1:1 transfers from Membership Rewards to Avios

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Update: After publishing this post, a representative reached out to confirm that this is indeed a change, not a promotion. See below for more information.

Right now, Amex is offering transfers to both British Airways Avios and Iberia Avios at a rate of 1:1This appears to be an unadvertised bonus — we have no idea how long this will last, so I suggest transferring sooner rather than later if you have a need to book an award.

We have received the following updated information on this change from a representative:

American Express now leads the industry in reward program partners

  • Today, two of Amex’s Membership Rewards airline transfer partners, British Airways and Iberia, are increasing the transfer ratio for their rewards program, Avios. The transfer is increasing from a 5:4 to a 1:1 transfer ratio.
  • With this update, Amex’s Membership Rewards program now offers the most 1:1 airline transfer partners – 11 in total.
  • Membership Rewards now also offers Card Members the opportunity to transfer points to 21 reward program partners, which is more than any other U.S. credit card rewards program.

a screenshot of a phone

The Deal

  • Transfer Membership Rewards to British Airways Avios or Iberia Avios 1:1

Quick Thoughts

For years, 1:1 was the normal transfer ratio. However, a couple of years ago the rate dropped to 250:200 (or 1 Membership Rewards point to 0.8 Avios). It’s great to see that ratio restored to the previous 1:1 rate – a most welcome change that further enhances the value of Membership Rewards. Remember that British Airways is also a Chase Ultimate Rewards partner, where points also transfer 1:1. However, if you’re looking to transfer from Membership Rewards and/or to Iberia, it’s great to have an old option return.

H/T: reddit/r/churning via IAD GR8 on Twitter

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[…] last week, we reported that the normal transfer ratio from American Express Membership Rewards to British Airways and […]

Kalboz

@blorg don’t do it – my 76K Avios been sitting idle since transfer from AMEX after the big hype by the bloggers. No availability whatsoever …. not even along the west coast from a big hub like LAX.

The best transfer for the AMEX MR is to SPG then on to Marriott for the Hotel and Air packages redemption.

SDO

That’s sad. To add insult to injury, long hauls have hefty bogus fuel charges.

P

With the exception of alaska miles, I think avios are pretty much the cheapest way to get to Asia from Hawaii. yaay.

[…] folks (View from the Wing, Monkey Miles, One Mile at a Time and Frequent Miler among others) reported today that American Express has changed the transfer bonus BACK to 1:1 (or I […]

Bob

Aren’t there 50% bonuses sometimes to BA/Iberia?

Scott

Trying to remember, do Avios expire without activity on your BA account and would a small transfer reset that clock?

blorg

Great post! I’ve been waiting for a good transfer deal and just moved over my AMEX point balance to BA.