American Express Membership Rewards has the most transfer partners of any US transferable-points currency — 21 partners as of 2026. Quantity doesn't equal value. A handful of partners are genuinely valuable; the rest are padding. Here's the ranked breakdown.

Tier 1 — core partners worth optimizing for

ANA Mileage Club (1:1)

ANA's round-the-world award chart (business class for 115,000-135,000 miles) is the single most impressive aspirational redemption accessible via Amex MR. Amex runs periodic 30-40% transfer bonuses to ANA. For travelers who plan premium-cabin international trips, ANA is the flagship reason to earn Amex MR.

British Airways Avios / Iberia Plus Avios (1:1)

Distance-based Avios unlock the best short-haul redemption value in the US points ecosystem. Iberia Avios specifically has lower surcharges on transatlantic routes than BA. Both are instant transfers from Amex.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1)

The escape hatch for Delta SkyMiles holders. Delta One business class New York-London for 50,000 Virgin points one-way. ANA First Class via Virgin for 110,000 Virgin points round-trip (with surcharges). Amex runs frequent 30-50% transfer bonuses to Virgin.

Air France/KLM Flying Blue (1:1)

Flying Blue runs monthly Promo Awards at 25-50% off standard pricing. Combined with Flying Blue's strong trans-Atlantic business class access and SkyTeam partner routing, the program is one of Amex's strongest partners. Instant transfers.

Tier 2 — situational value

Aer Lingus AerClub (1:1)

Aer Lingus is a OneWorld carrier operating transatlantic flights. AerClub pricing via Avios to Dublin is cheaper than BA Avios for some US-Europe routings, particularly for travelers targeting Ireland.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1)

Cathay First and Business class access via Asia Miles, particularly Hong Kong-centric routings. Amex MR transfer timing is 3-5 days typically (not instant).

Delta SkyMiles (1:1, bonus windows only)

Delta is a transfer partner only during periodic Amex promotional windows. Delta SkyMiles have limited practical value for most redemptions compared to transferring to Virgin and booking Delta via Virgin instead.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1)

Useful for specific Singapore Airlines premium-cabin redemptions. Availability via KrisFlyer for Suites and Business class is sometimes better than via Star Alliance partner programs. Transfer timing 1-2 days typically.

Tier 3 — generally skip

AeroMexico Club Premier (1:1.6)

Non-1:1 ratio. AeroMexico is a SkyTeam carrier with limited utility for most US flyers. Skip unless you specifically target AeroMexico redemptions.

Emirates Skywards (1:1)

Emirates awards on its own metal carry heavy fuel surcharges. Award redemptions are technically available but frequently cost $1,000+ in surcharges on top of miles. Limited practical value outside Emirates First Class showpiece redemptions where surcharges become relatively minor vs the total trip value.

Qatar Privilege Club (1:1)

Qatar's premium cabin (Qsuite) is one of the best business class products globally. However, award availability via Privilege Club is inconsistent and requires persistence. For most US flyers, American AAdvantage or BA Avios offers a better path to Qsuite.

El Al Matmid (50:1)

Poor transfer ratio. El Al is an Israeli airline with limited routing utility. Skip unless you have a specific Israel itinerary.

Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles (1:1)

Narrow utility — Hawaii-focused. Skip unless you specifically target Hawaiian Airlines redemptions from the mainland.

Hotel partners

Marriott Bonvoy (1:1)

Functional at 1:1 but Marriott points are worth roughly 0.7¢ while Amex MR is worth 1.5-2¢ for best uses. Net: 1.5-2¢ of MR converts to 0.7¢ of Marriott. Bad trade in most cases.

Hilton Honors (1:2)

Generous-looking ratio but Hilton points are worth approximately 0.5¢ while MR is worth 1.5-2¢. Net: 3-4¢ of MR converts to 1¢ of Hilton. Bad trade unless you specifically need Hilton points for a near-term redemption.

Choice Privileges (1:1)

Choice points are worth ~0.8-1.1¢. 1:1 MR transfer makes Choice redemptions roughly break-even versus flexible MR use. Skip unless you have a specific Choice booking.

Transfer bonus awareness

Amex periodically runs transfer bonuses of 20-50% to specific partners. These typically last 4-8 weeks and materially change the math for affected partners. Common bonus recipients: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France Flying Blue, ANA, Aeromexico. Wait for bonuses when possible; transfer immediately during bonuses for maximum value.

The cardinal rules

  1. Never transfer proactively. Transfers are one-way and irreversible. Only transfer when you have a specific booking you can complete immediately.
  2. Check availability first. Confirm the award seat is bookable before initiating the transfer. Once MR becomes ANA miles, you can't transfer back.
  3. Watch for bonuses. Amex runs partner bonuses several times per year. Plan transfers around them.
  4. Check transfer timing. Some partners (BA, Virgin) are instant; others (Cathay, ANA) can take days. Plan bookings accordingly.

FAQ

How long do MR transfers take?

Most instant (BA, Virgin, Flying Blue, Marriott). Some take 1-2 days (Singapore, Delta during bonus windows). A few take 3-5 days (Cathay, ANA). Plan awards with the longer timing in mind.

Can I hold an award while MR transfers?

Yes, most airlines allow 3-7 day holds on award reservations. Hold first, initiate MR transfer, confirm booking when miles arrive.

What's the most common MR transfer mistake?

Transferring to Marriott or Hilton because the ratio looks good. Per-point value of hotel currencies is meaningfully lower than MR. Transfer only for specific near-term bookings where the target redemption value is clearly worth it.

Are Amex MR partners ever removed?

Occasionally. Partners have been added and removed over the years. ANA, BA, and Virgin have been consistent; smaller partners come and go. This is why waiting to transfer is generally smart.

Which Amex cards earn MR?

Gold Card ($325), Platinum Card ($695), Business Platinum ($695), Business Gold ($375), Green Card ($150), various no-fee "everyday" cards. Welcome bonuses on Platinum and Business Platinum are the highest in absolute terms; Gold offers strong ongoing earning on groceries and restaurants.

Last verified April 2026.