Bank transfer bonuses are promotions offered by banks that allow you to transfer your credit card points to a travel partner and get an additional bonus. Typically, points transfer at a 1:1 ratio (with a few exceptions). However, with a transfer bonus, you get a certain percentage more.
For example, if you transfer 10,000 bank points to an airline or hotel during a 30% bonus, you would receive 13,000 airline or hotel points instead of the usual 10,000. This is a great way to stretch your hard-earned points even further.
This calculator from Upgraded Points is super helpful in figuring out how many points you need to transfer when accounting for any current transfer bonuses.
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Here are the current transfer bonuses
AMERICAN EXPRESS MEMBERSHIP REWARDS®
- 20% to Air France/KLM Flying Blue – ends 10/31
- 30% to Marriott – ends 11/30
Related: All About Amex Membership Rewards®
CAPITAL ONE MILES
- 30% to Virgin Atlantic (ends 10/1)
- 30% to Japan Airlines (ends 10/22) – JAL is a brand new Capital One transfer partner! The standard transfer rate is 1000:750, so this 30% bonus puts it right at a 1:1 transfer.
Related: All About Capital One Miles
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS®
- 30% to British Airways – ends 10/31. British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus all use the Avios award program, and points can be moved freely between them, so this transfer bonus works for all three programs.
- 80% to IHG – ends 10/22
Related: All About Chase Ultimate Rewards®
CITI THANKYOU® POINTS
- Up to 40% to Qatar – ends 10/15. The bonus is issued by Qatar, not Citi, and the bonus amount depends on points transferred.
- 30% to Virgin Atlantic – ends 10/18
- 50% to Turkish Airlines – ends 10/18
- 25% to Avianca – ends 10/18
Related: All about Citi ThankYou® Points
If you’re not sure how to earn flexible points or transfer them from these banks to travel partners, check out this article.
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Things to Consider Before Transferring
While transfer bonuses can offer great value, there are a few things to keep in mind before you jump in:
- Expiration dates: Once points are transferred to a loyalty program, they are subject to that program’s expiration rules. Make sure you have a plan for using your points before transferring them.
- Award space: Always check award availability before transferring your points because they cannot be moved back once they are transferred.
- Redemption value: Not all points and miles are created equal. Make sure that the transfer bonus provides a good value. For example, a 50% transfer bonus from Chase to Marriott sounds amazing, but Marriott award nights cost much more per night than Chase’s other partner, Hyatt (my favorite hotel program). So you’re actually not stretching your points further, even with the big bonus.
Final Thoughts
Bank transfer bonuses offer one of the best opportunities to maximize the value of your points and miles. By keeping an eye on transfer bonuses and understanding the value of different loyalty programs, you can stretch your points even further and help you book dreamy vacations for less!
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.
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Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.