How to transfer credit card rewards to partner programs?

Being a travel addict, you should know about transferring your credit card rewards to partner programs so that you can get the most out of the value and add more enjoyment. Whether it is your international trip or staying in a luxurious hotel, redeeming or transferring the rewards points and utilizing them would be a smarter way to access all. Some people find it challenging to transfer to a credit card rewards program, so here is a guide that explains everything in easy language. 

Easy steps to transfer credit card rewards to partner programs.

Since almost every partner program has a similar points transfer process regardless of its nuances, it becomes easy to learn about its points transfer. Below are the steps explained to plan your booking and get point transfers hassle-free.

Look for the transfer partners

When planning a redemption, research a bit about transfer program partners, loyalty programs of several airlines, and credit card partners. Keep in mind that depending on your airline and route, the redemption may change, so you must check out properly. Below are some airline frequent flyer program points transfer rates with credit card partners.

Transfer partner

• Aer Lingus AerClub (Avios)
• Aeromexico Rewards
• Air Canada Aeroplan          
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan           
• American Airlines AAdvantage                    
• All Nippon Airways Mileage Club

Look for a relative loyalty program

In order to transfer points, you must have a frequent flyer membership. Enrolling with any of your desired airline loyalty programs is free most of the time and can be done easily online. Keep the name and other details as on your partnered credit card; otherwise, you may not be able to complete the points transfer.

Add your frequent flyer program to your credit card

Now, the next step is to link your loyalty membership with your transfer partner, and this can be done by following the easy steps below.

• Go to your transfer partner's official website, log in to your account, and move to the Transfer Points page.
• Find the option to link your account and follow the steps by providing your loyalty membership details.
• Upon verification, the account will be linked, and you will be ready to make transfers.

Search for the award flight on your preferred airline

Your points will get you awards, but only when they are available. You must go to your airline and search for award flights. Conduct a thorough search for your trip, but beware of phantom fares, so double-check for award flight availability and book it.

Determine the number of points you would require

After finding your award flights, you must ensure to calculate how many points you would need to get the flights, and for that, you must consider redemption offers. Calculate the redemption value by dividing the fare value by several points. Do consider long-term goals, transfer ratios, how it is affecting your elite status, and flexibility. 

Transfer your points

Go to your credit card account and be ready to make the points transfer. Search and find the transfer section and initiate the points transfer by providing information and selecting the airlines. Enter a number of points and submit your request. 

Make your bookings

Your request will be made soon, and you will be able to see your points in your membership account. Now, make your flight bookings.

Essential things to learn before transferring rewards to partner programs

Before you transfer points to partner programs, you must understand a few things first. Let's find out what these are.

• Delays in transferring points from your credit card to your partner program. It has been seen that many people struggle with delays. Although most transfers are instant, some exceptions take up to seven days, and the simple reason behind that is the additional verification process. 
• Disappeared or "Phantom" Fares are those fares that are shown as an award when you search for your flight, but as soon as you try to book, they disappear. Keep checking for any such fare twice because generally, points transferred can't be reversed. 

Tip to remember

• When you find out the fare prices are high and you are getting higher rates at that time, you must transfer your reward points. 
• Sometimes, point transfers become affordable at the last minute of booking, resulting in a cheaper booking cost.
• Booking at premium or business class fares typically offers more value than saver or economy fares in terms of point redemption
• I prefer to book with airlines that offer fixed award charts because their points remain stable, and their cash prices do not fluctuate.
• Better value per point: If you prefer to book directly through the airline's travel portal, you may not get the better value that transferring points offers.
• Award fares come with more flexible flight change or cancellation guidelines, thus providing a big benefit.