The Complete Guide to Radisson Partners

Editor's note: Radisson is now part of the Choice Privileges loyalty program. This content is being updated to reflect this change. In the meantime, read more about this news here.

If you’re trying to decide which hotel loyalty program is right for you, one that offers flexible redemption options might be a valuable feature for your travel needs. Whether you’re unable to book a stay or you simply want the power to choose how you redeem points, Radisson’s two loyalty programs — Radisson Rewards and Radisson Rewards Americas — have a few options.

Here's a look at Radisson Rewards’ transfer partners and the ways you can redeem or transfer your rewards points.

Although using your Radisson Rewards points toward a future stay with the hotel is the best way to redeem them, transferring them can also be advantageous. For example, let’s say you’ve taken care of lodging at your destination, but you’re short on reward miles through your preferred airline.

The Radisson hotel group has a list of approved airline partners for its international and U.S.-based loyalty programs.

Radisson Rewards members can transfer their points to several partner airline programs, such as:

• Air France/KLM Flying Blue.

• British Airways Executive Club.

• Emirates Skywards.

• SAS Airlines EuroBonus.

The list of partner airline programs accessible to Radisson Rewards Americas members is extensive:

Radisson Rewards points can be transferred in increments of 2,000, 5,000 and 100,000 points in exchange for 200, 500 and 10,000 airline miles, respectively. An added benefit is that you can set your redemption preferences to have your Radisson points automatically transferred to your chosen airline partner’s loyalty account.

» Learn more: Which Radisson credit card do I choose?

Settling into a lounge can take the edge off of a high-stress travel day, but airport lounge entrance fees can be costly. Radisson Rewards offers its members a way to secure this level of ease. For 125,000 Radisson points, you can become a Priority Pass member, which allows access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.

Once you redeem your points, you’ll receive an invitation code to sign up for a Standard Plus membership, which is worth $299. As the mid-tier account, it offers up to 10 free lounge visits each year. Additional visits and non-member guests cost an extra $32 per visit. Starting Oct. 1, 2023, the cost of lounge visits will increase to $35 per person, per visit.

» Learn more: How to get into a Priority Pass lounge before your flight

Retail gift cards and prepaid cards can be redeemed for points through various Radisson partners. Rewards Americas members can shop among eligible retailers and select different gift card amounts using their online rewards account. Retail partners include Walmart, Amazon and more.

For a gift that’s even more flexible, you can also redeem points for a prepaid Visa card or Mastercard. Simply log in to your account, select the prepaid card redemption option and select the number of cards you’d like. A prepaid card will be mailed to you within five days.

» Learn more: Radisson Rewards award optimization for beginners

Your accumulated points can be used for the greater good through Radisson partners. Below are a handful of charitable organizations and programs that you can support through Radisson Rewards.

• American Red Cross: Members of Radisson Rewards Americas can donate points to the American Red Cross. The organization aids individuals who’ve been affected by natural disasters, like hurricanes, fires and other emergencies. Each donation must be a minimum of 3,000 points and can be increased in 1,000-point increments.

• SOS Children’s Villages: Radisson Rewards members can support SOS Children’s Villages by donating points to help children in need. Through your donation, you could provide a child with hygiene supplies, medical care, education and more. The minimum donation is 3,000 points.

• First Climate: A starting donation of 3,000 points can be applied to First Climate to offset carbon emissions in Madre de Dios, Peru.

• Ukrainian refugees: Radisson Hotel Group gives loyalty members an opportunity to aid Ukrainian refugees with housing, psychological and financial support through its #RadissonHelps initiative.

• Carbon neutral stays: Another way to help the environment is by donating points to offset your own carbon footprint. Donations are used to support Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard-certified projects. This redemption option requires 325 points per night.

» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now

Radisson loyalists aren’t stuck using earned points exclusively on hotel stays (though doing so generally offers the best redemption value). If you prefer to redeem your points through a Radisson partner, you have a handful of ways to apply those rewards, from airline miles to prepaid gift cards to charity contributions.

Image courtesy of Radisson Hotel Group Americas.