If you are a frequent traveler looking to maximize the value of your credit card rewards, American Express Membership Rewards (MR) should be high on your radar. Known for its wide array of premium perks and flexibility, this rewards program offers incredible opportunities to save on travel. But the true magic lies in unlocking the full potential of the American Express transfer partners, where you can convert your points into airline miles or hotel rewards. By strategically leveraging these transfer partners, you can stretch your points even further, unlocking access to luxurious travel experiences at a fraction of the cost.

Curious to learn how you can take your travel game to the next level with American Express?

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 American Express Travel portal, you can transfer them to a partner program, like Delta SkyMiles or Marriott Bonvoy, 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.

American Express Membership Rewards Transfer Partners

Credit. Business Traveler USA. Delta Business Class (Delta One Suites).

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

Here is the current list of American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners:

Airline Partners

• Aer Lingus AerClub (1:1 ratio)
• Aeromexico Rewards (1:1.6 ratio)
• Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 ratio)
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
• All Nippon Airways Mileage Club (1:1 ratio)
• Avianca LifeMiles (1:1 ratio)
• British Airways Executive Club (1:1 ratio)
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1 ratio)
• Delta SkyMiles (1:1 ratio)
• Emirates Skywards (1:1 ratio)
• Etihad Guest (1:1 ratio)
• HawaiianMiles (1:1 ratio)
• Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio)
• JetBlue TrueBlue (250:200 ratio)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio)
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club (1:1 ratio)
• Singapore KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio)

Hotel Partners

• Choice Privileges (1:1 ratio)
• Hilton Honors (1:2 ratio)
• Marriott Bonvoy (1:1 ratio)

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 American Express provides plenty of opportunities to use your points strategically to maximize value.

Related: Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses

How Long Do Membership Rewards Transfers Take

Credit. Hilton. Conrad Bora Bora Nui.

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: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France-KLM, Avianca, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Hawaiian Airways, JetBlue, Qantas, and Qatar Airways
• Airline Same-Day Transfers: Aeromexico, Iberia, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic
• Airline Multi-Day Transfer: All Nippon Airways and Cathay Pacific
• Hotel Instant Transfers: Choice, Hilton, and Marriott

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 Points

Before you jump into transferring your American Express Membership Rewards points to a travel partner, there are a few important things to keep in mind. While transferring points 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 points 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 American Express Membership Rewards points 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 American Express 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 Points To Partners

Transferring American Express Membership Rewards points is a straightforward process, and it is done through your American Express account:

Step 1 – Log In To Your American Express Account And Navigate To Transfer Points

Log Into Your American Express Account.

Go to the Membership Rewards dashboard by selecting your American Express credit card (such as the The Platinum Card® from American Express or American Express® Gold Card). Click on “Rewards & Benefits.” Look for the option under “Earn and Redeem” that says “Transfer Points.”

Step 2 – Select Your American Express Membership Rewards Transfer Partner

Select Your American Express Transfer Partner.

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

Step 3 – Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer

Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer.

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

Step 4 – Confirm And Complete The Transfer

Confirm And Complete The Transfer.

Double-check the details before confirming the transfer. Most transfers are final, so you want to be sure the points 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 American Express Membership Rewards Points

Credit. Forbes. American Express Credit Cards.

You can earn American Express Membership Rewards points by spending in key bonus categories, through welcome offers, and referrals with various Amex cards such as:

• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• American Express® Green Card
• American Express® Gold Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Related: The Best Credit Cards For American Express Membership Rewards

Final Thoughts

American Express 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 American Express Membership Rewards can take your travel to the next level, allowing you to experience more of the world for less.