AmEx Travel Partners: What You Need to Know

One of the key benefits of using an American Express credit card is elite membership with AmEx transfer partners. For example, if you frequently travel with major airlines, particularly for business purposes, you can save lots of money by converting your spendings into reward points.

However, please note that all of the above is available exclusively to AmEx Green, Gold, and Platinum cardholders who are also members of the bank’s loyalty program, have a good credit rating, and a clean customer reputation.

Today, you will learn about all the benefits of AmEx partner programs, their bonuses, and how to get the most out of them.

About AmEx Transfer Partners

The best American Express transfer partners are 3-star hotel chains, airline companies, and service providers. If you use Green, Gold, or Platinum cards from AmEx and pay a yearly fee of $150, $325, or $695, respectively, you are eligible to receive special rewards from these companies.

With any of the three cards, you can accumulate points simply by spending, which are then converted into rewards for purchases, services, hotel bookings, or flights. For example, with a Gold card, you get 4 bonus points for every dollar you spend. Yes, there are certain monthly and yearly restrictions, and you probably won’t be able to spend all your miles on the same flight, but you’ll still save a lot every time you have to leave home.

Airline Transfer Partners

American Express transfer partners usually have special deals for AmEx customers. For example, an airline alliance that takes part in AmEx’s partners program can offer a premium level of service, access to the best lounges, and more to the bank’s cardholders.

Most of the airlines on the bank’s partner list have a 1:1 conversion rate for the bonus points you’ll get per dollar spent and provide AmEx clients with access to various additional options. For example, you can get up to 3 points to your bonus account for booking with some AmEx cards. There are also special lounges where you can relax and have a snack while waiting for your flight, get help, including legal assistance, or visit the shops.

Here’s a brief overview of the benefits you’ll get with an AmEx card from various airlines:

Delta SkyMiles

All the funds spent on booking a ticket (for example, through the company’s website or American Express service) will be converted into miles at a ratio of 1:1. This is a common bonus for AmEx cardholders, while additional bonuses depend on the fare and may increase the conversion ratio in your favor.

British Airways Avios

One of the best AmEx transfer partners, British Airways also offers you a bonus point for every dollar spent. You can also use your points with other US airline networks that are part of the Oneworld alliance.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Here, you’ll get bonuses at a 1:1 ratio and the ability to spend the accumulated points with United and Lufthansa. However, this is only possible if you book flights through the carrier’s website or the Travel section of your AmEx account.

ANA Mileage Club

One of the leading American Express travel partners, ANA can offer you a business class flight to Europe and back to the US for only 88,000 bonus points. By the way, if you pay for the trip at your own expense, you get points equivalent to the cost.

Avianca Airlines

StarAlliance member and one of the top AmEx partners. The company allows you to earn points in a 1:1 ratio and spend them on air travel later. Account holders with the program’s member status are also granted a number of privileges, such as access to lounges with an increased level of comfort.

Singapore Airlines

Another one of the well-known and popular AmEx travel partners that allows loyalty program members to accumulate and redeem points for airline miles at a 1:1 ratio.  This can be a pretty lucrative offer, as the cost of flights to Asia is relatively high, so redeeming part of it with rewards is always a good idea.

Qantas

Not just a partner but also a good choice for those who dream of a cost-effective holiday to Tahiti. For example, for just 25,200 points, you can get a one-way economy ticket from Los Angeles.

Virgin Atlantic

An AmEx transfer partner that has close ties with some other companies on the list. Therefore, you can redeem your rewards for flying with this provider at a range of other companies.

Avios Iberia

A Spanish airline that allows you to redeem points accumulated during flights with other providers and also allows you to earn bonuses at a 1:1 ratio.

Hotel Transfer Partners

The list of American Express travel partners also includes a number of hotel chains from across the globe. They typically allow cardholders to redeem AmEx points on hotel stays or use them to earn bonuses that can be applied as discounts on accommodations or converted into air miles.

What's more, using AmEx Green, Gold, or Platinum cards grants you exclusive access to premium services and benefits. This includes discounts at local restaurants, shops, recreational areas, game rooms, spa salons, and more.

Marriott Bonvoy

More than 8,000 locations around the world and cooperation with about three dozen airlines. This AmEx Travel partner converts your bonuses in a 1:1 format and allows you to earn them simply by using the brand’s services anywhere in the world.

Hilton Honors

Another one of the AmEx partners with a network of hotels around the world. Its bonus conversion rate is 1:2, so it’s a bit of a disadvantage for American Express cardholders.

Radisson Rewards

This partnership program will be most valuable to the tourists who like to have an extra level of comfort in their travels. The provider allows cardholders to earn and redeem points for room reservations and various payments, with some exclusive services thrown into the mix.

Other Transfer Partners

AmEx points transfer partners are not limited to airlines and hotel chains. The partnership program also includes service providers such as Uber, which allows you to pay for rides and food delivery with points.

In addition, AmEx has a number of agreements with leading restaurants and dining establishments around the world, allowing you to spend and earn points just by enjoying a delicious meal. And that’s not all.

American Express Green, Gold, and Platinum cardholders can benefit from exclusive perks, such as preferential credit at Walmart+ supermarkets, entertainment options with select partner platforms, and in-store discounts on a range of products, including bicycles and more.