Maximize Your Points with These Four Amex Point Transfer Bonuses Ending 12/31
- Theo Meek
- Dec 8, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2024
Introduction
American Express Membership Rewards is rolling out limited-time transfer bonuses to four popular travel partners, valid until December 31, 2024. These promotions are a fantastic way to stretch the value of your points, making premium travel experiences more accessible and cost-effective.
In this guide, we’ll break down each bonus, share strategies to maximize their benefits, and introduce MileageMaverick’s "Trip Plan with a Travel Hacker" service, your go-to resource for crafting a seamless, personalized travel itinerary.
Our Take on Transfer Bonuses
At MileageMaverick, we consider transfer bonuses to be the most powerful tool in travel hacking. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, transfer bonuses offer unmatched value. Rather than booking through the Amex Travel Portal, we almost always recommend transferring your points during a bonus promotion to book directly with the airline or hotel partner. This approach not only maximizes your points but also unlocks exclusive award availability and perks.
Understanding Amex Point Transfer Bonuses
American Express periodically offers transfer bonuses to encourage point transfers to its travel partners. These bonuses add a percentage to the points you transfer, giving you more value for every Membership Rewards point. For example, a 30% transfer bonus means that transferring 10,000 points to a partner program yields 13,000 miles or hotel points.
When scaled up for premium redemptions, the savings can be significant. Booking a business class flight or a luxury hotel stay during a transfer bonus could save you 20,000–50,000 points or more compared to standard rates.
However, timing and strategy are critical. Once transferred, points cannot be returned to your Membership Rewards account. This makes it essential to confirm availability and value before committing to a transfer. When used strategically, these bonuses can unlock premium travel experiences at a fraction of the usual cost.
The Four Amex Point Transfer Bonuses Ending on 12/31
Partner | Bonus | Best Uses | Our Grade |
Avianca LifeMiles | 15% | Star Alliance premium cabin flights, domestic flights on United Airlines, Lufthansa business class. | C (Fair Deal) |
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 40% | ANA business or first class to Japan, Delta One flights to Europe, upgrades on Virgin Atlantic flights. | A (Awesome Deal) |
JetBlue TrueBlue | 25% | JetBlue domestic and Caribbean flights, JetBlue Mint premium experience. | B (Good Deal) |
Marriott Bonvoy | 35% | Luxury stays at St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton properties, extended stays using Marriott’s fifth-night-free benefit. | C (Fair Deal) |
1. Avianca LifeMiles – 15% Transfer Bonus
MileageMaverick Grade: C (Fair Deal)
Why? This deal is consistent but unimpressive. Amex runs 15% bonuses to Avianca LifeMiles about twice a year, so there’s no urgency to transfer points. If you’re targeting Star Alliance flights, you’re better off waiting for a transfer bonus to Aeroplan, ANA, or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
Best Uses:
Redeem LifeMiles for Star Alliance partner flights, such as United Airlines or Lufthansa.
Book long-haul business class flights for fewer points than many competitors.
Example: A Lufthansa business class flight from Chicago to Frankfurt typically requires 63,000 LifeMiles. With the 15% bonus, you only need 54,800 Membership Rewards points.
Helpful Links:
2. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club – 40% Transfer Bonus
MileageMaverick Grade: A (Awesome Deal)
Why? This deal is a standout! Amex usually offers a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic, but this rare 40% bonus is exceptional. Use it to book Virgin Atlantic flights, Delta One, or ANA’s premium cabins to Japan. This is a deal to jump on immediately.
Best Uses:
Fly ANA business class to Japan for 90,000 Flying Club points (round trip), reduced to 65,000 Membership Rewards points with the 40% bonus.
Delta One flights to Europe for significantly fewer points than Delta’s own program requires.
Example: Fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo in ANA business class for just 32,200 Membership Rewards points after the bonus.
Helpful Links:
3. JetBlue TrueBlue – 25% Transfer Bonus
MileageMaverick Grade: B (Good Deal)
Why? While JetBlue transfer bonuses are rare, this one isn’t groundbreaking unless JetBlue Mint is on your bucket list. If you’re eyeing Mint for a premium domestic or Caribbean experience, this bonus is worth considering. Otherwise, save your points for a more lucrative transfer.
Best Uses:
Redeem points for domestic and Caribbean flights.
Upgrade to JetBlue Mint for a luxurious experience.
Example: A $300 JetBlue flight typically costs 24,000 TrueBlue points. With the 25% bonus, you need just 19,200 Membership Rewards points.
Helpful Links:
4. Marriott Bonvoy – 35% Transfer Bonus
MileageMaverick Grade: C (Fair Deal)
Why? At MileageMaverick, we generally favor airline transfer bonuses over hotel ones. This 35% Marriott bonus is nothing extraordinary, especially since similar promotions happen regularly. If Marriott is your go-to hotel brand, this could be worth considering, but we’d wait for a more substantial 50% bonus.
Best Uses:
Book luxury properties like the St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton.
Use Marriott’s fifth-night-free benefit to stretch your points further.
Example: A standard room at the St. Regis New York costs 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. With the 35% bonus, you’d need only 63,000 Membership Rewards points.
Helpful Links:
Introducing MileageMaverick’s "Trip Plan with a Travel Hacker" Service
Maximizing your points is only half the battle; planning the perfect trip requires strategy and insider knowledge. MileageMaverick’s Trip Planning with a Hacker service ($139) is designed to take the stress out of travel planning while maximizing your savings and rewards.
What You’ll Get:
Customized Itineraries: Personalized travel plans tailored to your interests, preferences, and budget.
Money-Saving Strategies: Expert advice on finding affordable flights, accommodations, and transportation.
Maximized Rewards: Tips on earning and redeeming points for the best value, plus guidance on leveraging elite status for perks like upgrades and lounge access.
Travel Hacking Knowledge: Build confidence and skills to plan future trips independently.
By the end of your session, you’ll have everything you need to book your trip with confidence, knowing you’ve saved money and maximized your rewards. Visit our Trip Planning with a Hacker page to learn more and book your session today.
Pro Tips for Making the Most of Transfer Bonuses
Plan Ahead: Check award availability before transferring points. Use tools like ExpertFlyer or the airlines’ loyalty program websites.
Diversify Your Transfers: Spread your points across different programs to create multiple travel opportunities.
Be Flexible: The more open you are to dates and destinations, the easier it will be to find valuable redemptions.
FAQs
Can I split my transfers across multiple partners?
Yes! You can transfer points to multiple programs during the bonus period, as long as your accounts are linked.
Are these transfer bonuses guaranteed to return in the future?
Are transfer bonuses applied automatically?
What happens if I transfer points but don’t use them immediately?
Wrapping Up
The four Amex point transfer bonuses ending on 12/31 represent a golden opportunity for travelers to maximize their Membership Rewards points. Whether you’re eyeing a luxurious flight, a memorable hotel stay, or both, these bonuses can help make it happen.
Need help crafting the perfect trip? Take advantage of our Trip Planning with a Hacker service for expert guidance and insider tips. Don’t wait—these offers won’t last, and neither will the best award availability. Start planning your next adventure today!
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