How to Transfer Credit Card Points to Travel Partners (And Why It’s Worth It)
If you’ve been earning points on your credit card but feel stuck when it comes to using them, you’re not alone. One of the best ways to maximize your points is by transferring them to travel partners like airlines or hotels. It may sound complicated at first, but I promise—it’s much easier than it seems. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you transfer points, no matter which bank you’re using.
Why Transfer Points to Travel Partners?
Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Transferring your points to travel partners often gets you far better value compared to redeeming them through your credit card’s travel portal. For example:
A flight that costs $500 might only require 25,000 airline miles (a value of 2 cents per point).
Booking the same flight through your card’s travel portal might require 50,000 points (a value of 1 cent per point).
If you want to stretch your points and unlock premium experiences like business class flights or luxury hotel stays, transferring is usually the way to go.
General Steps to Transfer Points to Travel Partners
No matter which bank you’re using, the process of transferring points to travel partners is similar. Here’s how to do it:
Log in to Your Credit Card Rewards Account
Head to your credit card’s website or app. Look for the “Rewards” or “Points” section.
Find the Transfer Partners Page
This is usually labeled as “Transfer Points” or “Travel Partners.” You’ll see a list of airlines and hotels you can transfer your points to.
Link Your Loyalty Account
To transfer points, you’ll need an account with the airline or hotel program. If you don’t already have one, you can sign up for free on their website. Once you have an account, link it to your credit card rewards program.
Choose How Many Points to Transfer
Select the partner and enter the number of points you want to transfer. Keep in mind most transfers are done in specific increments (e.g., 1,000 points at a time).
Confirm and Transfer
Double-check the details and hit “Transfer.” Most transfers are instant, but some (like Marriott or ANA) can take a day or two to process.
Check Your Loyalty Account
Log in to your airline or hotel loyalty account to confirm the points have been deposited. Once they’re there, you can redeem them for flights, hotels, or upgrades.
Where to Go for Each Bank
Here’s how to find the transfer partners section for some of the major banks:
American Express Membership Rewards
Log in to your Amex account, go to the "Membership Rewards" section, and click on "Transfer Points." Popular partners include Delta, British Airways, and Marriott.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Log in to Chase, head to "Ultimate Rewards," and select “Transfer to Travel Partners.” Popular partners include United, Hyatt, and Southwest.
Capital One Miles
Log in to your Capital One account, navigate to “Rewards,” and choose “Transfer Miles.” Popular partners include British Airways, Flying Blue, and Singapore Airlines.
Citi ThankYou Points
Log in to Citi, go to the “ThankYou” section, and click “Transfer Points.” Popular partners include Turkish Airlines, Avianca, and Choice Hotels.
Find my favorite cards from these banks here
Tips for Transferring Points
Always Check Availability First: Before transferring, confirm that the airline or hotel has availability for the booking you want. Once points are transferred, you can’t reverse the process.
Watch for Transfer Bonuses: Some banks offer transfer bonuses (e.g., 20% more points when transferring to certain partners). These can make your points go even further.
Understand Point Values: Different partners have different values. For example, 25,000 points with British Airways might get you much further than 25,000 points with Marriott.
Final Thoughts
Transferring credit card points to travel partners might feel a little intimidating at first, but it’s one of the best ways to maximize their value. By following these simple steps, you’ll be ready to unlock incredible travel experiences—whether that’s flying first class to Europe or staying in a luxury hotel for next to nothing.
