If you’re a frequent traveler and a credit card rewards enthusiast, you may already be familiar with the concept of transfer partners. Most major credit card issuers offer transferable currencies that allow you to use your rewards with their airline and hotel partners. This can be a great way to make the most of your hard-earned credit card rewards and book luxury travel experiences for a fraction of their retail price.
However, figuring out how and when to transfer your rewards can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the world of travel credit cards. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to successfully transfer your credit card rewards to partner programs.
Before we dive into the mechanics of transferring rewards, there are some important things to note to ensure your success in this endeavor. First and foremost, it’s crucial to wait to transfer your points until you have a specific flight or hotel room to book. While it’s tempting to transfer your rewards speculatively, it’s best to preserve the flexibility of your rewards and guard against unexpected devaluations. Transfers are irreversible, so if the program decides to increase the price of the room or flight you were planning to book, you’ll be left with points that can’t be used the way you want them.
On the other hand, if you transfer your points and immediately book your hotel room or flight, you’ve locked in the value of that redemption. This is the safest approach to ensure that you don’t lose the flexibility and value of your rewards.
Another important reminder is that not all credit cards allow you to transfer your rewards to partners. Some cards are technically cash-back cards, but if you have a higher-end card from the same issuer, you can combine your points in a single account and convert your cash-back rewards to fully transferable points. It’s essential to understand the transferability options of your specific credit card before proceeding with transfers.
Now that we’ve covered the important reminders, let’s dive into the steps you should follow to transfer your credit card rewards to partner airlines and hotel programs.
1. Set up loyalty program accounts in advance: Before you can initiate a transfer, you need to create accounts with any applicable partner programs. While you may already have accounts with major U.S. programs, it’s essential to join international airline loyalty programs as well, as they often offer better redemption options. Ensure that the name on your loyalty program account matches the name on your credit card to avoid any transfer issues.
2. Add loyalty programs to your online account: Once you have your loyalty program accounts set up, add them to your online profile with each card issuer. This step will save you time when you’re ready to make a transfer. Each card issuer has a different process for adding loyalty programs, so make sure to follow the specific instructions provided by your credit card issuer.
3. Find availability and check the paid rate: After setting up your transfer accounts, it’s up to you to find the award availability you want. This will happen through the loyalty program’s website. It’s crucial to search for your desired flight or hotel room and ensure that it’s available before initiating a transfer. Some travelers prefer to call and ask an agent to double-check the award space availability. Additionally, before moving forward, check the paid rate for your desired booking through your credit card portal. If the portal offers a better deal than transferring points, it’s best to book through the portal instead.
4. Calculate the number of points you need: Most credit card rewards transfer to partners at a 1:1 ratio, so calculating the number of points you need is straightforward. In most cases, transfers are done in increments of 1,000 points. For example, if an award ticket requires 50,000 miles, you’ll need to transfer 50,000 points. However, if you’re eligible for a transfer bonus, the calculation may be more complex. Make sure to understand the terms of any transfer bonuses before proceeding.
5. Initiate the transfer: Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you’re ready to initiate the transfer. Follow the instructions provided by your credit card issuer to transfer your rewards to the partner program. Double-check all the information, including the loyalty program account number, to ensure a successful transfer.
By following these steps and being mindful of important reminders, you can successfully transfer your credit card rewards to partner programs and make the most of your hard-earned rewards. Remember to wait until you have a specific booking in mind, research availability and paid rates, and calculate the number of points you need before initiating a transfer. With careful planning and strategic transfers, you can enjoy amazing travel experiences for a fraction of their retail price.