Transferable points are some of the most valuable travel points. They give you flexibility and access to multiple airline and hotel partners.
Many Canadians earn bank or grocery points for years, only to realize they have very little value. These points are locked into a fixed value of 1 cent per point or less.
That means you’ll need far more points for the same flight. And you’ll still pay taxes and fees.
Looking to get more travel for less? You should focus on transferable credit card points. They’re some of the most valuable points in Canada.
You’ll get better value, more options, and save money since you can transfer your points to many airline and hotel programs.
According to our points valuation, American Express Membership Rewards and Avion points rank among the most valuable in Canada. That’s thanks to the many ways you can earn and redeem them.
Here’s why transferable points are so valuable and which cards are worth considering.
The Limitations of Fixed Value Points
Many Canadians earn fixed value points for years, only to realize they have very little value. These points are locked into the bank’s system at a fixed value of 1 cent per point or less.
That means you’ll need hundreds of thousands of points for premium flights. And you’ll still pay hundreds of dollars in taxes and fees.
The challenge with programs like TD Rewards, BMO Rewards, CIBC Aventura, Scotia Scene+, and PC Optimum is that your redemption value is capped. You’re usually getting 1 cent per point at best, and sometimes far less.
With fixed value points, you’re limited to the bank’s travel portal pricing. There’s no way to redeem fewer points for premium economy or Business Class flights.
That’s why transferable points are some of the most valuable travel points if you want to travel more for less.
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What Are Transferable Points
You’ll earn transferable points from select credit cards that let you transfer points to top airline and hotel programs. You’ll get far more flexibility and better value for travel.
Instead of being locked into one bank portal, you can transfer your points to programs like Aeroplan, Flying Blue, British Airways Avios, Marriott Bonvoy, and more.
With American Express Membership Rewards, you can earn transferable points with cards like the American Express Cobalt, Gold, and Platinum Cards.
RBC Avion is another super valuable transferable points program in Canada. You can earn points with the RBC Avion Infinite, RBC Avion Infinite Privilege, and RBC ION+ Visa Cards.
More Airline and Hotel Choices
You’ll get the most value from transferable points like Amex Membership Rewards and RBC Avion because you can choose from many travel partners instead of being tied to one program.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for May 2026.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for May 2026.
American Express Membership Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards points are the most valuable transferable points in Canada.
You’ll get at least 2 cents per point in value based on our latest valuations. With optimized redemptions, you can get far more value by transferring points to airline and hotel partners for Business Class flights and luxury hotels.
You can transfer Amex points to programs like Aeroplan, Flying Blue, British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors.
That flexibility is what makes American Express Membership Rewards points so valuable for travel.
American Express Membership Rewards Cards
Welcome Points: Elevated 130,000
Welcome Value: $5,544
Annual Fee: $799
Welcome Points: 40,000
Welcome Value: $1,300
Annual Fee: $199
Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
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.
RBC Avion
RBC Avion points are a super valuable transferable credit card points program in Canada.
You’ll get the most value from RBC Avion points when you transfer them to airline partners instead of redeeming them through the RBC travel portal.
You can transfer RBC Avion points to valuable programs like British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and sometimes American Airlines AAdvantage.
This flexibility is what makes RBC Avion points so valuable for flights, especially for premium economy and Business Class travel.
Best RBC AVion Cards
Welcome Points: Elevated 100,000
Welcome Value: $2,000
Annual Fee: $399
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
Award Booking Concierge
Let us find your award flights and hotels
You’ve earned your points! Now let me do all the work of finding the best available award flights and hotels for your next trip.
Limited-time sale pricing. Limited spots available.
Award Booking Concierge
Let us find your award flights and hotels
You’ve earned your points! Now let me do all the work of finding the best available award flights and hotels for your next trip.
Limited-time sale pricing. Limited spots available.
Transfer Bonuses
American Express regularly offers transfer bonuses from 15% to 40% to Flying Blue, British Airways, Marriott and Hilton.
RBC Avion also offers transfer bonuses throughout the year to partners like British Airways Avios and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.
These can make a big difference, giving you enough extra points to book premium economy or even business class.
Check out the latest credit card transfer bonuses since they can get you closer to your next flight or hotel redemption for fewer points.
Why Transfer Points
You’ll get more value and benefits when you transfer points and book directly with an airline or hotel instead of using a credit card portal. It’s especially rewarding for premium cabins and luxury stays.
You’ll also have the flexibility to combine points from many sources into one program, making it easier to book bigger trips. Direct bookings usually include better change and cancellation options too.
Plus, you’ll still enjoy perks tied to your loyalty status and co-branded credit cards, like free checked bags, upgrades, breakfast, and priority boarding.
I transferred Amex Membership Rewards points to Flying Blue and booked two business class seats to Paris.
It was an incredible value since each flight only cost 60,000 Membership Rewards points.
Cash prices for these flights are usually over $3,500 CAD each during peak season. Instead, we flew lie-flat to Paris and arrived refreshed.
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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.
When to Transfer Points
You should transfer your points only when you’re ready to book your flights or hotel stays. Most transfers happen instantly, but it’s smart to check transfer ratios and timing first.
You’ll get the most value when you use your points for high-value redemptions and avoid holding them too long, since they can lose value over time.
AWP TIP
You’ll want to confirm award space before transferring. Most transfers are instant, but you can’t reverse them.
Bottom Line
You’ll get more flexibility and value from transferable points than fixed rewards or cash back can match.
You can earn transferable points through programs like American Express Membership Rewards and RBC Avion through multiple cards with welcome offers and everyday spending.
You can transfer your Membership Rewards to plenty of airline and hotel partners. This means you can combine them with your existing loyalty points to redeem for flights, premium cabins, and luxury hotels while saving money.
