It’s a well-known fact among travel enthusiasts and savvy spenders that American Express Membership Rewards points are incredibly valuable. This isn’t just because they are easy to accumulate through everyday spending, but primarily due to the impressive array of Amex travel partners. Whether your dream redemption is a budget-friendly hotel stay or a luxurious first-class flight to a far-off destination like Asia, the flexibility offered by Amex’s transfer partners is unmatched. You can convert your Membership Rewards points to a diverse portfolio of 18 airline partners and three hotel partners, opening up a world of travel possibilities.
This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners. We’ll explore who these partners are, how to leverage them effectively, and ultimately, how to make the most of your Amex points to fuel your travel adventures.
Accumulating American Express Membership Rewards Points
Before diving into the specifics of Amex travel partners, it’s crucial to understand how to earn these valuable Membership Rewards points in the first place. The gateway to this rewards program is holding an eligible American Express card. Amex offers a range of cards that earn Membership Rewards, each with its own earning structure and benefits.
Several popular Membership Rewards-earning cards currently offer generous welcome bonuses.
Here’s a closer look at some of the flagship cards that can help you rapidly accumulate Membership Rewards points:
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel card known for its extensive benefits and robust rewards program. New cardholders can often take advantage of substantial welcome offers, such as earning 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. It’s always worth checking the CardMatch tool to see if you are targeted for an even higher welcome offer.
Earning Points:
- 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar)
- 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel bookings made through Amex Travel
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Annual Fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
American Express Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is another popular choice for earning Membership Rewards, particularly for those who spend significantly on dining and groceries. Currently, you can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Again, utilizing the CardMatch tool might reveal even more lucrative targeted offers.
Earning Points:
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
- 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
- 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com
- 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on amextravel.com
- 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
Annual Fee: $325 (see rates and fees)
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
For business owners, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers enhanced earning potential and business-centric benefits. A significant welcome bonus of 150,000 Membership Rewards points is available after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
Earning Points:
- 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- 1.5 points per dollar in select business categories and on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar)
- 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
Annual Fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
American Express Business Gold Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card provides flexible bonus categories tailored to business spending. New cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership.
Earning Points:
- 4 points per dollar in the two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from six eligible categories (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar)
- 3 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com
- 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
Annual Fee: $375 (see rates and fees)
American Express Green Card
The American Express® Green Card is a more accessible option with a lower annual fee, still offering solid rewards on travel and dining. You can earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Earning Points:
- 3 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide, takeout, and delivery in the U.S.
- 3 points per dollar on travel and transit
- 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
Annual Fee: $150
Note: Always refer to the American Express website for the most up-to-date welcome offers and earning structures as these can change.
Unveiling the Amex Membership Rewards Transfer Partners
The true power of Amex Membership Rewards points lies in their transferability. American Express boasts a robust network of 21 travel partners, comprised of 18 airlines and 3 hotel chains. This diverse selection ensures that you have ample options to redeem your points for flights and accommodations across the globe.
American Express features 18 airline and three hotel transfer partners.
These partners strategically include representatives from each major airline alliance:
- SkyTeam: Providing access to airlines like Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Aeromexico, facilitating travel across SkyTeam’s extensive network. (SkyTeam Redemption Guide)
- Star Alliance: Offering access to United Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and many more, opening doors to Star Alliance’s vast global reach. (Star Alliance Redemption Guide)
- Oneworld: Connecting you to American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and others within the Oneworld alliance, ideal for travel on these carriers and their partners. (Oneworld Redemption Guide)
Here is a comprehensive list of Amex Membership Rewards airline transfer partners:
Airline Transfer Partners:
| Airline Partner | Alliance |
|---|---|
| Aer Lingus AerClub | N/A |
| Aeromexico Club Premier | SkyTeam |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | Star Alliance |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | SkyTeam |
| All Nippon Airways (ANA) | Star Alliance |
| Avianca LifeMiles | Star Alliance |
| British Airways Executive Club | Oneworld |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | Oneworld |
| Delta SkyMiles | SkyTeam |
| Emirates Skywards | N/A |
| Etihad Guest | N/A |
| Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles | N/A |
| Iberia Plus | Oneworld |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | N/A |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | Oneworld |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | Oneworld |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | Star Alliance |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | N/A |
Related Resources: Best Frequent Flyer Programs for US Travelers
In addition to airlines, Amex also partners with these prominent hotel chains:
Hotel Transfer Partners:
| Hotel Partner |
|---|
| Choice Privileges |
| Hilton Honors |
| Marriott Bonvoy |
Related Resources: Best Hotel Rewards Programs in the World
Transferring Membership Rewards Points to Partners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transferring your hard-earned Membership Rewards points to partner programs is a straightforward process. To initiate a transfer, you must have an active and valid Amex account. The process typically involves these steps:
- Link Partner Accounts: Log in to your American Express Membership Rewards account and navigate to the “Transfer Points” section. From there, you can link your accounts with each participating travel partner. This is a one-time setup process.
- Select Transfer Partner: Choose the specific airline or hotel program to which you want to transfer points.
- Enter Membership Details: You’ll need to enter your frequent flyer or hotel loyalty program membership number and name exactly as they appear on your partner account. Crucially, the name on both your Amex account and the partner loyalty account must match.
- Specify Transfer Amount: Enter the number of Membership Rewards points you wish to transfer. Points are generally transferred in increments of 1,000, with a minimum transfer of 1,000 points.
- Confirm Transfer: Review all details carefully before confirming the transfer. Remember that transfers are typically non-reversible, so ensure you have a confirmed use for the points before proceeding.
American Express periodically offers transfer bonuses to select partners, which can significantly enhance the value of your points. Keep an eye on Amex’s promotions page or websites like The Points Guy for announcements of these bonus offers.
Important Transfer Considerations:
- Irreversible Transfers: Once points are transferred, they cannot be moved back to your Membership Rewards account. Plan your transfers carefully.
- Name Matching: Names on your Amex and partner accounts must be identical.
- Authorized Users: You can transfer points to your own loyalty accounts or those of authorized users on your Amex card, but authorized users must be on the account for at least 90 days to be eligible for transfers.
- Excise Tax Offset Fee: Transfers to U.S.-based frequent flyer programs (Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue) incur a small federal excise tax offset fee of 60 cents per 1,000 points (capped at $99).
Related Resource: How to Transfer Credit Card Rewards to Partner Programs
Maximizing Value with Amex Travel Partners
With such a wide array of Amex travel partners, the possibilities for maximizing your Membership Rewards points are vast. The strategic advantage of transferable points programs like Amex Membership Rewards is that you can hold onto your points until you identify a specific, high-value redemption opportunity. This flexibility is key to unlocking maximum value.
Deciding where to transfer your Membership Rewards points can be difficult, but offers great flexibility.
Here are some key strategies for maximizing your Amex points through transfer partners:
- Aim for Premium Cabin Redemptions: Business class and first-class flights often offer significantly higher redemption value per point compared to economy class. Targeting these premium cabins can stretch your points much further.
- Utilize Airline Alliances: Leverage the power of airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld to access a wider network of destinations and airlines through a single transfer partner.
- Look for Sweet Spots: Certain partner programs have “sweet spots” in their award charts, offering exceptional value for specific routes or destinations. Researching these sweet spots can lead to incredible deals.
- Consider Hotel Transfers for Specific Needs: While generally, airline transfers offer better value, hotel transfers can be useful for topping off accounts for a specific stay or taking advantage of unique hotel redemption opportunities.
- Stay Updated on Transfer Bonuses: Take advantage of limited-time transfer bonuses to boost your points balance with your chosen partner program.
Related Resource: Best Ways to Use Amex Membership Rewards Points
In Conclusion: Amex Travel Partners – Your Gateway to Global Adventures
American Express Membership Rewards points are consistently ranked among the most valuable rewards currencies in the travel landscape. This prestigious standing is largely attributed to the extensive and diverse portfolio of Amex airline and hotel transfer partners.
The flexibility to transfer points to these partners empowers you to strategically redeem for flights and accommodations that offer exceptional value, often far exceeding the value you’d get from fixed-value redemptions. By understanding the Amex travel partner ecosystem and employing smart redemption strategies, you can transform your everyday spending into extraordinary travel experiences around the globe. The power to explore the world is truly in your hands with Amex Membership Rewards and its valuable transfer partners.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
