Skip to content

Quick Points: Check transfer times before initiating point transfer requests

May 12, 2023
3 min read
LAX Airport Operations
Quick Points: Check transfer times before initiating point transfer requests
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

At TPG, we're all about maximizing the value of transferable points currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Capital One Venture miles. These point currencies offer the flexibility to transfer your points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs to secure award availability.

However, this option has a downside — transfer times can vary. And if the points you transfer from your credit card issuer to a frequent flyer program don't arrive in time, you may miss the chance to book your award redemption.

Transfer partners to watch out for

Air France Boeing 777-300ER business class
Flying Blue has a complimentary 72-hour hold policy for most award tickets. KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Generally, most point transfers from credit card issuers to loyalty programs are instantaneous. After transferring your points, you'll usually need to log out and back into your loyalty program account to see your points balance updated.

However, you should take note of longer transfer times. Here are some to be aware of:

American Express Membership Rewards

  • Aeromexico Club Premier: 24 hours.
  • ANA Mileage Club: 48 hours.
  • Avianca LifeMiles: <one hour.
  • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: 48 hours.
  • Iberia Plus: 48 hours.
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: <24 hours.

Bilt Rewards

  • American Airlines AAdvantage: Up to 24 hours.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Capital One miles

  • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: 24 hours.
  • EVA Infinity MileageLands: 36 hours.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: Should be the same day, but some readers have reported up to 7 days.

Citi ThankYou Rewards

  • EVA Infinity MileageLands: three days.
  • Qatar Privilege Club: two days.
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: <24 hours.
  • Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: one day.

Marriott Bonvoy

  • All partners: Between 24 hours and six weeks.

What you can do to increase the chances of securing a redemption

Whether you're looking to use the above transfer options or planning to transfer any of your credit card rewards to partners, there are a few concrete steps you can take to increase your chances of locking in a desired itinerary.

  • Review our Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase and Citi transfer time guides.
  • Put an award on hold if the loyalty program allows it — you'll usually need to call the program to do this.
  • Ensure the personal details on your credit card and loyalty accounts match precisely.

If none of these work and your points are delayed, consider purchasing the necessary airline or hotel points to secure your award as a last resort.

Related reading:

Featured image by PATRICK FALLON/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

4 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
1XChoose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee
2XEarn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status + $300 of Bilt Cash
Annual fee
$495
Regular APR
26.74 - 34.74% variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Good Credit, Excellent Credit

Pros

  • Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
  • Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
  • $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
  • $200 Bilt Cash annually
  • Priority Pass membership
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Moderate annual fee
  • Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
  • Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
  • Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
  • 2X points on everyday spend
  • $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
  • $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
  • Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
  • Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
  • Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.