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A History of Amex Transfer Bonuses From 2010-Present

April 11, 2013
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7 min read
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A History of Amex Transfer Bonuses From 2010-Present
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One of the biggest benefits of having American Express Membership Rewards points is taking advantage of transfer bonuses to the program's airline and hotel partners. Unfortunately, these bonuses used to be offered much more frequently. While we are going through a drought, I figured I'd put together a list of past bonuses so you can see any past trends and decide whether it makes sense to redeem now or wait for a new bonus.

I have no inside information, but if I were a betting man I'd bank on seeing a Virgin America or Starwood 50% bonus within the next couple of months, which I personally wouldn't take advantage of. I'd rather see a British Airways 30-50% bonus or even an Air France/Flying Blue or Virgin Atlantic bonus that I could use towards promo awards (though those do carry big fees.)

While this might be wishful thinking, here's a list of past bonuses from 2010 for the US Membership Rewards program. I'm sure I probably missed a couple, so feel free to comment on any and I'll add to the list.

Here's a brief history of Amex transfer bonuses.
Transfer PartnerDatesBonus PercentageDurationNotes
Aeroplan
November 22, 2010 – December 5, 2010
25%
11 days
5,000 bonus miles for 20,000 points, max
Aeroplan (for Candada Amex only)
August 9, 2010 – August 15, 2010
15%
7 days
Flying Blue Air France/KLM
September 10, 2012 – September 16, 2012
35%
6 days
Flying Blue Air France/KLM
February 2, 2012 – February 29, 2012
25%
28 days
AirTran
February 1, 2011 – April 1, 2011
25%
29 days
A different points structure: 1,123 AmEx points get you 1 AirTran A+ credit. The equivalent of 9,000 points is good for one-way coach ticket
British Airways
December 3, 2012 – January 14, 2013
30%
43 days
British Airways
March 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012
50%
31 days
This is for Canadian AmEx Rewards Program
British Airways
August 28, 2012 – September 27, 2012
40%
31 days
British Airways
March 15, 2012 – May 31, 2012
50%
77 days
British Airways
November 28, 2011 – January 31, 2012
30%
65 days
British Airways
June 1, 2011 – July 31, 2011
50%
61 days
British Airways
February 2, 2011 – March 31, 2011
40%
58 days
British Airways
November 2, 2010 – December 31, 2010
30%
60 days
British Airways (USA Platinum and Centurion)
April 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
20%
91 days
British Airways (UK Amex cardholders)
January 23, 2010 – February 20, 2010
100%
28 days
British Airways (UK Amex)
December 3, 2010 – December 24, 2010
30%
21 days
Choice Hotels
April 3, 2012 – June 30, 2012
25% rebate*
89 days
33% bonus on an otherwise 1:1 ratio (750 AmEx = 1,000 Choice)
Choice Hotels
31-Oct-11
50%
Delta
November 14, 2011 – November 30, 2011
30%
16 days
*Plus a 15,000 bonus with every 50,000 transfer, so with that it would be 43%
Delta
July 25, 2011 – September 30, 2011
67% (40% rebate)
68 days
*This was a 40% rebate offer, in 50k increments and with a $60 per 100k excise fee. Also, rebate certificates sent 6-8 weeks after transaction
Delta
June 9, 2011 – September 30, 2011
50%
113 days
*Also 25,000 MQMs, requires 100,000 point transfer
Delta
June 1, 2011 – June 30, 2011
40%
30 days
*100,000 or more points. 25% if less
Delta
April - May 2011
40% (25% rebate)
Approx 2 months
*40% on 100,000+, 25% on less
Delta
January 22, 2011 – May 31, 2011
50%
130 days
*First time transfers only, 25,000 MQM as well
Delta
January 18, 2011 – March 31, 2011
30%
73 days
Delta
November 30, 2010 – December 31, 2010
67% (bonus, essentially)
32 days
* 20,000 bonus (or $250 Macy’s card) for 50,000 transfer
Delta
November 1, 2010 – December 15, 2010
50%
45 days
* 25,000 MQM w/ 50,000 point transfer
Delta
August 11, 2010 – September 30, 2010
20%
41 days
Delta
May 10, 2010 – June 30, 2010
25%
51 days
Delta
January 23, 2010 – February 28, 2010
up to 40%
36 days
* up to 49,000 for 10%, 50 to 149,000 for 20%, 150,000+ for 40%
El Al
November 1, 2010 – unknown
25%
unknown
Hilton
April 3, 2012 – June 30, 2012
25% rebate*
89 days
*25% bonus on an otherwise 1:1.5 ratio (750 AmEx = 1,500 Hilton)
Iberia
September 19, 2011 – not specified, but Iberia rolled into Avios on November 16, 2011
20%
59 days
JetBlue
June 12, 2012 – June 17, 2012
30%
6 days
Priority Club
April 12, 2010 – June 3, 2010
20%
21 days
Starwood
April 3, 2012 – June 30, 2012
25% rebate*
89 days
*44% bonus on an otherwise 3:1 ratio (750 AmEx = 333 SPG)
Starwood
March 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012
50%
31 days
Starwood
September 1, 2011 – September 14, 2011
25%
14 days
Virgin America
November 7, 2012 – November 21, 2012
50%
14 days
*Targeted
Virgin America
August 27, 2012 – September 2, 2012
30%
7 days
Virgin America
March 19, 2012 – March 26, 2012
30%
7 days
Virgin Atlantic
April 1, 2012 – May 15, 2012
25%
45 days
*Also a 1:2 ratio transfer, Virgin to Hilton
Virgin Atlantic
November 27, 2012 – December 29, 2012
35%
32 days
Virgin Atlantic
3-Jun-11
25%
Unknown
Virgin Atlantic
January 10, 2011 – February 28, 2011
15%
39 days
Virgin Atlantic
October 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010
20%
31 days
Virgin Atlantic
July 19, 2010 – July 30, 2010
15%
20 days
Virgin Atlantic
February 22, 2010 – at least March 16, 2010 (last mention in post)
15%
23 days (?)

[card card-name='Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express' card-id='22035076' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']

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American Express® Gold Card

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site

Rewards

1 - 4X points

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual Fee

$325

Recommended Credit

Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.