Top Credit Cards for Transferring Points to Airline and Hotel Partners

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There are numerous excellent travel credit cards partnered with specific airlines and hotel chains. However, the ultimate freedom of choice is paramount when it comes to using your hard-earned loyalty points. This is why companies like American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Citi have developed their own unique loyalty programs that allow transfers to various airline and hotel programs.

Typically—though not always—these transfer ratios occur at a 1:1 ratio, allowing cardholders to maintain their points in their chosen credit card's currency, transferring to airline and hotel partners as needed. This flexibility empowers consumers to transfer only when they find the perfect opportunity—like a business-class ticket to Paris at a bargain on Air France (transfer to Air France/KLM Flying Blue), a beautiful room at the Conrad Bora Bora (transfer to Hilton Honors), or a suite upgrade at Park Hyatt New York City (transfer to World of Hyatt).

We’ve compiled all the essential information about the loyalty programs of American Express, Chase, Citi, and Capital One, detailing how to earn points rapidly in each program and comparing their transfer partners.

Transfer Partners for American Express Membership Rewards

Membership Rewards is the loyalty currency offered by American Express. Points are earned through welcome bonuses and spending on Amex credit cards, particularly the Gold and Platinum cards. Once accumulated, Membership Rewards points can be transferred to 18 airline partners—3 domestic and 15 international—and 3 hotel partners. With a total of 21 transfer partners, Membership Rewards is recognized as the premier loyalty program for transferable points:

• Aer Lingus AerClub (1:1 ratio)
• Aeromexico Club Premier (1:1.6 ratio)
• Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 ratio)
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
• ANA, Japan (1:1 ratio)
• Avianca LifeMiles (1:1 ratio)
• British Airways Executive Club (1:1 ratio)
• Cathay Pacific - Asia Miles (1:1 ratio)
• Choice Privileges (1:1 ratio)
• Delta SkyMiles (1:1 ratio)
• Emirates Skywards (1:1 ratio)
• Etihad Guest (1:1 ratio)
• Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles (1:1 ratio)
• Hilton Honors (1:2 ratio)
• Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio)
• JetBlue TrueBlue (1:0.8 ratio)
• Marriott Bonvoy (1:1 ratio)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio)
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club (1:1 ratio)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio)

Enhance your Membership Rewards balance significantly with substantial welcome bonuses from:

• American Express® Gold Card (annual fee $325): Earn 90,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months, plus get 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide during the first 6 months of card membership, up to $100 back. (Terms apply. See rates and fees.)

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (annual fee $695): Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months. (Terms apply. See rates and fees.)
  

Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners

Chase Sapphire cards accumulate Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to partners or redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and more. Currently, there are 11 airline partners and 3 hotel partners available, including:

• Aer Lingus AerClub (1:1 ratio)
• Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 ratio)
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
• British Airways Executive Club (1:1 ratio)
• Emirates Skywards (1:1 ratio)
• Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio)
• IHG Rewards Club (1:1 ratio)
• JetBlue True Blue (1:1 ratio)
• Marriott Bonvoy (1:1 ratio)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards (1:1 ratio)
• United Mileage Plus (1:1 ratio)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio)
• World of Hyatt (1:1 ratio)

While this is fewer than the 21 partners offered by American Express’s Membership Rewards, Chase matches Amex with its three domestic airlines and three hotel partners.

Quickly accumulate Ultimate Rewards points with the current sign-up bonuses from:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (annual fee $95): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (annual fee $550): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months.

Citi ThankYou Points Transfer Partners

The Citi Premier® Card earns Citi ThankYou points, which can be transferred to more than a dozen airline frequent flyer programs and three hotel chains, including:

• Aeromexico Club Premier (1:1 ratio)
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
• ALL - Accor Live Limitless (1:0.5 ratio)
• Avianca LifeMiles (1:1 ratio)
• Cathay Pacific - Asia Miles (1:1 ratio)
• Choice Privileges (1:2 ratio)
• Emirates Skywards (1:1 ratio)
• Etihad Guest (1:1 ratio)
• Eva Air Infinity MileageLands (1:1 ratio)
• JetBlue True Blue (1:1 ratio)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio)
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club (1:1 ratio)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
• Thai Royal Orchid Plus (1:1 ratio)
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles (1:1 ratio)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio)
• Wyndham Rewards (1:1 ratio)

Boost your ThankYou points balance with the current sign-up bonus from the Citi Premier Card (annual fee $95): Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Capital One Rewards Transfer Partners

Capital One revamped its rewards program to feature 15 airline and 3 hotel transfer partners, with a 1:1 transfer ratio for most partners:

• Aeromexico Club Premier (1:1 ratio)
• Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 ratio)
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
• ALL - Accor Live Limitless (1:0.5 ratio)
• Avianca LifeMiles (1:1 ratio)
• British Airways Executive Club (1:1 ratio)
• Cathay Pacific - Asia Miles (1:1 ratio)
• Choice Privileges (1:1 ratio)
• Emirates Skywards (1:1 ratio)
• Etihad Guest (1:1 ratio)
• Eva Air Infinity MileageLands (1:0.75 ratio)
• Finnair - Finnair Plus (1:1 ratio)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
• TAP Miles&Go (1:1 ratio)
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles (1:1 ratio)
• Virgin Red (Virgin’s group-wide rewards club) (1:1 ratio)
• Wyndham Rewards (1:1 ratio)

Currently, with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (annual fee $395), you can earn 75,000 bonus miles after making $4,000 in purchases during the first three months of account opening.

Transferring Credit Card Points to International Airline Partners

Here’s a comparison of the four previously mentioned credit card programs in terms of partners and transfer ratios related to international airline loyalty programs.

Transferring Credit Card Points to Domestic Airline Partners

Interestingly, U.S. credit card issuers offer very few domestic airline partnerships, with Capital One having none and Citi only featuring one. Here’s a comparison of their offerings.

Transferring Credit Card Points to Hotel Chain Partners

Ultimately, every credit card loyalty program includes its own set of hotel partners and unique transfer ratios, which can differ significantly. Here’s a breakdown of how they stack up.

Analysis

The exclusive loyalty programs from American Express, Chase, Citi, and Capital One enable cardholders to accumulate points in one program while enjoying flexibility across many. With each program having distinct airline and hotel partners, cardholders don’t have to commit to just one airline or hotel brand. They can select when and where to transfer their points. Typically, transfers can be made directly through the credit card’s online platform, often in real time. Choosing a travel credit card with a wide array of transfer partners is a wise decision for those aiming to gather points now for future travel, offering the ultimate flexibility in how and when to use those points.

This article was last updated on October 3, 2023. Although the offers listed above are accurate at the time of publication, they are subject to change at any moment and may have been modified or may no longer be available.