Between now and May 15, 2022, American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Avios and receive a 40% bonus. This promotion is only available with the US version of Membership Rewards.
You can convert to British Airways Executive Club and AerLingus AerClub, but not Iberia Plus (at least at the moment).
As always, you can Combine Your Avios to move them between British Airways, Iberia and AerLingus. (click here to find out how) You can now also move those Avios over to Qatar Airways Privilege Club (click here for details).
If you need some activity to keep your AerClub account balance from expiring, a small Amex points transfer is an excellent idea…
Should I Convert my Amex Points to Avios?
A 40% bonus is certainly worth considering. 1.4 Avios are also worth substantially more than the 1 cent you could receive through the Amex Travel Portal… And the other American Express transfer partners also have flaws to go along with their upside.
British Airways Executive Club is much maligned for the surcharges that are added to long-haul awards, especially in First Class and Business Class. Because it uses a distance-based award chart, however, the program is very hard to beat for short haul flights on American or Alaska – or from London to/from Continental Europe. You can also fly to Europe on Iberia Airlines without paying such outrageous surcharges.
Bottom Line
The entire value proposition of convertible award currencies is to:
- wait until you get a transfer bonus
- wait until you need miles or points for a specific redemption
The first of those benefits is met when you convert your points with a 40% bonus. Using Avios well is up to you…
