You can transfer Amex points to airline and hotel partners, but only from certain card types

Not every American Express card lets you transfer points. Only cards in the Amex Membership Rewards program — primarily the Gold Card, Platinum Card, and Business Platinum — come with transfer privileges. If you have a basic cash-back card or a co-branded airline card, you cannot transfer points to partners; you can only redeem them for cash back or statement credits with that card issuer.

If your card does allow transfers, you move points directly from your Amex account to an airline or hotel loyalty program through the Amex website or mobile app. The transfer is usually when ready, though some partners take up to 24 hours to post the points to your account. Once the points land in the partner program, they belong to that program and cannot be moved back to Amex.

Key Takeaways

  • Only Membership Rewards cards (Gold, Platinum, and Business Platinum) allow point transfers; basic Amex cards do not.
  • You transfer points through your Amex account online or in the app by selecting a partner airline or hotel and entering the amount.
  • Transfers are usually when ready but may take up to 24 hours to show in your partner account.
  • Most transfer partners offer a bonus conversion rate — typically 1 Amex point becomes 1.25 or 1.5 partner miles or points — when you transfer in bulk.

Which airlines and hotels accept Amex point transfers

Amex partners with most major U.S. carriers and many international airlines. The list includes American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and others. On the hotel side, partners include Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and Hyatt.

The exact partner list changes occasionally, and not every card has access to every partner. Check your card's benefits guide or log into your Amex account to see which airlines and hotels you can transfer to. Some business cards have a slightly different partner roster than consumer cards.

How to transfer points step by step

Log into your American Express account online or open the Amex mobile app. Navigate to the Membership Rewards section, usually labeled "Points" or "Rewards." Look for an option that says "Transfer Points" or "Send Points to Partners."

Select the airline or hotel you want to transfer to from the list of available partners. Enter the number of points you want to transfer. Amex will show you the conversion rate — for example, 10,000 Amex points might convert to 12,500 airline miles. Review the details and confirm the transfer. The points leave your Amex account when ready, though they may take up to 24 hours to appear in your partner loyalty account.

Keep your confirmation number. If the points do not show up in your partner account within 24 hours, contact Amex with the confirmation number and they can investigate.

Understanding transfer ratios and bonus conversion rates

The standard conversion rate is usually 1 Amex point to 1 airline mile or hotel point. However, Amex frequently offers transfer bonuses that improve this rate. A common bonus is 25% extra — meaning 10,000 Amex points become 12,500 partner miles instead of 10,000. Some bonuses go higher, to 50% or even 100% extra on specific partners.

These bonuses change monthly and vary by card type. Check your Amex account before transferring, because the bonus may only explore if you transfer a minimum amount — often 10,000 points or more. Transferring 5,000 points might not may have access to for the bonus, so you could get a worse rate than if you waited and transferred 10,000 at once.

Bonuses are temporary and promotional. If you see a bonus you like, transfer during that window. There is no penalty for transferring points, so you are not locked in if you change your mind later — but you cannot undo a transfer once it completes.

When transferring points makes sense versus other redemption options

Transferring points to a partner is most valuable when you are booking an expensive flight or hotel stay. A business-class ticket to Europe or a suite at a luxury hotel can cost far more in cash than the points required, so the value per point is high. If you are booking a short domestic flight or a budget hotel, you might get better value by redeeming points for a statement credit or cash back instead.

Some cards also let you book travel directly through the Amex travel portal using points. This option locks in a fixed value per point — usually 1 point equals 1 cent. Transferring to a partner can be worth more if you are strategic, but it requires knowing the partner's award chart and having a specific trip in mind. If you just want to use your points without planning, the travel portal or cash back is simpler.

What happens to transferred points if you close your card

Once points are transferred to an airline or hotel program, they belong to that program, not to Amex. Closing your Amex card does not affect points you have already transferred. However, you cannot transfer new points if your card is closed, so move any points you plan to transfer before you cancel.

Points sitting in your Amex account that you have not transferred yet may be forfeited if your account is inactive for a long time. The exact policy depends on your card, so check your benefits guide. If you are thinking about closing your card, transfer any remaining points first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer points to someone else's airline account?

No. You can only transfer points to a loyalty account registered under your own name. Amex does not allow transfers to other people's accounts. If you want to use your points for someone else's ticket, you would need to book the ticket yourself or use a different redemption method.

What if I transfer points to the wrong airline by mistake?

Once a transfer completes, it cannot be reversed. The points are now in that airline's program. Contact Amex customer service when ready with your confirmation number to explain the error. They may be able to help, but there is no may provide they can undo the transfer. This is why it is important to double-check the airline name before confirming.

Do I lose points if I transfer them?

No. The number of points you transfer is the number that arrives at the partner program (minus any conversion rate difference). If you transfer 10,000 points at a 1:1 rate, 10,000 points land in your airline account. If there is a 25% bonus, you get 12,500. You do not lose points in the transfer itself.

How long do transferred points stay in my airline or hotel account?

That depends on the partner program, not on Amex. Most airlines and hotels have their own expiration policies — typically points expire after 12 to 24 months of inactivity. Check the partner program's rules before transferring, especially if you do not plan to use the points right away.

Can I transfer points from a business Amex card?

Yes, if your business card is part of the Membership Rewards program. Business Platinum and Business Gold cards both allow transfers. The partner list and transfer process are the same as for consumer cards, though some business cards may have exclusive partners or different bonus rates.