It’s apparently “20% transfer bonus to Avios” month. Citi kicked things off last week with a 20% bonus when transferring ThankYou points to Qatar Airways, then British Airways prematurely announced a 20% transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards that, in fact, will be starting on March 1.
American Express is getting in on the act too because there’s a new 20% transfer bonus to Qatar Airways.
The Deal
- Get a 20% bonus when transferring American Express Membership Rewards to Qatar Airways.
Key Terms
- Expires March 31, 2025.
Quick Thoughts
It’s nice to have another option for getting a transfer bonus to an Avios program because it gives you even more flexibility to transfer points from a program with which you have a higher balance.
Remember that Avios lets you link your various Qatar Airways, British Airways, Iberia, etc. Avios accounts so that the points are transferable and redeemable between them. This Qatar Airways transfer bonus is therefore, in effect, a transfer bonus to those other Avios programs.
Best Uses for Avios
- Business class to Europe from 34K one-way via Iberia. This is probably my favorite Avios redemption and have one booked this year already. Iberia charges as few as 34K miles off-peak for one-way in business class on its own flights from New York, Boston, Chicago, or DC to Madrid during off-peak season. The fuel surcharges are quite reasonable and they also run seasonal promotions (usually during the Winter) where the prices drop down even further.
- Business class South America from 22K one-way via British Airways. I've used this once and availability can be tricky to find. But when you can find it, BA has excellent pricing for shorter distance non-stop American Airlines award flights.
- Long Haul Business Class on Qatar Airways. After Qatar's addition to Avios, BA lowered many of their award prices on Qatar. It's now possible to travel between the United States and Doha in business for only 70,000 Avios with minimal surcharges.
Things to Know
- Avios Purchases are processed by Points.com and DO NOT count as airfare.
- Avios can be easily transferred between Aer Lingus, Iberia, Finnair, Qatar and British Airways
- Avios expire after 36 months of no activity
- British Airways has near-extortionate fuel surcharges when flying on BA metal. It's best to keep Avios for use with partners or the Iberia Plus
Other Transfer Bonuses
| Transfer From | Transfer Bonus Details | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 20% transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards to British Airways Avios | 03/31/25 |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 50% transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy | 03/31/25 |
| Amex Membership Rewards | 20% transfer bonus from Amex Membership Rewards to Qatar Privilege Club Avios | 03/31/25 |
| Citi ThankYou Rewards | 20% transfer bonus from Citi ThankYou Rewards to Qatar Privilege Club Avios | 03/15/25 |
| Amex Membership Rewards | 25% transfer bonus from Amex Membership Rewards to Hilton | 03/14/25 |
| Amex Membership Rewards | 15% transfer bonus from Amex Membership Rewards to Avianca LifeMiles | 02/28/25 |
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