Buzz
Traveling often comes with a hefty price tag, but numerous credit cards provide rewards programs where you can accumulate points or miles. These can be transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs, enabling you to exchange your credit card rewards for complimentary flights, hotel accommodations, and other travel advantages.
When it’s time to use your diligently accumulated travel rewards, transferable points stand out as the top choice. They are, without a doubt, the most flexible form of currency in the realm of points and miles. Discover how to transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs and why this approach frequently offers the greatest value for your rewards.
What makes transferring your points worthwhile?
First, let’s explore why opting for transferable points is a smart decision for you.
Expanded redemption opportunities
Each travel program provides unique rewards and partner redemption options. For instance, accumulating American Airlines AAdvantage miles is beneficial, but those rewards are restricted to American Airlines and its partners. The advantage of transferable points lies in their flexibility. Rather than being confined to a single airline or hotel program, you can transfer your rewards to secure the best deals at the lowest costs. This flexibility allows you to use your points for international business class flights, upscale hotel accommodations, cruises, car rentals, and much more.
Higher redemption value
Transferring points to a travel partner’s program often yields greater value than redeeming them for statement credits or gift cards. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valued at one cent per point for cash back, but their worth can increase to 1.5 cents or more per point when transferred to airline partners.
Skipping blackout dates
Booking award travel directly via an airline or hotel program often provides greater availability and fewer blackout dates than redeeming points through your credit card’s travel portal.
Steps to transfer points
Identify your credit card program’s travel partners. For instance, Chase Ultimate Rewards allows transfers to 13 airlines and three hotel programs. Choose the ones that align with your travel needs.
Access your credit card account online and navigate to the transfer points section, typically found under the rewards dashboard.
Choose an airline or hotel program, enter the number of points you wish to transfer, and provide the relevant loyalty program account number.
Review the details carefully and confirm the transfer request. While transfers may take a few days, they are usually processed quickly.
Once the transfer is finalized, the points will appear in your chosen loyalty program account, ready for redemption according to that program’s rates and rules.
While it requires some effort, the payoff can be substantial, particularly for costly international trips in business or first class.
Explore travel rewards credit cards
For frequent travelers committed to maximizing the value of their points, travel rewards cards are a must. Leading options include the Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards programs. Ensure you’re accumulating sufficient points—and redeeming them consistently—to make the card’s annual fee worthwhile.
As we’ve discussed earlier, our recommendation is to save points only for planned usage within the next year or so. Failing to do so could mean losing their potential value.
