American Express Membership Rewards has returned their popular points transfer bonuses for U.S. cardholders, offering transfer promotions to a whopping twelve airlines & hotel programs.
American Express offers these bonus conversions on a revolving basis throughout the year and in various countries (different transfer conditions apply to each country’s Membership Rewards program so check your personal offers online).
Promotions are currently available for both hotel and airline programs, and there are some included that have been highly popular in the past, including British Airways, Hilton as well as Virgin Atlantic.
These current offers for bonuses are targeted at U.S.-based Membership Rewards members and can be found in the online account under the Membership Rewards section:
- Aer Lingus – 25% Bonus
- Aeromexico – 20% Bonus
- Aeroplan – 15% Bonus
- Air France KLM – 25% Bonus
- Avianca LifeMiles – 15% Bonus
- British Airways – 25% Bonus
- Choice Privileges – 25% Bonus
- Hawaiian Miles – 20% Bonus
- Hilton Honors – 30% Bonus
- Qantas Frequent Flyer – 20% Bonus
- Virgin Flying Club – 30% Bonus
This is the most extensive list of transfer bonus partners I’ve ever seen, and it’s highly unusual for American Express to run as many promotions at once.
The maximum bonus we’ve seen over the years for some partners has been 50%, so this campaign isn’t going as far as before in terms of generous bonuses. I’d say the best is Virgin Atlantic Flying Club with the 30% for all transfers I’ve taken advantage of in the past, booking ANA First Class tickets.
Award Success: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Redemption For ANA First Class Los Angeles-Tokyo-Bangkok
Conclusion
This could be a fantastic opportunity for those with many Amex points in their account to offload them to a variety of programs and book suitable awards.
Keep in mind though that many programs will levy fuel surcharges on awards, especially those operated by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Hotel transfers such as for Hilton
The Terms & Conditions for these transfers vary by program, so it’s imperative to go on the Amex website and look at particular details. I personally wouldn’t move Amex MR points out to a rewards program speculatively. It’s best to have an idea in mind for what to redeem and do it asap before award charts or other circumstances change.
