Top-Ranked American Express Transfer Partners to Utilize, and Those Best Avoided
In the world of travel, loyalty programs and credit card rewards can significantly enhance your journey. Here's a rundown of some popular options and their key features.
Avios
Avios, a shared points currency among Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, and Qatar Airways, allows members to transfer points between different airline loyalty programs. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for travellers seeking versatility.
Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors offers a fifth-night-free perk for elite status holders, making extended stays more affordable. According to NerdWallet, each Hilton Honors point is valued at 0.4 cents.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Qantas Frequent Flyer underwent major changes in August 2025, making awards more expensive. Despite this, the program continues to be a popular choice due to its extensive network.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy points, valued at 0.8 cent per point by NerdWallet, offer another option for hotel stays.
AmEx Membership Rewards
AmEx Membership Rewards points can be transferred to a variety of travel partners, including airlines and hotels. Transfers are usually at a 1:1 ratio, meaning one Membership Rewards point becomes one hotel or airline point. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for travellers seeking versatility.
Air Canada Aeroplan
Aeroplan, a popular AmEx transfer partner, offers value for its distance-based award chart and ability to book awards on Star Alliance airlines. Aeroplan points are valued at 1.1 cents each when booking economy flights on Air Canada itself, but can offer more value through partners' award charts, especially for premium cabins.
JetBlue TrueBlue
JetBlue TrueBlue points transfer at a 5:4 ratio with AmEx's Membership Rewards. Redemptions are typically tied to the cash price of the ticket.
Hilton Honors, Delta SkyMiles, and Other Partners
Hilton Honors points are valued at 0.4 cents each, while Delta SkyMiles is perhaps AmEx's flagship transfer partner, offering value for domestic award travel and flash sales. Other notable transfer partners include British Airways Avios, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Avianca LifeMiles, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Etihad Guest, Aer Lingus AerClub, and ANA Mileage Club.
Credit Card Rewards
The American Express Platinum Card earns 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express, up to $500,000 spent per year. The American Express Gold Card earns 4 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 in purchases per year). The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express earns 2 points per $1 on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year.
Uber Cash
The Platinum Card from American Express offers up to $120 a year in Uber Cash as a benefit.
ANA Mileage Club
ANA Mileage Club, the loyalty program for Japanese airline All Nippon Airways, offers great value for its members, especially since it started allowing one-way award bookings in 2025.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of various loyalty programs and credit card rewards can help you make the most of your travel experiences. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a casual traveller, there's a program out there that suits your needs.
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