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When I first started using points for travel, I didn’t even know transfer bonuses existed.
Transfer bonuses are one of the easiest ways to stretch those points even further, with very little effort. You need a good amount of points to travel with a big family, so if you transfer your flexible points during a time when a bonus is offered, you can make your goals happen! Transferable points make family travel even more accessible.
If you’re just getting started, my Beginner’s Guide can help you understand the basics.
What is a Transfer Bonus?
A transfer bonus is when a credit card company offers extra points or miles when you move your flexible points to a partner airline or hotel program. It’s usually something like: “Transfer now and get 20% more.”
So instead of transferring 10,000 points and getting 10,000 airline miles, you might get 12,000. That small change adds up fast, especially when booking multiple flights or long hotel stays.
If you want weekly updates on what bank is offering what bonus, make sure you join my newsletter.
Why Transfer Bonuses Matter for Family Travel
When you’re booking travel for one person, saving 5,000 points might not feel like a big deal. But when you’re booking for a family of five or six, those savings multiply.
A 25% bonus could mean:
- Getting one flight free just from the bonus alone
- Reducing how many points you need to transfer for a big hotel stay
- Stretching your stash of points far enough for two trips instead of one
I’ve seen 15%, 20%, and even 100% bonuses over the years, and I try to plan our vacation points redemptions around them whenever possible.
Real-Life Example: Flights to Italy
We’ve been looking at taking our family to Italy. While comparing flight options, I found a one-way business class seat from Rome to the U.S. for 400K points. I then found the same seat for 55,000 points through a partner airline.
Here’s where it gets better: a 25% transfer bonus meant I only needed to transfer 44,000 points to get the full 55,000 miles needed. That’s a savings of 11,000 points for just one seat. Multiply that across a few family members, and it’s a huge savings.
Fixed points just can’t match the savings opportunity you can find with flexible points.
But What About Hotels?
Hilton
Hotel programs often get overlooked in transfer strategies, but they can be a goldmine when a bonus is running. One thing to know: one of the major banks transfers to Hilton at a 1:2 ratio, which means for every 1 point from your credit card, you get 2 Hilton points.
Let’s say you have 44,000 flexible credit card points…
| Step | What Happens | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer rate | 1 card point → 2 Hilton points | 44,000 × 2 = 88,000 Hilton points |
| Bonus applies | 25% bonus on the **Hilton** points (not on the card points) | 25% of 88,000 = 22,000 |
| Total Hilton points | Base + bonus | 88,000 + 22,000 = 110,000 |
| What that books | Example hotel at 55,000 points per night | 2 nights (55,000 × 2 = 110,000) |
| Note: Transfer bonuses are limited-time and can vary. Always confirm the current rate and bonus before moving points. | ||
Here’s the exciting part, properties like the Grand Wailea in Maui have been bookable around that rate with points. When you consider you’re getting that stay for just 44,000 credit card points per night, and a comparable property like the Grand Hyatt Kauai can run 45,000 points per night, Hilton actually comes out ahead, at least in this scenario. So yes, timing a transfer bonus can absolutely benefit big.
Want to learn more about maximizing Hilton stays with points? Check out my Guide to Hilton.
Marriott
Say what you want about Marriott points, but I’ve used them for dream hotels in Europe that sometimes cost fewer points than a Hyatt stay. Yes, the dynamic pricing can feel frustrating, especially for domestic properties. But internationally? That’s where Marriott can shine.
We have friends who honeymooned at the St. Regis Rome and said it was the best hotel they’ve ever stayed in, complete with a personal butler. That property can run about 114,000 points per night in the summer. Another standout? The JW Marriott Venice, located on a private island with its own boat to St. Mark’s Square, sometimes costs around 101,000 points.
But get this, a 50% transfer bonus to Marriott would bring the cost of the St. Regis down to just 63,000 credit card points. That’s in right in line with what you’d pay for some of Hyatt’s top-tier hotels.
So while Hyatt is still my favorite for beginners (thanks to its award chart and predictable pricing), Marriott can offer real value, especially if you’re heading to Europe and a great Hyatt option isn’t available.
How to Find and Use Transfer Bonuses
Most programs don’t announce transfers in advance, but they tend to pop up every few months. Here’s how I stay on top of them:
- Check the transfer page regularly: If your card has a travel portal or partner page, that’s where they’ll be listed.
- Join email lists: Some deals are targeted, so make sure your email preferences are turned on.
- Follow trusted sources: I share current bonuses when they’re live, especially ones that work well for families. Join my newsletter if you don’t want to miss any!
If this still seems a bit confusing, make sure you check out How to Transfer Points to Credit Card Partners.
My Favorite Cards for Transferable Points
If you’re ready to start taking advantage of transfer bonuses, you’ll want cards that earn flexible points.
These are my favorite flexible points cards.
Final Thoughts
Transfer bonuses are one of the most valuable strategies in points travel. They don’t require elite status, they don’t take much effort, and they can make your transferable points go 20%, 30%, or even 40% further.
Want more help? Check out my free beginner guide or come find me on Instagram for updates.
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