Unlocking Value with American Express Travel Partners

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American Express has partnered with various travel companies to provide exclusive benefits to its cardmembers.

These partners include Hertz, Avis, and National, offering car rental discounts and perks.

Booking a rental car through American Express can save you up to 25% off base rates.

You can also earn rewards points and enjoy priority service when renting with these partners.

American Express Travel Partners

American Express Travel Partners have a wide variety of airline and hotel options for transferring points. With over 17 airline partners and 3 hotel partners, you can choose the best fit for your travel plans.

You can transfer your points to popular airline programs like Aer Lingus AerClub, Air Canada Aeroplan, and British Airways Executive Club, among others. The transfer ratios vary, with some partners offering a 1:1 ratio and others requiring a 1:1.6 or 1:2 ratio.

The transfer process is generally quick, with most transfers taking instantaneously or up to 24 hours. However, some partners may require up to 48 hours or 14 business days for the transfer to be completed.

Credit: youtube.com, Top 6 American Express Points Transfer Partners

Here are some of the airline transfer partners:

  • Aer Lingus AerClub (1:1 ratio; transfers instant)
  • Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 ratio; transfers instant)
  • British Airways Executive Club (1:1 ratio; transfers instant)
  • HawaiianMiles (1:1 ratio; transfers instant)
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio; transfers instant)
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio; transfers take 24 hours)

You can also transfer your points to hotel loyalty programs like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and Choice Privileges. The transfer ratios and processing times vary, so be sure to check the specific terms and conditions for each partner.

Amex Program Overview

The American Express Membership Rewards program has a long history, dating back to 1991 when it debuted with just seven U.S. airline partners. Today, the program has 17 airline and three hotel transfer partners.

The program's impressive growth is a testament to its popularity and versatility. In fact, it has more airline partners than Chase, with 17 compared to Chase's 14. Amex also has three hotel transfer partners, including Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy.

One of the key benefits of the Amex Membership Rewards program is its excellent quality of partners and redemption opportunities. This is reflected in the variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs cardholders can transfer their points to.

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The program's transfer partners include at least one useful option in each major airline alliance: SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and Oneworld. Here's a list of the airline transfer partners:

The hotel transfer partners are also worth noting, with Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy offering a range of redemption opportunities.

What Are Travel?

American Express Travel Partners are airlines and hotel chains that have partnered with the credit card. Amex card users will be able to transfer the points they have built up when using their card to go towards the frequent flyer and loyalty schemes of the hotels and airlines.

These points will help to contribute towards discounts and free flights as offered by the partner brands.

Travel Booking and Airlines

American Express offers a wide variety of credit card transfer partners, making it a great option for travelers.

You can transfer your points to many airline and hotel partners, including those with instant transfer options.

Some transfer ratios vary, but most are 1 Membership Rewards point to 1 airline mile or hotel point.

Travel Booking

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Travel booking with American Express Membership Rewards can be a great way to save money on your trips. With a wide variety of airline and hotel partners to choose from, you can transfer your points to make the most of your travel plans.

American Express offers a long list of credit card transfer partners, including many airline and hotel options. You can transfer your points to these partners at a 1:1 ratio, although some transfers may take a few business days to process.

Delta SkyMiles is one of the airline partners you can transfer your points to, with a 1:1 transfer ratio. This can be a great option for US domestic flights.

Here are some of the airline and hotel partners you can transfer your Amex points to:

Hotel points redemptions can be a good option for luxury getaways, where you can splurge on a high-end resort. However, redemption values vary based on the deals you find, so it's worth doing your research to make the most of your points transfer.

British Airways Executive Club

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British Airways Executive Club is a great option for booking flights, especially if you're looking to save money on routes that can be expensive to book using cash. You can transfer Amex points to British Airways and book flights with Oneworld airline carriers, such as American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

One of the benefits of using British Airways Executive Club is the ability to book short-haul awards for a relatively low number of points. For example, you can fly from the West Coast of the US to Hawaii for just 13,000 Avios each way in economy, which is a great deal compared to booking with cash.

You can also transfer Avios between British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, and Iberia Plus for even more options, including some with lower surcharges on flights to and from Europe. This is a great way to get the most out of your Amex points and book flights that suit your needs.

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Here are some examples of flights you can book with British Airways Executive Club:

  • Los Angeles or San Francisco to Tokyo for 27,750 miles each way in economy on JAL
  • Boston to Dublin for 13,000 miles each way at off-peak times on Aer Lingus
  • West Coast of the US to Hawaii for 13,000 Avios each way in economy on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines

Keep in mind that you can also use British Airways Executive Club to book flights with other Oneworld airline carriers, such as Qantas and Cathay Pacific.

Hotel Partners

Hotel Partners offer a great way to redeem your American Express points. You can choose from a variety of hotel chains, each with its own transfer ratio and terms.

For example, Choice Privileges offers a 1:1 transfer ratio, making it a great choice for cost-effective stays. Hilton Honors, on the other hand, offers a 1:2 transfer ratio, making it a popular choice for those looking to make the most of their points.

Here are some popular hotel partners to consider:

Some hotel partners may have specific requirements or verification processes, so be sure to research the terms and conditions before transferring your points.

Choice Privileges

Choice Privileges is a great hotel partner to consider for your Amex points. You can transfer your points to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 ratio, making it a cost-effective option for stays at their budget-friendly hotels across the globe.

Credit: youtube.com, Choice Hotels: Rewards Program Review

One of the best things about Choice Privileges is that they offer affordable hotel options in many locations. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you can find a comfortable and convenient place to stay without breaking the bank.

If you're looking to save money on your hotel stays, Choice Privileges is definitely worth considering. With their 1:1 transfer ratio, you can make the most of your Amex points and enjoy a cost-effective vacation.

Here are some specific ways you can use your Amex points with Choice Privileges:

  • Transfer your points to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 ratio
  • Use your points to book stays at Choice Privileges hotels across the globe

Hotels

You can transfer your Amex points to numerous hotel partners, offering a wide range of options for your next stay.

Some hotel partners, like Hilton Honors, have over 7,000 hotels in 122 countries, providing you with endless possibilities for your travels.

Hilton Honors points can be redeemed for hotel stays and more, making it a great choice for those who want flexibility in their rewards.

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The transfer of Membership Reward points to Hilton Honors may take up to 14 business days, so be sure to plan ahead.

You can transfer your points to Marriott Bonvoy, which has won multiple Freddie Awards and offers redemption options across 30 amazing brands.

The transfer of Membership Reward points to Marriott Bonvoy may also take up to 14 business days, so allow some extra time for the transfer to complete.

If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Choice Privileges is a great choice, with affordable hotels across the globe.

The transfer ratio for Choice Privileges is 1:1, making it easy to redeem your points for a cost-effective stay.

Here are some of the hotel partners you can transfer your Amex points to:

  • Hilton Honors
  • Marriott Bonvoy
  • Choice Privileges

Partner Selection and Redemption

Choosing the right American Express travel partner can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. Research is key to making the most of your points transfer, so be sure to investigate the terms and conditions of each partner.

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You can transfer your Amex points to a variety of airline and hotel partners, including 18 airlines worldwide. Points transfer to most partners instantaneously, but some transactions may take a few business days to process.

To maximize your Amex points, transferring to airline partners is a great option – you can get up to two cents apiece, which is a significant return. You can use the point.me reward search tool to see all your redemption options and transfer your points only when you find a good award deal.

Some of the best transfer options include transferring to Virgin Atlantic to book Delta flights to Europe with no fuel surcharges, or transferring to British Airways Avios to book economy flights on Aer Lingus.

Selecting Partner Airlines and Hotels

You can transfer your Amex points to the airline and hotel partners listed below, which include many of the world's top airlines and hotels.

The transfer ratios are mostly 1:1, but some partners vary. For example, transferring to Hilton Honors requires a minimum of 1000 points in increments of 1, while Marriott Bonvoy requires a minimum of 330 points in increments of 330.

Credit: youtube.com, Beginner’s Guide to Transfer Partners for BIG VALUE (Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One Credit Cards)

Transfers to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy may take up to 14 business days to process, so be patient.

You can use the point.me reward search tool to see all your redemption options, which can help you find the best award deals on airlines.

Here are some of the most valuable airline and hotel transfer partners:

  • Delta flights to Europe (with no fuel surcharges) and ANA first class by transferring to Virgin Atlantic
  • Oneworld economy flights using British Airways Avios
  • Fly round trip to Madrid on Iberia
  • Fly Singapore Airlines premium classes by transferring to KrisFlyer
  • Transfer to Flying Blue for flights to Europe and North Africa

American Express Membership Rewards points are some of the most valuable points on the market, thanks to Amex's extensive list of airline and hotel transfer partners.

Redeem for Gift Cards

You can redeem your points for gift cards from popular companies like Air Canada and Nordstrom.

Redemption values vary from 0.5 to one cent, which is a relatively low value compared to other redemption options.

You can choose between digital and physical gift cards, giving you flexibility in how you receive your rewards.

Redeeming for gift cards is a super easy way to use your points, with a straightforward process that requires minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are 100,000 Amex points worth for flights?

100,000 Amex points are worth at least $1,000 in flight redemptions or gift cards, but can be redeemed for flights like business class to Europe for $5,000 or more per passenger

Can I use American Express points on United Airlines?

Yes, you can use American Express points on United Airlines, and you can even combine points with cash for a customized payment option

Is it worth using Amex points on travel?

Using Amex points on travel can offer a decent value, with points worth 1-0.85 cents each towards airfare, hotels, and more, depending on the booking method

What counts as travel for American Express Platinum?

Travel rewards on American Express Platinum include airfare, hotel stays, timeshare rentals, and vacation rentals, but exclude timeshare property purchases. Earning rewards on these travel purchases can help you maximize your benefits.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

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