Can I Transfer Miles Between Frequent Flyer Programs? Can I Transfer Miles Between Frequent Flyer Programs?

Can I Transfer Miles Between Frequent Flyer Programs?

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One of the most asked questions in the points and miles world, and sadly one with one of the most disappointing answers, is: “Can you transfer your points and miles from different frequent flyer programs?”

Sadly, the answer is that you can't combine your points and miles between most programs. This is nuanced, however, and there are some exceptions and workarounds, but it's worth noting that the workarounds often destroy the value of the transfer due to the horrendous exchange rates.

In general, don’t plan on transferring your miles between different frequent flyer programs.

Avios Are The Only Transferable Currency

Avios is the only exception to transferring miles between programs.

The currency is shared by four major airlines. The first three are British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, all of which are part of the International Airlines Group IAG. The fourth is Qatar Airways, which adopted the Avios program in early 2022.

All the programs earn the same currency, Avios, and all are members of the Oneworld airline alliance. You can transfer Avios earned with one program to another at no cost, instantly, at a 1:1 ratio.

Remember, Avios are unique in the points and miles world. It's important to note that free, rapid transfers at a 1:1 ratio between programs are unheard of elsewhere!

a girl sits on her bed using a laptop, a dog is next to her
Credit: Bruno Cervera/Unsplash

Previous Methods No Longer ExistPreviously, you could use Points.com and WebFlyer to transfer miles from one program to another. However, these transfers occurred at atrociously bad rates, removing all value in the process. It was only worth gritting your teeth and performing these transfers in rare circumstances, like when you needed just a dozen more miles for an award redemption, needed them now, and were willing to sacrifice value to gain it from a high-value redemption that you couldn't accomplish in another way.

Neither of these sites is currently allowing you to transfer frequent flyer miles or points between programs at present.

Transferring Hotel Points to Airlines

While you can't transfer frequently flyer miles between programs, such as moving American Airlines AAdvantage miles to Delta Air Lines SkyMiles, it is possible to turn hotel points into airline miles with certain programs. Again, the transfer rates range from bad to awful, but the options exist if you need just a few miles for a redemption.

Marriott Bonvoy offers the following transfers, which is likely the most well-known option:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Aegean Airlines (Miles & Bonus)
3:1
3,000
3 days
Aer Lingus (AerClub)
3:1
3,000
Unknown
Aeroflot Bonus
Ended March 18, 2022
-
Unknown
Aeromexico Rewards
3:1
3,000
2 days - 4 days
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
3:1
3,000
4 days - 5 days
Air China (PhoenixMiles)
3:1
3,000
Unknown
Air France (Flying Blue)
3:1
3,000
1 day - 3 days
Air New Zealand (Airpoints)
200:1
3,000
1 day - 2 days
Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan)
3:1
3,000
1 day
Alitalia (MilleMiglia)
Removed as a transfer partner in May 2022.
-
Unknown
All Nippon Airways (ANA Mileage Club)
3:1
3,000
4 days - 7 days
American Airlines (AAdvantage)
3:1
3,000
Unknown
Asiana Airlines (Asiana Club)
3:1
3,000
1 day
British Airways (Executive Club)
United States
3:1
3,000
10 hours
Cathay Pacific (Cathay)
3:1
3,000
1 day
China Southern (Sky Pearl)
3:1
3,000
Unknown
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles (Prefer)
3:1
3,000
3 days
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles)
3:1
3,000
1 day - 2 days
Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)
3:1
3,000
3 days
Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest)
3:1
3,000
3 days - 5 days
Hainan Airlines (Fortune Wings Club)
3:1
3,000
12 hours - 1 day
Hawaiian Airlines (HawaiianMiles)
3:1
3,000
1 day - 2 days
Iberia Plus
3:1
3,000
1 day - 2 days
Japan Airlines (JMB)
3:1
3,000
2 days
Korean Air (SkyPass)
3:1
3,000
1 day
LATAM (LATAM Pass)
3:1
3,000
20 hours
Qantas (Frequent Flyer)
3:1
3,000
2 days
Qatar Airways (Privilege Club)
3:1
3,000
3 days - 4 days
Saudia (Alfursan)
3:1
3,000
5 days
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
3:1
3,000
4 days
Southwest Airlines (Rapid Rewards)
3:1
3,000
1 day - 2 days
TAP Portugal (Miles&Go)
3:1
3,000
Unknown
Thai Airways (Royal Orchid Plus)
3:1
3,000
4 days
Turkish Airlines (Miles&Smiles)
3:1
3,000
1 day
United Airlines (Mileage Plus)
3,000
2 days - 5 days
Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club)
3:1
3,000
1 day - 2 days
Virgin Australia (Velocity Frequent Flyer)
3:1
3,000
Unknown
Vueling Airlines (Vueling Club)
3:1
3,000
Unknown

You also can transfer points from Accor Live Limitless to airlines:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Aegean Airlines (Miles & Bonus)
2,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Aeroflot Bonus
2,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Aeromexico Rewards
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Air China (PhoenixMiles)
4,000:3,200
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Air France (Flying Blue)
2,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Alitalia (MilleMiglia)
4,000:2,000
Transfers available to the independent "MilleMiglia" program.
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Azul (TudoAzul)
2,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
British Airways (Executive Club)
United States
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Cathay Pacific (Cathay)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Finnair Plus
2,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Hainan Airlines (Fortune Wings Club)
2,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Iberia Plus
3,000:3,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
ITA Airways (Volare)
4,000:5,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Japan Airlines (JMB)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Korean Air (SkyPass)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
LATAM (LATAM Pass)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Oman Air (Sindbad)
4,000:1,500
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Qantas (Frequent Flyer)
2,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Qatar Airways (Privilege Club)
2,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Royal Air Maroc (Safar Flyer)
2,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
TAP Portugal (Miles&Go)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Thai Airways (Royal Orchid Plus)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Turkish Airlines (Miles&Smiles)
4,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
United Airlines (Mileage Plus)
-
Unknown
Accor Group (ALL - Accor Live Limitless)
Virgin Australia (Velocity Frequent Flyer)
4,000:4,000
-
Unknown

Best Western Rewards has these transfer partners:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Best Western Rewards
Aer Lingus (AerClub)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Aeromexico Rewards
5,000:1,600
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Air France (Flying Blue)
6,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Alitalia (MilleMiglia)
6,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Asiana Airlines (Asiana Club)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
British Airways (Executive Club)
United States
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Cathay Pacific (Cathay)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Iberia Plus
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Southwest Airlines (Rapid Rewards)
5,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Best Western Rewards
Vueling Airlines (Vueling Club)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown

You can transfer Choice Privileges points to these airline partners:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
Aeromexico Rewards
5,000:1,600
-
Unknown
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
American Airlines (AAdvantage)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
Czech Airlines (OK Plus)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
Qantas (Frequent Flyer)
2,000:800
-
5 hours
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
Southwest Airlines (Rapid Rewards)
6,000:1,800
-
Unknown
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
Spirit Airlines (Free Spirit)
5,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
United Airlines (Mileage Plus)
-
Unknown
Choice Hotels (Choice Privileges)
Virgin Australia (Velocity Frequent Flyer)
2,000:800
-
Unknown

These are the transfer partners for Hilton Honors:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Hilton (Honors)
Aeromexico Rewards
25,000:6,500
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Air Asia (BIG)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Air France (Flying Blue)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
All Nippon Airways (ANA Mileage Club)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Asiana Airlines (Asiana Club)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
British Airways (Executive Club)
United States
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Cathay Pacific (Cathay)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
China Eastern (Eastern Miles)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Ethiopian Airlines (ShebaMiles)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Eva Air (Infinity MileageLands)
1,000:100
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Hainan Airlines (Fortune Wings Club)
25,000:10,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Japan Airlines (JMB)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Malaysia Airlines (Enrich)
10,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Qantas (Frequent Flyer)
10,000:1,500
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Qatar Airways (Privilege Club)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Saudia (Alfursan)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
4,000:500
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Turkish Airlines (Miles&Smiles)
10,000:1,000
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
United Airlines (Mileage Plus)
-
Unknown
Hilton (Honors)
Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club)
10,000:1,500
-
11 hours
Hilton (Honors)
Virgin Australia (Velocity Frequent Flyer)
10,000:1,500
-
Unknown

IHG One Rewards offers these transfers:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Aeromexico Rewards
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Air China (PhoenixMiles)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Air France (Flying Blue)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Air New Zealand (Airpoints)
10,000:25
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Alitalia (MilleMiglia)
10,000:2,000
Transfers available to the independent "MilleMiglia" program.
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
All Nippon Airways (ANA Mileage Club)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
American Airlines (AAdvantage)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Asiana Airlines (Asiana Club)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
British Airways (Executive Club)
United States
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Cathay Pacific (Cathay)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
China Eastern (Eastern Miles)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
China Southern (Sky Pearl)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
EL AL Israel Airlines (Matmid)
10,000:40
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Gulf Air (Falconflyer)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Hainan Airlines (Fortune Wings Club)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Iberia Plus
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Japan Airlines (JMB)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
JetBlue Airways (TrueBlue)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Korean Air (SkyPass)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
LATAM (LATAM Pass)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Malaysia Airlines (Enrich)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Qantas (Frequent Flyer)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Saudia (Alfursan)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
TAP Portugal (Miles&Go)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Thai Airways (Royal Orchid Plus)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
United Airlines (Mileage Plus)
-
Unknown
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club)
10,000:2,000
-
5 days
IHG Hotels & Resorts (One Rewards)
Virgin Australia (Velocity Frequent Flyer)
10,000:2,000
-
Unknown

Melia Rewards offers a single partner:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Melia (Melia Rewards)
British Airways (Executive Club)
United States
100:30
-
Unknown

Radisson Rewards points can transfer to these airlines:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Radisson Hotel Group (Radisson Rewards)
2,000:200
-
Unknown
Radisson Hotel Group (Radisson Rewards)
British Airways (Executive Club)
United States
2,000:200
-
Unknown
Radisson Hotel Group (Radisson Rewards)
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles)
2,000:200
-
Unknown
Radisson Hotel Group (Radisson Rewards)
Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest)
2,000:200
-
Unknown
Radisson Hotel Group (Radisson Rewards)
Southwest Airlines (Rapid Rewards)
2,000:200
-
Unknown

You can transfer from Shangri-La Circle to the following:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Shangri-La (Circle)
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Air China (PhoenixMiles)
500:800
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Air France (Flying Blue)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
All Nippon Airways (ANA Mileage Club)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
American Airlines (AAdvantage)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Cathay Pacific (Cathay)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
China Eastern (Eastern Miles)
500:800
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
China Southern (Sky Pearl)
500:800
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Finnair Plus
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Hainan Airlines (Fortune Wings Club)
500:800
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Malaysia Airlines (Enrich)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Oman Air (Sindbad)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Philippine Airlines (Mabuhay Miles)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Qatar Airways (Privilege Club)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Saudia (Alfursan)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
500:625
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Turkish Airlines (Miles&Smiles)
500:500
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
United Airlines (Mileage Plus)
1,000
Unknown
Shangri-La (Circle)
Virgin Australia (Velocity Frequent Flyer)
500:500
1,000
Unknown

These are the World of Hyatt transfer partners:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Aeromexico Rewards
1,250:1,000
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Air China (PhoenixMiles)
1,250:800
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Air France (Flying Blue)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
All Nippon Airways (ANA Mileage Club)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
American Airlines (AAdvantage)
1,250:500
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Asiana Airlines (Asiana Club)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
British Airways (Executive Club)
United States
1,250:500
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Cathay Pacific (Cathay)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
China Airlines (Dynasty Flyer)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
China Eastern (Eastern Miles)
1,250:800
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
China Southern (Sky Pearl)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Emirates (Skywards & Business Rewards)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest)
1,250:500
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Hawaiian Airlines (HawaiianMiles)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Japan Airlines (JMB)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
KLM (Flying Blue)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Korean Air (SkyPass)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
LATAM (LATAM Pass)
1,250:1,000
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Qantas (Frequent Flyer)
1,250:600
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Qatar Airways (Privilege Club)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Royal Brunei Airlines (Royal Skies)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Immediate
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Southwest Airlines (Rapid Rewards)
1,250:600
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Thai Airways (Royal Orchid Plus)
1,250:500
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
United Airlines (Mileage Plus)
1,250:650
30% transfer bonus available through October 31, 2023. Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown
Hyatt (World of Hyatt)
Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club)
1,250:750
Bonus for transferring 50,000+ points
5,000
Unknown

And Wyndham Rewards offers these:

From
To
Transfer Ratio
Min.Transfer
Average Time
Wyndham Rewards (Days Inn, etc.)
Aeromexico Rewards
6,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Wyndham Rewards (Days Inn, etc.)
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
6,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Wyndham Rewards (Days Inn, etc.)
Air China (PhoenixMiles)
6,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Wyndham Rewards (Days Inn, etc.)
American Airlines (AAdvantage)
6,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Wyndham Rewards (Days Inn, etc.)
6,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Wyndham Rewards (Days Inn, etc.)
Frontier Airlines (Frontier Miles)
6,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Wyndham Rewards (Days Inn, etc.)
Hainan Airlines (Fortune Wings Club)
6,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Wyndham Rewards (Days Inn, etc.)
Turkish Airlines (Miles&Smiles)
6,000:1,200
-
Unknown
Wyndham Rewards (Days Inn, etc.)
United Airlines (Mileage Plus)
-
Unknown

Credit Card Points Are A Better Option

One thing to consider is the use of credit card points instead of focusing on airline miles. This is especially true if you do not travel regularly enough to earn elite status with an airline. This also holds true if you cannot commit to a single airline program due to your travel patterns.

If you find yourself in that situation, then committing to earning flexible credit card points is a much better option. Choosing flexible credit card points is ideal for these reasons:

  • Flexibility: You can transfer your points to various airlines and hotel programs and redeem them for a flight. You can even opt to redeem them directly via your card issuer's travel portal, but you aren't locked into one program the way you are with an airline's frequent flyer miles. You can redeem them in the way that's best for your current vacation planning.
  • Mimick elite perks: With premium travel rewards credit cards, you can get some of the benefits of airline elite status like airport lounge access.
  • Get airline perks from its credit cards: Most airlines' co-branded credit cards deliver perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and more. This gives you some of the benefits of elite status without the effort of earning it in the traditional way.

Let's take a look at the main flexible points currencies.

overhead view of a person paying by mobile wallet at a cash register
Credit: Blake Wisz/Unsplash

American Express Membership Rewards

The points program of American Express, Membership Rewards can be transferred to 21 airline and hotel partners, redeemed in the travel portal, redeemed for statement credits on your bill, and much more. You can earn Membership Rewards with numerous cards, including these:

Related: All of the Cards That Earn American Express Membership Rewards Points

Capital One Venture Miles

You can transfer miles from Capital One to 18 airline and hotel programs. Other options for using your miles include statement credit, offsetting recent travel purchases, and booking travel through the portal. Some of the cards that earn Capital One miles include:

If you have a miles-earning card and a card that earns cash back, you can combine those earnings, meaning these cards also can help you earn Capital One miles:

Related: The 6 Best Capital One Credit Cards for Every Purchase

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase's points program is called Ultimate Rewards, and you can transfer these points to 14 airline and hotel partners. You also can redeem points with Pay Yourself Back, as a statement credit, or in the Chase travel portal — though this happens at different rates depending on which card you have. Some of the cards earning Ultimate Rewards include:

It's also possible to combine cash-back earnings with points if you have both types of cards, so you could earn Ultimate Rewards with these cards as well:

Related: All of the Cards that Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Citi ThankYou Rewards

You can transfer Citi ThankYou Points to 14 airline and three hotel partners. You also can redeem points in the travel portal, for statement credit, or to pay with points when shopping at various merchants. The following cards earn ThankYou Points:

Several Citi credit cards that are marketed as cash-back cards actually earn ThankYou Points, though you'll have access to fewer transfer partners if you don't also hold a points-earning card with an annual fee. These include:

Related: Build a Winning Combo of Citi ThankYou Rewards Cards

Marriott Bonvoy

While not a transferable points program like those above, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to 40 airlines. Most transfers happen at a 3:1 ratio, and many include a 5,000-point bonus in the destination account if you transfer 60,000 Marriott points. The following credit cards earn Marriott points:

Related: Which Credit Cards Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points?

Booking Partner Awards

Even though you can't transfer miles between frequent flyer programs, that is not the end of the world. You have options when it comes to booking flights on one airline with the miles in another airline's loyalty program.

Realizing that they needed to meet their passengers' needs and that airlines don't operate every route in the world, airlines have formed multiple alliances and partnerships. The three main alliances are Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam.

  • Star Alliance is the biggest alliance and features industry heavyweights like United Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Avianca, and Singapore Airlines.
  • Oneworld is another big player and features American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways, amongst others.
  • SkyTeam is the other major alliance, featuring airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and Aeromexico.

Using airline alliances is an excellent way for you to earn and redeem miles in one program when you fly on another airline. For example, you can use Air Canada Aeroplan points to fly on nearly four dozen airlines. However, it doesn't end there. Most airlines have other partnerships with non-alliance partners.

looking up the aisle toward the front of a plane, showing all seats are full in the economy section
Credit: Gerrie van der Walt/Unsplash

Take, for instance, one of the major middle eastern carriers, Etihad Airways. It's possible to earn miles from paid flights on Etihad or book award flights on Etihad with miles from American Airlines (Oneworld member), Korean Air (SkyTeam), and Air Canada (Star Alliance).

With an extensive list of partnerships, you have many options to use your miles to book a route. Not being able to transfer miles from one frequent flyer program to another won't be a roadblock if you understand how to use miles from one program to book flights on partner airlines.

Related: How to Find Airline Partner Award Flight Availability

Our Take

Being unable to transfer your points and miles between frequent flyer and loyalty programs is an unfortunate frustration of the points and mile world.

However, this inflexibility should not be a deal-breaker for getting involved with travel rewards. With a little planning and strategy, you can select the right mix of airline, hotel, and credit card programs to give you all the flexibility you need.

Being able to transfer your miles freely would be the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, we can’t see that happening. Being able to transfer your points freely between programs would place the programs in direct competition with each other and drive the price of awards down. That is the last thing airlines want since it directly hits their bottom line.

A related topic is being able to share your points and miles with someone else within the same program. See here for our guide to sharing points and miles with others for free.

4.7 / 5 - (7 votes)
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Comments

  • Thank you!

  • You can also transfer Etihad miles to Air Arabia 1 to 1 – but the transfer rate from Air Arabia to Etihad is 2 to 1.

  • Exchange rates are horrible on points.com

  • I used to credit hotels directly to BA/IB, or convert them regularly, but now I leave them in the hotel programme and keep track of their potential Avios value instead. My hotel points are my Transferrable Rewards – not that I have much in them…

  • I have a spreadsheet that shows what my B6 to IHG (via points.com) and then to BA Avios conversion would be if I ever needed it, and no, it doesn’t make sense – but at least I can see what’s possible.

  • Also an options (or was, is currently suspended) is SQ KrisFlyer to VA Velocity – 1.55:1.0 in both directions (used to be 1.35:1). Not sure if it’ll return, it’s been suspended since April 2020.

  • Marcelo Brzostowski says:

    Soy adherente al programa de American Airlines y vivo en Argentina.
    Hasta hace unos años juntaba millas con el Citibank, luego con el Banco Santander.
    Tienen pensado que el programa de AA siga con algun banco de Argentina?

    Muchas gracias por vuestra atencion
    Marcelo Brzostowski

  • I love earning my Amex and Chase points. I am considering Citi, if they keep American as a transfer partner. I wonder if it would be a good idea to get a Citi card and transfer anything during their promo with American, if I have no plans yet with their miles?
    I normally like just using the miles on the airline I have the account with but I may have to look at using them on partners. I just find that it can be limiting on partners for some.

  • It doesn’t make sense, why there isn’t only one integrated Avios Frequent flyer program for all the 3 aforementioned airlines and there is the segregation between Aer Lingus, British Airways and Iberia miles accrual .

    By taking KLM and Air France as example, they also belong to the same group and share the same Flying Blue frequent flyer program in common and you manage your miles in only one account.

    Bottom line: Not practical , despite the fact that British Avios are easily transferred as 1:1 ratio to Iberia and vice versa.

  • Hmm seems the exchange rate is very poor.

  • You are so right, the exchange rates at points.com are truly atrocious!

  • Major airline alliance partners already make it easier to pool our redemptions and earnings. Would be interesting to be able to transfer between partners, but that feels like a stretch as it can affect the bottom line for different companies.

  • bulstrode says:

    Thanks for the reminder, I really need to sit and check all my accounts – last 1.5 years I travels lest and some of miles / points are probably better to transfer

  • Hi, its sound good and great idea. I can use soon! Thks

  • Every time I check points.com, there are even fewer partners. Also, some programs, like Delta, allow you to transfer TO, but not from the program.

  • It is definitely hard to transfer miles to other programs without losing a lot of the value. It is even hard to transfer miles to other family members on the same program except for Jetblue which allow pooling of points.

  • Transferring miles was something much more useful 20 years ago.

  • While transferring miles between programs will never realistically be practical, I wish more programs allowed free pooling of miles of similar accounts such as JetBlue and Hilton do now. This is a very attractive feature that wins my business for them over their competitors simply for this reason. It allows you to combine the points in several accounts so that you can actually get a reward worth having and take the family on a fun vacation.

  • This is the reason why you need to have flexible curriencies that transfer to multiple partners. Helps with devaluation as well.

  • If it were easy to move miles, the value of a loyalty program would diminish

  • Hi.
    Now that LATAM seem to leaving OneWorld, I wonder what can be done to fly AA and add LATAM miles, something really handy in Argentina, where most locations, domestically and in close countries can be reached via LATAM flights, so it became real handy to flight the US via American, and use the miles via LATAM for domestic or flights within southamerica. Will this scheme still be valid in days to come? will we be able to transfer our AA miles to LATAM without leaving credit in the transaction? Thanks a ton, great piece of info the article. Rgds. Lucas.

  • I used my American miles to book Alaska to Liberia Costa Rica. 35K plus $50. Unfortunately almost impossible to upgrade to first class. Booked premium seat $99 more

  • Hey, I have a delta sky miles account and an Amex gold delta credit card. If I purchase a JetBlue airfare ticket with my Amex gold delta credit card would I be able to transfer miles or points ?.

  • These are some great ideas. Only wish I had know earlier

  • Wow, I completely forgot about Points.com! Thank you! I do remember that it didn’t give many options for transferring points around and since I was new to this game it deflated my enthusiasm for it all. You all gave me the best education and still are! So now I am getting the ins and outs, so many possibilities has opened up for travel to me and my family. Thank you!

  • I wonder if I can exchange my Spirit miles to a different Airline?

  • points.com conversions are atrocious. IMHO Unless we are down to non redeemable amount of miles we should not be using that option.

  • A good guide for those new to the game. This question comes up every now and then.

  • I wish there was a easier way to transfer points/miles between program. May be it’s time for an industry standard.

    • I’m actually surprised anyone allows it at all – the idea I think is to encourage loyalty and sticking with the airline you earnt the points with.

  • I try to only earn AS or B6 miles from flying, and keep everything else in flexible currency.

  • I transferred a bunch of frontier miles via points.com after they became a low cost carrier and closed down the Milwaukee hub, rendering the miles useless. Poor value is better than no value.

  • In the past I have used points.com to do some swaps without problems apart from the not favorable conversion.
    From a couple of years or even more I am not able to do some exchanges because less airlines and hotels give this possibility and even when they participate there are some restrictive thresholds (minimum miles or points to convert).

  • Thats what I love about flexible currencies. You’re never locked in to just one redemption possibility

  • I never heard of webflyer.com before this post. Now I know more options, but i will take your advisement that transferring between frequent flyer programs is a poor transaction.

  • Is there any way to transfer miles out of Delta? Points.com not allowing it and I have some miles that I need to get rid of

  • The caution is well warranted. You didn’t really mention though that you can always try to top up an orphaned account (with SPG, buying miles/points etc.) to get a good value reward, rather than just wasting several thousand on a points.com conversion or similar.

  • It’s a shame that the exchange rates at points.com are terrible but do act as a life line to some orphaned points in some circumstances.
    The other routes are equally as bad, maybe one day all airlines will be able to agree a universal cost per point and open up transfers.

  • Katie Wilkinson says:

    The only time I found transferring miles is helpful is when you only need a small amount of miles to be able to get an award ticket with another airline.

  • didnt know points.com. Could be useful if a little bit short on something.

  • Good summary, and I appreciate the honest cautionary words.

  • Is it possible to transfer united miles –> Marriott–>SPG–>delta miles?

  • I agree that the exchange rate for Points.com is terrible however I have used it in the past two keep my accounts active by transferring a tiny amount such as a few points.

  • Great suggestions. If anyone’s stuck for ways to activate an Iberia account (so you can transfer in/out of British Airways, Avios and AerLings), I paid a few pounds for a ferry between Schinoussa and Iraklia and entered my Iberia #FF. The miles turned up pretty quickly. I didn’t use the ferry!

  • Is there a reason points.com limits the list of airlines for which miles transfers can be done?
    It’s such a small list of airlines and I really wish there were more.

  • Or there are programs like Virgin Atlantic that let you transfer to Hilton for example

  • L. DiClemente says:

    A note on transferring Avios between Iberia and British Airways and vice versa…. you must have a few Iberia miles in the account and has to be older than 90 days…. plus, each account must have identical names and emails, otherwise transferring online will get hiccupped..

  • I transferred some orphaned Citi ThankYou points to Hilton points.

  • I have never found it worthwhile at all. I’d much rather extend the lifespan of a point with a $2 shopping portal bonus.

  • angelo fonseca says:

    In addition to an unsatisfactory conversion rate, Points.com options are very limited.

  • Another vote for points.com as a way to turn useless (and expiring) points into something I can at least USE. The exchange rate was terrible, but to me, the value of the points I traded away was ZERO so I was happy to get anything for them.

  • I know this is a unique case, but Virgin American transferred to Alaska currently runs at 1:1.5, which isn’t that bad.

  • Booking partner awards is a good way to go. One can also use orphaned points to buy stuff, maybe not things of great value but better than letting points expire.

  • Another great article. I once used points.com to transfer points . The transfer ratio wasn’t great but at least I could use the orphaned points .

  • Points.com has come in handy for me in the past, for disposing of obscure point-currencies that would otherwise have been forfeited, but yes, their exchange rates are bordering on criminal, and it seems like their rules about minimum transfer balances, etc., shift without notice.