Maximizing Travel: Best Credit Cards for Transferable Points

In the world of credit card rewards, one thing reigns supreme: transferable points. These versatile and valuable rewards have become the holy grail for savvy travelers and those seeking to maximize their benefits. Imagine having the flexibility to turn your everyday expenses into unforgettable adventures, luxurious hotel stays, or even business class flights. Transferable points allow you to do just that. These points can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, opening up a world of possibilities for your rewards.
It’s important to understand that not all credit cards are created equal when it comes to earning rewards. Some offer Cash Back through statement credits, others offer miles or points that are stuck with a single airline or hotel, limiting how you can use them. Choosing a transferable points credit card not only gives you versatility, but also helps you maximize point value. A key qualifier is that the transferable value of a single point must average more than 1 cent (what you might get for cash back). In fact, in some cases you could get 2x value (or more) out of a point once transferred!
Tip! Once you transfer points, it’s not reversible. Because of that, it’s best to transfer points when you have a specific use planned.
Read on to discover how to unlock the full potential of transferable points and make every swipe count. Now that you can see why transferable points are so important, let’s look at the top rewards programs in the market, along with the recommended credit cards for each. Your next adventure could be just a swipe away.
Best Credit Cards for Transferable Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Chase Ultimate Rewards stands as one of the best transferable point programs. It provides cardholders with access to various travel and experiences. This versatile rewards program is known for its flexibility and value, making it a cornerstone in the rewards ecosystem. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a dining connoisseur, or simply want to make the most of your spending, Chase Ultimate Rewards has something to offer.
Chase has partnered with the following world class roster of airlines and hotels which allow you to travel domestic or international for less.
Chase Airline Transfer Partners:
Airline | Transfer ratio | Point value |
Aer Lingus AerClub | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Air Canada Aeroplan | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 1:1 | 1.2 |
British Airways Executive Club | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Emirates Skywards | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Iberia Plus | 1:1 | 1.2 |
JetBlue TrueBlue | 1:1 | 1.3 |
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 1:1 | 1.3 |
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards | 1:1 | 1.4 |
United MileagePlus | 1:1 | 1.3 |
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Chase Hotel Transfer Partners:
Hotel | Transfer ratio | Point value |
IHG One Rewards | 1:1 | 0.6 |
Includes Intercontinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Candlewood, and more. | ||
Marriott Bonvoy | 1:1 | 0.8 |
Includes The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Courtyard, and more. | ||
World Of Hyatt | 1:1 | 1.9 |
Includes Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Thompson, Andaz, and more. |
How do I earn Chase Ultimate Rewards?
There are many ways to earn Ultimate Rewards with Chase. But not all Chase cards can transfer points to partners. To make a transfer, you must hold a premium card, such as Sapphire (personal) or Ink Preferred (business). The great thing about Chase is that you can pool all the points under your individual account (personal and business), and you can even link a household member’s separate account to extend your points pool. So no matter which card earns the points, if you hold a qualifying premium card you have the option of transferring your points to get outsized value.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Premium travel benefits, including airport lounge access, $300 travel credits, and travel protection.
Apply now
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Excellent balance of annual fee affordability and valuable travel rewards and travel protection.
Apply now
Terms apply. Offers subject to change. Refer to card issuer for full details.
How do I Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards?
American Express Membership Rewards®
Membership Rewards is a sought-after program for those seeking to enhance their travel and lifestyle experiences. With its versatility and value, American Express Membership Rewards offers cardholders a passport to a world of possibilities. From premium travel benefits to flexible redemption choices, it really shines as one of the best credit cards for transferable points. Get ready for a journey where your everyday spending can bring about extraordinary rewards.
American Express has formed partnerships with these top-tier airlines and hotels, enabling you to enjoy travel at more affordable rates.
Amex Airline Transfer Partners:
Airline | Transfer ratio | Point value |
Aer Lingus AerClub | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Aeromexico Club Premier | 1:1.6 | 1.0 |
Air Canada Aeroplan | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 1:1 | 1.2 |
ANA Mileage Club | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Avianca Lifemiles | 1:1 | 1.5 |
British Airways Executive Club | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Delta SkyMiles | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Emirates Skywards | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Etihad Guest | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles | 1:1 | 0.9 |
Iberia Plus | 1:1 | 1.2 |
JetBlue TrueBlue | 1.25:1 | 1.3 |
Qantas Frequent Flyer | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Qatar Privilege Club | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 1:1 | 1.3 |
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Amex Hotel Transfer Partners:
Hotel | Transfer ratio | Point Value |
Choice Privileges | 1:1 | 0.6 |
Includes Cambria, Radisson, Park Plaza, Comfort, Quality Inn, Woodspring Suites, and more. | ||
Hilton Honors | 1:2 | 0.5 |
Includes Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Hilton, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton, and more. | ||
Marriott Bonvoy | 1:1 | 0.8 |
Includes The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Courtyard, and more. |
How do I earn Amex Membership Rewards?
Earning Membership Rewards points presents a lot of possibilities. Eligibility extends to a range of personal cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, the American Express® Green Card, The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express, and The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express. You can also consolidate all your points within your individual account (personal and business), however you can not pool points or share with any other account.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Luxury travel perks like airport lounge access, hotel and airline elite status, and substantial travel credits.
Apply now
American Express Gold Card
Impressive rewards on essentials like dining and groceries, plus dining and transit credits.
Apply now
Terms apply. Offers subject to change. Refer to card issuer for full details.
How do I Transfer Amex Membership Rewards?
Capital One Miles
Among our standout transferable rewards program, Capital One Miles is a compelling choice for savvy consumers. By earning through this rewards program, can turn your everyday expenses into unforgettable adventures. While Ultimate Rewards and Membership Rewards steal a lot of the spotlight, Capital One Miles also opens a gateway to outsized redemption opportunities. You’ll even have access to different transfer partner options that may better suit your needs or travel style.
Capital One has formed alliances that enable you to enjoy more affordable domestic and international travel, making more of your everyday spending.
Capital One Airline Transfer Partners:
Airline | Transfer ratio | Point value |
Aeromexico Club Premier | 1:1.6 | 1.0 |
Air Canada Aeroplan | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Avianca Lifemiles | 1:1 | 1.5 |
British Airways Executive Club | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Emirates Skywards | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Etihad Guest | 1:1 | 1.2 |
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands | 4:3 | 1.0 |
Finnair Plus | 1:1 | 1.2 |
Qantas Frequent Flyer | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 1:1 | 1.3 |
TAP Portugal Miles&Go | 1:1 | 0.8 |
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 1:1 | 1.3 |
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 1:1 | 1.4 |
Capital One Hotel Transfer Partners:
Hotel | Transfer ratio | Point value |
Choice Privileges | 1:1 | 0.6 |
Includes Cambria, Radisson, Park Plaza, Comfort, Quality Inn, Woodspring Suites, and more. | ||
Wyndham Rewards | 1:1 | 1.0 |
Includes Wyndham Grand, Wyndham, Wyndham Garden, La Quinta, Wingate, Baymont, and more. |
How do I earn Capital One Miles?
You can acquire Capital One Miles through the Venture card portfolio, which includes the Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Venture Rewards Credit Card, and VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. It’s also the easiest program to move rewards to different Capital One Miles accounts, even if the other account isn’t a household member. It’s a good way to share or combine points as needed.
Capital One Venture X
Premium travel benefits, including $300 travel credits, airport lounge access, and high 2x earning rate.
Apply now
Capital One Venture
Simplicity and flexibility with a straightforward 2x earning structure, plus travel benefits.
Apply now
Terms apply. Offers subject to change. Refer to card issuer for full details.
Other Credit Card Reward Programs
While Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One Miles offer the best credit cards for transferable points, there are two more programs worth looking into. Citi ThankYou Points and Bilt Rewards both offer extensive transfer partners with opportunity to maximize the value of your awards.
Citi ThankYou® Points
Citi Airline Transfer Partners:
AeroMexico, Air France-KLM, Avianca, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Eithad, EVA Air, JetBlue, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Citi Hotel Transfer Partners:
Choice Privileges, Wyndham Rewards
How do I earn ThankYou Points?
There are regular ThankYou points, and then there are transferable ThankYou points. You must hold a premium card like the Citi Prestige or Citi Premier to make transfers.
Citi Premier® Card
Simple yet impressive rewards earning tiers on dining, entertainment, and travel spending.
Apply now
Bilt Rewards
Bilt Airline Transfer Partners:
Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France-KLM, Alaska Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic
Bilt Hotel Transfer Partners:
IHG One rewards, Marriot Bonvoy, World of Hyatt
How do I earn Bilt Rewards?
There is currently only one way to earn Bilt rewards, and that is with the BILT Mastercard. The good news is that if you’re a renter, the points will add up fast.
BILT Mastercard®
The only card to earn points on monthly rent, plus elevated transfer bonuses on rent day.
Apply now
Terms apply. Offers subject to change. Refer to card issuer for full details.
Credit Card Transfer Partners Comparison Chart
Airlines | Chase Ultimate Rewards | Amex Membership Rewards | Capital One Miles | Citi ThankYou Points | Bilt Rewards |
Aeromexico | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Aer Lingus | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Air Canada | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Air France-KLM | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Alaska Airlines | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
ANA Airways | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Avianca | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
British Airways | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Cathay Pacific | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Delta | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Emirates | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Etihad Airways | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
EVA Air | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Ultimate Rewards | Membership Rewards | Capital One Miles | ThankYou Points | Bilt Rewards | |
Finnair | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Hawaiian | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Iberia | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
JetBlue | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Qantas | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Qatar Airways | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Singapore Airlines | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Southwest | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
TAP Air Portugal | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Thai Airways | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Turkish Airlines | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
United Airlines | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Virgin Atlantic | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Hotels | Chase Ultimate Rewards | Amex Membership Rewards | Capital One Miles | Citi ThankYou Points | Bilt Rewards |
Choice Privileges | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Hilton Honors | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
IHG One Rewards | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Marriott Bonvoy | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
World of Hyatt | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Wyndham Rewards | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Final Thoughts: Maximizing Travel with Transferable Points
As you’ve discovered, transferable points have become a coveted reward option for savvy travelers and those looking to maximize their benefits. Each program offers unique benefits and transfer partners, allowing you to tailor your rewards journey to your individual preferences and travel goals. Remember, whether you’re a frequent flyer, a foodie, or simply someone looking to make the most of your spending, there’s a transferable points program and credit card that suits your needs. May your points take you to places you’ve only dreamed of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are credit card reward programs?
Credit card reward programs are offerings by credit card companies that allow cardholders to earn points, miles, or cash back based on their spending. These points can usually be redeemed for various rewards such as travel, merchandise, or statement credits.
How can I transfer credit card points?
Most travel credit card issuers offer the option to transfer your credit card points to partner airlines or hotels. You can usually initiate the transfer through the credit card’s online portal or by calling customer service.
Which credit cards offer the best transferable point options?
Several credit cards offer transferable point currencies that can be exchanged with multiple airlines and hotels, providing flexibility and value. Some popular options include credit cards from Amex, Chase, and Citi.
Can I transfer my credit card points to airline partners?
Yes, many credit card reward programs allow you to transfer your points to various airline partners, both domestic and international, enabling you to redeem them for flights or upgrades with participating airlines.
What are the benefits of transfer bonuses in credit card programs?
Transfer bonuses are promotional offers that incentivize cardholders to transfer their points to specific loyalty program partners by offering extra points or miles for a limited time. These bonuses can enhance the value of your credit card rewards.
How do I know the best credit card for earning rewards with transferable points?
Ultimately, the right card for you depends on your travel habits and any preferences you have for airline or hotel partners. Review the partners for each reward program to decide which transferable credit card points will be most valuable to you.
These are our recommendations but it isn’t financial advice. We may receive a commission if you click through any of the links in this article.
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