Using Membership Rewards points
Transferring Membership Rewards points to an airline or hotel partner can produce good value, but it is not automatically the best choice. Compare availability, the transfer output, taxes and cancellation rules with the cash fare before moving points.
Check the American Express transfer partners page for a list of current transfer partners and ratios.
My 3-Step Transfer Strategy
Identify Travel Goal
Identify your travel goal first.
Find Best Partner Redemption
See which partner program offers the best redemption for that route/hotel.
Pro Tip: Use Award Search Tools Websites like seats.aero , PointsYeah , or AwardFares can be invaluable for finding which airline has award seats available for your desired route, saving you hours of manual searching. (Note: the old AwardHacker tool shut down in 2026.)
Transfer Points for Specific Booking
Transfer points only when you have found an available flight and are ready to book, as transfers are irreversible.
Example: Business Class to Asia with Asia Miles
A solid option for flights to Asia, known for reasonable award rates and good availability. Note: after the August 2025 devaluation, Asia Miles transfers at 3:2 (so the MR cost is higher than before). For many redemptions a 5:4 partner like British Airways Avios or Flying Blue now needs fewer MR points — always compare.
| Class | Route Example (FRA-HKG) | Asia Miles | MR Points (3:2) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Frankfurt to Hong Kong (5,001-7,500 miles) | ~27,000 | 40,500 | + taxes (see Best routes) |
| Business Class | Frankfurt to Hong Kong | ~84,000-91,000 | 126,000-136,500 | + taxes (see Best routes) |
Always double-check the details! Airline award charts and partner agreements can change without notice. The numbers above are examples, but you should always verify the exact mileage cost and availability on the airline’s website before transferring any points.
Occasional transfer bonuses to hotel partners like Marriott Bonvoy can be valuable. At the standard 3:2 ratio, 30,000 Bonvoy points require 45,000 Amex MR points. With a 30% transfer bonus, the calculation would be approximately 34,615 MR points. Always confirm the live ratio and bonus terms immediately before transferring.
Need a card to earn Membership Rewards?
Choose Gold only when you have a realistic plan for flexible points and can justify its regular cost through benefits you would use anyway. Transfer partners do not make an unsuitable card a good fit.
Apply for Gold Card
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