Update: After publishing this post, a representative reached out to confirm that this is indeed a change, not a promotion. See below for more information.
Right now, Amex is offering transfers to both British Airways Avios and Iberia Avios at a rate of 1:1. This appears to be an unadvertised bonus — we have no idea how long this will last, so I suggest transferring sooner rather than later if you have a need to book an award.
We have received the following updated information on this change from a representative:
American Express now leads the industry in reward program partners
- Today, two of Amex’s Membership Rewards airline transfer partners, British Airways and Iberia, are increasing the transfer ratio for their rewards program, Avios. The transfer is increasing from a 5:4 to a 1:1 transfer ratio.
- With this update, Amex’s Membership Rewards program now offers the most 1:1 airline transfer partners – 11 in total.
- Membership Rewards now also offers Card Members the opportunity to transfer points to 21 reward program partners, which is more than any other U.S. credit card rewards program.
The Deal
- Transfer Membership Rewards to British Airways Avios or Iberia Avios 1:1
Quick Thoughts
For years, 1:1 was the normal transfer ratio. However, a couple of years ago the rate dropped to 250:200 (or 1 Membership Rewards point to 0.8 Avios). It’s great to see that ratio restored to the previous 1:1 rate – a most welcome change that further enhances the value of Membership Rewards. Remember that British Airways is also a Chase Ultimate Rewards partner, where points also transfer 1:1. However, if you’re looking to transfer from Membership Rewards and/or to Iberia, it’s great to have an old option return.
H/T: reddit/r/churning via IAD GR8 on Twitter
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[…] last week, we reported that the normal transfer ratio from American Express Membership Rewards to British Airways and […]
@blorg don’t do it – my 76K Avios been sitting idle since transfer from AMEX after the big hype by the bloggers. No availability whatsoever …. not even along the west coast from a big hub like LAX.
The best transfer for the AMEX MR is to SPG then on to Marriott for the Hotel and Air packages redemption.
That’s sad. To add insult to injury, long hauls have hefty bogus fuel charges.
With the exception of alaska miles, I think avios are pretty much the cheapest way to get to Asia from Hawaii. yaay.
[…] folks (View from the Wing, Monkey Miles, One Mile at a Time and Frequent Miler among others) reported today that American Express has changed the transfer bonus BACK to 1:1 (or I […]
Just updated the post as we have received confirmation that this is a change, not a promotion. 1:1 transfers are back 🙂
Aren’t there 50% bonuses sometimes to BA/Iberia?
There used to be a couple of times a year, but we haven’t seen one since last November if memory and Google serve me correctly.
Trying to remember, do Avios expire without activity on your BA account and would a small transfer reset that clock?
They expire after 3 years of inactivity. Yes, a transfer will reset that clock.
Great post! I’ve been waiting for a good transfer deal and just moved over my AMEX point balance to BA.