic | Flying Club | 1:1 | Instant |
Tips to Maximize Transfers
- Check award availability first before transferring points.
- Use the airline’s own website.
- Take advantage of transfer bonuses—Amex frequently offers promotions (e.g., 30% bonus to Virgin Atlantic).
- Consider partner redemptions (e.g., using Air Canada Aeroplan to book Star Alliance flights).
Important Reminders
- Once transferred, you can’t get your points back—make sure you’re ready to book.
- Redemption values vary—do the math to ensure you’re getting good value (aim for 1.5–2 cents per point or more).
- Use Amex’s transfer portal via your account dashboard to manage and track transfers easily.
Cards That Earn Membership Rewards Points
- American Express® Gold Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
- Amex Green Card
- And more…
Maximizing Membership Rewards through airline transfers is one of the smartest ways to travel better for less. With the right strategy and a little planning, you can unlock serious travel value—think business class to Europe, or a dream trip to Japan—just by shifting your points the right way.
The official American Express Membership Rewards portal can be accessed here: