Yes, you can transfer Amex points to United, but only through specific Amex cards and with restrictions on how many points you can move

American Express lets you transfer points from certain Amex cards directly to United Airlines' MileagePlus program. The transfer happens through Amex's transfer partners list, and United is one of them. However, not every Amex card offers this option — you need either the United Explorer Card, the United Business Card, or certain premium Amex cards like the Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card to access transfers to United.

Once you initiate a transfer, Amex moves your points to your United MileagePlus account within one to two business days. The transfer ratio is 1 Amex point to 1 United mile, with no bonus or penalty. You can transfer in increments of 1,000 points, and there is no stated maximum, though Amex may have internal limits on very large transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • Only Amex cards that list United as a transfer partner allow you to move points to MileagePlus; the United Explorer Card, United Business Card, Platinum Card, and Business Platinum Card all offer this option.
  • Transfers happen at a 1-to-1 ratio with no bonus or discount, and you must transfer in blocks of 1,000 points at a time.
  • Your United MileagePlus account number is required to complete the transfer, and the points arrive within one to two business days.
  • Once points land in your MileagePlus account, they follow United's mile expiration rules, which typically expire after 18 months of no account activity.

Which Amex cards let you transfer to United

The United Explorer Card and United Business Card are co-branded with United and explicitly include United as a transfer partner. Both cards earn points on United purchases and everyday spending, and both allow you to move those points into MileagePlus.

The Amex Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card also offer transfers to United, along with dozens of other airline and hotel programs. These cards do not earn bonus points on United purchases specifically, but they do earn points on travel and other categories that you can then transfer.

Other Amex cards — such as the Blue Cash Everyday, Blue Preferred, or Green Card — do not include United on their transfer partner list. If your card is not one of the four listed above, you cannot transfer points to United directly. You would need to use your points for other redemptions or consider upgrading to a card that does offer the transfer option.

How to start a transfer from your Amex account

Log into your Amex account online or through the Amex mobile app. Navigate to the "Membership Rewards" or "Points" section, then look for "Transfer Points" or "Redeem Points." The exact wording varies by card and whether you are using the website or app.

Select United Airlines or MileagePlus from the list of transfer partners. You will be asked to enter your United MileagePlus account number — this is a nine-digit number you can find in your MileagePlus account or on your United card if you have one. If you do not have a MileagePlus account yet, you will need to create one before transferring; Amex cannot transfer to an account that does not exist.

Enter the number of points you want to transfer in increments of 1,000. Review the transfer details, confirm, and submit. Amex will show you a confirmation number. The points should appear in your MileagePlus account within one to two business days, though transfers initiated on weekends or holidays may take longer.

Transfer timing and when points arrive

Transfers initiated on a business day before Amex's cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. Eastern) typically post to your MileagePlus account the next business day. Transfers submitted after hours or on weekends are queued and processed the following business day.

Once the transfer completes, United sends you a confirmation email to the address on file with MileagePlus. Check your MileagePlus account balance to verify the points landed. If you do not see the points within two business days, contact Amex customer service with your transfer confirmation number.

What happens to your miles after they arrive at United

United miles follow MileagePlus program rules once they are in your account. Miles do not expire as long as your account remains active — meaning you have at least one account activity every 18 months. Account activity includes earning miles, redeeming miles, or even logging into your account.

If your MileagePlus account goes inactive for 18 months with no activity, United closes the account and forfeits any remaining miles. You cannot recover those miles once the account closes. If you transfer a large number of points and do not plan to use them when ready, make sure your MileagePlus account stays active by logging in periodically or earning miles through other means.

Reasons to transfer versus other redemption options

Transferring Amex points to United makes sense if you have a specific United flight or award ticket in mind and want to use your points for that redemption. United award tickets can sometimes offer strong value, especially for premium cabin travel or long-haul flights where the mile requirement is high but the cash price is much higher.

However, Amex points can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, or transfers to other airlines and hotels. Compare the value you would get from a United award ticket against what you could get by redeeming your points for cash back or transferring to another program. If United does not have the flight you want or the award availability is poor, you may get better value elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a United MileagePlus account yet?

You must create a MileagePlus account before transferring Amex points. Visit United's website, select "Join MileagePlus," and complete the registration. You will receive a nine-digit account number when ready. Once your account is active, you can initiate the transfer from Amex.

Can I transfer Amex points to United if my card is not a United co-branded card?

Only the Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, and certain other premium Amex cards include United on their transfer partner list. If your card is not one of these, you cannot transfer to United. Check your card's benefits guide or log into your Amex account to see your available transfer partners.

Is there a limit to how many points I can transfer at once?

Amex does not publish a stated maximum for single transfers, but you must transfer in increments of 1,000 points. Very large transfers may trigger a review or require additional verification. If you want to transfer a very large balance, contact Amex customer service first to confirm there are no restrictions.

Can I reverse a transfer after I send the points to United?

No, transfers to United are permanent once submitted. Amex cannot recall points after they leave your Amex account and arrive in MileagePlus. Make sure you have entered the correct MileagePlus account number and the correct transfer amount before confirming.

Do the points transfer at a bonus rate, or is it always 1-to-1?

Transfers to United are always at a 1-to-1 ratio — one Amex point equals one United mile. Amex does not offer bonus transfer rates to United or most other partners. Some transfer partners occasionally run promotions offering bonus miles, but these are rare and announced by Amex in advance.