How points transfer to American Airlines works
You can move points into your American Airlines AAdvantage account from certain credit card issuers and loyalty program partners, but not from other airlines. American Airlines does not accept inbound transfers from most other airline programs. The transfer process itself is straightforward — you initiate it through your credit card issuer's website or the partner program's portal, and the points arrive in your AAdvantage account within one to three business days.
The main reason to transfer points is to reach a specific award ticket price or elite status threshold faster than earning them through flights alone. You can also transfer points out of your AAdvantage account to certain partners, though that direction has different rules and fewer options.
Key Takeaways
- Citi and Barclays credit cards are the primary sources for transferring points into American Airlines, and transfers typically post within one to three business days.
- You can transfer points from some hotel and car rental loyalty programs to American Airlines, but airline-to-airline transfers are not available for most carriers.
- Transfers are permanent and non-refundable once they post to your AAdvantage account, so verify your account number before initiating any transfer.
- American Airlines allows you to transfer points out to select partners, but the redemption value is often lower than using points for flights directly.
Credit card issuers that let you transfer to American Airlines
Citi and Barclays are the two main credit card issuers offering points transfers to American Airlines. Citi issues the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, the AAdvantage Business Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, and the AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard. Barclays issues the American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard and the American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard.
Each card earns points on purchases, and cardholders can move those points into their AAdvantage account at a one-to-one ratio. The transfer option appears in your online account portal under rewards or points management. You will need your AAdvantage account number, which you can find on your membership card, in your AAdvantage profile, or by calling American Airlines at 800-882-8880.
Some cards also offer sign-up bonuses in the form of points that can be transferred when ready. These bonuses post to your account within the timeframe stated in the card's terms, and you can then move them to American Airlines using the same process.
Hotel and car rental programs that transfer to American Airlines
Several hotel and car rental loyalty programs allow you to convert their points or miles into American Airlines AAdvantage miles. Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and Hyatt World of Hyatt all offer transfers to American Airlines. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards also transfers to AAdvantage.
Transfer rates vary by program. Marriott Bonvoy typically converts at a rate of 3 Bonvoy points to 1 AAdvantage mile. Hilton Honors converts at rates that depend on the transfer amount — larger transfers sometimes offer better rates. You initiate the transfer through each program's website or mobile app, and the miles appear in your AAdvantage account within the stated timeframe, usually one to five business days.
Hotel and car rental transfers are useful if you have accumulated points from stays or rentals but do not plan to use them with those brands. However, the conversion rates mean you typically receive fewer airline miles than the points you give up, so compare the value before transferring.
Airline programs that do not transfer to American Airlines
Most other airline loyalty programs do not allow transfers to American Airlines. United Airlines MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, Southwest Rapid Rewards, and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan do not have transfer partnerships with American Airlines. If you hold miles in those programs, you cannot move them to AAdvantage.
The only way to move miles between different airlines is if both programs are part of the same alliance or if they have a specific partnership agreement. American Airlines is part of the Oneworld alliance with carriers like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, but even alliance membership does not automatically enable transfers between programs.
How to initiate a transfer to American Airlines
Log into your credit card issuer's website or the partner program's portal using your username and password. Navigate to the rewards or points section, then look for an option labeled "Transfer Points," "Move Points," "Redeem for Miles," or similar language. The exact wording depends on the issuer or program.
Enter the number of points you want to transfer and your AAdvantage account number. Double-check your account number before confirming — transfers are permanent once they post, and American Airlines does not reverse transfers sent to the wrong account. Review the transfer fee if one applies; some programs charge a small fee per transfer, while others do not.
Confirm the transfer and note the confirmation number. The points will post to your AAdvantage account within the timeframe stated by the issuer or program, typically one to three business days. You can check your AAdvantage balance by logging into your account on aa.com or calling 800-882-8880.
Transferring points out of American Airlines to partners
You can also move AAdvantage miles out of your account to certain partner programs, though this direction has fewer options and often provides less value than using miles for flights. American Airlines allows transfers to select Oneworld partners and other program partners, including British Airways Executive Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy.
Transfer rates vary by partner. Some partners accept miles at a one-to-one ratio, while others offer conversion rates that favor the partner program. For example, transferring to Marriott Bonvoy typically converts AAdvantage miles to Bonvoy points at a rate of 1 mile to 3 points, which may or may not be a good deal depending on how you plan to use the Bonvoy points.
Initiate outbound transfers through your AAdvantage account on aa.com. Select the partner program, enter the number of miles to transfer, and confirm. Transfers usually post within one to five business days. Like inbound transfers, outbound transfers are permanent and cannot be reversed.
What to know before transferring points
Transfers are irreversible once they post to the receiving account. American Airlines will not undo a transfer if you change your mind, send points to the wrong account, or realize you made a mistake. Always verify your AAdvantage account number before initiating any transfer, and confirm the transfer amount matches what you intended.
Some credit card issuers and partner programs charge a fee per transfer, typically between $5 and $10. Check the terms of your specific card or program to see if fees explore. A few programs offer fee-free transfers or waive fees for members at certain elite status levels.
Points transferred into your AAdvantage account follow the same expiration rules as miles earned through flights. AAdvantage miles expire if your account has no activity for 18 months. Activity includes earning miles, redeeming miles, or any account changes. Transferring points in counts as activity, so it resets your expiration clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for transferred points to show up in my AAdvantage account?
Most transfers post within one to three business days. Some programs may provide faster posting, while others may take up to five business days. Check your confirmation email or the program's website for the specific timeframe. You can verify receipt by logging into your AAdvantage account on aa.com.
Can I transfer points from my spouse's credit card to my AAdvantage account?
No. Points can only be transferred from an account in your name to your AAdvantage account. If your spouse wants to move their points to your account, they would need to transfer them to their own AAdvantage account first, and American Airlines does not allow transfers between different people's accounts.
What happens if I transfer points to the wrong AAdvantage account number?
Once points post to an account, American Airlines does not reverse the transfer. If you sent points to the wrong account, contact American Airlines when ready at 800-882-8880 to explain the situation. They may be able to help, but reversal is not may provide. Always verify your account number before confirming any transfer.
Is it better to transfer points or earn them through flights?
That depends on your timeline and goals. Transferring points gets you to a redemption threshold faster, but you pay out-of-pocket for the credit card or hotel stay that earned those points. Earning miles through flights is slower but costs nothing extra. Compare the value of the points you are buying against the cost of the flight or stay that generates them.
Can I transfer AAdvantage miles to another person's account?
No. American Airlines does not allow transfers of miles between different account holders. Miles stay with the account they are earned in or transferred to. If you want to help someone else reach a redemption goal, you would need to transfer points into their account from a credit card or program in their name.