You can transfer Amex points to Lifemiles, but only through specific Amex cards and with a conversion rate that varies

Not every American Express card lets you move points to Lifemiles. The cards that do — primarily the Platinum Card, Gold Card, and Business Platinum — convert your points at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Amex points becomes 1,000 Lifemiles. The transfer itself is when ready once you initiate it through your Amex account online or by phone.

Lifemiles is the frequent-flyer program for United Airlines. When you transfer Amex points there, you're funding a United account that you can use to book flights, upgrades, and other travel rewards. The points don't expire as long as your United account stays active, which requires at least one earning or redemption activity every 24 months.

The main trade-off is that Amex points often have higher redemption value when used for Amex's own travel portal or statement credits. Transferring to Lifemiles makes sense if you fly United frequently or want to combine points with an existing United balance to reach a specific redemption goal.

Key Takeaways

  • Only certain Amex cards allow transfers to Lifemiles: Platinum, Gold, Business Platinum, and a few others, so check your card's benefits guide first.
  • The conversion rate is always 1:1, and transfers complete when ready once you submit them through your Amex account.
  • Lifemiles points don't expire as long as your United account has activity at least once every 24 months.
  • Amex points often provide better value through Amex's travel portal or as statement credits, so compare redemption rates before transferring.

Which Amex cards allow transfers to Lifemiles

The American Express Platinum Card, American Express Gold Card, and American Express Business Platinum Card all offer transfers to Lifemiles as a standard feature. Some business cards like the Business Green Card also include this option, though the list can shift. Check your specific card's benefits guide or log into your Amex account to see whether transfers are available to you.

If your card doesn't list Lifemiles as a transfer partner, you cannot move points to that program directly. In that case, you would need to use alternative redemption methods your card does offer, such as Amex's travel portal, statement credits, or other transfer partners.

How to transfer Amex points to Lifemiles

Log into your American Express account online and navigate to the Membership Rewards section. Look for the option to transfer points to airline partners. Select Lifemiles (listed as United Airlines' program) and enter the number of points you want to move. You'll need to provide your United Airlines frequent-flyer number so Amex knows which account to credit.

After you confirm the transfer, the points post to your United account within minutes. You can also call Amex directly at the number on the back of your card and request a transfer by phone; a representative will walk you through the process and verify your United account details.

Transfers are one-way and final. Once points leave your Amex account and land in Lifemiles, you cannot move them back to Amex or redirect them elsewhere.

Conversion rates and point value comparison

Amex points transfer to Lifemiles at a 1:1 ratio with no bonus or penalty. However, the real value depends on how you use the points once they're in your United account. A Lifemiles point used for a domestic economy flight might be worth 1 to 1.5 cents, while the same Amex point redeemed through Amex's travel portal for a flight could be worth 1 to 2 cents or more, depending on the specific flight and booking method.

Amex points also have value as statement credits (typically 1 cent per point) or for other transfer partners like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. Before transferring to Lifemiles, calculate what your points are worth in your most likely redemption scenario. If you rarely fly United or don't have a specific United redemption in mind, keeping points in your Amex account may offer more flexibility.

When transferring to Lifemiles makes sense

Transferring Amex points to Lifemiles is most useful if you fly United regularly, have elite status with United, or are close to a specific redemption goal. For example, if you need 15,000 more Lifemiles to book a flight and have 15,000 Amex points sitting unused, a transfer gets you to your goal when ready without waiting to earn more United points.

Lifemiles also has no blackout dates for award flights, which can be an advantage over some other airline programs. If you've found a specific United flight you want to book and know the Lifemiles cost, transferring Amex points to cover it is straightforward and when ready.

If you don't have a concrete United redemption in mind, or if you're not a frequent United flyer, holding Amex points in your account usually gives you more options and potentially better value.

Keeping Lifemiles active after you transfer

Lifemiles expire if your United account has no activity for 24 consecutive months. Activity includes earning miles through flights, credit card spending, or transfers, as well as redeeming miles for any reward. If you transfer Amex points to Lifemiles and then don't use them or earn more miles within two years, they will be forfeited.

To keep your account active without spending money, you can transfer a small number of points from another source, book a flight and then cancel it (which keeps the miles in your account), or use a United co-branded credit card that earns miles automatically. Check United's current activity requirements on their website, as policies can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Lifemiles back to Amex points?

No. Transfers between Amex and Lifemiles are one-way only. Once your points are in your United account, they stay there. You cannot move them back to Amex or to another airline program.

Do I need a United Airlines account before I transfer?

Yes. You must have an active United frequent-flyer account and know your account number before you initiate a transfer. If you don't have one, you can create it for free on United's website in a few minutes, then use that number during the Amex transfer process.

How long does it take for transferred points to show up in my United account?

Transfers are when ready. Points appear in your United account within minutes of completing the transfer through Amex. You can log into your United account and see the new balance right away.

What if I transfer points but then cancel my Amex card?

Canceling your Amex card does not affect points you've already transferred to Lifemiles. Those points belong to your United account and remain there regardless of what happens to your Amex card.

Are there transfer bonuses when moving Amex points to Lifemiles?

Amex occasionally runs limited-time promotions that offer bonus Lifemiles when you transfer, such as a 10% bonus on transfers of 10,000 points or more. Check your Amex account or contact Amex directly to see if any current promotions explore to your card.