Points Programs Explained
Understand transferable points, major programs, and how to get 5-10x more value from your rewards
Transferable points are the most valuable type of credit card rewards because they can be converted to airline miles or hotel points at various loyalty programs. This flexibility often multiplies their value 5-10x compared to cash back!
Why Transferable Points Are Powerful
Instead of being locked into one airline or hotel, transferable points can move to 10+ different partners. You keep your options open until you're ready to book.
Real Example: 100,000 Points
Same 100k points, 5x more value by transferring to the right partner!
The Big 4 Transferable Points Programs
These are the most popular and valuable points programs in the US
Best all-around program with excellent partners and easy redemptions
- • Sapphire Preferred ($95/year)
- • Sapphire Reserve ($795/year)
- • Freedom Unlimited (no fee)
- • Freedom Flex (no fee)
- • Beginners to points
- • Flexible travel planning
- • Hyatt hotel stays
Key Transfer Partners (1:1 ratio):
+ 10 more partners including British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Marriott
Pro Tip: Hyatt transfers are consistently the best value. 50k Chase points = 5+ nights at excellent properties!
Largest transfer network with premium airline partners
- • Gold Card ($250/year)
- • Platinum Card ($695/year)
- • Green Card ($150/year)
- • Blue Business Plus (no fee)
- • International business class
- • Maximum flexibility
- • Premium travel experiences
Key Transfer Partners (1:1 ratio):
+ 20 more partners including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France/KLM, Marriott
Pro Tip: ANA transfers are legendary for round-the-world business class tickets. 180k MR = business class around the world!
Smaller network but excellent airline options
- • Premier Card ($95/year)
- • Prestige Card ($495/year)
- • Rewards+ Card (no fee)
- • Asia travel
- • Turkish Airlines
- • Wyndham hotels
Key Transfer Partners (1:1 ratio):
+ 11 more partners including Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, Qantas
Pro Tip: Turkish Airlines has one of the best Star Alliance award charts. Great for Europe and Asia travel!
Fixed-value miles with transfer options - easiest to use
- • Venture X Card ($395/year)
- • Venture Card ($95/year)
- • VentureOne (no fee)
- • Simplicity (1¢ = 1 mile)
- • Travel statement credits
- • Some transfer bonuses
Unique Feature: Fixed Value
Unlike other programs, Capital One miles are always worth 1¢ each when redeemed for travel through their portal. This makes them easier to understand and plan with!
Key Transfer Partners (1:1 ratio):
+ 15 more partners including Air France/KLM, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific
Pro Tip: Wyndham transfers at 2:1 and Wyndham points are valuable. 30k Cap One miles = 60k Wyndham = 4+ free nights!
Understanding the mechanics of transferring points
Choose Your Destination & Search Award Availability
Before transferring, check if the flight/hotel you want is available using points. Search directly on the airline/hotel website or use award search tools.
Find the Best Partner for Your Route
Different transfer partners have different award charts and availability. NYC to Paris might be cheaper with Air France while Tokyo might be better with ANA.
Transfer Your Points
Log into your Chase/Amex/Citi account and initiate the transfer. Most transfers are instant, some take 1-2 days. Transfers are usually at 1:1 ratio.
Book Your Award Travel
Once points appear in your airline/hotel account, book your award! You'll typically pay taxes and fees (varies by route, usually $50-300).
Important Warning
Always search availability BEFORE transferring! Transfers are usually one-way and irreversible. Make sure the award is bookable before you move your points.
Maximizing value based on your situation
When to Transfer to Partners
- • Booking international business/first class
- • Premium hotel stays (luxury properties)
- • Routes with poor cash prices but good award availability
- • When you can get 2¢+ per point in value
- • Taking advantage of transfer bonuses
When to Use Cash/Portal
- • Booking economy domestic flights
- • Budget hotels or Airbnb
- • When award availability is poor
- • When you need cash for bills/expenses
- • When cash prices are exceptionally low
The "Cents Per Point" Rule
Calculate: (Cash price of flight) ÷ (Points needed) = Value per point
How to get 20-50% more value from your transfers
Several times per year, credit card issuers offer transfer bonuses where you get extra points when transferring to certain partners. These bonuses typically range from 20-50% and last 2-5 days.
Example: 30% Hyatt Transfer Bonus
How to Take Advantage:
Subscribe to alerts - Card Curator automatically emails you when bonuses go live (no setup needed!)
Keep flexible points - Don't transfer points until you need them, so you can capitalize on bonuses
Act fast - Bonuses typically last 2-5 days, so be ready to transfer when a good one appears
Card Curator tip: We track all transfer bonuses and send personalized alerts explaining how each bonus helps YOUR specific goals. You'll never miss a valuable opportunity!
Transferable points (Chase UR, Amex MR, Citi TYP, Capital One) offer 5-10x more value than cash
The Big 4 programs have 10-20+ airline and hotel transfer partners each
Always check award availability BEFORE transferring - transfers are usually irreversible
Transfer bonuses (20-50% extra) can multiply your rewards value even further
Best for international business class, premium hotels, and routes with poor cash prices
Let Card Curator Help You Maximize Points
Track your points across all programs, get transfer bonus alerts, and use our AI assistant to plan your best redemptions
Questions? for personalized advice!