Transferring points to airline loyalty programs can unlock incredible travel opportunities, but timing and strategy are key to maximizing their value. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your points transfers.
When to Transfer Points
In most cases, it’s best to wait until you’re ready to book before transferring your points. Here’s why:
- Transfers are Usually Final: Once you transfer points to an airline program, they typically cannot be reversed. This means you should confirm availability for the flight you want before transferring.
- Award Availability is Dynamic: Reward seats or rooms can disappear quickly, so it’s ideal to transfer your points as soon as you’ve found what you want to book.
Pro Tip: If the award you want is available but your points transfer will take time, try placing the award on hold (if allowed) with the airline loyalty program.
How to Transfer Points
Follow these steps to transfer points effectively:
- Verify Your Transfer Partner: Check that the loyalty program you want to book with is a transfer partner of your points program (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards).
- Match Account Details: Ensure your name and account details match exactly between your credit card rewards account and the loyalty program to avoid transfer delays.
- Check Transfer Ratios: Points don’t always transfer 1:1. For example, Capital One Miles transfer to EVA Air at a 2:1.5 ratio. This means 1,000 Capital One Miles convert to 750 EVA Air miles.
- Confirm the Time Frame: Transfers can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few days. Knowing the expected transfer time is crucial for booking award seats before they disappear.
- Complete the Transfer: Log into your credit card rewards account, select the loyalty program, and input the number of points you want to transfer.
Tips for Getting the Best Value
- Target Premium Cabin Awards: Points go further when booking premium economy, business, or first-class flights. These redemptions often offer a higher value per point than economy seats.
- Explore Partner Redemptions: Some airlines offer better redemption rates when booking partner flights through their loyalty programs.
- Monitor Promotions: Sometimes, programs offer transfer bonuses (e.g., 30% more miles for points transferred). These promotions can stretch your points further.
- Be Flexible: If award availability is scarce, consider flying on alternative dates, routes, or airlines to increase your chances of success.
When Not to Transfer Points
- Unclear Travel Plans: If you’re unsure when or where you’ll travel, keep your points in their original program. Transferable points are more versatile than miles locked into a single loyalty program.
- Expiring Miles: If the program you’re transferring to has miles with expiration dates, only transfer the amount you need for immediate bookings.
Transferring points at the right time and to the right program can open up amazing travel opportunities. By following these strategies, you’ll make every point count!
Need help planning or booking? Our team at point.me is here to assist—happy travels!