After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.
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MORE LIKE THIS TravelThere are many ways to redeem American Express Membership Rewards points, and some redemptions end up offering far superior value than others. And in many circumstances, the best way to use your AmEx points is by transferring them to another hotel loyalty or frequent flyer program.
American Express has about two dozen different hotel and airline transfer partners. The AmEx transfer ratios you receive depend on which program you’re transferring to; while most are at a 1-to-1 ratio, some can be as high as 1-to-2. This means that one AmEx point will become two hotel or airline points.
Let’s take a look at American Express’ transfer partners to help you maximize your points (plus the credit cards that will help you earn AmEx points ).
Below is a shortlist of all the AmEx transfer partners, their exchange rates, the minimum transfer amount and the airline alliance (if any).
Minimum transfer amount
Alliance, if applicable
ANA All Nippon Airways.
Cathay Pacific Airways.
Delta Air Lines.
Just note that while these are the typical transfer ratios offered, it's not uncommon to find one-off promotions that bump up ratios from time to time — making for the best time to transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points.
Before you can start redeeming AmEx points, you have to earn them. Earning a card's welcome bonus can jump start your collection.
Here are a sampling of cards and their benefits to consider.
Cards that earn AmEx Membership Rewards
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
on American Express' website
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
on American Express' website
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
on American Express' website
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
on American Express' website
Annual fee• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.
• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
• 4 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per year).
• 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year).
• 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
• 2 points per $1 on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases made through American Express Travel.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
• 5 points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels booked American Express Travel.
• 1.5 points per $1 in key business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2,000,000 in purchases per year).
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
• 4 points per $1 on your top two business categories (on up to $150,000 in purchases per year).
• 3 points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels booked American Express Travel.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Select benefits (see reviews for more)• Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx's own Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta).
• Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Hundreds of dollars a year in credits for travel, shopping and entertainment. These include up to $200 a year for incidental fees on an airline you choose, up to $240 for digital entertainment from select providers, and up to $200 a year for Uber. Enrollment required.
• $120 annual dining credit (available as $10 monthly credits on purchases from select partners). Enrollment required.
• Up to $120 a year in Uber Cash ($10 per month) which can be used toward Uber Eats or rides in the U.S. Enrollment required. Note that you must add the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit.
• Get 35% of your Membership Rewards points back when you redeem points for an eligible first or business class flight on any airline, or a flight in any cabin of travel on an airline you choose (up to 500,000 points per year).
• Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx's own Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta).
• Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Up to $1,000 a year in credits for various business expenses and travel. These include $400 a year for U.S. Dell purchases, $200 a year for incidental fees on an airline you choose, $120 for a U.S. wireless credit, and more. Enrollment required.
• $155 annual Walmart+ credit (available as up to $12.95 in monthly credit when you pay for a Walmart+ membership).
• $240 annual credits for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores ($20 per month).
Welcome offerEarn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24. Terms Apply.
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Learn more Read Review Read Review Read Review Read ReviewHere's how the most popular of those programs compare against each other in terms of value, using NerdWallet's estimates of what those points and miles are worth:
While it might be appealing to transfer points to something like Marriott Bonvoy given the massive number of options where you could stay, it's often the international airlines programs — like Air Canada and Virgin Atlantic — that offer some of the best exchange rates.
AerClub is the loyalty program of Irish airline Aer Lingus, which has Avios that are interchangeable with British Airways, Iberia and Qatar Airways . AmEx points transfer over to Aer Lingus at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Aeromexico is Mexico’s national flag carrier and a member of SkyTeam , which includes airlines such as Delta and Air France. AmEx points transfer over to Club Premier at a 1-to-1.6 ratio.
Aeroplan is the loyalty program of Air Canada, a member of Star Alliance , which has partners that include United and Lufthansa. AmEx points transfer over to Aeroplan at a 1-to-1 ratio.
The Flying Blue loyalty program comprises two separate airlines: Air France and KLM. You can use your Flying Blue miles interchangeably between the pair, though you’ll also be able to redeem miles with fellow SkyTeam airlines such as Delta and Korean Air.
Flying Blue miles transfer from AmEx points at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Also a member of Star Alliance, ANA is well known for its generous reward redemptions. These include the ability to fly round-trip to Europe in business class for just 88,000 miles. AmEx points transfer to ANA at a 1-to-1 ratio.
The Lifemiles program belongs to Colombian airline Avianca. Another member of Star Alliance, AmEx points transfer over at a 1-to-1 ratio.
British Airways is a part of the Oneworld alliance. Like Aer Lingus, it uses Avios as its reward program; these are interchangeable with Iberia, Aer Lingus and Qatar Airways. AmEx points transfer to British Airways at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Asia Miles are the currency of Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific. As a member of Oneworld, you can use your miles with airlines such as British Airways and American Airlines. AmEx points convert to Asia Miles at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Choice Hotels may not offer tons of aspirational properties, but they do have a strong international presence and great redemptions for hotels in Scandinavia . AmEx points transfer over to Choice Privileges at a 1-to-1 ratio.
One of the “Big 3” U.S. airlines, Delta uses SkyMiles as its loyalty program. Another member of SkyTeam, AmEx points convert to SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio.
Ever wanted to stare out a virtual window? The opportunity is yours when flying first class in Emirates' famous suites . Cardholders can transfer over their AmEx points at a 1-to-1 ratio to Emirates Skywards.
Another popular Middle Eastern airline, AmEx points transfer over to Etihad Guest at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Hawaiian Airlines isn’t part of a major airline alliance, but it does maintain its own award program and some strong links with other airlines. AmEx points transfer to HawaiianMiles at a 1-to-1 ratio.
As one of the largest hotel chains in the world, it’s likely you’ve spotted a Hilton property or two during your travels.
Although it’s possible to earn Hilton Honors points through a handful of co-branded AmEx credit cards, you can also opt to transfer your AmEx points directly to Hilton at a 1-to-2 ratio.
Be warned, however, that this may not be the best option. NerdWallet estimates that AmEx points are worth 2.8 cents , significantly more than the 0.5 cent Hilton points are estimated to be worth . This means transferring AmEx points to Hilton can lead to a significant loss in point value.
Another Oneworld carrier that relies on Avios, Iberia is the national airline of Spain. Its loyalty currency can be used interchangeably with British Airways, Aer Lingus and Qatar Airways. AmEx points transfer to Iberia Plus at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Although not as large as other U.S.-based airlines, JetBlue Airways services destinations in North America, the Caribbean, Europe and Latin America.
AmEx points can be transferred over to JetBlue TrueBlue at a 2.5-to-2 ratio.
The world’s largest hotel chain, Marriott has more than 8,000 locations scattered around the world. Marriott is unique in that it maintains transfer partnerships with more than 30 different airlines, allowing you to convert your Marriott Bonvoy points to a variety of airlines. AmEx points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1-to-1 ratio.
This Australian airline is a member of Oneworld, allowing you to redeem Qantas points for flights with the likes of American Airlines. Qantas also has a codeshare agreement with Air Tahiti Nui and charges just 25,200 points one-way for an economy class ticket from Los Angeles to Tahiti.
AmEx points transfer to Qantas at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Like ANA and United, Singapore Airlines is a member of Star Alliance. AmEx cardholders can transfer over their points to Singapore’s KrisFlyer Miles at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Although it’s not part of an airline alliance, Virgin Atlantic maintains strong partnership links with airlines such as Air France-KLM, ANA and Delta. AmEx points convert to Virgin Atlantic at a 1-to-1 ratio.
American Express is not a transfer partner of Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards or World of Hyatt. You would need Chase points to do those transfers.
Once you've earned your points and you're ready to convert them to another currency, just realize that the process of transferring American Express Membership Rewards points is not always the most straightforward.
The first time you want to transfer points, you'll typically have to verify your card details and link your loyalty accounts in a separate process before initiating the transfer. Then, you'll make the transfer, but you won't necessarily get those points instantly. Transfer times can take up to 48 hours.
The good news is, once you link a loyalty program once, it'll stay linked with your account. If you're trying to jump on a flight deal, it might be wise to have made the transfer long before you intend to purchase your airfare.
While you might book hotels and airfares with cash or through the dedicated American Express travel portal , it’s often a better deal to put in the extra effort and transfer your points to one of the American Express transfer partners.
That's because — while American Express points have a great deal of flexibility — they’re at their most useful when transferred to hotel and airline partners.
Be aware, however, that not all points are created equally. NerdWallet’s AmEx Membership Rewards Points calculator can help you determine the value of your points, based on both the baseline and NerdWallet estimated values:
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page . To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page . To view rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card , see this page .You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card About the authorYou’re following Carissa Rawson
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Carissa Rawson is a freelance award travel and personal finance writer. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Points Guy. See full bio.
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