American Express Membership Rewards are the most valuable transferable points in Canada beacuse you can transfer Amex Membership Rewards to so many airline and hotel partners.
You can earn Amex points with many American Express cards. Once you’ve earned these valuable points, there are also plenty of ways to redeem them.
You’ll get the best value transferring Membership Rewards points to travel partners. Often getting 2.2 cents or more.
You can choose when you transfer your points. Plus, transfer bonuses give you extra value.
Whether it’s business class flights to Europe or a family vacation in the Caribbean, points can save you a lot of money on travel.
Here’s everything you need to know about transferring your American Express Membership Rewards points to airline and hotel partners.
How to Earn Amex MR Points
You can earn Membership Rewards with American Express cards like the Cobalt, Gold, and Platinum. You don’t need to be a big spender to get started.
You’ll find many ways to earn points. Welcome bonuses are the fastest, but you’ll also earn through everyday spending, Amex Offers, referrals, upgrade promotions, adding authorized users, and shopping portals.
Check out our guide to earning Membership Rewards for more easy strategies to earn points without overspending.
Best American Express Membership Rewards Cards
Welcome Points: Elevated 170,000
Welcome Value: $6,424
Annual Fee: $799
Welcome Points: 40,000
Welcome Value: $1,300
Annual Fee: $199
Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annual Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
Why Transfer Your Points?
Here’s why transferring your American Express Membership Rewards points is almost always the best move.
Depending on your American Express card, you’ll earn between 1x and 5x points per dollar on everyday purchases.
Redeeming Membership Rewards points for travel through the Amex portal, statement credits, gift cards, or online shopping gives you just 0.5 to 1.4 cents per point.
Transferring your points to Amex airline or hotel partners will often get you 2.2 cents per point or more. Plus, transfer bonuses give you extra value.
Some of the best value comes from premium flights with Aeroplan or Flying Blue, and high-demand hotel stays with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
That’s how you save money on expensive cash flights and hotels. Check out the latest credit card transfer bonuses to get more value from your points.
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You’ll get more value and better benefits when booking directly with airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Amex Membership Rewards Airline Partners
You’ll get the most value from your American Express Membership Rewards points when you transfer them to airline partners.
Amex has six airline partners. You’ll be able to book flights with more than 50 airlines worldwide. That’s more than any other credit card program in Canada.
You can redeem for worldwide flights with these partners at a fraction of the cash price.
My favourite use of Membership Rewards points is transferring them to airline partners to book business class flights for nearly free.
Amex Airline Transfer Partners
Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan
Air Canada Aeroplan is by far the best Airline loyalty program in Canada. It has more partners than any other program. You’ll get access to hundreds of flights worldwide.
You’ll get even more benefits, including excellent travel insurance, when you combine your booking with Aeroplan co-branded credit cards.
You’ll get free checked bags for you and up to eight companions with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite when flying with Air Canada. Plus, you’ll enjoy priority boarding and lounge access with premium cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and American Express Aeroplan Reserve.
You’ll get even better value than Air Canada’s dynamic pricing with Star Alliance awards, especially for long flights in premium cabins.
One of my favourite Aeroplan redemptions is booking business class flights between Canada and Europe on Star Alliance partners for only 60,000 to 75,000 Aeroplan points.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
Transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue
You’ll find Air France-KLM Flying Blue a great option for flights between Europe, the Middle East and to Sun Destinations like Mexico and the Dominican. It has an extensive network, including partners like WestJet, Virgin Atlantic, and Korean Air.
You can add a stopover on a one-way award at no extra cost. You’ll also find Monthly Promo Rewards with lower award prices on select routes. Families save more since kids aged 2 to 11 get 25% off award tickets when travelling with an adult.
Our favourite Flying Blue sweet spot is booking one-way business class flights between Toronto and Europe for 60,000 miles at saver pricing.
With the monthly promo, we’ve often redeemed the same ticket for just 45,000 miles, instead of paying $3,500 in cash.
Amex Membership Rewards Hotel Partners
You can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points in Canada to two hotel programs, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
You’ll have plenty of options for stays worldwide, from luxury resorts to downtown hotels. Transferring to these programs is an easy way to save money on travel and travel more.
You’ll get even more value with Marriott Bonvoy co-branded cards like the Marriott Bonvoy American Express and the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express, with elite night credits and an annual free night certificate.
Amex Hotel Transfer Partners
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Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
We often transfer Amex points to top up our balance and book five-night stays with points, since the fifth night is free with both Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors .
When to Transfer Amex Membership Rewards
Most Amex airline and hotel partners transfer instantly, so your points usually show up in your loyalty account right away. That makes it easy to transfer when you’re ready to book.
It’s best to transfer only after you’ve found the flight or hotel you want.
You’ll want to keep your points in Membership Rewards until then, since transfers are final.
Amex regularly offers transfer bonuses with select airline and hotel partners. Check out the latest credit card transfer bonuses. It’s a simple way to get more value when a bonus matches your travel plans.
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Set up your loyalty accounts early and link them to your Membership Rewards profile as soon as you get your Amex card.
It’ll make transfers faster and easier when you’re ready to transfer.
To Whom Can You Transfer Amex Membership Rewards?
You can transfer your Membership Rewards points to the loyalty accounts of the primary cardholder. Keep in mind that the first and last names have to match on both accounts.
You can’t transfer points directly to another person’s loyalty account, even a spouse’s.
How to Transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Partners
Transferring your Amex Membership Rewards points is simple. Once you do it once, it’s easier every time after.
If you run into issues or have any questions, Amex customer service is excellent. You can call or use the online chat for help.
Bottom Line
Many great cards earn American Express Membership Rewards points, and you’ll get the best value when you transfer them to airline and hotel partners.
This is the best way to save money on premium flights and hotel stays, and travel more for much less.
By keeping your points in Membership Rewards until you’re ready to transfer, you get flexibility, higher value, and the chance to take advantage of bonus offers.
Check out our top offers for earning points and miles in June, along with the latest credit card transfer bonuses and points purchase promotions.
