What Program Is Best To Transfer Amex Points If You're Going to Close Your Account?
TPG reader TGauthier tweeted me this week wondering what his options were for transferring American Express Membership Reward points for future travel before he closes his account:
"@thepointsguy Brian where is the best place to transfer Amex points for future travel prior to closing the account?"
First off, you never want to move Amex, Chase or Starwood points to partners until you absolutely need them. This way you have maximum flexibility for choosing what to use them for and can redeem them at the moment you need them. However, if you plan on closing down an account, you should definitely transfer them to partners before doing so, or you will lose your points when you close the account.
Where you transfer the points to really depends on what you plan on using them for. For example, flying across the Atlantic versus on a short-haul flight within the US would require you to transfer them to different programs if you want to get the best value and options.
I would say one of the best programs to look at is British Airways. They usually run promotions or transfer bonuses every few months - if you can hold off until the offer a transfer bonus (I don't know of any at this time but you never know when they might pop up) that would allow to get more value out of the points. British Airways is good for short-haul flights, as well as flying overseas to certain destinations. For example, Boston to Dublin roundtrip in business class is only 50,000 Avios!
Another program you could consider is Aeroplan. Even though they've just raised their rates on awards, they are a Star Alliance member and you might be able to get some good value there. ANA and Singapore Airlines are also transfer partners you might want to look into.
Once you decide where you would like to go, take a look at the award flight charts of the aforementioned airlines/programs, and choose the best option. Another idea is to diversify, and transfer some to British Airways, some to ANA and some to Aeroplan for now, depending on how many points you may have. Just be aware that some of these airlines have hefty fuel surcharges on award tickets.
What I definitely do not recommend is liquidating you Amex points for statement credits or gift cards, as you will get less than 1 cent per point. Hotel transfers really aren't that great either. Virgin Atlantic is also another transfer partner option but beware as they also have extremely high fuel surcharges and fly to fewer destinations, so keep that in mind.
I hope this answers your question, as there is no "right" answer, but at least you have some possible options. See the below links for more information that may help.
The Ultimate Guide to American Express Membership Rewards Airline Transfers
Analyzing Membership Rewards Star Alliance Partners
ANA Award Series Overview
Top 10 Lesser Known Amex Transfer Partners You Might Not Have Considered
Let me know if you have any other questions by messaging me on Facebook, Tweeting me or emailing me at info@thepointsguy.com.
[card card-name='The Platinum Card® from American Express' card-id='22504813' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.