Good news: Credit card transfers to Emirates Skywards have returned
After a brief suspension, you can once again transfer American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou points to the Emirates Skywards program.
This news was first reported by Frequent Miler.
In April, each major issuer suspended reward transfers with differing timeframes on when (or if) they would return. American Express and Citi did not give end dates, causing fear that the suspension could last a significant time. Chase stated transfers would be unavailable through June 30, so it's great to see this issue resolved much earlier.
In our tests, transfers to Emirates Skywards have been instant, though timeframes can vary. Remember, transfers from credit card programs to partner programs like Emirates cannot be reversed, so always make sure you find award availability before transferring your points or miles.
While credit card points or miles usually transfer to the Skywards program at a 1:1 rate, Citi points will be devalued by 20% beginning July 27. This means that for every 1,000 ThankYou Rewards points you transfer to Emirates, you'll get a value of 800 Skywards miles, so a 5:4 transfer ratio.
Additionally, Emirates now restricts first-class award bookings to its loyalty program elite members. However, even if you don't have status, you can still book first-class award tickets with your points and miles if you book through partner programs. To book a luxurious first-class seat on Emirates, you can transfer Amex points, Citi points or Capital One miles to Qantas Frequent Flyer program at a 1:1 rate. Again, make sure you first find Emirates seats available through Qantas' booking platform before you transfer your rewards.
Related: How I booked an Emirates first-class award without elite status
Bottom line
It's great to see the return of all credit card transfer options to the Emirates Skywards program, alleviating the concern that this unexpected transfer suspension may not be temporary or short-lived.
It is disappointing to see the new restrictions on first-class redemptions booked with Skywards miles, as well as the upcoming 20% devaluation of Citi transfers; however, there is a handy work-around by transferring rewards to Qantas instead of Emirates.
Related reading:
- No more middle seat: A review of Emirates' refurbished business class on the 777-300ER from Dubai to Brussels
- Emirates adds new offerings to first class as award tickets face new restrictions
- Just enough bling: A review of Emirates' new premium economy on the A380 from Dubai to London
- Emirates Skywards and Marriott Bonvoy expand partnership
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