Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
American Express, Chase, Capital One and Citi offer credit cards that earn transferable rewards. These points and miles can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs to be redeemed for flights and hotel rooms. You'll often get a bigger bang for your buck when redeeming this way instead of directly through a card's travel portal or for cash back — particularly when booking premium cabin flights and luxury hotels.
Generally speaking, most credit card rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio, although there are some exceptions. However, from time to time, card issuers run bonuses where you can earn additional points as you transfer them over. Think of it as a discount on an award flight or hotel stay since you're using less of your points.
Below, CNBC Select details all credit card transfer bonuses currently available and what you need to know about earning transferable rewards. Note that some transfer bonuses may be targeted, meaning not all card members will be eligible. Additionally, some promotions may require advance registration.
Credit card transfer partner bonuses
All of the four major transferable points programs are currently offering bonuses for transferring points to select loyalty programs. Most transfers process instantly, while some can take two to three days.
American Express Membership Rewards®
American Express Membership Rewards transfer bonuses
| Partner program | Transfer bonus | Current transfer ratio | End date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | 25% | 1,000 Amex Membership Rewards = 1,250 Flying Blue miles | May 22, 2023 |
| Avianca LifeMiles | 15% | 1,000 Amex Membership Rewards = 1,150 LifeMiles | May 31, 2023 |
Amex cards that earn Membership Rewards points
American Express offers a number of consumer and business cards that earn Membership Rewards. Here are some of our top picks of cards that will help you earn lots of Membership Rewards points quickly:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
- American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Currently, there is no welcome bonus for new card members.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Annual fee
$695
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
American Express® Gold Card
Rewards
4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership
Annual fee
$250
Intro APR
Not applicable
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Read our American Express® Gold Card review.
Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer bonuses
| Partner program | Transfer bonus | Current transfer ratio | End date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 25% | 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards = 1,250 Flying Blue miles | May 15, 2023 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 50% | 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards = 1,500 Marriott Bonvoy points | May 15, 2023 |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 30% | 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards = 1,300 Flying Club points | June 15, 2023 |
Chase cards that earn Ultimate Rewards® points
Ultimate Rewards are a bit more difficult to earn as there are only three cards that directly earn these rewards: the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. However, there are other Chase cards that earn cash-back rewards that can be converted into transferable points.
You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards directly with these three cards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards
$50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining, 3X points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply.
Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Rewards
Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Annual fee
$550
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
22.49% - 29.49% variable
Balance transfer fee
5%, minimum $5
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent
Terms apply.
Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.
Additionally, as long as you have one of the three cards listed above, you can convert the cash back earned with the following cards into transferrable Ultimate Rewards points:
- Chase Freedom Flex℠: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
$200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
Read our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rewards
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Member FDIC. Terms apply.
Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.
Capital One Venture Miles
Unfortunately, Capital One is not offering any transfer bonuses at this time. We'll update this list when a new promotion launches.
Capital One cards that earn Capital One Miles
If you're looking to earn Capital One Miles and take advantage of the program's transfer bonuses, you can do so with these cards:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. (See rates and fees)
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening. (See rates and fees)
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Earn 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. (See rates and fees)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
10 Miles on hotels per dollar and rental cars, 5 Miles per dollar on flights when booked via Capital One Travel; unlimited 2X miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$395
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
22.24% - 29.24% variable APR
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fees
None
Credit needed
Excellent
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
N/A for purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR
21.24% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
Citi ThankYou® Rewards
Citi ThankYou® Rewards is not offering any transfer bonuses at this time either. We'll update this list when a new promotion launches.
Citi cards that earn Citi ThankYou® Rewards points
If you're short on Citi ThankYou® points and want to utilize a future transfer bonus offer, you can boost your balance with these cards:
- Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
- Citi Rewards+® Card: Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
Citi Premier® Card
Rewards
3X points per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and on hotels and air travel, 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
21.24% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer, $5 minimum
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Good/Excellent
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
Read our Citi Premier® Card review.
Citi Rewards+® Card
Rewards
For a limited time, earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening.
Regular APR
18.74% - 28.74% variable
Balance transfer fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5)
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Good/Excellent
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
If you have one of the cards above, you can also convert the cash back you earn with the Citi® Double Cash Card to transferable ThankYou points.
Citi® Double Cash Card
Rewards
2% cash back: 1% on all eligible purchases and an additional 1% after you pay your credit card bill
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Fair/Good/Excellent
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
Read our Citi® Double Cash Card review.
How to transfer credit card points
Regardless of which rewards program you're using, the transfer process is roughly identical. To get started, log into your credit card's online portal and head to the rewards page. From there, you should see a 'transfer points' section.
On that page, there will be a list of loyalty programs that are partnered with your credit card issuer. Select the airline or hotel loyalty program you'd like to transfer your points to, provide your membership number of that loyalty program and begin the points transferring process.
Most transfers must be in increments of 1,000 points with a 1,000-point minimum. Depending on the program and partner, you may need to pay a small excise fee to complete the transfer.
Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.
Things to keep in mind when transferring points
If you have a credit card with transferable miles, you're in a great position to earn some of the most valuable rewards in the credit card space. However, keep these four things in mind as you redeem them:
- Don't transfer them until you're ready to spend them. Have your flight or hotel stay completely planned out so you know exactly how many you will need. Point transfers are irreversible.
- Point transfers can take time. In some cases, it can be instantaneous, while in other cases, a few days.
- Consider airline alliances. For example, if you have Capital One miles and want to fly Delta, which isn't a transfer partner, you can transfer your points to Flying Blue and book a Delta flight since Air France/KLM are part of the SkyTeam alliance with Delta.
- Spend your points, don't hoard them. Hoarding points leave you in a vulnerable position in case a devaluation happens from the rewards program. Additionally, you could become the target of hackers that will aim to steal your points. In fact, it has happened to me twice.
Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here.
Bottom line
Transfer bonuses are a great way to stretch the value of your points when using them for flights and hotel stays. While we don't recommend transferring points unless you have a specific redemption in mind, you shouldn't hoard them either. It serves you no good to maintain a large points balance — if you're not spending your points (strategically), you're missing the point.
Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
Read more
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus, click here.
