Business-class flights to Europe from 27K points: How to maximize Amex's 30% transfer bonus with Avios
American Express and Avios have teamed up to make Membership Rewards even more rewarding.
Amex cardholders will receive a 30% bonus when transferring Membership Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus and Aer Lingus AerClub by Sept. 30.
While Membership Rewards points typically transfer at a 1:1 ratio, the new Avios offer has a transfer rate of 1:1.3. Therefore, when transferring 1,000 Membership Rewards points, you'll get 1,300 British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus Avios.
So, is this a good deal, and what are the best ways to maximize this promotion?
Related: Current credit card transfer bonuses
How to maximize Amex's 30% transfer bonus to Avios programs
With three different Avios programs to choose from to receive a 30% Avios bonus when transferring Membership Rewards points — and now the ability to transfer those Avios to two additional programs (Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Finnair Plus) — there are many ways to redeem your Avios.
Here are some of the best options to maximize this transfer bonus.
Fly business class to Spain from 27,000 Amex points
Booking premium-cabin award flights to Europe can be complicated and expensive, but Amex's transfer partners, British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus, use a distance-based award chart. This is one of the best options for nonstop flights to Spain.
Off-peak business-class flights offer the best deal. You can fly from the following airports to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) for just 14,000 Avios in economy, 25,000 in premium economy and 34,000 in business class each way:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Related: A review of Iberia's new business-class suite on the A350-900
You'll need just 27,000 Amex points to book an off-peak business-class flight to Spain through British Airways or Iberia using the current Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonus.
This is an excellent price because most airlines charge at least 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class flight to Europe.
Book domestic flights on American and Alaska from 5,000 Amex points
This option requires an additional step, but we promise it will be worth it.
British Airways used to be a great way to book short-haul domestic flights within the United States, flying Oneworld partners American Airlines or Alaska Airlines in economy. Unfortunately, British Airways devalued this sweet spot in July, and with increased prices, it's no longer a great deal.
Fortunately, you can transfer your Avios from any of the three participating Amex transfer bonus partner programs to Qatar Airways Privilege Club at a 1:1 rate, so 1,000 Amex points would become 1,300 British Airways/Iberia/Aer Lingus Avios. Then, you can transfer these 1,300 Avios to Qatar Airways.
Qatar still has excellent pricing for short-haul flights on partner airlines, including:
- Flights up to 650 miles in length: 6,000 Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios in Main Cabin economy or 12,500 Qatar Avios in business class
- Flights 650-1,151 miles in length: 9,000 Qatar Avios in economy or 16,500 Qatar Avios in business class
- Flights 1,152-2,000 miles in length: 11,000 Qatar Avios in economy or 22,200 Qatar Avios in business class
- Flights 2,001-3,000 miles in length: 13,000 Qatar Avios in economy or 38,750 Qatar Avios in business class
Of particularly great value are flights up to 650 miles in length; you will need just 5,000 Amex points transferred to British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus and then sent to Qatar Airways to book a 6,000-Avios domestic flight. Plus, you'll even have some Avios left over for your next redemption.
Related: 5 versions of Avios: When to use Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Qatar Airways
Fly to Hawaii for 10,000 Amex points
Another previous British Airways sweet spot was domestic flights from the West Coast to Hawaii. However, with the British Airways devaluations, your best bet again is to take the extra step to transfer your Avios from British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus to Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
You can then book nonstop flights from the West Coast on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines to the islands of Hawaii for just 10,000 Amex points (which would become 13,000 Qatar Avios with the transfer bonus), each way per person in economy.
Fly short-haul within Europe from 4,000 Amex points
British Airways Executive Club charges just 4,750 Avios each way for off-peak flights from London to European destinations up to 650 miles away (peak-date flights are only 5,250 Avios) plus fees and taxes of 17.50 British pounds. This includes destinations in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany, Austria and Italy.
By utilizing the Amex 30% transfer bonus, you'll need to transfer just 4,000 Membership Rewards points for off-peak dates (or 5,000 points for peak dates) to book short-haul flights within Europe.
Related: British Airways reveals revamped short-haul seats and new transatlantic first-class timeline
Best cards to earn Amex points
The best way to earn many Membership Rewards points is by utilizing the generous welcome offers on Amex cards. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
Should you convert Amex points to Avios?
Combine the flexibility of Avios with the generous 30% transfer bonus offered by American Express, and this is an excellent offer that you can use to maximize your travel.
While there have been 40% transfer bonuses for Avios in the past (the most recent one was in 2021), the current 30% bonus is still a good deal.
Bottom line
Avios are easy to earn given that at least one Avios program partners with each major credit card program. Plus, there are also many ways to use Avios.
If you have an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, don't miss out on a 30% bonus when transferring Amex points to British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus or Aer Lingus AerClub by Sept. 30.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.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.