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Transfer Partners Value Chart 2026: Where Your Points Are Worth the Most
July 1, 2025
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All credit card benefits, annual fees, welcome offers, and transfer partner information in this article are accurate as of publishing date, December 29, 2025, but are subject to change without notice. For the most current and accurate information on any card feature, benefit, fee, or transfer partner mentioned in this article, please visit the card issuer's website directly or contact them for details.
Are Your Points Actually Worth Anything?
You've been diligently earning credit card points for months—maybe even years. Your balance looks impressive: 100,000 points, 250,000 miles, or even more. But here's the uncomfortable truth most people don't realize until it's too late: the value of your points can vary by up to 300% depending on how you redeem them.
Transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to the wrong airline partner, and that 100,000-point balance might only cover a $1,000 economy ticket. But transfer to the right program? You could be booking a $4,500 business class seat to Europe—or even a $12,000 first-class suite to Asia.
The difference between maximizing your points and wasting them often comes down to one thing: knowing which transfer partners offer the best value.
In this guide, we'll break down the 2026 transfer partner landscape, showing you exactly where your points are worth the most—and how to turn your hard-earned rewards into premium travel experiences that would normally be out of reach.
Understanding Transfer Partner Value (And Why It Matters)
What Are Transfer Partners?
Transfer partners are airline and hotel loyalty programs that have partnerships with credit card point currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards®, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou® Points, and Bilt Rewards.
Instead of redeeming your points directly through your credit card's travel portal (typically worth 1-1.5 cents per point), you can transfer them at specific ratios to partner programs—where they can be worth significantly more.
The Math That Changes Everything
Here's a real example from December 2025:
Scenario: Round-trip business class from New York to Paris
Option 1: Book through Chase Travel Portal
- Cost: 166,000 Chase points
- Cash value if purchased: $2,500
- Value per point: 1.5 cents
Option 2: Transfer to Air France Flying Blue
- Cost: 100,000 Flying Blue miles + $400 taxes
- Cash value if purchased: $2,500
- Points needed: 100,000 Chase points (1:1 transfer)
- Value per point: 2.1 cents
The Difference: By transferring to the right partner, you saved 66,000 points—enough for another free international flight—and increased your point value by 40%.
This is why understanding transfer partner values is so crucial. The difference between redemption methods can mean the difference between one trip and two, economy and business class, or a domestic getaway and an international adventure.
The 2025 Transfer Partner Landscape
According to recent data from The Points Guy and NerdWallet's comprehensive 2026 valuations, here's how major airline and hotel points stack up:
Top-Valued Airline Programs (cents per point):
- Bilt Rewards: 2.2¢
- Chase Ultimate Rewards®: 2.05¢
- American Express Membership Rewards®: 2.0¢
- Citi ThankYou® Points: 1.9¢
- Capital One Miles: 1.85¢
Top-Valued Hotel Programs:
- World of Hyatt: 1.8¢
- Marriott Bonvoy: 0.7¢
- Hilton Honors: 0.5¢
- IHG One Rewards: 0.5¢
But these are just averages. The real sweet spots come when you know exactly which programs to transfer to for specific redemptions.
The Big Three: Best Transfer Partner Programs in 2025
1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®: The Swiss Army Knife of Points
Current Valuation: 2.05 cents per point
Chase Ultimate Rewards® remains one of the most versatile point currencies thanks to its extensive transfer partner network and instant transfer capabilities.
Top Transfer Partners for Chase:
For Premium International Flights:
- United MileagePlus (1:1 instant transfer): Excellent for Star Alliance awards, especially to Europe and Asia. Sweet spot: 77,000 miles business class to Europe.
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue (1:1 instant): Dynamic pricing can offer incredible deals during promotions. Recent promo: 25% bonus on transfers.
- British Airways Executive Club (1:1 instant): Best for short-haul flights on American Airlines and oneworld partners.
For Hotel Stays:
- World of Hyatt (1:1 instant): Consistently offers the best hotel point value. Standard rooms start at just 5,000 points per night at Category 1 properties.
Should You Get a Chase Card?
If you're looking to maximize premium travel opportunities, the flexibility of Chase's transfer partners makes it ideal for frequent international travelers. The instant transfers mean you can book award availability as soon as you find it.
Who Should Avoid It:
Casual travelers who primarily fly domestic economy might get better value from straightforward cash-back cards.
2. American Express Membership Rewards®: The Premium Travel Powerhouse
Current Valuation: 2.0 cents per point
American Express offers the largest transfer partner network with 21 airline and hotel partners, making it incredibly versatile for maximizing value.
Top Transfer Partners for Amex:
For Premium Cabin International Flights:
- ANA Mileage Club (1:1, 2-3 day transfer): Known as the "holy grail" for premium cabin bookings. 85,000-110,000 miles for business class to Japan on Star Alliance carriers.
- Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 instant): Exceptional for mixed-cabin awards and short-haul business class.
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 instant): Sweet spot: 50,000 miles for Delta One business class to Europe.
For Luxury Hotel Stays:
- Hilton Honors (1:2, instant): While Hilton points are worth less individually, Amex transfers at 1:2, making it viable for aspirational stays at Conrad and Waldorf Astoria properties.
Who Should Avoid It:
Budget-conscious travelers or those who don't travel internationally enough to justify the $895 annual fee.
3. Capital One Miles: The Rising Star
Current Valuation: 1.85 cents per mile
Capital One has quietly built one of the most competitive transfer programs, with 15+ partners and increasingly competitive transfer bonuses.
Top Transfer Partners for Capital One:
For International Premium Travel:
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles (1:1 instant): Incredible value for Star Alliance business class awards. 45,000 miles for business class from US East Coast to Europe.
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue (1:1 instant): Access to SkyTeam alliance with competitive award pricing.
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1, 24-48 hours): Premium cabin awards on one of the world's best airlines.
Who Should Avoid It:
Those who prefer the largest possible transfer partner network might still prefer Chase or Amex for maximum flexibility.
The Hidden Sweet Spots: Maximum Value Transfer Opportunities
Airline Sweet Spots That Deliver 5-10+ Cents Per Point
Not all redemptions are created equal. Here are the specific scenarios where your points deliver exponential value:
1. ANA First Class to Asia (via Amex)
- Points needed: 110,000-120,000 one-way
- Cash value: $12,000-$15,000
- Value per point: 10-13 cents
- Sweet spot: Book 10-12 months in advance during off-peak seasons
2. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class to Europe (via Amex/Chase)
- Points needed: 50,000 one-way
- Cash value: $3,500-$4,500
- Value per point: 7-9 cents
- Sweet spot: Flying Delta One through Virgin Atlantic partner award
3. Avianca LifeMiles to Europe (via All Transferable Points)
- Points needed: 63,000 business class round-trip
- Cash value: $4,000-$5,000
- Value per point: 6.3-7.9 cents
- Sweet spot: Star Alliance awards with no fuel surcharges
4. Turkish Airlines Business Class to Europe (via Capital One/Citi)
- Points needed: 45,000 one-way
- Cash value: $3,000-$4,000
- Value per point: 6.7-8.9 cents
- Sweet spot: East Coast departures with minimal fees
5. World of Hyatt Category 1-4 Properties (via Chase)
- Points needed: 5,000-15,000 per night
- Cash value: $200-$500+ per night
- Value per point: 4-10 cents
- Sweet spot: Peak season stays at resort properties
Hotel Program Sweet Spots
While airline miles often grab headlines, hotel points can deliver incredible value:
Hyatt Peak Season Redemptions: Standard room at Park Hyatt properties during high season can deliver 8-10 cents per point value. Example: Park Hyatt St. Kitts at 30,000 points (normally $900/night) = 3 cents per point minimum.
Hilton Aspirational Properties: Despite lower per-point value, Hilton's 1:2 transfer ratio from Amex can work for luxury properties. Conrad Bora Bora at 95,000 points per night (normally $1,200+) delivers 1.3 cents per transferred Amex point.
Transfer Partner Comparison: Making the Right Choice
How to Choose the Right Transfer Partner
Step 1: Identify Your Travel Goal
- Destination
- Travel dates (flexible vs. fixed)
- Cabin class preference
- Number of passengers
Step 2: Check Award Availability
Before transferring, always search for award space using the airline/hotel's booking platform. Transfers are usually one-way and irreversible.
Step 3: Calculate the Math
- Cash price of the ticket/stay
- Points required for award booking
- Total cost including taxes/fees
- Cents-per-point value
Step 4: Consider Transfer Time
- Instant transfers: Chase, most Amex partners, most Capital One partners
- 24-48 hour transfers: Singapore KrisFlyer, Avianca LifeMiles
- 2-5 day transfers: ANA Mileage Club
Step 5: Look for Transfer Bonuses
Chase, Amex, Citi, and Capital One periodically offer 15-30% transfer bonuses to specific partners. These can dramatically improve your redemption value.
Common Transfer Pitfalls to Avoid
❌ Transferring without confirming award space
Always search for availability first. Transfers are usually non-reversible.
❌ Ignoring fees and surcharges
Some programs (like British Airways on long-haul flights) charge hefty fuel surcharges that can negate point value.
❌ Transferring during peak season without booking immediately
Award space can disappear in minutes, especially for popular routes.
❌ Not considering stopover options
Some programs allow free stopovers, effectively giving you two trips for one award.
❌ Transferring to low-value domestic economy awards
For short domestic flights, you're often better off booking through your credit card portal or using cash.
Building Your Transfer Partner Strategy
The Optimal Multi-Card Strategy
The most value-conscious travelers maintain a portfolio of cards across multiple issuers to maximize transfer optionality:
Foundation Cards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards® transfer partners
- American Express® Gold Card or American Express Platinum Card®: Access to Membership Rewards® partners
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Access to Capital One transfer partners
This three-card approach gives you access to nearly every valuable transfer partner program, ensuring you can always find the best redemption for your travel goals.
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[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["118", "106"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Generous Travel Rewards", "Serious Points on Flights"]} ]]
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["2888", "438"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Luxurious Travel Benefits", "High Travel Rewards"]} ]]
When to Transfer vs. When to Hold
Transfer When:
✅ You've found confirmed award availability
✅ The redemption offers 2x+ value vs. portal booking
✅ Transfer bonuses are active for your desired partner
✅ You're booking premium cabin international travel
✅ You've calculated total out-of-pocket costs
Hold When:
⏸️ Award space isn't confirmed
⏸️ You're within the cancellation window of travel
⏸️ Better transfer bonuses might be coming
⏸️ You're booking basic domestic economy
⏸️ Cash prices are unusually low
Maximizing Transfer Bonuses
Credit card issuers regularly offer 15-30% transfer bonuses to specific partners. Here's how to capitalize:
Monitor transfer bonus schedules:
- Chase typically offers bonuses quarterly
- Amex runs periodic promotions (check monthly)
- Capital One and Citi offer targeted bonuses
2025 Transfer Partner Value Rankings
Top 5 Airlines for Point Transfers (By Redemption Value)
- ANA Mileage Club (Amex partner)
- Average value: 2.5-3.0 cents per point
- Best for: Premium Asia travel
- Sweet spot: First class awards on Star Alliance
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One, Bilt)
- Average value: 2.0-2.5 cents per point
- Best for: Delta One to Europe
- Sweet spot: 50,000 miles business class
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles (Capital One, Citi, Bilt)
- Average value: 1.8-2.3 cents per point
- Best for: Star Alliance to Europe/Asia
- Sweet spot: 45,000 miles business to Europe
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue (All major issuers)
- Average value: 1.7-2.1 cents per point
- Best for: SkyTeam awards, promotional pricing
- Sweet spot: Off-peak business class to Europe
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi)
- Average value: 1.8-2.0 cents per point
- Best for: Premium Asia-Pacific travel
- Sweet spot: New York to Singapore Suites class
Top 3 Hotel Programs for Point Transfers
- World of Hyatt (Chase)
- Average value: 1.8 cents per point
- Best for: Luxury resort stays, peak season
- Sweet spot: Category 1-4 properties (5,000-15,000 points/night)
- Marriott Bonvoy (Amex, Chase)
- Average value: 0.7 cents per point
- Best for: Global property coverage
- Sweet spot: Category 5 properties with fifth night free
- Hilton Honors (Amex 1:2 ratio)
- Average value: 0.5 cents per point (1.0 cents per transferred Amex point)
- Best for: Aspirational Conrad/Waldorf properties
- Sweet spot: Using points + cash during promotions
Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1: The $15,000 Trip for 200,000 Points
Traveler: Jessica, software engineer in Seattle
Goal: Anniversary trip to Maldives with husband
Timeline: 11 months advance planning
Strategy:
- Transferred 130,000 Chase points to Singapore KrisFlyer for 2 business class tickets Seattle to Singapore to Male (via partner awards)
- Transferred 70,000 Chase points to World of Hyatt for 5 nights at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Cash value if purchased: $15,400
Points used: 200,000
Value per point: 7.7 cents
Outcome: "We saved more than a year's worth of travel budget. The business class flights and overwater villa made our 10th anniversary unforgettable."
Case Study 2: Multiple European Trips for One
Traveler: Marcus, management consultant
Goal: Maximize Europe travel for business and leisure
Timeline: 6 months of strategic transfers
Strategy:
- Built up 300,000 Amex points through business spend
- Transferred 50,000 points to Virgin Atlantic during 30% transfer bonus for business class to London
- Transferred 60,000 points to Air France Flying Blue for business class to Paris (caught promo pricing)
- Held remaining points for future redemptions
Result: Completed 3 trips that would have cost $9,500 for just 110,000 points + $650 in fees
Value achieved: 8 cents per point average
Outcome: "Understanding transfer bonuses and sweet spots completely changed how I travel. I'm now flying business class everywhere for the same points I used to spend on economy."
Case Study 3: The Family Trip That Almost Didn't Happen
Traveler: The Rodriguez family (2 adults, 2 children)
Goal: Disney trip + beach vacation in Florida
Constraint: Limited points balance (150,000 total across cards)
Strategy:
- Transferred 60,000 Chase points to Southwest Rapid Rewards for 4 round-trip tickets (got Companion Pass benefit)
- Transferred 50,000 Chase points to World of Hyatt for 4 nights at Hyatt Regency Orlando
- Kept 40,000 points in Chase portal for rental car and activities
Cash value if purchased: $4,200
Points used: 150,000
Value per point: 2.8 cents
Outcome: "We thought we'd need at least 250,000 points. By transferring strategically to Southwest and Hyatt instead of booking through the portal, we stretched our points 40% further."
Advanced Strategies for Maximum Value
The Positioning Flight Technique
One advanced strategy involves booking "positioning flights" to access better award availability from major hubs.
Example:
- Instead of booking Pittsburgh to Tokyo (limited award space, high points)
- Book separate: Pittsburgh to New York (cash or domestic points) + New York to Tokyo (premium international award)
- Benefit: Access to better routes and pricing from major departure cities
Mixed Cabin Awards
Many programs allow you to book awards that combine cabin classes, reducing overall point costs:
United MileagePlus Example:
- Business class US to Europe hub: 77,000 miles
- Economy Europe to final destination: included
- Total: 77,000 miles vs. 88,000 for full business class
- Savings: 11,000 miles per ticket
Stopover Strategies
Certain programs allow free stopovers, effectively giving you two destinations for one award:
Turkish Airlines Example:
- New York to Istanbul to Dubai
- Add 7-day Istanbul stopover (free)
- Result: One award, two cities, same point cost
The Points Pooling Approach
Some transfer partners allow you to pool points from different credit card programs:
- Transfer Chase points to your United account
- Transfer Capital One miles to your United account
- Combine balances for larger redemptions
- Benefit: Maximize flexibility across programs
Common Questions About Transfer Partners
How long do points take to transfer?
Instant (within minutes):
- Most Chase transfers
- Most Amex transfers to airlines
- Most Capital One transfers
- Citi to most partners
24-48 hours:
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Avianca LifeMiles
- Some hotel programs
2-5 business days:
- ANA Mileage Club
- Some less common partners
Pro tip: For time-sensitive bookings, stick with instant transfer partners or transfer well in advance.
Can I transfer points back if I change my mind?
Generally, no. Most transfers are one-way and final. Exceptions:
- Marriott Bonvoy allows returns within 30 days (with restrictions)
- Some programs may reverse transfers due to technical errors
Always confirm award availability before transferring.
Do transferred points expire?
It depends on the program:
Programs with no expiration:
- United MileagePlus (as long as activity every 18 months)
- Delta SkyMiles (no expiration)
- Southwest Rapid Rewards (no expiration)
Programs with expiration:
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue (24 months of inactivity)
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (36 months of inactivity)
- Most hotel programs (12-24 months of inactivity)
Best practice: Only transfer what you need when you're ready to book.
Should I transfer all my points to one program?
No. Maintaining points across multiple currencies provides maximum flexibility. Different programs excel for different redemptions.
Optimal distribution:
- Keep 60-70% in transferable currency (Chase, Amex, Capital One)
- Transfer 20-30% as needed for confirmed bookings
- Hold 10% for unexpected opportunities
How do I find award availability?
Before transferring, check:
- Airline websites: Search award calendars directly
- Partner programs: Sometimes better availability through partners
- Award search tools: ExpertFlyer, AwardHacker, or Miles to Memories for advanced searches
- Flexible dates: ±3 days can reveal more options
Remember: If you can't see award space, don't transfer points.
Bottom Line
Transfer partners are the secret weapon that separates savvy travelers from those who leave thousands of dollars in value on the table. The difference between booking through your credit card portal and transferring to the right partner program can mean:
✅ Flying business class instead of economy for the same points
✅ Stretching one trip into two or even three
✅ Accessing sold-out cash fares through award availability
✅ Turning $500 worth of points into $2,500+ in travel value
The key is understanding that not all points are created equal—and knowing exactly where to send them to maximize their value.
Whether you're sitting on 50,000 points or 500,000, the strategies in this guide can help you extract dramatically more value from every single point. The question isn't whether you should use transfer partners—it's how quickly you can start.
Your next premium travel experience is waiting. All you need to do is transfer your points to the right partner.
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