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If you’ve been earning points from your credit cards but aren’t sure what to do with them, you’re not alone. So many moms message me with stacks of points and no idea how to turn them into actual flights or hotel stays. You do the work to get them, then don’t know what to do once you have them.
Once you understand how to transfer credit card points to travel partners, like airlines or hotels, you unlock a whole new level of value. It might sound intimidating at first (I used to feel that way too), but if you do it once, it becomes second nature.
If you’re brand-new to this strategy, check out my Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles to get your foundation set before diving in.
Why Transfer Points Instead of Booking Through Your Card’s Travel Portal?
Let’s say you find a $500 flight.
- If you book it through your credit card’s travel portal, it might cost 50,000 points.
- But if you transfer your points to an airline and book directly, that same flight could be just 25,000 miles.
That’s double the value.
I’ve used this strategy to save thousands on flights, especially international ones in business class. The same goes for hotel points. A luxury hotel that costs $800 a night might be available for 50,000 points if you transfer to a partner program instead of booking through the portal.
Want to see which cards I use to rack up points for these kinds of redemptions? Here’s my list of favorite flexible points cards.
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Your Points
No matter which bank you’re using, the general process is the same. You just need a little time (and a bit of patience the first go-around).
How to Transfer Credit Card Points (Step-by-Step)
Quick checklist you can follow while you’re transferring points to airline & hotel partners.
Log In to Your Rewards Account
Head to your credit card’s site or app and find the section labeled “Rewards” or “Points.”
Locate the Transfer Partners Page
Look for “Travel Partners” or “Transfer Points.” You’ll see a list of hotels and airlines you can send points to.
Link Your Loyalty Account
Create a free loyalty account if needed, then link it inside your card’s rewards portal.
Choose How Many Points to Transfer
Double-check the transfer ratio (often 1:1). Many programs transfer in increments of 1,000.
Finalize the Transfer
Airline transfers are often instant; hotel transfers can take 24–48 hours. Don’t transfer until availability is confirmed.
Confirm and Book
Once points show up in the airline/hotel account, you can book directly.
How to Transfer Points by Bank
The exact clicks vary slightly by bank, but here’s where to find transfer partners in the most common programs.
Keep in mind once you transfer points to an airline or hotel, you usually can’t transfer them back. That’s why it’s so important to check availability first and be sure you want that specific booking before moving points.
- American Express: Log in and go to “Membership Rewards” → “Transfer Points.” Popular partners include Delta, British Airways, and Marriott.
- Capital One: Go to “Rewards” → “Transfer Miles.” Great partners include Flying Blue, Avianca, and Singapore Airlines.
- Other Banks (Generic Programs): Look under your “Travel Rewards” section and select “Transfer to Travel Partners.” If you’re using one of these, this card list will give you the best mix of flexible rewards options.
If you’re not sure which card you should start with, this guide will help you pick one based on your family’s travel goals.
Pro Tips for Transferring Points
Check Availability First:
Once you transfer points, you can’t transfer them back. So always check that the hotel or flight you want is available before you move your points.
Watch for Bonuses:
Banks sometimes run limited-time transfer bonuses (like 30% extra when you transfer to British Airways). These can make your points stretch even further.
Understand Point Value:
25,000 points with one airline could get you much farther than 25,000 with another. For example, this post about transferring to Flying Blue breaks down one of the better values we’ve found lately.
Not Sure Where to Transfer Your Points?
If you’re sitting on a pile of points but don’t know where to move them, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get, and the good news is, you don’t need to figure it all out at once.
Instead of trying to memorize every airline and hotel transfer partner, the easier path is to choose your favorite travel goals and then find the right credit cards that align with them.
If you want to keep your options open, these are my favorite flexible travel cards that let you transfer points to airlines and hotels:
Here’s my go-to list of flexible travel cards
If you’re just getting started and want something simple:
These beginner-friendly cards are great if you’re earning points for the first time and want maximum value down the road.
And when in doubt? Stick with cards that earn flexible points until you know which airline or hotel brand you love most.
Want to Keep Learning?
Transferring points is one of those skills that makes travel feel fun again instead of overwhelming. If you want to get better at using your points for your family’s travel dreams, don’t miss:
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