What Are Transfer Partners (and Why They Matter)
Unlocking the True Value of Your Credit Card Points
When it comes to travel hacking, transfer partners are the secret weapon that can take your credit card points way further than you might think. But what exactly are they, and why should you care?
Let’s break it all down.
What Are Transfer Partners?
Transfer partners are airlines and hotel programs that let you move your credit card points into their loyalty programs—often at a 1:1 ratio. This means you can turn your points into frequent flyer miles or hotel rewards to book flights, hotel stays, upgrades, and more.
Example: Instead of using 100,000 points to book a flight on your credit card’s travel portal, you might transfer those points to an airline partner and book a business class seat that would normally cost $3,000+ — all for the same number of points (or less!).
Why Transfer Partners Matter
Here’s why transfer partners can be a game-changer:
Maximize Point Value: Transfers often unlock better redemption rates than booking through travel portals.
Access Premium Travel: Fly business or first class for fewer points.
More Flexibility: Book directly through airline or hotel websites, giving you access to all available award seats.
Leverage Loyalty Perks: Use elite status or benefit from partner award availability.
Transfer Partner Breakdown by Issuer
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase is a favorite among travelers because of its strong airline and hotel partners, all with a 1:1 transfer ratio.
Top Chase Transfer Partners:
Airlines: United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways, Emirates Skywards, JetBlue, Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest, Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, Iberia
Hotels: World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy
Pro tip: Chase + Hyatt is a killer combo. Hyatt redemptions often give you outsized value!
American Express Membership Rewards
Amex has the most transfer partners and often offers transfer bonuses that boost your points even more.
Top Amex Transfer Partners:
Airlines: Air France/KLM Flying Blue, ANA Mileage Club, Delta SkyMiles, British Airways, Emirates, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia
Hotels: Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Privileges
Pro tip: Amex → ANA is one of the BEST ways to fly roundtrip business class to Japan for just 75,000 points.
Citi ThankYou Points
Citi may fly under the radar, but its transfer partners are strong, especially for international travel.
Top Citi Transfer Partners:
Airlines: Avianca LifeMiles, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, JetBlue, Air France/KLM, Virgin Atlantic
Hotels: Choice Privileges, Wyndham Rewards
Pro tip: Turkish Airlines lets you book United domestic flights for as little as 7.5K points!
Capital One Miles
Capital One used to trail behind but has made big moves—most transfers are now 1:1 and super useful.
Top Capital One Transfer Partners:
Airlines: Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Avianca, Aeromexico, Etihad, Virgin Atlantic, TAP Portugal, Flying Blue, Qantas
Hotels: Wyndham, Choice Hotels
Pro tip: Capital One → Turkish Airlines is one of the cheapest ways to fly to Hawaii on United metal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just using your points to erase travel purchases or book through a portal, you’re leaving serious value on the table. Learning to use transfer partners is the key to unlocking luxury travel for less.
Whether you’re team Chase, Amex, Citi, or Capital One — or all of the above — understanding transfer partners will elevate your travel game instantly.
