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 | 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 |
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