What Does It Mean to Transfer Points—and When Should You Do It?

If you’ve dipped your toes into the world of travel rewards, you’ve probably come across the term or phrase point transfers. It might sound technical, but once you understand how it works, you’ll unlock one of the most powerful tools for maximizing your points and miles.

Let’s break it down: what does transferring points actually mean, why should you do it, and when is the right time?

💡 What Does “Transferring Points” Mean?

Transferring points means moving your credit card rewards (usually from a flexible points program like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, or Capital One Miles) directly to a travel partner, such as an airline or hotel loyalty program.

For example:

• You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to World of Hyatt, United MileagePlus, or Air Canada Aeroplan.

• Amex Membership Rewards can go to Delta SkyMiles, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, or Marriott Bonvoy, just to name a few.

Once transferred, those points live in the airline or hotel’s program—and are subject to their own rules and award charts. You can find a full list of all of their transfer partners on your bank’s portal.

✅ Why Is Transferring Points a Good Idea?

1. You’ll Get More Value Per Point

Transferring to a travel partner often lets you redeem points for much more than their usual cash value. For example, Chase points are worth 1–1.5 cents per point when used in the travel portal, but transferred to Hyatt, you can easily get 2–3 cents or more per point in value.

Example:

Let’s say a night at the Park Hyatt New York costs $1,200 or 35,000 Hyatt points. That’s over 3.4 cents per point—more than double what you'd get booking through the Chase portal.

2. Access to Premium Travel

Some of the best deals using miles, especially for business or first-class international flights, are only available through airline programs. Think flying to Europe in lie-flat seats for 45,000–70,000 points instead of paying $3,000+ in cash.

3. More Booking Flexibility

Some airline partners allow stopovers, open jaws, or more generous cancellation policies—giving you flexibility you wouldn’t get when booking through a credit card travel portal.

📅 When Should You Transfer Points?

This is where it gets strategic. Here’s the golden rule:

Only transfer your points when you’re ready to book.

Once transferred, you can’t transfer them back. If that dream flight disappears or you change your mind, you’re stuck with points in that airline or hotel’s program.

Good times to transfer:

• 🔍 You found award availability for specific dates and flights/hotels.

• ✈️ There’s a transfer bonus (e.g., Chase offers 25% more when you transfer to Air France).

• 🧠 You’ve done the math and you’ll get better value than redeeming through the credit card portal.

🚫 When Not to Transfer

Avoid transferring just because you think you’ll use the points later. Airline and hotel programs devalue points regularly, and availability isn’t always guaranteed. You’re better off keeping points in your flexible credit card account until you have a solid plan.

Final Thoughts

Transferring points is one of the best hacks in the travel rewards world. It lets you stretch your points further, book luxury travel for less, and access deals you won’t find anywhere else. But timing is key—transfer only when it makes sense for your specific trip.

Want help knowing when and how to transfer your points for max value? Book a 1:1 coaching session with me or shoot me a DM on Instagram @milesbymitch. I’d love to help you save big and travel better.