Lesson Plans & Layovers · Free Resource
Transfer
Partners
Decoded.
Everything you need to know about moving credit card points to airline miles — which cards transfer where, how to get the most value, and the mistakes to avoid.
5
Card Programs
30+
Airline Partners
1:1
Common Ratio
2¢+
Target Value / Pt
How Transfers Work
01
Earn Points on a Card
Spend on your Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One, or Bilt card to build transferable points in their rewards program.
02
Find Your Award Flight
Search award availability on the airline's website first. Know the mileage cost before you transfer — transfers are irreversible.
03
Transfer Points
Initiate from your card portal to the airline loyalty account. Most transfers complete in minutes; some take up to 48 hours.
04
Book the Award
Use your miles to book the flight. Pay taxes and fees with a card that has no foreign transaction fees.
Golden Rules
Never Transfer Speculatively
Only transfer when you have a confirmed award booking ready. Points in airline accounts lose flexibility and can devalue overnight.
Critical Rule
Target 1.5¢+ Per Point
A solid transfer nets at least 1.5 cents of value per point. Business/first class international redemptions often yield 3–6¢.
Value Benchmark
Transfers Are One-Way
You cannot transfer airline miles back to your credit card program. Once sent, they're gone from your card account permanently.
Warning
Use Partner Airlines
Book flights on alliance partners using another program's miles — e.g., United miles to fly ANA — often at a fraction of the direct cost.
Pro Tip
Watch Transfer Bonuses
Cards periodically run 20–40% transfer bonuses to specific airlines. Wait for these promos before transferring when you can plan ahead.
Smart Strategy
Diversify Your Programs
Hold cards from multiple issuers (Amex + Chase, for example) to access more partners and hedge against any single program devaluing.
Smart Move
