The cards we feature may generate compensation when you apply through our links; this can influence placement. Our analysis and opinions are editorial. Terms apply. Editor’s note: TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
Why transferable points matter
Transferable credit card points and miles give you flexibility to move rewards into airline and hotel loyalty programs where you get the most value. Instead of being locked into one redemption option, you can compare availability and pricing across programs and transfer only when it makes sense. If a program devalues its points, you can shift future transfers to another partner.
Key transfer notes
– Many transfers are instantaneous, but transfer times vary by program and partner — check issuer transfer-time guidance for American Express, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Wells Fargo.
– Avios balances can be moved between Aer Lingus AerClub, British Airways Executive Club, Finnair Plus, Iberia Plus and Qatar Airways Privilege Club at a 1:1 ratio both ways.
– Transfer bonuses are occasionally offered by issuers or partners; watch for promotions that increase value.
– Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to most airlines at a 3:1 ratio; plus a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred (exceptions include AAdvantage, Avianca LifeMiles and Delta SkyMiles). United MileagePlus has periodically offered a 10,000-mile bonus for transfers of 60,000 Bonvoy points.
Major transferable currencies and how to earn them
American Express Membership Rewards
AMEX Membership Rewards is one of the most versatile programs with many airline and hotel partners. Popular cards that earn Membership Rewards include:
– The Platinum Card® from American Express
– The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
– American Express® Gold Card
– American Express® Business Gold Card
You can also earn Membership Rewards via Rakuten by choosing points instead of cash back.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Ultimate Rewards are highly valuable because of strong transfer partners and ability to pool points. Cards that earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards include:
– Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
– Chase Sapphire Reserve®
– Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
If you hold one of these premium Chase products, you can combine points from eligible Chase cash-back cards (like Chase Freedom Flex® or Freedom Unlimited®) into an Ultimate Rewards account, converting cash-back earnings into transferable points.
Capital One Miles
Capital One miles (Transferable Miles) can be earned with:
– Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
– Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
– Capital One Venture X Business
– Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
– Capital One Spark Miles for Business
These miles transfer to a wide set of airline and hotel partners and are frequently included in transfer-bonus offers.
Citi ThankYou Rewards
Citi ThankYou Rewards has many airline and hotel partners. Transfer ratios depend on the Citi product:
– If you hold certain premium Citi cards (examples: Citi Prestige, Citi Strata Elite, Citi Strata Premier), points transfer at 1:1 to partners.
– With other Citi cards (Citi Custom Cash®, Citi Double Cash®, Citi Strata®), transfers may post at a 1:0.7 ratio unless you combine points into an account linked to an eligible premium Citi product.
Bilt Rewards
Bilt Rewards points are earned with the Bilt Mastercard®, notable because you can earn points on rent (up to a calendar-year cap), plus bonus rates on travel and dining. Cardmembers must complete at least five transactions per statement period to earn points. The Bilt card has no annual fee and transfers to several airline and hotel partners.
Wells Fargo Rewards
Wells Fargo currently offers transferable Wells Fargo Rewards points on select cards, including:
– Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
– Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
Check Wells Fargo’s current card lineup and transfer partners, as offerings change.
Hotel transfer partners
Many transferable currencies also move to hotel programs. Transfers are often immediate but check issuer guidance for timing. Marriott, as noted, transfers to most airlines at 3:1 with bonus miles at certain thresholds. Hotel transfers can be useful for top-up strategies when you need a few extra miles or points for an award.
Practical tips for maximizing transfers
– Don’t transfer points until you’re ready to book. Transfers are usually irreversible.
– Compare award space across partners first — the best redemption may be via a partner that requires fewer miles or has better award availability.
– Know transfer ratios and minimums. Some partners have odd conversion increments or minimum transfer amounts.
– Monitor transfer bonuses. A temporary bonus (e.g., 20–40% more airline miles when transferring from a transferable currency) can significantly boost value.
– Keep accounts linked and validated before initiating transfers — accounts with mismatched names or missing program profiles can delay or block transfers.
When transfers don’t make sense
– Avoid transferring for speculative savings. If award availability is unclear or you can’t confirm a booking, keep points in the transferable currency.
– Beware of programs with frequent devaluations or poor award availability for your routes and dates.
Bottom line
Transferable credit card points and miles are more valuable than fixed airline or hotel currencies for many travelers because they offer flexibility and the opportunity to maximize redemption value. Learn the strengths of the major transferable currencies — American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Bilt and Wells Fargo — and use transfer timing, bonuses and partner sweet spots to get the most from your rewards.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions are the author’s alone and not those of any bank, card issuer, airline or hotel chain.
