Best Airline to Transfer Amex Points To 2026: Stop Wasting Your Points
Choosing the right airline transfer partner is the single most important decision you'll make with your Amex Membership Rewards points. Transfer to the wrong partner and your points are worth just 1 cent each. Transfer to the right one, and they can deliver 5–10 cents per point in premium cabin value.
The Top Transfer Partners Ranked
1. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club — Best Overall
Transfer ratio: 1:1 · Transfer time: Instant
Virgin Atlantic is the king of Amex transfer sweet spots. It offers access to:
- ANA First Class from US to Japan: 110,000–120,000 points one way ($8K–$15K value)
- Virgin Atlantic Upper Class to London: 47,500 points from East Coast
- Delta One flights to Europe: 50,000 points one way
Why it wins: Access to ANA First Class at rates that undercut every other program.
2. Air Canada Aeroplan — Best for Star Alliance
Transfer ratio: 1:1 · Transfer time: Instant
Aeroplan offers access to all Star Alliance carriers including:
- Lufthansa First Class (70,000 pts North America–Europe)
- Swiss Business Class (55,000 pts)
- ANA Business Class (75,000 pts US–Japan)
- Singapore Airlines Business Class
Why it wins: Best one-stop shop for Star Alliance premium cabin awards.
3. Air France-KLM Flying Blue — Best for Promo Awards
Transfer ratio: 1:1 · Transfer time: Instant
Flying Blue runs monthly Promo Awards: up to 40% off standard award rates.
- Transatlantic business class: From 35,000 points (promo)
- Europe short-haul: From 10,000 points
- US–Caribbean: From 17,500 points
Why it wins: Promo Awards can deliver incredible value if you're flexible.
4. British Airways Avios — Best for Short-Haul
Transfer ratio: 1:1 · Transfer time: Instant
Avios uses distance-based pricing, making them ideal for:
- American Airlines short-haul (under 650 miles): From 7,500 Avios
- Iberia short-haul Europe: From 4,500 Avios
- Qatar Airways QSuite: From 45,000 Avios (selected routes)
Why it wins: Unbeatable for short-haul domestic and regional flights.
5. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer — Best for Suites
Transfer ratio: 1:1 · Transfer time: Instant
KrisFlyer offers access to Singapore Airlines' premium cabins:
- Singapore Suites: From 86,000 points (regional)
- Business Class: From 45,000 points (regional)
- First Class: From 66,000 points
Why it wins: The only way to book Singapore Suites with transferable points.
Comparison Table
| Airline | Best For | Avg. Value per Point | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Atlantic | ANA First Class | 5–10 cpp | Instant |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | Star Alliance premium | 4–6 cpp | Instant |
| Flying Blue | Promo awards | 3–5 cpp | Instant |
| British Airways | Short-haul | 2–4 cpp | Instant |
| Singapore Airlines | Suites class | 3–5 cpp | Instant |
Which Partner Should You Choose?
- For luxury first class: Virgin Atlantic → ANA
- For business class flexibility: Aeroplan → Star Alliance
- For best deals: Flying Blue → Promo Awards
- For short domestic flights: British Airways → Avios
- For Singapore Suites: KrisFlyer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest value Amex transfer partner?
Virgin Atlantic offers the highest potential value through ANA First Class bookings.
Can I transfer Amex points to Delta?
Yes, at a 1:1 ratio. However, Delta SkyMiles rarely offer high-value redemptions compared to other partners.
Should I transfer points to hotels or airlines?
Airlines almost always deliver better value. Hotel transfers (Marriott, Hilton) are worth 0.5–1 cpp on average.
Is it better to transfer or book through Amex Travel?
For economy flights, Amex Travel at 1 cpp is often better. For business/first class, transfers to partners almost always win.