American Express has announced changes to its Membership Rewards airline transfer partner offer. In these changes, there is some good news, and some bad news, depending on how you use your points.
On the Good News side of the ledger, they are adding two new program partners. As a result, you will soon be able to transfer your Membership Rewards points to the Qatar Airways or Hawaiian Airlines programs.
However, as noted there was some bad news. Members transferring points to either the Singapore Airlines or Emirates programs will see a reduced transfer rate kicking in.
New transfer partners – Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airlines
Qatar Airways
Commencing in August 2023, Membership Rewards members will be able to transfer Membership Rewards points to the Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
In doing so, members will be able to convert their points into Avios – the currency used by Airways. Avios are also used by other airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus.
For Australian cardholders, the transfer rate will be 2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Avios. Cardholders in New Zealand will have a lower transfer rate of 3 Membership Rewards points to 1 Avios.
Hawaiin Airlines
Later in October, Hawaiin Airlines will join the program. In this case, the transfer rate will be 2 Membership Rewards Points to 1 Hawaiian mile in both Australia and NZ.
Reduced Transfer Rates
Unfortunately, there is bad news for members that transfer points to either Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer or Emirates Skywards. The transfer rate to these programs is changing in a way that will see members get fewer points than now. Or to put it the other way, you’ll need more Membership Rewards points to get the same number of points as now in each program.
From 4 October 2023, the Membership Rewards transfer rate will change from 2:1 down to 3:1 for both programs. Depending on how you look at it, you’ll either receive 33% fewer points, or you’ll need to transfer 50% more points to get the same number of points
So, for example, if you transfer 3,000 Membership Rewards points, you would currently receive 1,500 Krisflyer or Skywards Points. As of 4 October, you will only receive 1,000 points.
If, however, you wanted 1,500 points, you’ll need to send more Membership Rewards points across. Instead of needing the 3,000 Membership Rewards points, you’ll need to send 4,500 points.