What Are Transfer Partners?
If you’ve been reading about points and miles for more than a few minutes, you’ve probably heard the phrase “transfer partners.” And if you’re new, it can sound like insider jargon. But here’s the thing: transfer partners are the thing that makes flexible points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Amex Membership Rewards®, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou® Points, Bilt Rewards, and even newer fintech programs) so much more powerful than airline- or hotel-specific points.
Once you understand them, you’ll see how a single credit card bonus or a few everyday purchases can unlock dream trips you never thought possible, from luxury flights to high-end hotels at a fraction of the cash price.
What Are Transfer Partners?
When you earn points with a flexible rewards program, you generally have three options:
Redeem points directly through the bank’s travel portal, like booking a flight or hotel through Chase Travel or Amex Travel.
Transfer points to an airline or hotel loyalty program, then book travel through that program.
Redeem points for statement credits or giftcards.
It’s the second option — transferring your points — that usually gives you access to the best deals and highest value.
Think of your points like a universal currency. Instead of being locked into one airline or hotel, you can choose the partner that gives you the most value.
Why Transfer Partners Matter
Here’s the key for beginners:
Airline- or hotel-specific points lock you into a single program.
Transferable points give you flexibility, allowing you to choose the airline or hotel that maximizes value.
This flexibility often means double, triple, or more value per point compared to just redeeming through a portal.
For example, 20,000 points in a travel portal might cover a $200 hotel stay, but transferring those same points to Hyatt could get you a $400–$500 night. That’s the power of transfer partners.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1:
Hyatt Transfer Partner vs. Chase Travel Portal
You have 20,000 Chase points.
Option A: Book a hotel through Chase Travel at 1 cents per point → $200 value
Option B: Transfer points to World of Hyatt and book a Category 5 hotel that normally costs $400 per night
Result: You just doubled your points’ value by transferring instead of booking through the portal.
You can read about Chase’s transfer partners and how to transfer your points HERE.
Example 2:
ANA First Class with Amex
American Express lets you transfer points to ANA Mileage Club, a Japanese airline.
Roundtrip business class ticket from the U.S. to Japan can cost $5,000+ cash
With ANA, you could book the same trip for 100,000 Amex points
That’s 5 cents per point, far above the 1 cent you’d get redeeming through Amex Travel.
Example 3:
Turkish Airlines with Capital One
Capital One partners with Turkish Airlines, which has one of the best sweet spots in travel:
U.S. to Hawaii in economy class for 10,000 miles one-way per person
Cash price: $500+
Your points just turned into a flight that would have cost thousands in cash when paying for several travelers.
How Different Banks Handle Transfer Partners
Not all banks are created equal when it comes to transfer partners. Here’s what you need to know:
Partners vary by bank – Chase and Amex have different airline and hotel partners, and even Capital One, Citi, and Bilt have unique partners. This means the “best” card depends on which airlines or hotels you want to fly or stay at.
Transfer ratios aren’t always 1:1 – While many transfers are 1:1, some banks or partners have slightly different ratios (for example, 1,000 points = 800 miles). Always check before transferring.
Transfers are always one-way – Once you transfer points to a partner, they can’t be moved back. That’s why it’s crucial to confirm availability before transferring.
Practical Tips for Beginners
Check award space first
Don’t transfer points until you see that the flight or hotel you want has award availability. Points are usually non-refundable once transferred.Be aware of taxes and fees
Even when using points, most airline redemptions require payment of taxes and fees. Some partners (like U.S. airlines) are lower, while others (like European carriers) may add fuel surcharges.Understand expiration rules
Your points in your bank account may never expire, but once transferred, the partner’s expiration rules apply. Always have a loyalty account ready before transferring and know when your miles would expire.Maximize value with simple math
Calculate cents per point (CPP) before transferring. A good rule of thumb: aim for at least 1.25–1.5 cents per point on airline transfers; 2+ cents per point is excellent. You can use my free cents per point calculator HERE.Avoid common mistakes
Transferring without checking award availability
Transferring to a program with poor redemption rates or high fees
Forgetting minimum transfer amounts (you usually need to transfer in 1000 increments)
Beginner Takeaways
Transfer partners are the key to maximizing your points.
Always check award availability before transferring points.
Understand ratios, fees, and expiration rules.
Even a single credit card bonus can turn into a luxury flight or hotel stay if you use the right transfer partner.
Flexibility = freedom. You can tailor your points to the trips you actually want to take.
✅ Want to see how much your points are really worth? Use my Cents Per Point Calculator to find out if you’re maximizing your points.