Converting credit card points to airline miles: The best transfer partners 2026
Credit card points like Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards are the most flexible currency in the frequent flyer universe. They can be transferred to dozens of airline programs — but transfer rates vary massively. A 1:1 transfer to Avios is worth significantly more than a 2:1 transfer to Miles & More. We show you which transfer partners offer the best rates in 2026 and which to avoid.
Amex Membership Rewards transfer partners
Amex points transfer to over 20 airline and hotel programs. The most important:
- British Airways Executive Club (Avios): 1:1 — top rate, usually within 24h
- Iberia Plus (Avios): 1:1 — same currency, often instant
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios): 1:1 — instant transfer
- Flying Blue (Air France/KLM): 1:1 — one of the best 1:1 rates
- Miles & More: 2:3 (2 Amex = 3 Lufthansa miles) — percentage-wise worse
- Singapore KrisFlyer: 1:1 — instant, excellent value
- Emirates Skywards: 1:1 — instant transfer available
The best destination programs for maximum value
Not all transfer partners are equally valuable. The rule of thumb: transfer where you get the highest cents-per-mile value. Avios (via BA, Iberia, or Qatar) and Flying Blue offer the best combination of 1:1 rate and high redemption value. Miles & More is only worth it due to the 2:3 rate if you have a concrete Lufthansa award in mind.
Tips & pitfalls
Some important points when transferring points:
- Transfers are final — once transferred, there's no going back
- Check award availability BEFORE transferring, not after
- Amex occasionally offers transfer bonuses (30–40% extra) — wait for these
- Iberia Avios are often cheaper to redeem than BA Avios, even though it's the same currency
- On MilesMarket you can sell transferred points if you no longer need them
FAQ
- How long does the Amex transfer to Avios take?
- Transfer to British Airways Executive Club usually takes a few minutes to 24 hours. To Iberia and Qatar it's often instant. Never transfer shortly before an award booking in case of delays.
- Can I sell Amex points directly on MilesMarket?
- No — Amex points must first be transferred to an airline program before they're tradeable on MilesMarket. Transfer the points to Avios or Flying Blue, then sell the miles.