Blog >> Capital One Miles: A Complete Guide To Transfer Partners

Capital One Miles: A Complete Guide To Transfer Partners

By Kevin Zanes / October 23, 2024
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If you are a traveler aiming to get the most bang for your buck with your credit card rewards, Capital One Miles is a program you should definitely have on your radar. Known for its simplicity and value, Capital One Miles (points) offer fantastic flexibility and solid redemption options across the travel spectrum. But the real magic kicks in when you tap into the Capital One transfer partners, allowing you to convert your reward miles into airline miles or hotel rewards. This unlocks an opportunity to stretch your miles further, granting access to premium travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

Ready to elevate your travel game with Capital One?

Let’s dive in!

What Is A Transfer Partner?

A transfer partner is an airline or hotel loyalty program that lets you move points from the rewards system of your credit card into their program. Instead of redeeming points directly through the Capital One Travel portal, you can transfer them to a partner program, like Air Canada Aeroplan or Accor Live Limitless, and then use those points for flights, hotel stays, or other travel perks.

The main benefit? More flexibility and potentially better value. Transfer partners often offer redemption rates that far exceed the value you would get by booking travel through a travel portal. By transferring points, you can access award charts, promotions, and exclusive deals from these programs, sometimes resulting in luxurious Business Class flights or high-end hotel stays for fewer points than expected.

Capital One Miles Transfer Partners

Cathay Pacific Business Class (Aria Suites)

Credit. Cathay Pacific. Cathay Pacific Business Class (Aria Suites).

Capital One has partnered with several well-known airlines and hotels, making it easier for you to find a program that matches your travel plans. Miles typically transfer at a 1:1 ratio, meaning for every Capital One Miles you transfer, you get one point in the airline or hotel program. However, there are some notable exceptions.

Here is the current list of Capital One Miles transfer partners:

Airline Partners

  • Aeromexico Rewards (1:1 ratio)
  • Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 ratio)
  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
  • Avianca LifeMiles (1:1 ratio)
  • British Airways Executive Club (1:1 ratio)
  • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1 ratio)
  • Emirates Skywards (1:1 ratio)
  • Etihad Airways Guest (1:1 ratio)
  • EVA Airways Infinity MileageLands (4:3 ratio)
  • Finnair Plus (1:1 ratio)
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio)
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
  • TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go (1:1 ratio)
  • Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles (1:1 ratio)
  • Virgin Red (1:1 ratio)

Hotel Partners

  • Accor Live Limitless (2:1 transfer ratio)
  • Choice Privileges (1:1 ratio)*
  • Wyndham Rewards (1:1 ratio)

* Only Choice Privileges accounts based in the United States are eligible for transfers.

Note: You must transfer points in 1,000 point increments.

Whether you are looking to book a luxurious hotel stay or snag a hard-to-find award flight, the list of transfer partners with Capital One provides plenty of opportunities to use your points strategically to maximize value.

Related: Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses

How Long Do Capital One Transfers Take

Accor Maldives

Credit. Accor. Accor Maldives.

Transfer times vary depending on the partner, but most transfers are relatively quick. Here is a general guide on how long you can expect each transfer to take:

  • Airline Instant Transfers: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France-KLM, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Finnair, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, TAP Portugal, and Turkish Airlines
  • Airline Same-Day Transfers: Cathay Pacific
  • Airline Multi-Day Transfer: EVA Air
  • Hotel Instant Transfers: Wyndham
  • Hotel Same-Day Transfers: Accor and Choice

It is worth noting that transfer times are generally fast enough for you to act on last-minute award space when you find it, especially with airlines or hotels that offer instant transfers.

Key Things To Watch Out For When Transferring Miles

Before you jump into transferring your Capital One Miles to a travel partner, there are a few important things to keep in mind. While transferring miles can offer incredible value, there are potential pitfalls that could reduce the benefit of your hard-earned rewards. To make sure you are getting the most out of your miles and avoid any costly mistakes, here are some key factors to watch out for during the transfer process:

  • Transfers Are One-Way. Once you transfer your Capital One Miles to a travel partner, the transaction is final and cannot be reversed, so be sure of your decision before completing the transfer.
  • Bank And Loyalty Account Names Must Match. Make sure the name on your Capital One account matches the name on your loyalty program account, as any discrepancies could cause delays or prevent the transfer from going through.
  • Transfers To A New Loyalty Account May Take Longer. If you have just opened a new loyalty account with an airline or hotel, transfers may take longer to process, so plan ahead to avoid delays in booking your rewards travel.
  • Multiple Transfers May Increase Transfer Time. If you make multiple transfer requests to the same loyalty account within a short time frame, the processing may slow down, so it is best to avoid rapid consecutive transfers.
  • Transfer Times May Vary. Transfer times can vary, even when sending points to the same loyalty account, so it is a good idea to allow extra time (when possible) in case your points do not appear immediately.

How To Transfer Miles To Partners

Transferring Capital One Miles is a straightforward process, and it is done through your Capital One account:

Step 1 – Log In To Your Capital One Account And Navigate To Transfer Points

Log Into Your Capital One Account

Log Into Your Capital One Account.

Go to the Rewards Miles dashboard by selecting “Review Rewards” on the home page of your Capital One account.

Navigate To The Capital One Transfer Partners

Navigate To The Capital One Transfer Partners.

Navigate to the Capital One transfer partners section by selecting “Convert rewards.”

Step 2 – Select Your Capital One Miles Transfer Partner

Select Your Capital One Transfer Partner

Select Your Capital One Transfer Partner.

From the list, choose the airline or hotel program to which you want to transfer miles. Make sure you already have an account with that program. If you do not, provide your loyalty program membership number so Capital One can transfer the miles to the right place.

Step 3 – Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer

Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer

Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer

Enter how many miles you would like to transfer (miles are transferred in 1,000 point increments).

Step 4 – Confirm And Complete The Transfer

Double-check the details before confirming the transfer. Most transfers are final, so you want to be sure the miles are going to the right program and in the right amount. Once completed, your points should appear in the account of the loyalty program, often instantly or within a few hours, ready to be used.

How To Earn Capital One Miles

Credit Cards That Earn Capital One Miles

Credit. Capital One. Credit Cards That Earn Capital One Miles.

You can earn Capital One Miles through everyday spending, sign-up bonuses, and bonus category purchases like dining and travel with eligible cards such as:

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Capital One Miles

Final Thoughts

Capital One Miles transfer partners are a game-changer for travelers who want to stretch their points further and unlock premium travel experiences. By leveraging the ability to transfer points to top airline and hotel programs, you gain access to exclusive deals, better redemption rates, and the chance to turn everyday spending into incredible adventures — whether that is a solo Business Class flight across the globe or a staycation at a local hotel with the kids.

To get the most value, make sure you are familiar with the transfer process, keep an eye on transfer times, and know how to earn points efficiently. With a little planning, your Capital One Miles can take your travel to the next level, allowing you to experience more of the world for less.