SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED
This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
American Express Membership Rewards points are a powerful currency for booking first class flights and nabbing luxury hotel rooms, but some redemptions end up offering far superior value than others. Sure, you can use your points to book travel directly through the American Express travel portal, but typically 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. AmEx transfer ratios vary based 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 (where one AmEx point becomes 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 ).
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
American Express membership rewards transfer partners
Below is a full list of all the AmEx transfer partners, their exchange rates, the minimum transfer amount and the airline alliance (if any).
| Airline/hotel partner | Transfer ratio | Minimum transfer amount | Alliance, if applicable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | 1:1. | 1,000. | N/A. |
| Aeromexico | 1:1.6. | 1,000. | SkyTeam. |
| Air Canada | 1:1. | 1,000. | Star Alliance. |
| Air France/KLM | 1:1. | 1,000. | SkyTeam. |
| All Nippon Airways | 1:1. | 1,000. | Star Alliance. |
| Avianca | 1:1. | 1,000. | Star Alliance. |
| British Airways | 1:1. | 1,000. | Oneworld. |
| Cathay Pacific | 5:4. | 1,000. | Oneworld. |
| Choice | 1:1. | 1,000. | N/A. |
| Delta Air Lines | 1:1. | 1,000. | SkyTeam. |
| Emirates | 5:4. | 1,000. | N/A. |
| Etihad Airways | 1:1. | 1,000. | N/A. |
| Hilton | 1:2. | 1,000. | N/A. |
| Iberia | 1:1. | 1,000. | Oneworld. |
| JetBlue Airways | 5:4. | 250. | N/A. |
| Marriott | 1:1. | 1,000. | N/A. |
| Qantas Airways | 1:1. | 500. | Oneworld. |
| Qatar Airways | 1:1. | 1,000. | Oneworld. |
| Singapore Airlines | 1:1. | 1,000. | Star Alliance. |
| Virgin Atlantic | 1:1. | 1,000. | SkyTeam. |
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.
» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now
Which AmEx transfer partners are the best?
There are a lot of AmEx transfer partners to choose from, but some offer more value than others. That’s because each loyalty program sets its own redemption rates, determining how many points or miles you need to book an award flight or hotel stay.
At a glance, here are some top AmEx transfer partners, based on NerdWallet’s analysis:
- Air Canada Aeroplan.
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
- ANA Mileage Club.
- Avios programs (Aer Lingus AerClub, The British Airways Club, Iberia Plus and Qatar Airways Privilege Club).
- Delta SkyMiles.
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
Note that not a single hotel loyalty program makes the list of hotel transfer partners that NerdWallet considers worthwhile. That's not to say you should never transfer AmEx points to a hotel program (especially if you never fly...or at least never fly these specific airlines). To maximize value, prioritize these airlines if you can.
For a complete list, check out NerdWallet’s guide to the best (and worst) AmEx transfer partners.
How to earn AmEx Membership Rewards
Before you can start redeeming AmEx points, you have to earn them. Earning a card's welcome bonus can jump start your collection.
Cards that earn AmEx Membership Rewards
Annual fee
$895.
$325.
Earn rate
• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express, on up to $500,000 spent per year.
• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked through American Express.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 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 through American Express' travel portal.
• 2 points per $1 on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases made through American Express' travel portal.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Select benefits (see reviews for more)
• Access to airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx's own Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta). Delta Sky Club visits are limited to 10 per program year. Members who spend over $75,000 per calendar year get unlimited Delta Sky Club visits.
• 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; must use card for Uber purchase to get credits.
Terms apply.
• $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 card as a payment method in the Uber app and pay with an AmEx card to receive the Uber Cash benefit.
Terms apply.
Welcome offer
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Terms apply.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Learn more
American Express airline transfer partners: What you need to know
Aer Lingus AerClub
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 Club Premier
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.
Air Canada Aeroplan
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
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
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
ANA Mileage Club
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.
Avianca Lifemiles
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 Avios
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?
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
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 5-to-4 ratio.
» Learn more: Cathay Pacific: What to know
Delta SkyMiles
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
Emirates Skywards
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 5-to-4 ratio to Emirates Skywards.
» Learn more: The guide to Emirates Skywards
Etihad Guest
Another popular Middle Eastern airline, AmEx points transfer over to Etihad Guest at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Iberia Plus
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
JetBlue TrueBlue
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 5-to-4 ratio.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
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
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
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
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
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 hotel transfer partners: What you need to know
Choice Privileges
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.
Hilton Honors
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.
NerdWallet estimates that AmEx points are worth 1.6 cents, significantly more than the 0.4 cent Hilton points are estimated to be worth. Trading one AmEx point for two Hilton points might not give you a higher value cent-per-point value.
» Learn more: The complete guide to earning Hilton Honors points
Marriott Bonvoy
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.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
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. AmEx points calculator
While you might book hotels and airfares with cash or through 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.
How do you transfer AmEx points?
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.
*More from American Express
American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details
To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, 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.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- 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: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Explore more on
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary,
trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed
studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with
industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness
and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high
standards for journalism by reading our
editorial guidelines.
