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Airline or hotel-specific credit cards earn rewards with one loyalty program, but a handful of cards allow you to gain much more flexibility and earn points that can be transferred to many airlines and hotel programs. Below we focus on the four best programs that are best suited to what airlines and hotels offer, how they compare and best to achieve a particular travel goal.
4 Best Credit Card Point Programs for Air and Hotel Transfers
Each card issuer has its own point currency that can be earned with a specific card. If you are not using any of these, you may not have earned any transferable points.
It is important to know that these programs are constantly evolving. New airlines and hotel partners have been added, some have been removed, and transfer ratios change from time to time. Some updates are simple. Capital One recently added JetBlue TrueBlue as a transfer partner. It’s easy. However, most are tricky. Suitable Case: Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi all have British Airlines as relocation partners. The point currency for British Airways is called Avios and is the same point currency as several other airlines, including Iberia, Qatar Airways and Aer Lingus. Avios allows you to travel freely between these airline programs, so you will need one partner (such as British Airways) on the credit card side. Recently, Finnair also adopted Avios as the point currency. This may not be listed as a direct transfer partner to most credit cards, but first transfers credit card points to British Airways Abios, after that Transfer Avios to Finnair Avios on the BA website. Have we lost you?
Another more complicated example: despite the imminent merger between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska AirlinessAmerican Express will remain a partner of Hawaii Airlines until June 30, 2025. So now there’s a backdoor on Alaska Airlines’ mileage program (and the highly coveted miles). Transfer from Amex to Hawaiian. Next, we link Hawaiian and Alaska accounts and create them inside and out.
These types of nuances are important when assessing how far your points can take you – especially considering which credit card programs best match your travel goals. So, let’s start with a review of each card and continue with the comprehensive comparison chart below to take a closer look at which cards will be transferred to the airline and hotel loyalty program.
Transfer power comparison
Review: American Express Membership Rewards
- Air Travel Transfer: Of the four programs, American Express Membership Rewards offers the most diverse airline partners. 18 are officially listed and you can effectively access Finnair via Avios. In particular, Ana Mileage Club and Delta Skymiles remain exclusive to Amex among the major publishers, allowing travelers to access both Japanese and domestic red escapades. Unfortunately, Amex charges fees to transfer points to partners of domestic airlines, but other card issuers do not.
- Hotel Transfer: Amex is affiliated with Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and the privilege of choice. For those with premium travel ambitions, the American Express Platinum Card gives elite status in both Bonvoy and Hilton honors, effectively sweetening your transfer contract. Not only do these programs have points, but when using them, for example, Hilton Honors are eligible for perks such as late checkouts, upgrades (availability dependent), and daily food and beverage credits on some properties.
Review: Capital 1 Mile
- Air Travel Transfer: In recent years, Capital One Miles has matured into a serious competitor, especially after shifting almost all of its transfer ratios to 1:1. The list of partners includes many of the same international airlines, which are seen as other programs (such as Air France, Birds, Turkey, Emirates), as well as unique additions such as Virgin Red and Tap Air Portugal. That said, the capital transfer rate to our latest partner, JetBlue, is from 0.6 JetBlue TrueBlue points.
- Hotel Transfer: The Capital One Mile is a bit weak on the hotel side, with only Wyndham and Choice Hotel running, but we hope Capital One will continue to expand its reach.
Review: Chase Ultimate Reward
- Air Travel Transfer: Chase’s list includes major US carriers such as United, Southwest and JetBlue, along with international options such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Air France/KLM.
- Hotel Transfer: Chase Ultimate Rewards is excellent when it comes to hotel loyalty programs, especially for travelers who love Hyatt. With rewards from Marriott Bonboy and IHG One, it is the only issuer to access the Hyatt world (widely considered the most rewarding hotel point currency). The list of airlines is slightly shorter than the list of Amex, but domestic coverage and its Hyatt partnership give the advantage to travelers with distorted redemptions that US brands and luxury hotels stay.
Review: Thank you Citi Points
- Air Travel Transfer: Citi Thank You Points earned primarily through CitiPremier® cards are sitting somewhere in the middle. The program boasts a solid group of international airline partners (Avianca, Turkish, Catar, Etihad, etc.) and is the only non-capital group to partner with Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles.
- Hotel Transfer: City has also quietly built a niche hotel lineup with unique partners. This is the only program I prefer to have with Hotel Rewards and Leaders Club. There is a shortage of heavy hitters like Hyatt and Hilton, but diversity in partners has become a flexible alternative.
Point transfer ratio at a glance
How do all four of these credit card programs compare with partners in terms of transfer ratios with regard to national and international airline loyalty programs?
| Eva Air | 1:0.75 | 1:1 | ||
Which card is right for you?
Choosing the right card depends on your travel goals, but here’s a quick summary.
- American Express: Perfect for pure transfer partner volume and international flexibility
- Chase: The best hotel red and domestic airline compensation
- City: stands out for boutique hotel partnerships and unique airline partnerships
- Capital One: Quietly and powerful international transfer options and a powerful value proposition for budget-oriented luxury seekers
Ultimately, transferring points is to have options. These four programs allow you to get it now and decide later, and get the best red when the timing and fare are right.
More Credit Cards and Points Tips:
Those looking to quickly increase their credit card points balances should consider choosing their card with the best welcome offer of the season.
All information about Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi Strata Premier cards is collected independently, from a long way to the right. Chase Sapphire is no longer available, and there is no City formation. The above offers are accurate at the time of publication, but are subject to change at any time and may be subject to change or unavailable. Eligibility and profit level vary by card. Conditions, conditions, and restrictions apply. Please visit AmericanExpress.com/benefitsguide For more information. The Amex Assurance Company took on it. Terms apply to American Express profits and offers. Registration may be required for American Express selection and offers. visit AmericanExpress.com For more information.
