The Guide to American Express Transfer Partners

No one will deny that the best part of earning credit card rewards is redeeming them. Whether you’re looking for high-end travel opportunities or discounted gift cards, those points can get you some great value when you maximize them. However, the best way to use your points is usually by transferring them.

American Express has a total of 20 different hotel and airline transfer partners. The transfer ratios you’ll receive will 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.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

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.

» Learn more: A guide to Air Canada’s Aeroplan rewards loyalty program

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.

» Learn more: An intro to Flying Blue promo rewards

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.

» Learn more: What’s the value of Avianca LifeMiles?

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.

» Learn more: How much are Avios worth?

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.

» Learn more: Cathay Pacific: What to know

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.

» Learn more: Your guide to earning Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

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.

» Learn more: The guide 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.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles

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 cents, significantly more than the 0.6 cent Hilton points are estimated to be worth. This means transferring AmEx points to Hilton can lead to a significant loss in point value.

» Learn more: The complete guide to earning Hilton Honors points

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.

» Learn more: What to know about Iberia Airlines Plus loyalty program

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.

» Learn more: The complete guide to the JetBlue TrueBlue rewards program

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.

» Learn more: The points collector’s guide to Qantas Frequent Flyer

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.

» Learn more: Singapore Airlines sweet spots

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.

» Learn more: The guide to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

American Express has a large variety of charge and credit cards, many of which earn different types of currencies. Co-branded credit cards like those from Hilton and Marriott will earn points in their respective loyalty programs. AmEx’s own cards, meanwhile, will earn American Express Membership Rewards.

These cards include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

• American Express® Gold Card.

• American Express® Business Gold Card.

Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best transferable points currencies and who they partner with

AmEx points have a great deal of flexibility, but they’re at their most useful when transferred to their hotel and airline partners. Be aware, however, that not all points are created equally; you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting good value from your transfers, which means digging into each loyalty program’s redemption options.