American Express Membership Rewards really sets itself apart from other credit card rewards thanks to its Frequent Traveller Partner program. No other membership rewards program offers such a wide range of travel partners. Transferring your American Express points for frequent traveller miles with airline and accommodation partners is the #1 way to get the most value for your points.
Maximising the Value of Your AMEX Points
American Express (AMEX) cardholders earn Membership Rewards points with every eligible purchase. By partnering with a range of different companies, American Express gives you plenty of ways to use the points you accrue. You can redeem them for travel, shopping, gift cards, and even pay off your card charges.
However, the value of points can vary significantly depending on how you use them. A great way to maximise the value of your points (and enjoy amazing travel experiences!) is to transfer them to one of AMEX’s Frequent Traveller Partner programs.
Frequent Traveller Partner Programs
American Express Frequent Traveller Partner Programs are loyalty programs of airlines and hotels that you can transfer your Membership Rewards points to and then redeem them for flights and hotel stays.
For example, if you’re a frequent flyer with Air New Zealand, you could transfer your Membership Rewards points to your Air New Zealand Airpoints account.
Once transferred, your Membership Rewards points become Airpoints Dollars, which you can then use to book flights, upgrade your seat, or for other benefits that Air New Zealand offers. Each partner program has its own conversion rate.
For example you might transfer 1 Membership Rewards point and receive 1 partner point with one program, but another program might give you 0.5 partner points for 1 Membership Rewards point.
American Express Frequent Flyer Partner Programs
Air New Zealand
Flying Air New Zealand can open the doors to more than 160 countries. 50 Membership Rewards points convert to 1 Airpoints Dollar™ and transfers usually take about two business days, with a minimum requirement of 2100 points.
Cathay Pacific
With a 2:1 ratio for Asia Miles, Hong Kong’s vibrant street markets could be just a transfer away. The minimum transfer is 500 points and it takes up to 1 business day.
Emirates
Get a taste of luxury with Emirates. Swap 2 Membership Rewards points for 1 Skywards Mile. The process takes 1 business day and requires a minimum of 2,000 points.
Malaysia Airlines
Experience the heart of Malaysia with 1 Enrich Mile for every 2 Membership Rewards points. The transfer takes up to 10 business days and needs a minimum of 500 points.
Qantas Airways
Hop over the ditch on your point power by getting 1 Qantas Point for every 2 Membership Rewards points. A minimum of 500 points is required, and it takes up to 1 business day.
Singapore Airlines
Broaden your horizons with 1 KrisFlyer Mile for every 2 Membership Rewards points. The transfer usually takes up to 1 business day, with a minimum requirement of 500 points.
Velocity
Get ready to explore Australia’s many wonders with 1 Velocity Point for every 2 Membership Rewards points. Transfers usually take 1 business day and require a minimum of 2,000 points.
American Express Hotel Partner Programs
Hilton Honors
Indulge in luxury with 1 Honors point for each Membership Rewards point. Transfers usually take up to 1 business day and require a minimum of 1,000 points.
Marriott Bonvoy
Trade in 1 Membership Rewards point for 1 Marriott point and enjoy luxury accommodation worldwide. Transfers can take up to 14 business days and start from a minimum of 330 points.
How to Transfer Your AMEX Points to a Frequent Traveller Partner
Follow these steps to easily transfer your points to your preferred travel partner:
- Log into your AMEX account.
- Navigate to “Membership Rewards” and then select “Use Points”.
- Find “Transfer Points” and pick the travel partner of your choice.
- Follow the prompts to complete the transfer.
With a little bit of planning and strategically using your card, you can accrue more points and use them to explore the world. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical paradise or a bustling city, your AMEX points can help you get there. Explore American Express credit cards.