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Most points connoisseurs know transferable point currencies offer the broadest range of options and flexibility to maximize redemption values. But to really maximize points, transferring bonuses to various airline and hotel partners can help you stretch them further and access bucket list redemptions.
All the major transferable currencies offer transfer bonuses periodically. Some bonuses are available to everyone, while a few are limited to co-branded cardholders. We’ve compiled the bonuses from the major currencies below.
Amex Membership Rewards
Amex Membership Rewards doesn't currently have a transfer bonus, but the program has around 20 transfer partners, including HawaiianMiles and Marriott Bonvoy. Both of these, and many others partners, offer a 1:1 transfer ratio.
The Complete Guide to American Express Membership Rewards
Capital One
With the Virgin Red partner program, eligible Capital One cardholders can get a 30% bonus when transferring Capital One points to Virgin Points. This offer expires on March 31, 2023. Note that you do have to transfer a minimum of 1,000 points, but this offer will get you 1,300 Virgin Points, rather than the standard 1,000, now through the end of March.
Eligible consumer cards for this offer include:
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Related Article
Complete Guide to the Capital One Miles Program
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase is currently offering a 50% bonus when you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy®, now through May 15, 2023. This offer is probably best for those who are huge Marriott fans or are looking to add a few points to their Marriott account for a specific redemption. That's because Chase points are typically worth quite a bit more than Marriott points, but it's worth looking into if you've had your eye on something specific.
Citi ThankYou Rewards
Now through March 31, 2023, you can transfer Citi ThankYou Points to Avianca LifeMiles and get 20% bonus miles. Avianca offers access to around 1,300 destinations and serves more than 100 cities across Europe, South America, Central America and North America. Note that this transfer bonus comes specifically from LifeMiles, so you won't find it listed on the Citi ThankYou site.
In addition, Citi ThankYou Rewards partners with many other airlines and hotels, and even when there are not transfer bonuses going, you can do a 1-for-1 rewards transfer to the following partners:
- Aeromexico Club Premier
- Air France—KLM Flying Blue
- Avianca LifeMiles
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- Choice Privileges
- Emirates Skywards
- Etihad Guest
- Eva Air Infinity MilageLands
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
- Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Wyndham Rewards
You can read more about the Citi ThankYou® program and ways to redeem the Citi Premier welcome bonus for maximum value.
Transferring & Redeeming Citi ThankYou Points: Many Ways to Use Your Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy
The longstanding United MileagePlus 10% bonus for transferring Marriott points to your MileagePlus account has changed slightly. Here’s how this breaks down with the current offer:
- 60,000 Marriott points typically transfer at a 3:1 ratio = 20,000 miles
- Marriott transfer bonus = 5,000 miles
- United MileagePlus® members get 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred
- Total miles redeemed = 35,000 miles
Note that some users report the new 10,000 bonus miles for members don't show up immediately during the transfer process. With this change being so new, if you have any questions, chat with customer service about your transaction beforehand.
Related Article
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Offers & Sign-up Bonuses: 3 Free Night Awards or 30,000 Bonus Points
Bottom Line
Transfer bonuses are another way for travelers to maximize the value of points and miles to access the most lucrative redemptions. Transferable currencies are usually the most useful for travelers. It's important to know that transfers are irreversible in almost all cases, so only make transfers when you’re sure you’ll be able to use them.
While these bonuses can help you access even more lucrative redemptions, transferring speculatively can be risky if you end up not using the miles right away. Generally, that means having a specific redemption in mind to immediately book before transferring the points. But if you have a use in mind, bookmark this page for a list of current transfer bonuses to take advantage of when planning your trip.
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FAQS
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You should only transfer points if you plan to redeem them immediately. When offered, Amex transfer bonuses are often especially generous and can lead to significant savings on award flights. Just remember to redeem your points as soon as you can, since frequent flyer programs can devalue without notice. You don’t want to transfer a bunch of points that are worth less before you’ve redeemed them.
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You should only transfer points when you’re ready to redeem them. Also consider transferring points when lucrative transfer promotions are available. That way, you get more points than you typically would. Just make sure these promotions align with your travel goals.
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Capital One is offering a 1:3 redemption with Virgin Red through March 31, 2023. That means for every 1,000 points you transfer, you'll get 1,300 Virgin Points.
If you're a fan of Avianca LifeMiles, the offer of 20% bonus miles with a Citi ThankYou Points transfer might be a good fit, too.
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Unfortunately, you can't reverse a points transfer. That’s why you must be sure of your choice before transferring points to an airline or hotel program. Because points transfers are irreversible and loyalty programs can devalue without warning, plan to redeem your points soon after transferring them.
Ariana Arghandewal
Ariana Arghandewal is a rewards travel expert and founder of Pointchaser, an online publication dedicated to rewards travel topics. She brings over a decade of experience writing about travel, points, miles and credit cards. Her expertise includes her roles as an editor for distinguished travel and finance publications such as NerdWallet, The Points Guy and FlyerTalk. She has also authored many articles featured in major financial news & travel channels like Forbes, U.S. News Weekly, Business Insider & Fodor’s Travel.
