Transfer partners are the mechanism that turns good points programs into exceptional ones. Instead of redeeming Chase points for 1 cent each toward cash back, you transfer them 1:1 to an airline or hotel — and those same points become worth 1.5, 2, even 3+ cents each. The difference compounds dramatically at scale.
How Transfers Work
Most transfers are 1:1 (1,000 card points → 1,000 airline or hotel points) and process instantly or within a few hours. You initiate the transfer through your card's online portal, and the points appear in your loyalty account shortly after.
Critical rule: Transfers are one-way and irreversible. Never transfer until you have a specific redemption identified and have confirmed award space is available. Airline award space can change between the time you transfer and the time you try to book — always confirm first, then transfer.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase UR is the most beginner-friendly transferable currency — fewer partners than Amex, but a higher-quality core set.
| Partner | Type | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| World of Hyatt | Hotel (CSR: 1:1 | CSP new applicants: 4:3 as of June 15, 2026) | Category 4–7 hotel redemptions (1.5–3¢/pt) |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | Airline | Lufthansa First Class, Star Alliance partners |
| United MileagePlus | Airline | Domestic economy, Star Alliance international |
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | Airline | Monthly promo awards, transatlantic routes |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | Airline | ANA business class, Delta One (sometimes) |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | Airline | Singapore Suites, Star Alliance premium |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards | Airline | Domestic travel, Companion Pass strategy |
| British Airways Avios | Airline | Short-haul routes, Iberia long-haul |
| IHG One Rewards | Hotel | IHG properties, 4th night free |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Hotel | Lower-tier Marriott properties |
Update June 2026: Amex ended its transfer partnership with Etihad Guest on June 29, 2026. Transfers to Etihad are no longer possible.
American Express Membership Rewards
Amex has the largest transfer partner list of any U.S. card issuer — more airlines, more hotels, more flexibility. Particularly strong for international premium cabin redemptions.
| Partner | Type | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | Airline | Monthly promo awards |
| ANA Mileage Club | Airline | ANA First Class to Japan |
| Avianca LifeMiles | Airline | Star Alliance partners at low rates |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | Airline | Cathay business/first to Asia |
| Delta SkyMiles | Airline | Delta domestic (dynamic pricing — research first) |
| Emirates Skywards | Airline | Emirates First Class |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | Airline | Singapore Suites |
| Virgin Atlantic | Airline | ANA business class |
| Hilton Honors | Hotel | Hilton properties (transfer at 1:2) |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Hotel | Lower-tier Marriott properties |
Capital One Miles
Capital One has quietly built a strong transfer partner list — particularly useful for travelers who want Star Alliance or SkyTeam coverage without a Chase or Amex card.
| Highlight Partner | Best use |
|---|---|
| Air Canada Aeroplan | Star Alliance international premium |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | Star Alliance partners at exceptional rates |
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | Monthly promo awards, transatlantic |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | Singapore premium cabins |
| Avianca LifeMiles | Star Alliance at low rates |
| Wyndham Rewards | Hotel stays (transfers at 1:1) |
The Most Valuable Transfer Partners Right Now
- World of Hyatt (Chase) — Consistently 1.7–2.3¢/pt, best hotel transfer available
- Air Canada Aeroplan (Chase, Amex, Capital One) — Access to Lufthansa First Class and Star Alliance partners at fixed, reasonable rates
- Flying Blue (Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi) — Monthly promos make transatlantic economy and business class exceptional value
- Virgin Atlantic (Chase, Amex, Capital One) — ANA business class to Japan at 60k round-trip
- Turkish Miles&Smiles (Capital One, Citi) — Star Alliance business class at some of the lowest rates in the industry