Transfer bonuses are one of the best ways to stretch the value of your credit card points. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One Miles frequently offer promotions to transfer points to airlines or hotels with an added bonus.
During a promotional period, a bank will add a percentage multiplier when you transfer your points to a specific airline or hotel partner.
Not all points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to begin with. Always check the base transfer ratio before calculating the bonus. For example, Marriott Bonvoy points typically transfer to airlines at a 3:1 ratio. A bonus would be applied on top of that base ratio.
Banks usually require you to transfer points in minimum increments, often 1,000 points. You cannot transfer exactly 1,234 points; you would have to transfer 2,000 points.
Because you have to transfer in fixed increments, you often end up transferring slightly more points than you actually need for your redemption. Keep this in mind when running the math.
Remember that transfers are strictly a one-way street. Once you move your points from your credit card to an airline or hotel, you cannot move them back.
Because transfers are irreversible, never transfer points speculatively. Do not move your points just because there is a 30% bonus. Only transfer points when you have found award availability and are ready to book immediately.
Don't want to do the math in your head? Use our Transfer Bonus Calculator to figure out exactly how many credit card points you need to transfer to hit your target miles.